Put ALL Cannock depot news here! The town that just missed being swallowed into the 1974 West Midlands county.
sconehead85
imagine how much better off transport wise we'd be if we had
And Redditch too
Presubmbly you'd still have WMPTE & it's successors operating into Cannock regulary too?
no NXWM abondoned cannock ages ago
yea but had we been part of the WM in the 70s midland red wouldnt have moved into Cannock, rest is history...
NXWM still operate the stupid oclock X51s into Cannock, although theres no timetable for it at the bus station! i always wonder why theyve hung on to this 3 journeys a day..
I was told they were subsidised but I doubt that though
no i think theyre run commercial but not 100%
Has anybody got any good information on what ARRIVA CANNOCK vehicles are likely to go to ARRIVA STAFFORD soon are STAFFORD definateley taking the 825 route back ?
still a rumour based on vosa allowing extra buses at both garages
Just to repeat the appeal to place all Cannock happenings in this thread . No names mentioned arrivaaston! Bung em all here !
sconehead85
Has there been any more heard about Double Deckers coming to Cannock for Stafford routes & other services?
Looks like there is an attemempt to increase patronage in Cannock is taking place by slashing some fares:
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport-news/2012/09/27/17pc-cut-in-price-of-short-cannock-bus-trips/
i think its just on the 1 route. that & the 25/6 must be one of only a handful of Cannock services that make a decent profit. oh and the Staffords. Any more news on whether its gonna get deckers?
West Brom / MX12 JXN / 2150 on 25 / 26 route / 28 / 9 / 2012, this is the 3rd West Brom MX12 plate i have seen doing CANNOCK routes in 2 months but none last here
Cannock could do with larger buses to be honest. MPD size ones have no place on the interurban and are usually too small for most services.
Quote from: ARRIVA / CK / SD on September 29, 2012, 02:35:21 PM
West Brom / MX12 JXN / 2150 on 25 / 26 route / 28 / 9 / 2012, this is the 3rd West Brom MX12 plate i have seen doing CANNOCK routes in 2 months but none last here
So cannock are running west brom then looks like all west mids operations are doomed now they are run by those muppets what a waste of money buying midland another chase on the cards I think so.
On of the Hill top Enviro 200 was in wednesfield on what i think was the 560. It just displayed wolverhampton across the destination screen
couple of obs tonight :- 3810 still here on the 1 and decker 4791on the 25. Tony
Nice to see the Decker out and about! Any more coming?
2350 Returns!! I've seen her sitting in 9annocks yard looking very smart in the new liverey :) wonder if she's being transfered or coming back to cannock anybody know??
has it been refurbed? it should be coming up to retirement surely lol!
Not sure about the interior but its been resprayed in to new fleet colours. And don't think it would yet, it is the same age as cannocks decker
Hope the deckers out today!
Not on pye greens if it is, and anybody no about the second decker??
In licfield now and I must say I can see the most stupidest thing ever, 2242 on the 112 to brum!!! This makes cannock look good!!! Lol
whats the second decker going to be used on?
Also are there still plans to double deck the Stafford service?
The 12.20 no 26 pye green rd to cannock hasnt turned up AT ALL!! which means ive missed my bus to wolverhampton! Cheers Arriva! Cannock services are a F*****g joke!
i meant 12.16 and ive been here since before quarter past! 12.31 still hasnt come!
Its on the 2 today. the decker isnt in the garage unless its in the bays. wonder what route its on. The 26 when it did arrive was a plaxton Centro with standing room only
The Plaxton Centros are ( although theyre on a noisy SB200 chassis) quite good passenger comfort wise, plenty of legroom on most seats. i like 'em
The other ? Reg volvo is 2627, and if 2350 goes to stafford, cannock might aswell transfer 2351 with it
According to the fleet changes on here it has so that's 3 to of left the fleet, 2334, 2336 and 2339, maybe the s/yogs are transfering to replace these ans s/khn darts from arriva scotland
Once again I must promote my thread about Cannock depot. Its getting to the stage where some not very remarkable buses are getting their own thread. It would be FAR EASIER to read all about the happenings in ONE thread rather than all over the place.
There are so many reports about happenings that it would be, if used, a fascinating read.
The same could be done with other Arriva depots. Please put ALL Cannock news here!
sconehead85
For those who worship the mudguards of Cannock depot buses, this thread is for you!
sconehead85
most of us moan about the crap fleet it still has thats why its not going in your thread any decent news I will gladly put it in would you want wednesfields news in here too being a possible cannock dumping ground
What's this thread about? Is it about services from cannock or about the fleet??
arrivaaston- As it says on the label -ALL aspects of the depot, routes, vehicle allocation, coming and goings, the resident mouse etc. About ten threads could be consolidated into this one. There are similar threads already for other Arriva garages, so why not Cannock? Like a one-stop shop, if you follow my meaning.
sconehead85
Quote from: sconehead85 on December 18, 2012, 12:26:27 AM
arrivaaston- As it says on the label -ALL aspects of the depot, routes, vehicle allocation, coming and goings, the resident mouse etc. About ten threads could be consolidated into this one. There are similar threads already for other Arriva garages, so why not Cannock? Like a one-stop shop, if you follow my meaning.
sconehead85
Because its not your forum?
But people on here don't wana read through pages or maybe its because there on about a certain bus or certain make of bus....???
arrivaaston- Ive discovered you have a similar topic for Arriva Derby depot! A good idea!
2200Bus- This is "my" THREAD only and is hardly a sconehead85 takeover!
If the ten Cannock threads started since 15 September were in this thread a lot of useful information would be handy and not disappear down the pages. You have to go down to Page 4 to find all the Cannock stuff. It appears to be a depot with a lot happening and if all posts were put here it would never vanish from page 1-it could be the topmost thread in the Arriva section! Get posting all yer Cannocky stuff here!
sconehead85
I see your point but as I said I do think a lot of people find it easier to start a seperate thread about particular buses if you know what I mean
Has anyone else noticed that lately the Stafford branded VDLs dont seem to be on the 74/75 that often? Now the 5 years is up are they planning to debrand em?
Only saw 3728 on staffords today!! And 1 was on Pye Greens!! Where were the other 3?? There was only 2 on staffords on Saturday aswell, yesterday 1 of them was on 31's and another on Pye Greens!!
Noticed this morning that there are a couple of S/YOG darts in the yard from shrewsbury, are these likely to enter service at cannock??
Sconehead is this the kind of things you want in this thread??
I hope they ay lol but prob will :-/
The only good thing about them is that there bigger than the MPD's and are proberbly more ideal for the Cannock routes
lol but still S**t buses that we dow need no more of lol
Quote from: arrivaaston on December 19, 2012, 02:44:15 PM
Noticed this morning that there are a couple of S/YOG darts in the yard from shrewsbury, are these likely to enter service at cannock??
Sconehead is this the kind of things you want in this thread??
YES! Brilliant! Excellent! Jolly spiffing, wizard and all that! Youve got the idea!
sconehead85
A lot of branded buses (more than usual) off route today!!
2702 on 32's
3702 on 33's
3727 on 1's
3729 on Pye Green's
3731 on 1's
3756 on Pye Greens's
3764 on Pye Green's
Quote from: bob on December 18, 2012, 11:23:26 PM
Has anyone else noticed that lately the Stafford branded VDLs dont seem to be on the 74/75 that often? Now the 5 years is up are they planning to debrand em?
More than likly ship them off elsewhere now the shit can go on there as the agreement is up
4791 out on Pye Green circulars again today
What a waste!
Sorry to upset Bob but saw one of the S/YOG batch on the 560 and it did not sound ropey and pulled away well you can tell it had not been in cannock all its life it was in good nick.
Ive heard that the 2 deckers have gone from Cannock so just back to single deckers again now
Quote from: covlad27 on January 07, 2013, 07:39:58 AM
Ive heard that the 2 deckers have gone from Cannock so just back to single deckers again now
edit my comment elsewhere what about the A1 unless it is fully going to be operated at Midland one of theirs on A1 Sunday.
B6 2631 is in use at Cannock noted last night and this morning. Tony
Quote from: tphi12000 on January 23, 2013, 09:28:19 AM
B6 2631 is in use at Cannock noted last night and this morning. Tony
2626 is also at Cannock on Pye Green's Yesterday
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8406258770/
Usual crap allocating again what a bunch of crap.
Are the two B6s stayers or just passing through?
One Sunday afternoon one of the Pulsars was seen in Darlaston, I am guessing after working the A1 - which incidentally has lost the journeys for night shift staff.
Won't have been the A1 as Wednesfield operate this.
Don't know what you mean about late shifts?
Saw 2152 operating the Midland 33 in Pelsall today, as it was an Arriva bus, would it have accepted a Daysaver?
a) I have seen both Wednesfield and Cannock buses on the A1
b) I never mentioned late shifts - I said night shift because the evening journey from Wolves and the early morning one from Rugeley finished before Christmas.
Quote from: mikestone on January 25, 2013, 05:12:51 PM
a) I have seen both Wednesfield and Cannock buses on the A1
b) I never mentioned late shifts - I said night shift because the evening journey from Wolves and the early morning one from Rugeley finished before Christmas.
You won't see Cannock buses on the A1 any more as Wednesfield operate it full-time and have done since New Year.
Anyone know whats happened to the 4 route 1 branded SB200s? I dont think there were any of them on the 1 yeaterday
Quote from: bob on January 25, 2013, 03:50:14 PM
Saw 2152 operating the Midland 33 in Pelsall today, as it was an Arriva bus, would it have accepted a Daysaver?
Now its offical it should do but I would enquire. The fare boxes are vanishing not on the deckers I have seen in the yard but it was dark though.
Quote from: Discodave on January 26, 2013, 03:26:17 PM
Quote from: bob on January 25, 2013, 03:50:14 PM
Saw 2152 operating the Midland 33 in Pelsall today, as it was an Arriva bus, would it have accepted a Daysaver?
Now its offical it should do but I would enquire. The fare boxes are vanishing not on the deckers I have seen in the yard but it was dark though.
Which fare boxes are vanishing?
I thought the Wednesfield depot were keeping cash boxes, I cant see why they have fitted brand new cash boxes in the london mpd if they were just going to remove them.
Quote from: jarh_9394 on January 26, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
Quote from: Discodave on January 26, 2013, 03:26:17 PM
Quote from: bob on January 25, 2013, 03:50:14 PM
Saw 2152 operating the Midland 33 in Pelsall today, as it was an Arriva bus, would it have accepted a Daysaver?
Now its offical it should do but I would enquire. The fare boxes are vanishing not on the deckers I have seen in the yard but it was dark though.
Which fare boxes are vanishing?
sorry should have said fare boxes have gone on one of the deckers
Which decker?
Isnt it about time Cannock's network had a major overhaul??
Quote from: bob on January 27, 2013, 10:39:25 PM
Isnt it about time Cannock's network had a major overhaul??
How would you do it?
Some services reduced, some revamped some deckered.
Quote from: bob on January 28, 2013, 07:46:21 AM
Some services reduced, some revamped some deckered.
Cannock well Arriva head office need to have a good look and completley redraw all of its operations Cannock depot run. They cover too many routes. Get rid of the 76 and 825 they were run well enough from Stafford and even the 74 and 75. The Lichfields did well 60 and also the old 861 possibly run as a 61 chase terrace to Lichfield. Make the 70 more direct to Wolves and, transfer most if not all of the West Mids stuff to Wednesfield or Hill top. The 1 and 2 combine frequency to say half hour each to make a 15 min serv to Cannock only no crappy huntington extention revert it to the 22 again and combine with pye greens they are busy but not that busy could handle a 15 or 20 min frequency. Put the 33 to Hednesford-brownhills only at a 15 mins freq it did well before and was heaving at times. Revert the rugeley to 31 half hour then combine it with town routes. Keep the 61 plate buses at Cannock and get new ones for Stafford the fleet is not that big to renew even if it had the longer distance routes. With a more simple network run from Cannock and reliable and faster journeys and possible help from councils and public feedback Cannock may have a bus service people are proud of. Please suggest any tweaks sensible suggestions as usually I just get slated.
Im hoping they keep the Walsall to Lichfield route, as they withdrew the last one!
Quote from: Westy on January 28, 2013, 11:56:13 AM
Im hoping they keep the Walsall to Lichfield route, as they withdrew the last one!
Well Midland (arriva) are not doing too bad with it combining it with the 35 walsall-aldridge route lets hope arriva do not greedy and try and hold the councils to ransom like they have done in the past.
3605 broken down in Cannock bus station, cant get it started, it shouldve been on the 12.40 70 to Wolves, theres also a broken down Dart ( i think) on the 33 as the driver has got off and the maintanence geezer is there. The 12.35 68 hasnt turned up. What a clapped out crap pile of s***e of a bus service!
3605's a wreck anyway and the other day 2 darts broke down
Compared to their other midlands garages, not just new buses wise but interior condition/maintenance etc Arriva obviously dont think much of/take seriously their Cannock garage operations, why dont they just sell it?
Would anyone be interested NXWM are not but thats too musch of an old chestnut.
They were interested prior to Chase so possibly could be again
Surely they'd run most of the services from Walsall anyway?
Yep, itd still be better than the status quo
Cannock could sort themselves out, in my opinion i think theyv tried interconnecting routes too much, heres what i think should happen:
1: Cannock to Walsall (as it was, as Discodave said, a seperate route for the Huntington works better)
2/2A: make it hourly
25/26: make them every half hour with DECENT full sized buses
31: make it operate the old route and have it connect with the 32/33
32: get rid of the route
33: Hednesford to Brownhills (as it was)
60: Not connect it with the 825, decker it and make it hourly
61: bring this route back and get rid of the 81/35
62: kept as it is
68: transfer it to wednesfield garrage
70: make it hourly and not connect it with 76/560
74/75: deffinatley decker the 74 keep it hourly andmake the 75 Cannock to Penkridge (as it was origonaly as the 875)
76: send it back to Stafford depot
560: Transfer to wednesfield maybe interwork it with the 19's?
825: send back to Stafford..... and Stafford are very welcome to the sb200's ;)
What about make the 1 hourly and decker it same with the 2 ( jus send the 1 thru other bridge) would the Pye Greens need deckerin if half hourly?
i think certain journeys on Pye Greens would fill a decker, its a shame rtheres no deckers at cannock now and i agree with the 1, doesnt need to be every 20 mins
Maybe with the Midland take over theres scope to inter link some Cannock services with others so you could go say from cannock to dudley or merry hill/ west brom linked through Walsall?
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 03, 2013, 11:37:21 AM
Cannock could sort themselves out, in my opinion i think theyv tried interconnecting routes too much, heres what i think should happen:
1: Cannock to Walsall (as it was, as Discodave said, a seperate route for the Huntington works better)
2/2A: make it hourly
25/26: make them every half hour with DECENT full sized buses
31: make it operate the old route and have it connect with the 32/33
32: get rid of the route
33: Hednesford to Brownhills (as it was)
60: Not connect it with the 825, decker it and make it hourly
61: bring this route back and get rid of the 81/35
62: kept as it is
68: transfer it to wednesfield garrage
70: make it hourly and not connect it with 76/560
74/75: deffinatley decker the 74 keep it hourly andmake the 75 Cannock to Penkridge (as it was origonaly as the 875)
76: send it back to Stafford depot
560: Transfer to wednesfield maybe interwork it with the 19's?
825: send back to Stafford..... and Stafford are very welcome to the sb200's ;)
Re the 35/81 being replaced by the 61, what about the passengers on the sections past Aldridge to Lichfield?
At least Arriva you've heard of. Who the hell were Heartlands Bus?
Still think the 19 & 560 ought to be combined into one route, like NX's 89.
(Sunday's, as theres only a daytime service on the 19, link it with the Wolves 28A, & extend from New Invention to Bloxwich, becoming a 19 there!)
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 12:05:51 PM
What about make the 1 hourly and decker it same with the 2 ( jus send the 1 thru other bridge) would the Pye Greens need deckerin if half hourly?
They did it before with the 1 (idea was to put deckers on) and it failed miserably took 20-25 min just to get through onto orbital (not in peak) and if M6 goes tits up even longer (should know I was first when it ran via A5) runs ok as it is making it hourly would mean 30 min running time between Cannock and Walsall impossible never mind Huntington extension even if you throw lots of buses on or work it with 2 as both routes would be messed up if your late on one of them you will be on the other. Too many buggies for Pye greens leave as decent full sized singles would suffice deckers are pointless upstairs was hardly ever used when stepped deckers on.
Make them fold the bloody things up? Too many buggies? Low floor deckers are buggy friendly too? I cant see it taking that much longer going up the A5? Its never took me more than a couple of mins?
Quote from: Westy on February 03, 2013, 02:28:40 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 03, 2013, 11:37:21 AM
Cannock could sort themselves out, in my opinion i think theyv tried interconnecting routes too much, heres what i think should happen:
1: Cannock to Walsall (as it was, as Discodave said, a seperate route for the Huntington works better)
2/2A: make it hourly
25/26: make them every half hour with DECENT full sized buses
31: make it operate the old route and have it connect with the 32/33
32: get rid of the route
33: Hednesford to Brownhills (as it was)
60: Not connect it with the 825, decker it and make it hourly
61: bring this route back and get rid of the 81/35
62: kept as it is
68: transfer it to wednesfield garrage
70: make it hourly and not connect it with 76/560
74/75: deffinatley decker the 74 keep it hourly andmake the 75 Cannock to Penkridge (as it was origonaly as the 875)
76: send it back to Stafford depot
560: Transfer to wednesfield maybe interwork it with the 19's?
825: send back to Stafford..... and Stafford are very welcome to the sb200's ;)
Re the 35/81 being replaced by the 61, what about the passengers on the sections past Aldridge to Lichfield?
At least Arriva you've heard of. Who the hell were Heartlands Bus?
Still think the 19 & 560 ought to be combined into one route, like NX's 89.
(Sunday's, as theres only a daytime service on the 19, link it with the Wolves 28A, & extend from New Invention to Bloxwich, becoming a 19 there!)
19/560 connected have you seen how delayed the 89 gets on the Lichfield road espically at peak time by the schools in Bloxwich and later on can be stuck there at least 15 mins and look at the Pelsall to Walsall bit difficult to keep on time going through loads of estates never known a 89 on time except on late nights.
Put the 560 back to 3 buses 30 mins just infront of NXWM if one is late there should be some layover in Bloxwich and solve problems with breaks.
81/35 are subsidised and come under 2 different authorities Centro for the 35 and staffs for the 81 the 61 was a flop if you mean the Walsall to Lichfield one never on time and NX had everyone from burntwood to Walsall anyway the 35 and 991 (peaktime) combination run ok anyway
70 just make more direct and leave frequency half hourly was ok maybe in peaks run 2 an hour through featherstone and off peak run one for example as 70A as existing 70 but A460 omitting featherstone and the other as a normal one.
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 04:44:27 PM
Make them fold the bloody things up? Too many buggies? Low floor deckers are buggy friendly too? I cant see it taking that much longer going up the A5? Its never took me more than a couple of mins?
You must have been lucky it was also passenger complaints as well one appparantly went to VOSA so would not be done again. Try making Pye green chavs fold buggies up even when both spaces were full good luck and hope your medical insurance covers you for broken noses, even with a screen. I just drove past to avoid the hassle.
Quote from: Discodave on February 03, 2013, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 04:44:27 PM
Make them fold the bloody things up? Too many buggies? Low floor deckers are buggy friendly too? I cant see it taking that much longer going up the A5? Its never took me more than a couple of mins?
You must have been lucky it was also passenger complaints as well one appparantly went to VOSA so would not be done again. Try making Pye green chavs fold buggies up even when both spaces were full good luck and hope your medical insurance covers you for broken noses, even with a screen. I just drove past to avoid the hassle.
Good example of why head office staff should not have sole control of service reviews and managers should be local.
By looking on a map or at loading figures you can't know how unreliable the A5 can be when the M6 screws up and you can't know what type of passengers you need to cater for on the Pye Greens.
Yet all bus companies have given these tasks to no marks at head offices now.
WMT / WMPTE always ran deckers up pye green area with no probs?
Quote from: andy on February 03, 2013, 05:32:32 PM
Quote from: Discodave on February 03, 2013, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 04:44:27 PM
Make them fold the bloody things up? Too many buggies? Low floor deckers are buggy friendly too? I cant see it taking that much longer going up the A5? Its never took me more than a couple of mins?
You must have been lucky it was also passenger complaints as well one appparantly went to VOSA so would not be done again. Try making Pye green chavs fold buggies up even when both spaces were full good luck and hope your medical insurance covers you for broken noses, even with a screen. I just drove past to avoid the hassle.
And yet others on here seem to think it would be a good idea to reduce the frequency of the Pye Greens, thus reducing the number of buggy spaces. Hummm!
Good example of why head office staff should not have sole control of service reviews and managers should be local.
By looking on a map or at loading figures you can't know how unreliable the A5 can be when the M6 screws up and you can't know what type of passengers you need to cater for on the Pye Greens.
Yet all bus companies have given these tasks to no marks at head offices now.
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2013, 07:36:49 PM
Quote from: andy on February 03, 2013, 05:32:32 PM
Quote from: Discodave on February 03, 2013, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 04:44:27 PM
Make them fold the bloody things up? Too many buggies? Low floor deckers are buggy friendly too? I cant see it taking that much longer going up the A5? Its never took me more than a couple of mins?
You must have been lucky it was also passenger complaints as well one appparantly went to VOSA so would not be done again. Try making Pye green chavs fold buggies up even when both spaces were full good luck and hope your medical insurance covers you for broken noses, even with a screen. I just drove past to avoid the hassle.
And yet others on here seem to think it would be a good idea to reduce the frequency of the Pye Greens, thus reducing the number of buggy spaces. Hummm!
Good example of why head office staff should not have sole control of service reviews and managers should be local.
By looking on a map or at loading figures you can't know how unreliable the A5 can be when the M6 screws up and you can't know what type of passengers you need to cater for on the Pye Greens.
Yet all bus companies have given these tasks to no marks at head offices now.
You will never see me arguing for frequency reductions anywhere.
Reducing frequency and increasing capacity by using deckers does not work. Only increasing or maintaining a good frequency encourages bus use and builds it.
Bus operators should ALWAYS be looking to increase frequency and should always avoid reducing it, whatever vehicles they want to use.
Only increasing frequency works? Cannock isnt a busy city like Bham/Cov/Wolves or a busy town like Walsall, its pretty dead to be fair. They have already reduced frequencies on some routes. Whats the point in running half empty buses day in day out?? Nxwm reduced and reduced and then pulled out also.
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 09:17:17 PM
Only increasing frequency works? Cannock isnt a busy city like Bham/Cov/Wolves or a busy town like Walsall, its pretty dead to be fair. They have already reduced frequencies on some routes. Whats the point in running half empty buses day in day out?? Nxwm reduced and reduced and then pulled out also.
Totally agree with Andy. You end up with a sort of ebola bus system where u cut frequency, even less convenient, so less use it so then u have to cut more-essentially like first bus though replace cut frequency with up fares and it has a similar sort of effect. It should be about maintaining a balance between not running empty buses and cutting more and more.
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 09:17:17 PM
Only increasing frequency works? Cannock isnt a busy city like Bham/Cov/Wolves or a busy town like Walsall, its pretty dead to be fair. They have already reduced frequencies on some routes. Whats the point in running half empty buses day in day out?? Nxwm reduced and reduced and then pulled out also.
Proves our point!
Reducing frequencies ends up with no service.
One of the biggest increase in passenger numbers ever achieved was with the worst vehicles ever. Harry Blundred removed all 'proper buses' from Exeter and replaced the entire network with awful cramped 16 seat Transits and much higher frequencies and passenger numbers increased greatly. This was then copied in almost every other part of the UK.
Look at the 997 route in Birmingham losing money with one Metrobus every hour at one point, now up to every 10 minutes most of the day on half of the route.
It would make far more sense to put all Cannocks MPDs on the Pye Greens and increase the frequency, that deckers and reduce it
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2013, 09:27:30 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 09:17:17 PM
Only increasing frequency works? Cannock isnt a busy city like Bham/Cov/Wolves or a busy town like Walsall, its pretty dead to be fair. They have already reduced frequencies on some routes. Whats the point in running half empty buses day in day out?? Nxwm reduced and reduced and then pulled out also.
Proves our point!
Reducing frequencies ends up with no service.
One of the biggest increase in passenger numbers ever achieved was with the worst vehicles ever. Harry Blundred removed all 'proper buses' from Exeter and replaced the entire network with awful cramped 16 seat Transits and much higher frequencies and passenger numbers increased greatly. This was then copied in almost every other part of the UK.
Look at the 997 route in Birmingham losing money with one Metrobus every hour at one point, now up to every 10 minutes most of the day on half of the route.
It would make far more sense to put all Cannocks MPDs on the Pye Greens and increase the frequency, that deckers and reduce it
At least if that happened even though a little cramped (compensated by increased service) the MPDs would be not being used on long distance routes they are not really suited for.
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2013, 09:27:30 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 09:17:17 PM
Only increasing frequency works? Cannock isnt a busy city like Bham/Cov/Wolves or a busy town like Walsall, its pretty dead to be fair. They have already reduced frequencies on some routes. Whats the point in running half empty buses day in day out?? Nxwm reduced and reduced and then pulled out also.
Proves our point!
Reducing frequencies ends up with no service.
One of the biggest increase in passenger numbers ever achieved was with the worst vehicles ever. Harry Blundred removed all 'proper buses' from Exeter and replaced the entire network with awful cramped 16 seat Transits and much higher frequencies and passenger numbers increased greatly. This was then copied in almost every other part of the UK.
Look at the 997 route in Birmingham losing money with one Metrobus every hour at one point, now up to every 10 minutes most of the day on half of the route.
It would make far more sense to put all Cannocks MPDs on the Pye Greens and increase the frequency, that deckers and reduce it
Good old Harry Blundred!! Is he still about?? To be fair I think his project at the time was more about reducing cost by using far cheaper vehicles that use considerably less fuel and cost far less to maintain, which you could also pay drivers almost half less per hour in wages.
The high frequencies were probably originally intended to mirror capacity of less frequent larger vehicles. As you say Tony, the irony is that passenger numbers actually grew and this could only have been down to the frequency, something which is now far easier to understand than it was at the time. He struck upon a winning combination at the time, and was also clever enough to sell up at the best time.
The overcrowding that occured in many mini bus operations, when broken down, was actually as a result of there being more passengers using the service than previously, and not that the minibuses couldn't cope with the original passenger numbers. Then the mini buses became a victim of their own success, slowly going up in capacity, but the frequencies weren't reduced...so the mini bus revolution did it's job.
Strangely it was the West Midlands area that was one of only a few prime examples where the experiment failed except in a few niche places.
Quote from: andy on February 03, 2013, 10:06:47 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2013, 09:27:30 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2013, 09:17:17 PM
Only increasing frequency works? Cannock isnt a busy city like Bham/Cov/Wolves or a busy town like Walsall, its pretty dead to be fair. They have already reduced frequencies on some routes. Whats the point in running half empty buses day in day out?? Nxwm reduced and reduced and then pulled out also.
Proves our point!
Reducing frequencies ends up with no service.
One of the biggest increase in passenger numbers ever achieved was with the worst vehicles ever. Harry Blundred removed all 'proper buses' from Exeter and replaced the entire network with awful cramped 16 seat Transits and much higher frequencies and passenger numbers increased greatly. This was then copied in almost every other part of the UK.
Look at the 997 route in Birmingham losing money with one Metrobus every hour at one point, now up to every 10 minutes most of the day on half of the route.
It would make far more sense to put all Cannocks MPDs on the Pye Greens and increase the frequency, that deckers and reduce it
Good old Harry Blundred!! Is he still about?? To be fair I think his project at the time was more about reducing cost by using far cheaper vehicles that use considerably less fuel and cost far less to maintain, which you could also pay drivers almost half less per hour in wages.
The high frequencies were probably originally intended to mirror capacity of less frequent larger vehicles. As you say Tony, the irony is that passenger numbers actually grew and this could only have been down to the frequency, something which is now far easier to understand than it was at the time. He struck upon a winning combination at the time, and was also clever enough to sell up at the best time.
The overcrowding that occured in many mini bus operations, when broken down, was actually as a result of there being more passengers using the service than previously, and not that the minibuses couldn't cope with the original passenger numbers. Then the mini buses became a victim of their own success, slowly going up in capacity, but the frequencies weren't reduced...so the mini bus revolution did it's job.
Strangely it was the West Midlands area that was one of only a few prime examples where the experiment failed except in a few niche places.
First they tried Transits & Sherpas, then Metroriders!
Think Walsall even tried putting those Irish registered Darts on what was remaining at one point! (The old 323 Palfrey & Delves & the 347, which is mainly the 25 these days!)
Wasn't one of the Darts involved in a fatal accident at the old Park Street/Station Street terminus? 'Gordon the tramp' ISTR. Going back a good 20 years!
Again Cannock isnt Walsall/wolves/brum there isnt the same number of passengers! So Tony, say if they ran the X31 every ten minutes would it have made money? Or if they up the frequency of the 2/2a to walsall to every 15 minutes would passenger numbers increase?? I doubt it!
agreed the mpd's at Cannock would be ideal but sometimes i wonder why they run every 12 minutes, theamount of times they come in Cannock on top ofeach other, it is stupid, i think its stupid how the 26 is replaced with 2 on a sunday every hour but the 25 is replaced by 70 every 2 hours, i assume this is to do with the councils?
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 04, 2013, 12:51:14 PM
agreed the mpd's at Cannock would be ideal but sometimes i wonder why they run every 12 minutes, theamount of times they come in Cannock on top ofeach other, it is stupid, i think its stupid how the 26 is replaced with 2 on a sunday every hour but the 25 is replaced by 70 every 2 hours, i assume this is to do with the councils?
Yes it is I suggested when I was a driver to run pye greens on a sunday day and evening. They did during the day once but went due to lack of patronage ironically everyone either went on the 351 at the time or the 870 was a victim of bad publicity an hourly or is it half hourly 25/6 run Mon to Sat day and evening. If they ran Sunday it would get rid of the extentions and make a bit more sense knowing the pye greens are a 7 day service.
2289 BU51KWJ anybody saw any sightings of this? I've not seen it out this week
Just noticed the other day the list of routes displayed at cannock bus stn by the steps still has service X60 & X31 on it!! Confusing for passengers! I think it has the 72 Telford route still on as well! Sort it out Arriva
Quote from: bob on February 10, 2013, 09:47:16 AM
Just noticed the other day the list of routes displayed at cannock bus stn by the steps still has service X60 & X31 on it!! Confusing for passengers! I think it has the 72 Telford route still on as well! Sort it out Arriva
I will message the one of my FB friends he is the timetable/publicity man he will check it out why it has not been changed. Maybe a more up to date one will come when eventually the wednesfield stuff is intergrated when Arriva tickets are accepted.
Why is Cannocks fleet so bad compared to other depots? all bar one of telfords sb120 03 plates been refurbed where only one of cannocks has most 52 plate sb200s have been done none of cannocks have, one of them sounds knackered one has had a blank panel stuck on leaving only half the chasrlinx branding on leaving it looking a complete mess the 53 plate mpds are awful interior wise, etc etc its like cannocks the poor relation!
I would love to give an honest answer but may get sued or slagged off for telling the truth from an ex drivers point of view and a passengers as most think the sun shines out of Cannocks fleets arse it does not it might look good on the outside but not mechanically or with some internally.
Quote from: bob on February 16, 2013, 10:43:12 AM
Why is Cannocks fleet so bad compared to other depots? all bar one of telfords sb120 03 plates been refurbed where only one of cannocks has most 52 plate sb200s have been done none of cannocks have, one of them sounds knackered one has had a blank panel stuck on leaving only half the chasrlinx branding on leaving it looking a complete mess the 53 plate mpds are awful interior wise, etc etc its like cannocks the poor relation!
Would that refurbed 03-plate SB120 be BU03 HRF (2733), may I ask? By the way, the interior and the displays have been refurbed, but not the exterior - that's still in the old Arriva livery.
Cannocks sole refurbed one is bu03 HRD and its still in the old colours also
Quote from: bob on February 16, 2013, 01:46:39 PM
Cannocks sole refurbed one is bu03 HRD and its still in the old colours also
Sorry, I meant is the one not refurbed BU03 HRF? I'd hate to have Cannock's bus services, but Telford are bad enough. A elderly lady was waiting at the bus stop, and she did not board the bus still about 1 hours 15 mins later. That's 4 or 5 buses that haven't turned up.
All the wondering what buses/routes were going to be moved into Cannock & Tamworth garages a couple of months ago when the number of authorised vehicles was increased to 95 and 50 respectively has been solved!
Arriva have now decreased both again, Cannock down from 95 to 60 and Tamworth down from 50 to 39. They have now added Wednesfield with a VA of 61 which is about the current allocation, so not much expansion expected in the near future!
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2013, 06:38:50 PM
All the wondering what buses/routes were going to be moved into Cannock & Tamworth garages a couple of months ago when the number of authorised vehicles was increased to 95 and 50 respectively has been solved!
Arriva have now decreased both again, Cannock down from 95 to 60 and Tamworth down from 50 to 39. They have now added Wednesfield with a VA of 61 which is about the current allocation, so not much expansion expected in the near future!
We can only assume that at one point there was an option to close Wednesfield upon the takeover and transfer the workings elsewhere and they were keeping that option open, possibly before they had detailed knowledge of the facilities at Wednesfield and the relevant contract obligations in place.
But I'm pretty sure that Tamworth's allocation is currently 42? Why would they be reducing it? Prior to the change to 50 they were licensed for 45 and due to the acquisition of the 112 they gained 3 vehicles. What is changing?
Also I note that frequencies are being reduced again in Stafford.
Quote from: andy on February 16, 2013, 07:16:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2013, 06:38:50 PM
All the wondering what buses/routes were going to be moved into Cannock & Tamworth garages a couple of months ago when the number of authorised vehicles was increased to 95 and 50 respectively has been solved!
Arriva have now decreased both again, Cannock down from 95 to 60 and Tamworth down from 50 to 39. They have now added Wednesfield with a VA of 61 which is about the current allocation, so not much expansion expected in the near future!
We can only assume that at one point there was an option to close Wednesfield upon the takeover and transfer the workings elsewhere and they were keeping that option open, possibly before they had detailed knowledge of the facilities at Wednesfield and the relevant contract obligations in place.
But I'm pretty sure that Tamworth's allocation is currently 42? Why would they be reducing it? Prior to the change to 50 they were licensed for 45 and due to the acquisition of the 112 they gained 3 vehicles. What is changing?
Also I note that frequencies are being reduced again in Stafford.
I'm sure I came across some route / timetable changes on VOSA for Tamworth routes approx a week ago
Of course there wont be any expansion! Its Midland theyve took over lol, what do you expect? Itll just be a garage operating arriva clapped out mpd's to replace midlands knackered buses
Give it 12 months, theyll realise theyve got no chance against nxwm and itll go same way chase did
We will see if thats the case we could do with a bigger yard and not sharing K transports will keep a close watch. That bit across the road would do great fuel facitlies and a place to put an adblue pump save us using fuel cards.
I was just thinking, say if they do want to expand, what sort of new routes could be created? And what routes could they compete with NXWM on? And would NXWM retaliate by competing on Arriva services?
Quote from: bob on February 17, 2013, 02:20:33 PM
I was just thinking, say if they do want to expand, what sort of new routes could be created? And what routes could they compete with NXWM on? And would NXWM retaliate by competing on Arriva services?
I would say some stuff in wolverhampton (being close to depot) but it depends on getting stand slots for any frequent route as the main failure with diamond on the 59 was it did not go to the station but who knows. NXWM may retaliate but looking at any Cannock service even the Walsall-Cannock they would not. It may have made money years ago but not now and it was not just because of vehicle quality. Maybe other areas like Telford or Tamworth.
I dunno, i reckon theyd do alright competing on the 1 to Walsall? Prob finish arriva off on it? The 2's a different matter its not that popular. Theyd probably do ok competing on the 70 as well? Imagine if they went back to their old haunts on Pye Greens lol
Quote from: Discodave on February 17, 2013, 09:30:20 PM
Quote from: bob on February 17, 2013, 02:20:33 PM
I was just thinking, say if they do want to expand, what sort of new routes could be created? And what routes could they compete with NXWM on? And would NXWM retaliate by competing on Arriva services?
I would say some stuff in wolverhampton (being close to depot) but it depends on getting stand slots for any frequent route as the main failure with diamond on the 59 was it did not go to the station but who knows.
Initially Diamond's 59 did go into the bus station, though most people tended to pile onto NXWM's.
I'm guessing one of the reasons they pulled out of there to terminate on Queen Street instead was to attract more passengers, due to it being closer to the shops.
diamond failed on the 59 simple. the bus station has nothing to do with it, as they dropped off very close to it. at first they tryed to wow people by putting their best vehicles on there. as soon as they got established, they sent all the tat over and were breaking down alot. going around the hospital didnt even work, as it quite often got delayed
Quote from: bob on February 17, 2013, 10:37:47 PM
I dunno, i reckon theyd do alright competing on the 1 to Walsall? Prob finish arriva off on it? The 2's a different matter its not that popular. Theyd probably do ok competing on the 70 as well? Imagine if they went back to their old haunts on Pye Greens lol
Going on that will have to confirm it there may be changes on the 2 contract is up for tender and there are more than one big boy bidder will double check it source not always fully correct.
Do you mean just evenings and weekends on the 2?
Cause the daytime is commercial isnt it? Wonder who would be doing the bidding, very much doubt nxwm would be arsed with the route
Quote from: bob on February 18, 2013, 07:51:16 PM
Cause the daytime is commercial isnt it? Wonder who would be doing the bidding, very much doubt nxwm would be arsed with the route
There seems to be a lack of choice on the contracts for evenings & Sunday in Walsall at the mo.
The only route ISTR NX won a contract for, was the 7 to Aldridge, any other contracts I can think of are either Arriva or Diamond operated.
What are the current evening & Sunday contracts in Walsall? I can think of the 2, the 7, the 41, the 335.
Anything else is NX and commercial otherwise.
Quote from: Westy on February 18, 2013, 08:38:04 PM
Quote from: bob on February 18, 2013, 07:51:16 PM
Cause the daytime is commercial isnt it? Wonder who would be doing the bidding, very much doubt nxwm would be arsed with the route
There seems to be a lack of choice on the contracts for evenings & Sunday in Walsall at the mo.
The only route ISTR NX won a contract for, was the 7 to Aldridge, any other contracts I can think of are either Arriva or Diamond operated.
What are the current evening & Sunday contracts in Walsall? I can think of the 2, the 7, the 41, the 335.
Anything else is NX and commercial otherwise.
NXs most recent win within the borough of Walsall was the 935A, won off Diamond as the 56A
Do you think NX would bid for the 2 Tony?
Quote from: bob on February 18, 2013, 09:11:31 PM
Do you think NX would bid for the 2 Tony?
NX put in bids for most tenders, but unless someone can come up with something imaginative like they did with the 935A and interworking it with 51/X51s they tend to be much more expensive than the likes of Diamond/Midland-Arriva etc.
Most of NXs wins are extensions of their current commercial services, either timewise, a couple of extra trips either end of the timetable where all it costs is driver/fuels but other operators would have to send an extra bus out of garage, or extension to the route like the 46 extension to Six Ways where it only costs one bus whereas a seperate route like Centro put the tender out for would have needed two
Yes, i see what you mean, i just meant I cant see them giving two hoots about even bothering to bid for something like the 2 or any Cannock bound services, as theyve got no interest in it whatsoever nowadays? Im waiting for the north bham review, i think the cannock peak extensions on the X51 are going to go
Quote from: Tony on February 18, 2013, 08:42:22 PM
Quote from: Westy on February 18, 2013, 08:38:04 PM
Quote from: bob on February 18, 2013, 07:51:16 PM
Cause the daytime is commercial isnt it? Wonder who would be doing the bidding, very much doubt nxwm would be arsed with the route
There seems to be a lack of choice on the contracts for evenings & Sunday in Walsall at the mo.
The only route ISTR NX won a contract for, was the 7 to Aldridge, any other contracts I can think of are either Arriva or Diamond operated.
What are the current evening & Sunday contracts in Walsall? I can think of the 2, the 7, the 41, the 335.
Anything else is NX and commercial otherwise.
NXs most recent win within the borough of Walsall was the 935A, won off Diamond as the 56A
Forgot about that one.
Quote from: Westy on February 18, 2013, 10:35:27 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 18, 2013, 08:42:22 PM
Quote from: Westy on February 18, 2013, 08:38:04 PM
Quote from: bob on February 18, 2013, 07:51:16 PM
Cause the daytime is commercial isnt it? Wonder who would be doing the bidding, very much doubt nxwm would be arsed with the route
There seems to be a lack of choice on the contracts for evenings & Sunday in Walsall at the mo.
The only route ISTR NX won a contract for, was the 7 to Aldridge, any other contracts I can think of are either Arriva or Diamond operated.
What are the current evening & Sunday contracts in Walsall? I can think of the 2, the 7, the 41, the 335.
Anything else is NX and commercial otherwise.
NXs most recent win within the borough of Walsall was the 935A, won off Diamond as the 56A
Forgot about that one.
There is also the 8A (Arriva) & 33A (Diamond) in Walsall. I believe the evening service on the 6 is also tendered - Arriva initially won the last tender, but threw it back. The last round trip on the 40E is tendered as well.
The timetables dont actually say so now, do they, unless you're familliar with the route.
2330 was on the 32 this morning this had recently been running in telford.
I believe 2330 is a 'reserved' viehcle, its only used when needs to be, I should imagine that its only got weeks/months before scrapping
Arriva have cancelled the Amazon A1 from 17th April on VOSA today, has the contract ended or is the service moving to Wednesfield?
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2013, 04:23:10 PM
Arriva have cancelled the Amazon A1 from 17th April on VOSA today, has the contract ended or is the service moving to Wednesfield?
I thought the A1 was already at Wednesfield as it completley transfered over from cannock
Usual crap allocating today,a route 1 Cannock bus and absolute & utter knacker MPD FK52 MML both on Pye Greens
Quote from: Trident 4609 on February 26, 2013, 05:22:13 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2013, 04:23:10 PM
Arriva have cancelled the Amazon A1 from 17th April on VOSA today, has the contract ended or is the service moving to Wednesfield?
I thought the A1 was already at Wednesfield as it completley transfered over from cannock
It is now I know why one of the deckers has gone they now have 3 the 2 red ones and the ex London Daf. Amazon must have got hacked off with Arriva already.
Its about time another operator started competing in Cannock, Arriva would either fail miserably or pull their socks up!
I live in hope
MML is back???
Yep on 25 today drove past me soundin rough as. Was you hopin it had gone for ever? Lol
I was hoping it had gone to another arriva garrage, as much as u h8 darts the other MML is not a bad bus, doesn't rattle or anything but saying that, it hasn't visited cannock.................. Yet
Anyone know anything about the 74A and 67 routes from Cannock from 28th April?
No would be interested to find out though
2285 on pye greens this afternoon and those 2 deckers still around why are they on loan ?
Deckers still in use at Cannock today and 2285 on 32 2day
Quote from: Ck on April 02, 2013, 06:40:02 PM
2285 on pye greens this afternoon
2285 still at Cannock on the 33 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8665340327/in/photostream/
According to the driver of Bu51 kwj ( one of the very worst of cannocks fleet) the Darts are supposed to be going from cannock most if not all.....wonder if there's any truth in that?
When I passed the depot Friday it looked like another of the b10, s has been painted into latest livery.
Although theyre getfing a bit old and starting to break down a bit theyre probably the best buses at Cannock esp tge couple tgat had a refurb. The 03 plate refurbished MPD and X523 GGO are probably the only decent Darts there. Most of the BU51 batch are absolutely knackered and FK52 MML is prob the worst. The Sb120s are easily the worst buses interior wise I dont know if theyll ever get done! SB200s 57 plate upwards are ok but very very noisy and underpowered not the ideal bus for interurban work....
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2013, 11:25:10 AM
According to the driver of Bu51 kwj ( one of the very worst of cannocks fleet) the Darts are supposed to be going from cannock most if not all.....wonder if there's any truth in that?
A driver told me they are going too, he said he heard they are getting wright streetlite to replace the darts
Quote from: busman99 on April 21, 2013, 06:58:23 PM
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2013, 11:25:10 AM
According to the driver of Bu51 kwj ( one of the very worst of cannocks fleet) the Darts are supposed to be going from cannock most if not all.....wonder if there's any truth in that?
A driver told me they are going too, he said he heard they are getting wright streetlite to replace the darts
God help them if they are. Anybody who, like me, has driven a Wright Streetlite, or worse still had to travel on one, would be begging for the return of their MPD!
I cant imagine them investing that much as to replace all cannocks Darts with new buses lol. Id imagine theyll just put full size or at least B6/sb120 size buses on thr 31/2/3 group of routes and the 2/2a .
Was behind one of the Stafford pulsars ( off route again operating on the 1 surprise surprise, 3 of the 4 buses on the Staffords today havent been the ones that are branded for it) and it was throwing out a horrific amount of black smoke out... get near the bus station and theres a broken down daf being put onto a low loader, a nice, well maintained fleet as usual...
Looks like cannock have acquired a couple more MPDs.... my mate told me 2284 is there now and a y-ybc, are these scrapheaps stayers or passing through to wednesfield?
I had the pleasure of riding the 'new arrivals' 2264 Y264YBC ratlles, 2284 wasn't too bad and had been refurbed like sister 2287, I noticed another Y/YBC dart parked in Cannock and on the subject of Cannock can any 1 tell me where 3603 and 3605 have dissapeard to...... Not that there missed ;) just inteagued to know and hopefuly the others can follow in their steps ;)
On monday a sb200 was being put on a lowloader and towed off at cannock bus stn, on Wednesday two 33s, broke down one after the other, now I know ill just be accused of slating Arriva, but cannock has an absolutely horrific number of breakdowns week after week, surely theres a reason for it? You only have to look at the state of and listen to the sound of many of the buses and look at the amount of black smoke being belched out of a lot of them to know something is amiss
Quote from: arrivaaston on April 24, 2013, 11:23:44 PM
I had the pleasure of riding the 'new arrivals' 2264 Y264YBC ratlles, 2284 wasn't too bad and had been refurbed like sister 2287, I noticed another Y/YBC dart parked in Cannock and on the subject of Cannock can any 1 tell me where 3603 and 3605 have dissapeard to...... Not that there missed ;) just inteagued to know and hopefuly the others can follow in their steps ;)
3603 was in cannock yard this morning .
3603 back on 70's this morning :'( and 2264/2284 both out on 33's today
Ive worked out that Cannock need 52 buses now with the take over of the 62 15 and the 23 this could explain the recent arrival of more MPD as I think Cannock only ever had 50 buses before I could be wrong
Is that including spares
2351 was first up on the 62 this morning now that its a cannock route.
2268 was out on the 70 think this has been missing for a while ?
Looks like the EJZ registered ALX Dart has moved from Cannock to stafford. ...
Good riddance although probs wasted at cannock and 3608/3612 on 62 today
2976 on pye green today
Versa at cannock? Must be on loan or there for remedial work
A versa at cannock? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! Awful buses !!
Quote from: arrivaaston on May 01, 2013, 09:33:39 AM
A versa at cannock? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! Awful buses !!
There is nothing wrong with them! they are great looking buses have a great comfortable interior too! only bad ones are the MAN engine ones as shrewsbury which are very slow otherwise a great bus which I really like! personally I honestly preper them to enviro 200 or mcv evoulution. Actually would go as far as even saying I think they are the best midi bus currently in production (cant include the new streetlite as I haven't managed to go on one)!
Quote from: dannygill on May 01, 2013, 07:34:04 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on May 01, 2013, 09:33:39 AM
A versa at cannock? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! Awful buses !!
There is nothing wrong with them! they are great looking buses have a great comfortable interior too! only bad ones are the MAN engine ones as shrewsbury which are very slow otherwise a great bus which I really like! personally I honestly preper them to enviro 200 or mcv evoulution. Actually would go as far as even saying I think they are the best midi bus currently in production (cant include the new streetlite as I haven't managed to go on one)!
I beg to disagree. Ask an engineer and they will say they are badly built, unreliable and cheap and nasty. What people want in a midibus is practicality and reliability and the enviro 200 provides it all in its current format. Yes, before the interior was sterile to say the least but now its amazing indeed making NCT take them instead of optares
Are versas really that bad then?
Quote from: Peter123 on May 01, 2013, 07:36:24 PM
Quote from: dannygill on May 01, 2013, 07:34:04 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on May 01, 2013, 09:33:39 AM
A versa at cannock? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! Awful buses !!
There is nothing wrong with them! they are great looking buses have a great comfortable interior too! only bad ones are the MAN engine ones as shrewsbury which are very slow otherwise a great bus which I really like! personally I honestly preper them to enviro 200 or mcv evoulution. Actually would go as far as even saying I think they are the best midi bus currently in production (cant include the new streetlite as I haven't managed to go on one)!
I beg to disagree. Ask an engineer and they will say they are badly built, unreliable and cheap and nasty. What people want in a midibus is practicality and reliability and the enviro 200 provides it all in its current format. Yes, before the interior was sterile to say the least but now its amazing indeed making NCT take them instead of optares
As I have said in previous posts about the versa being cheap is a good thing for the passenger. I know arrivas recently had some down south and they worked out at £128,000 which is amazing value compared to extremely well built quality full size vehicle at a much bigger price of £180,000.
Firstly optare are british built which means british jobs and secondly from a passengers point of you I would rather have 20 new cheap optares rather than say 10 exspensive adl/Mercedes type buses. More new buses the better I say where the exception for me personally is I don't want to see cheap foreign buses like mcv and king long coming into the uk market.
And may upset some people but passenger I would say are more important than the engineer because they are on the bus all the time where the engineers are just fixing it. Plus if they are that bad it gives the engineers more work which will surely mean more jobs created due to the increased work load!
I know optare are hated by many people on here but I honestly really rate them and I know the views of many other people is that Cannock is a dreadful depot for bus quality so any reasonable new bus is surely good new for the depot!
Quote from: dannygill on May 01, 2013, 09:12:02 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on May 01, 2013, 07:36:24 PM
Quote from: dannygill on May 01, 2013, 07:34:04 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on May 01, 2013, 09:33:39 AM
A versa at cannock? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! Awful buses !!
There is nothing wrong with them! they are great looking buses have a great comfortable interior too! only bad ones are the MAN engine ones as shrewsbury which are very slow otherwise a great bus which I really like! personally I honestly preper them to enviro 200 or mcv evoulution. Actually would go as far as even saying I think they are the best midi bus currently in production (cant include the new streetlite as I haven't managed to go on one)!
I beg to disagree. Ask an engineer and they will say they are badly built, unreliable and cheap and nasty. What people want in a midibus is practicality and reliability and the enviro 200 provides it all in its current format. Yes, before the interior was sterile to say the least but now its amazing indeed making NCT take them instead of optares
As I have said in previous posts about the versa being cheap is a good thing for the passenger. I know arrivas recently had some down south and they worked out at £128,000 which is amazing value compared to extremely well built quality full size vehicle at a much bigger price of £180,000.
Firstly optare are british built which means british jobs and secondly from a passengers point of you I would rather have 20 new cheap optares rather than say 10 exspensive adl/Mercedes type buses. More new buses the better I say where the exception for me personally is I don't want to see cheap foreign buses like mcv and king long coming into the uk market.
And may upset some people but passenger I would say are more important than the engineer because they are on the bus all the time where the engineers are just fixing it. Plus if they are that bad it gives the engineers more work which will surely mean more jobs created due to the increased work load!
I know optare are hated by many people on here but I honestly really rate them and I know the views of many other people is that Cannock is a dreadful depot for bus quality so any reasonable new bus is surely good new for the depot!
Danny,
Optare products aren't actually that cheap, the Versa is also classed as a midibus and is competitor to the Enviro 200 not full size single deckers
Based on the Arriva announcements below:
Versa = £120k each
Mercedes Citaro = £144k each
Volvo B7RLE = £154k each
http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/new-buses-for-maidstone-333/
http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/arriva-invests-in-new-buses-for-maidstone/
http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/content.aspx?id=19839
New diesel double deckers are more around the £180k price each not single deckers
Theyre not the best but id much prefer a Versa to.an sb200, now they are poor!!!! So noisy!!!
2347 now serving cannock depot
Another crap Dart to add to the rest of the crap at Cannock
Also noticed either another Y/YBC or t53jjf on Pye Green Circulars
Jesus christ!!!!!!!
So that's about 6 'new' darts arrived at cannock,
I wish theyd sell up & f##k off out of cannock, such a crap operator.
Quote from: bob on May 04, 2013, 07:34:43 AM
I wish theyd sell up & f##k off out of cannock, such a crap operator.
Only NX could do it from Walsall mainly with support from Wolves.
Anyone else would have to set up base in town.
Well I wish they would!
Farebox not in operation on 2347.
Driver taking money 'over the counter'!
Good job he was able to issue a Daysaver!
Farebox would indicate its wednesfield bound
Quote from: bob on April 30, 2013, 06:46:33 PM
Looks like the EJZ registered ALX Dart has moved from Cannock to stafford. ...
is back at cannock noted on the 62 in Lichfield bus station with its engine cover open so may have
expired.
Another broken down nail then. Two 33's broke down last week within minutes of each other. It mustve been on loan to stafford. Reliability and breakdowns are a joke at cannock
I would say nx walsall garage prob doesnt even have a quarter of the breakdowns cannock has! Arriva need to sell up n f##k off theyrr beyond pathetic
Quote from: bob on May 04, 2013, 09:46:29 PM
I would say nx walsall garage prob doesnt even have a quarter of the breakdowns cannock has! Arriva need to sell up n f##k off theyrr beyond pathetic
Astonishing.
What is?
This thread deserves a CGSM
Anyone know to an accident somewhere on the 2/2a route today?
My mom was waiting in Walsall this morning around half 10 & one turned up but someone told the waiting passengers that the bus had been involved in an accident & a report had to be filled in!
I think it could of been esg wich I saw this morning but later in the afternoon 2390 cam on
Old Dart 2330 causing problems in Lichfield having expired just outside the ford garage , this hasn't been on the fleet list for a few months so im not sure if they still know they have it
Been in cannock today visiting many places and the worst (and loudest bus) was 2268 :(
Quote from: tphi12000 on May 25, 2013, 05:59:16 PM
Old Dart 2330 causing problems in Lichfield having expired just outside the ford garage , this hasn't been on the fleet list for a few months so im not sure if they still know they have it
Thats about right lol. Pity tho, internally its one of the best
I was on 2268 yesterday on my local 23 route and thought it sounded rough
Anyone heard anything about Cannock losing their tendered 2 service go NXWM on evenings?? I heard 2 drivers talking about it earlier
Lol thatd be a first! Y50 TGM back working from stafford again now, seen on the 9 today so mustve only been on loan.
Quote from: busman99 on May 29, 2013, 07:07:53 PM
Anyone heard anything about Cannock losing their tendered 2 service go NXWM on evenings?? I heard 2 drivers talking about it earlier
I hoped theyd compete on the 1 during the daytimes to be honest, cheaper fares/nicer buses would blow arriva out completely
It could be a start
To be honest tho I can imagine it just being a rumour
I've heard about extra journeys on 62 and 23 and that was from a man in the business ;)
Why would arriva even consider runnin extra trips on either of them routes when their both dead even at busy times lol?
Quote from: bob on May 29, 2013, 07:30:30 PM
Quote from: busman99 on May 29, 2013, 07:07:53 PM
Anyone heard anything about Cannock losing their tendered 2 service go NXWM on evenings?? I heard 2 drivers talking about it earlier
I hoped theyd compete on the 1 during the daytimes to be honest, cheaper fares/nicer buses would blow arriva out completely
I'd be intrigued why NX would go back to an area they've practically pulled out of, on a tender.
If they went back to Cannock in a big way, fair enough, but just on a tender, unless they used the buses coming off the X51.
They could do the first with that then have a b6 waiting to take over at walsall lol
Some Staffordshire tendered Cannock operated routes have just been renewed and the winning operators should be announced soon. If rumours are true Arriva may no longer have a monopoly in Cannock. Unless of course Arriva suddenly decided they can now oeprated them commercially
Hi tony is it just evening routes that have been tendered or daytime ones too?
Quote from: Tony on May 30, 2013, 12:04:02 PM
Some Staffordshire tendered Cannock operated routes have just been renewed and the winning operators should be announced soon. If rumours are true Arriva may no longer have a monopoly in Cannock. Unless of course Arriva suddenly decided they can now oeprated them commercially
Very interesting Tony. I appreciate you're probably very limited to what can be said, but do you know when these tenders are due to start from?
Would be very interesting to see other operators coming into cannock. Hope its nxwm!
Anyone know when tenders will be announced?
Quote from: bob on May 30, 2013, 05:49:29 PM
Anyone know when tenders will be announced?
The rumor that I heard was that diamond are moving in so expect more darts. At least diamond's dart's don't rattle and show like there is no torrmow.
Thats true to be fair some of theres are in good nick specially interiors. Still hope its NXWM whove got the 2
Can someone explain 'dead mileage' please?
Id be surprised if Diamond went into Cannock, as its a bit far from Smethwick.
The closest they get is Brownhills West & Bloxwich.
Didnt they operate extra 404s to position Walsall area vehicles?
Quote from: Westy on May 30, 2013, 09:03:26 PM
Can someone explain 'dead mileage' please?
Id be surprised if Diamond went into Cannock, as its a bit far from Smethwick.
The closest they get is Brownhills West & Bloxwich.
Didnt they operate extra 404s to position Walsall area vehicles?
If they have still got a decent price for the tender, dead mileage could well be accounted for.
Although it may seem a waste of resources, the cost of dead mileage obviously can't be that high, as for example at NXWM Walsall Garage several 40s & 39s commence in Wolverhampton, 10s run empty to Burntwood/Brownhills and some 51s & X51s run dead to Perry Barr or Birmingham.
In a coach sense, some National Express diagrams drive empty between Milton Keynes and Rugby, and DeCourcey vehicles drive empty to Coventry/Stratford to commence service.
The biggest issue Diamond would face though (and to an extent NXWM) is not so much the dead mileage of the vehicle, but the additional time taken for crew reliefs and travelling time for the driver at the end of shift (when it is half way through the day). This could prove quite costly and awkward (for instance if an extra car/van was required and getting necessary parking for the change to take place. That said Blue Diamond operate several routes in the Solihull & Coventry areas and seem to be managing!
X51s also run to and from cannock empty in the mornings and evenings. If an x51 was to arrive from brum then convert to a 2 it would make sense
Quote from: notepanel on May 30, 2013, 09:14:03 PM
Quote from: Westy on May 30, 2013, 09:03:26 PM
Can someone explain 'dead mileage' please?
Id be surprised if Diamond went into Cannock, as its a bit far from Smethwick.
The closest they get is Brownhills West & Bloxwich.
Didnt they operate extra 404s to position Walsall area vehicles?
If they have still got a decent price for the tender, dead mileage could well be accounted for.
Although it may seem a waste of resources, the cost of dead mileage obviously can't be that high, as for example at NXWM Walsall Garage several 40s & 39s commence in Wolverhampton, 10s run empty to Burntwood/Brownhills and some 51s & X51s run dead to Perry Barr or Birmingham.
In a coach sense, some National Express diagrams drive empty between Milton Keynes and Rugby, and DeCourcey vehicles drive empty to Coventry/Stratford to commence service.
The biggest issue Diamond would face though (and to an extent NXWM) is not so much the dead mileage of the vehicle, but the additional time taken for crew reliefs and travelling time for the driver at the end of shift (when it is half way through the day). This could prove quite costly and awkward (for instance if an extra car/van was required and getting necessary parking for the change to take place. That said Blue Diamond operate several routes in the Solihull & Coventry areas and seem to be managing!
I am just going off to drive the 22:15 A1 from Luton Airport to London Victoria, returning empty, just over 35 miles dead. Driver on the 22:45 also does the same
As much as itd be fantastic, and put the wind up arriva, I just cant really see nx coming back to cannock thinking about it. Theyve got absolutely zero interest in the area.
Quote from: bob on May 30, 2013, 09:35:18 PM
As much as itd be fantastic, and put the wind up arriva, I just cant really see nx coming back to cannock thinking about it. Theyve got absolutely zero interest in the area.
Does that mean you won't mention it 3 times a day every day any more? :-)
Quote from: bob on May 30, 2013, 09:35:18 PM
As much as itd be fantastic, and put the wind up arriva, I just cant really see nx coming back to cannock thinking about it. Theyve got absolutely zero interest in the area.
Don't forget though that it is not all about Cannock. I'm not all too familiar with routes in the area, but for instance say the 68 route was up for tender, a large part of that route is within 'NXWM grounds', the same with the X56 (a Staffordshire tender) and the 2 route covers the popular NXWM Walsall - Bloxwich corridor.
So whilst some routes are totally out of NXWMs current operating area, other routes do cover parts of it and would strengthen the existing network and with the tender money may well be worth NXWM operating.
Yea true but say with the 2, if ypud gone to walsall at say 3pm.and came back at 7pm ( assuming nx have won the contract) you wouldnt be able to use your arriva daysaver. Staffordshires bus network is horrendous as far as integration is involved
The routes lost at Cannock are rumored ro be evening 2 and 33 and pye green circular 25 and 26 on sundays
Quote from: busman99 on May 30, 2013, 10:12:51 PM
The routes lost at Cannock are rumored ro be evening 2 and 33 and pye green circular 25 and 26 on sundays
Is evening 2 & sunday 2 two separate contracts?
Evening 33? Isnt that operated as the 32 currently? If Diamond won the route, they could reintroduce the through evening service between Walsall & Rugeley like Arriva did when they held both contracts!
there Isnt a sunday 25 and 26! Its incorporated into the number 2
Quote from: bob on May 30, 2013, 10:44:51 PM
there Isnt a sunday 25 and 26! Its incorporated into the number 2
They are starting 25 and 26 on a sunday in addition to the 2and 70 currently ran by arriva
There is also rumour that the X51 will come to Cannock all day not just am pm
Quote from: Westy on May 30, 2013, 10:37:52 PM
Quote from: busman99 on May 30, 2013, 10:12:51 PM
The routes lost at Cannock are rumored ro be evening 2 and 33 and pye green circular 25 and 26 on sundays
Is evening 2 & sunday 2 two separate contracts?
Evening 33? Isnt that operated as the 32 currently? If Diamond won the route, they could reintroduce the through evening service between Walsall & Rugeley like Arriva did when they held both contracts!
No definately 33 in the evening
Quote from: busman99 on May 31, 2013, 10:44:37 PM
Quote from: bob on May 30, 2013, 10:44:51 PM
there Isnt a sunday 25 and 26! Its incorporated into the number 2
They are starting 25 and 26 on a sunday in addition to the 2and 70 currently ran by arriva
Didnt they do the 25 & 26 before on Sundays?
X51 All day would be great! But lets be honest can anyone see that happenin in reality? Naaaaaaaaa
Also nothings been announced or confirmed yet. Although I have to admit itd be great to see nx back with a vengeance! !! Whats to stop arriva registering these journeys as commercial though? That would then throw a spanner in the works. ...
Quote from: bob on June 01, 2013, 12:10:43 AM
X51 All day would be great! But lets be honest can anyone see that happenin in reality? Naaaaaaaaa
Are the trains between Cannock & Brum still unreliable / subject to frequent cancellation?
I notice the journey times by train in to Brum is around 36-47 mins dependent on time of day , whilst by bus its 1 hr 20 mins, as the bus takes a lot longer, is an all day X51 service realistic? May be more peak workings to test the demand?
The X51 could be sped up a bit. The 10 or whatever min layover in walsall bus stn is veing got rid of isnt it??
Quote from: bob on June 01, 2013, 12:36:03 AM
The X51 could be sped up a bit. The 10 or whatever min layover in walsall bus stn is veing got rid of isnt it??
Not sure don't know the route or Cannock
Train was bad last sat no conductor on way there resulting in a huuuuuge queue to buy a ticket when we got off just to get thru the bloody barriers! On way back ( id checked the updates on LM site the day before it just said the 2318 was replaced by a bus) we wrnt to get 2218 back to be told flat 'not running'. There was a train at 2243 or something to walsall but they didnt tell us there was a bus from there to cannock!! We thouggt wed be stuck in walsall. It was awful service really
Been thinking about it abd it would be great to see all day X51s, maybe theyd be a viable competition for arrivas cannock to walsall services
Quote from: bob on June 02, 2013, 07:34:44 PM
Been thinking about it abd it would be great to see all day X51s, maybe theyd be a viable competition for arrivas cannock to walsall services
I do like the idea of that :) But could you stop repeating it as you have said this 100's of times
What are the fares from cannock to birmingham single and return on the train/NXWM's X51?
Quote from: Peter123 on June 02, 2013, 08:33:19 PM
What are the fares from cannock to birmingham single and return on the train/NXWM's X51?
X51 is standard NX fare
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 02, 2013, 08:48:32 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 02, 2013, 08:33:19 PM
What are the fares from cannock to birmingham single and return on the train/NXWM's X51?
X51 is standard NX fare
No it isn't
Quote from: Tony on June 02, 2013, 08:59:12 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 02, 2013, 08:48:32 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 02, 2013, 08:33:19 PM
What are the fares from cannock to birmingham single and return on the train/NXWM's X51?
X51 is standard NX fare
No it isn't
Oh isn't it? Thought it was! Thanks for that :) Whats the fare for the X51 then
The trains quite pricey for a return pre 930 whereas a daysavers £3.90
. Bargain !!!
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 02, 2013, 09:00:51 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 02, 2013, 08:59:12 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 02, 2013, 08:48:32 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 02, 2013, 08:33:19 PM
What are the fares from cannock to birmingham single and return on the train/NXWM's X51?
X51 is standard NX fare
No it isn't
Oh isn't it? Thought it was! Thanks for that :) Whats the fare for the X51 then
I don't know off the top of my head, but it is more than £2 from Cannock to Birmingham although the £3.90 daysaver is still valid so is the best ticket for anyone travelling both ways. The only other route I can think of at the moment that has higher fares than £2 is the Coventry 11
Quote from: bob on June 02, 2013, 09:05:37 PM
The trains quite pricey for a return pre 930 whereas a daysavers £3.90
. Bargain !!!
Sounds as though it could be viable on price against the London Midland service.
What route does the X51 take between Walsall & Cannock? Is it the same as Arriva's 1?
Would it be feasible to significantly increase the number of workings from both Cannock & Birmingham and have a gap in service during the middle part of the day? i.e. a half hourly service from Cannock between 06.15am - 10:45am then a gap in service until buses leave B'ham from 3.00pm - 6.30pm. The service could then be aimed at both commuters & people wishing to shop in B'ham City Centre for the day.
So do routes like WA 6, WA10, WN's 5/A,10 and 255/6 still have £2 fare the whole journey?
No it follows a similar route to the old 351 but omitting the Turnberry estate
Quote from: bob on June 02, 2013, 09:45:09 PM
No it follows a similar route to the old 351 but omitting the Turnberry estate
Sorry Bob, that doesn't mean anything to me as don't know the area, maybe the X51 could be re-routed to follow the same line of route as Arriva's 1
Quote from: bob on June 02, 2013, 09:05:37 PM
The trains quite pricey for a return pre 930 whereas a daysavers £3.90
. Bargain !!!
The all day return Cannock to Birmingham is £8.10 so more than twice that of a daysaver on the X51, but most people travelling before 09:30 are doing it for work. The difference in weekly tickets is far less pronounced with a weekly train pass being £23.10.
After 09:30 the train fare drops to £5.10 return
Quote from: Winston on June 02, 2013, 09:49:20 PM
Quote from: bob on June 02, 2013, 09:45:09 PM
No it follows a similar route to the old 351 but omitting the Turnberry estate
Sorry Bob, that doesn't mean anything to me as don't know the area, maybe the X51 could be re-routed to follow the same line of route as Arriva's 1
The current route serves Cheslyn Hay which has always generated far more passengers than the 1 route via Great Wyrley
Possibly but itd miss out cheslyn hay & landywood where train passengers could potentially be tempted from
What do you think Tony? Could it be sped up a bit and made an attractive alternative? The difference in a monthly ticket is much more pronounced
Quote from: bob on June 02, 2013, 09:52:39 PM
Possibly but itd miss out cheslyn hay & landywood where train passengers could potentially be tempted from
Tony's said the same above, rightly or wrong I was under the impression that Arriva's one carried quite a few passengers?
It does yes but so does the 2
Quote from: bob on June 02, 2013, 09:58:11 PM
It does yes but so does the 2
So does Arriva's 2 follow the same line of route as the X51 then?
No but it does go round cheslyn hay and landywood
Quote from: bob on June 02, 2013, 10:01:36 PM
No but it does go round cheslyn hay and landywood
Cheers Bob
Arriva Cannock could possibly end up selling to NXWM maybe they could calling NX Staffordshire
Doubt Cannock will sell when it makes money compared to Stafford depot, Arriva Cannock would be great if theor standards were were the same as Thurmaston/Wigston/Derby/Telford and Tamworth depot
Dunno jamie I think they might. Dont forget they were on the verge of it just before Chase. Also I think itd still be nx wm cos majority of services go into the west midlands
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 11:50:33 AM
Dunno jamie I think they might. Dont forget they were on the verge of it just before Chase. Also I think itd still be nx wm cos majority of services go into the west midlands
I don't think that is likely to happen now, especially after Arriva have only recently bought Midland and are still integrating it in to Arriva Midlands. A sale of Cannock would leave Wednesfield vunerbale.......
Wednesfields vulnerable anyway theyll never make an impact in the wm. Even the transferred in fleet is shit. And there are rumours the delta way site has already been sold or in the pipeline. .....
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 12:22:01 PM
Wednesfields vulnerable anyway theyll never make an impact in the wm. Even the transferred in fleet is shit. And there are rumours the delta way site has already been sold or in the pipeline. .....
Maybe so, but why would Arriva spend the money buying Midland & integrating/upgrading the depot & fleet to then sell out in Cannock?
If the land Cannock depot is on is to be sold, could they not be moving to smaller premises to reduce overheads & Wednesfield take on more of the Cannock work?
Possibly. I still think its a possibility theyll flog it. Cant see them making a go of wednesfield to be honest judging by how bad theyre running it so far.... what lucrative routes do they run? Any?
Would be a suprise if it went the other way and nxwm walsall was closing and arriva sold cannock and wednesfield and worked them all from 1 garrafe at walsall
Lol thats deffo ur imagination workin over time
This constant waffle about Arriva selling Cannock is completely without any credible foundation and really makes me laugh/bores me to tears. Please give it up now!! Arriva do not have any history or reputation for selling anything, quite the opposite.
If NX were that interested in running buses in Staffs they would be there already in numbers. They clearly have no interest whatsoever so you will have to pin your hopes on somebody else stepping in to provide some competition. To be honest, as we have said before, it is probably the case that nobody sees it as lucrative enough to go to the trouble or expense of setting up and getting into battle with Arriva over not much available revenue.
Quote from: andy on June 04, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
This constant waffle about Arriva selling Cannock is completely without any credible foundation and really makes me laugh/bores me to tears. Please give it up now!! Arriva do not have any history or reputation for selling anything, quite the opposite.
If NX were that interested in running buses in Staffs they would be there already in numbers. They clearly have no interest whatsoever so you will have to pin your hopes on somebody else stepping in to provide some competition. To be honest, as we have said before, it is probably the case that nobody sees it as lucrative enough to go to the trouble or expense of setting up and getting into battle with Arriva over not much available revenue.
Errr Arriva Scotland West/McGills-ring any bells??!!
Quote from: Peter123 on June 04, 2013, 07:25:52 PM
Quote from: andy on June 04, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
This constant waffle about Arriva selling Cannock is completely without any credible foundation and really makes me laugh/bores me to tears. Please give it up now!! Arriva do not have any history or reputation for selling anything, quite the opposite.
If NX were that interested in running buses in Staffs they would be there already in numbers. They clearly have no interest whatsoever so you will have to pin your hopes on somebody else stepping in to provide some competition. To be honest, as we have said before, it is probably the case that nobody sees it as lucrative enough to go to the trouble or expense of setting up and getting into battle with Arriva over not much available revenue.
Errr Arriva Scotland West/McGills-ring any bells??!!
One occasion in about 10 years, and that was all about exiting Scotland due to the completely different conditions and regulation there and getting a very attractive offer. There were also several other complex incentives there. They do not sell off small parts of their subsidiaries right on the doorstep of their most lucrative territories.
Quote from: andy on June 04, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
This constant waffle about Arriva selling Cannock is completely without any credible foundation and really makes me laugh/bores me to tears. Please give it up now!! Arriva do not have any history or reputation for selling anything, quite the opposite.
If NX were that interested in running buses in Staffs they would be there already in numbers. They clearly have no interest whatsoever so you will have to pin your hopes on somebody else stepping in to provide some competition. To be honest, as we have said before, it is probably the case that nobody sees it as lucrative enough to go to the trouble or expense of setting up and getting into battle with Arriva over not much available revenue.
Quite the opposite? Oh I forgot about the huge success the chase takeover was, and the expansion that followed. ... im sure wednesfield will have the same level lol
Quite the opposite? I forgot about the huge success the
Quite the opposite? Course yeah I forgot about the huge success and expansion following the chase takeover.....
Only time.will tell how well NXWM will do in Cannock once they start the work in September. They could do well and decide to spread commercially in Cannock
Quote from: busman99 on June 04, 2013, 08:21:03 PM
Only time.will tell how well NXWM will do in Cannock once they start the work in September. They could do well and decide to spread commercially in Cannock
Sorry to be a pain but which routes will NXWM be doing. One thing they should do is when the X51 journeys at peak time go to Cannock they should do a return journey as i did it before and had to pay lots for arriva 70 back to Wolverhampton.
Have they definitely got the tenders then? Is there any truth in the rumours about the X51 going all day??
Quote from: andy on June 04, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
This constant waffle about Arriva selling Cannock is completely without any credible foundation and really makes me laugh/bores me to tears. Please give it up now!! Arriva do not have any history or reputation for selling anything, quite the opposite.
If NX were that interested in running buses in Staffs they would be there already in numbers. They clearly have no interest whatsoever so you will have to pin your hopes on somebody else stepping in to provide some competition. To be honest, as we have said before, it is probably the case that nobody sees it as lucrative enough to go to the trouble or expense of setting up and getting into battle with Arriva over not much available revenue.
If they werent interested why would they bid for tendered work?
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 08:50:43 PM
Quote from: andy on June 04, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
This constant waffle about Arriva selling Cannock is completely without any credible foundation and really makes me laugh/bores me to tears. Please give it up now!! Arriva do not have any history or reputation for selling anything, quite the opposite.
If NX were that interested in running buses in Staffs they would be there already in numbers. They clearly have no interest whatsoever so you will have to pin your hopes on somebody else stepping in to provide some competition. To be honest, as we have said before, it is probably the case that nobody sees it as lucrative enough to go to the trouble or expense of setting up and getting into battle with Arriva over not much available revenue.
If they werent interested why would they bid for tendered work?
Trying to tell arriva to get lost birimgham is not your territory? you have to start off small, before taking commerical stuff
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 08:50:43 PM
Quote from: andy on June 04, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
This constant waffle about Arriva selling Cannock is completely without any credible foundation and really makes me laugh/bores me to tears. Please give it up now!! Arriva do not have any history or reputation for selling anything, quite the opposite.
If NX were that interested in running buses in Staffs they would be there already in numbers. They clearly have no interest whatsoever so you will have to pin your hopes on somebody else stepping in to provide some competition. To be honest, as we have said before, it is probably the case that nobody sees it as lucrative enough to go to the trouble or expense of setting up and getting into battle with Arriva over not much available revenue.
If they werent interested why would they bid for tendered work?
For exactly the same reason any other operator would, to obtain profitable work?
Yea in the staffs area! Whats to stop them getting a foot in the door and doing a couple of commercial routes once they have? Theyd finish the 1 to walsall off if they competed
As far as I know they will be doing 25 and 26 pye green circular, 2 to walsall and 33 to walsall
I think sundays and evenings
Ive heard there's some X51s in tge tender as well
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 09:24:57 PM
Yea in the staffs area! Whats to stop them getting a foot in the door and doing a couple of commercial routes once they have? Theyd finish the 1 to walsall off if they competed
What's to stop anybody doing it? It's just a few tenders.
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 09:54:05 PM
Ive heard there's some X51s in tge tender as well
As much as i would like to see the X51 extended to cannock i just can't see it myself.
Wish NX did the 70 so i could do Wolverhampton-Cannock with my NX pass ;)How well used were routes like the 351 and the 95*/A corridor used before?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 04, 2013, 10:02:58 PM
Wish NX did the 70 so i could do Wolverhampton-Cannock with my NX pass ;)How well used were routes like the 351 and the 95*/A corridor used before?
The 351 in the end, was not well used.
It was Solo operated at the end, after earlier been on Metrobuses and Lynx's. Don't know about the old express routes, a bit before my time.
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 04, 2013, 10:02:58 PM
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 09:54:05 PM
Ive heard there's some X51s in tge tender as well
As much as i would like to see the X51 extended to cannock i just can't see it myself.
Wish NX did the 70 so i could do Wolverhampton-Cannock with my NX pass ;)How well used were routes like the 351 and the 95*/A corridor used before?
They were pretty sparsely used, but then bus usage in the area has dropped pretty significantly over the last few years in general compared to what it was. This is why Arriva have got away with running such low capacity vehicles recently, and the reason I doubt NX would have any serious interest in registering any commercial services. Commercially, it just isn't their type of territory, hence their original decision to ditch it.
Quote from: John on June 04, 2013, 10:07:18 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 04, 2013, 10:02:58 PM
Wish NX did the 70 so i could do Wolverhampton-Cannock with my NX pass ;)How well used were routes like the 351 and the 95*/A corridor used before?
The 351 in the end, was not well used.
It was Solo operated at the end, after earlier been on Metrobuses and Lynx's. Don't know about the old express routes, a bit before my time.
The 950/A/1/A were still around until mid 2000's weren't they? What was the difference between the 950/A/1/A as i've seen photos of all of the routes from 2003 so what was the difference as all seem to go between Brummie and Cannock
351 id imagine is used was used as well as the 2 is now its a similar ish foute bar the leamore bit and a slightly different route out of cannock.
Quote from: andy on June 04, 2013, 10:09:16 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 04, 2013, 10:02:58 PM
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 09:54:05 PM
Ive heard there's some X51s in tge tender as well
As much as i would like to see the X51 extended to cannock i just can't see it myself.
Wish NX did the 70 so i could do Wolverhampton-Cannock with my NX pass ;)How well used were routes like the 351 and the 95*/A corridor used before?
Usage has dropped on some routes as you say. Another reason why arriva might want to offload it. Other routes ( stafford/lichfield/wolves) are pretty busy though..
They were pretty sparsely used, but then bus usage in the area has dropped pretty significantly over the last few years in general compared to what it was. This is why Arriva have got away with running such low capacity vehicles recently, and the reason I doubt NX would have any serious interest in registering any commercial services. Commercially, it just isn't their type of territory, hence their original decision to ditch it.
Using their awful low capacity mpd darts on inter urban routes can be counter productive though. Terrible image for arriva and crap to travel any distance on
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 10:49:53 PM
Using their awful low capacity mpd darts on inter urban routes can be counter productive though. Terrible image for arriva and crap to travel any distance on
I agree, but I can also see how it's happened.
Maybe arriva are just managing the decline in cannock....
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 11:25:33 PM
Maybe arriva are just managing the decline in cannock....
I'd say that's closer to the mark, you may well find the running costs of MPD's is quite a bit lower than heavy duty full size single deckers as well
Let's say cannock sell up,
68/70 would obviously be done from Wednesfield
76 Wednesfield or Stafford
74/75 Stafford
1/2/2A wednesfield
32/33 Wednesfield
60/825 stafford (if still interworked)
Where can you run 23,25 and 26 from? Surely it would cost more in diesel to send a bus from Wednesfield or Stafford to Cannock to do a couple of routes? I personaly think only way Cannock will sell up is if there moving premises and remember before when Arriva lost a majority of theor routes? Soon got them back let's not forget that ;)
Yea but they lost em to petes travel and it was f##### horrendous half of the drivers couldnt speak english I remember a 351 going round the 1 way system about 3 times lol. Nxwm are a much better operator
Quote from: Winston on June 04, 2013, 11:31:13 PM
Quote from: bob on June 04, 2013, 11:25:33 PM
Maybe arriva are just managing the decline in cannock....
I'd say that's closer to the mark, you may well find the running costs of MPD's is quite a bit lower than heavy duty full size single deckers as well
Possibility yea but given that they break down every other day maybe not. Ejz, r330 tjw and the 51 plate examples in particular. ...
Quote from: arrivaaston on June 04, 2013, 11:37:51 PM
Let's say cannock sell up,
68/70 would obviously be done from Wednesfield
76 Wednesfield or Stafford
74/75 Stafford
1/2/2A wednesfield
32/33 Wednesfield
60/825 stafford (if still interworked)
Where can you run 23,25 and 26 from? Surely it would cost more in diesel to send a bus from Wednesfield or Stafford to Cannock to do a couple of routes? I personaly think only way Cannock will sell up is if there moving premises and remember before when Arriva lost a majority of theor routes? Soon got them back let's not forget that ;)
I think you can count the 23 out as I believe that that is going too.
Going as in axed?
No not axed a different operator
Christ arriva have lost out aint they
I know about the 23 havin a new operator if they win the tender
Lol I wonder if theyll lose the 62? Is the 68 daytime tendered?
Been on sb120 bu03 hrd today. Nicely refurbed a while back, its a pity the other 3 havent been done
Has Staffs County Council ever tried a network review like Centro do, or do they think theres no point?
Been on 3704 to bloxwich earlier, this bus is in terrible condition its making a really weird shrieking noise and vibrating, the interior camera unit is hanging off the ceiling and the seats were threadbare and stank of damp. Surely these are a candidate for refurb? All the other 52 plate sb200s at ttelford/Burton etc were done ages ago so why not these? It took the driver 6 attempts to get the bloody engine started at cannock cos it kept cutting out
Quote from: Westy on June 15, 2013, 10:02:25 AM
Has Staffs County Council ever tried a network review like Centro do, or do they think theres no point?
Not much of a network left in the cannock area, arriva have a monopoly, although if the rumours are correct thats set to change. It annoys me that nbus tickets are available and allowed in places like codsall etc which are in staffordshire but not in cannock yet a large number of cannocks busiest routes enter the west midlands. It would make connections to other towns much easier. But arriva get to rip you off with a 6 pound daysaver and then youd have to pay 3.90 or 4.20 to go further afield! As arriva run hardly any bloody wm services in walsall wolves, into brumetc
I think V338 MBV mightve broken down in cannock bus stn
Sounds like theres something seriously wrong with stafford branded pulsar yj57 brv, its making a horrendous howling noise that ypu can hear halfway down the road.....
Also Y50 TGM was working from cannock again with destination on a board in the window on sat. Wheres this bloody bus actually allocated? Cos it seems to go between cannock and stafford garages regularly!
Looks like the Ejz Dart has broke down again parked in cannock bus station with not in service on it and a arriva support van in front of it. Time to retire this heap of shite?
YJ54 HKE broke down in cannock bus stn with the engine flap up, and a V-DBC Volvo broken down on the way to Bloxwich . Why are Cannocks buses Always breaking down? Do they just keep patching them up? Take Ejz or R330 tjw they get fixed then break down again the day after!
On the 8pm 68 from cannock to wolves and the driver dumped the bis on an entry to somee industrial place ( just after the turn for essington) left engine on and f####d off for a fag lol. My kinda driver haha. It was a 61 plate pulsar as well tonight so a decent bus as well
They seem to be a law unto themselves at Arriva.
If you read the Facebook page, the punters always complaining!
Probably because they generally provide a shit service in places like Cannock with buses breakin down all the while. Isnt it interesting that nxwm have decided to move back into cannock with the tender wins.....
Select of Penkridge are taking on the 23 and 67 as of September
I didnt think arriva would keeo them. I think theyll lose the 62/68 at some point as well
Quote from: arrivaaston on June 30, 2013, 12:13:32 AM
Select of Penkridge are taking on the 23 and 67 as of September
Never heard of them.
Quote from: Westy on June 30, 2013, 08:29:14 AM
Quote from: arrivaaston on June 30, 2013, 12:13:32 AM
Select of Penkridge are taking on the 23 and 67 as of September
Never heard of them.
There's a fleetlist on here for them and they got a good mention when they hired then bought some Darts feom Diamond and they keep breaking down. They currently only operate the 878 Wolverhampton to Stafford, and seems well used.
Here is the select fleet note the red one is a loan http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/stanjack/sets/
& 878 runs to brewood not Stafford
Crikey talk about arriva starting to lose their monopoly
Nx are only in Cannock because arriva are i in the black country
Yes but its all good for the passenger. Least we wont have to suffer arrivas shitty darts on evenings & sundays anymore
Quote from: bob on June 30, 2013, 05:48:26 PM
Yes but its all good for the passenger. Least we wont have to suffer arrivas shitty darts on evenings & sundays anymore
Isn't Select somehow related to Green Bus (as in Warstones Motors) & White Wings Travel after they had their licences revoked? Is a fleet of predominately step-entrance vehicles really an improvement for many passengers?
The step stuff left a month ago with it now being SLF apparently
even though its irrelevant, their 2 n....xdv darts were in good nick, didnt rattle or bang and gave a nice comfortable ride with their dp seats. even had a/c on too! the fleet according to the drivers is low floor with at least 3 with the existing one and purchases from diamond.
Quote from: dgss1 on June 30, 2013, 05:35:09 PM
Nx are only in Cannock because arriva are i in the black country
They may well be, but Arriva have become too complacent over in Cannock due to their position & lack of competition.
NX may well be testing the water with tenders initially.....
I meant passengers wont have to suffer them on the 2 & 33 lol. If Select run Darts on the 23 and 67 they will most probably have much better interiors and even if they break down they cant poss break down anymore than arriva's fleet. And re the comment above yep your right there Arriva have definitely become too complacent in cannock. Ok they bought 11 new sb200s but they spend half their time on the lichfield to stafford route so only really operate cannock to lichfield on one route and thats when they can be arsed to allocate. As for the rest of the fleet except maybe 57 plate sb200s, its dire.
Quote from: bob on June 30, 2013, 10:32:28 AM
Crikey talk about arriva starting to lose their monopoly
Can only be a good thing to remind an operator they are not god! As I have previously said this would be even more wonderful in a place like the west midlands where there is a mutil operator ticket, however it Cannock there isn't so it does mean extra expense on ever more squeezed families! And if it is the case Select has got in good on them its good to see a local independent win something!
Dart S629 KHN now working from cannock seen on pye greens earlier. Looks like its had a refurb, hopefully its just temporary and intended for wednesfield
Does cannock have a vehicle shortage?
Quote from: bob on July 05, 2013, 01:27:28 PM
Dart S629 KHN now working from cannock seen on pye greens earlier. Looks like its had a refurb, hopefully its just temporary and intended for wednesfield
Right knacker of a bus!
Oh no not good then.looks like its had a decent interior refurb tho. A telford cast off I think
Noted cadet 2745 on the A5 this morning 715 between cannock and Brownhills not sure if this is now at cannock or on its way back to Burton .
2743/4 at cannock also. They may be just loaned as cannock had SEVEN breakdowns in service yesterday and not enough spare buses
Cancellation of
23 (Cannock - Wimblebury)
67 (Wolverhampton - Cannock)
X56 (Boney Hay - Birmingham)
all now on VOSA
Quote from: Tony on July 10, 2013, 09:39:54 PM
Cancellation of
23 (Cannock - Wimblebury)
67 (Wolverhampton - Cannock)
X56 (Boney Hay - Birmingham)
all now on VOSA
I know Select are taking over the 23/67 but who will take over the X56?
Wonder if arriva will bid for the remaining 2 & 33 journeys? Shame though nx will never ever bother with cannock again now
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 10, 2013, 09:42:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 10, 2013, 09:39:54 PM
Cancellation of
23 (Cannock - Wimblebury)
67 (Wolverhampton - Cannock)
X56 (Boney Hay - Birmingham)
all now on VOSA
I know Select are taking over the 23/67 but who will take over the X56?
Best of luck with Select had this on hire again today, so were presumably short of vehicles again
Quote from: Tony on July 10, 2013, 10:09:14 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 10, 2013, 09:42:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 10, 2013, 09:39:54 PM
Cancellation of
23 (Cannock - Wimblebury)
67 (Wolverhampton - Cannock)
X56 (Boney Hay - Birmingham)
all now on VOSA
I know Select are taking over the 23/67 but who will take over the X56?
Best of luck with Select had this on hire again today, so were presumably short of vehicles again
Its been on there most days over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to ride it and there probably won't be another chance after it finishes with Select.
Cannock used to have several of those darts. Absolutely shit they were, no padding in the seats whatsoever and all of them used to squeak like a cage full of bloody canaries when moving lol
Quote from: bob on July 10, 2013, 06:51:43 AM
2743/4 at cannock also. They may be just loaned as cannock had SEVEN breakdowns in service yesterday and not enough spare buses
are 2743-5 still in service at cannock as these may be have been made surplus at burton following introduction of new x 38 pulsars and the versas having been debranded and appear to be staying at Burton?
They could do with keeping them and retiring some darts
2744 was still there this morning although it was heading to shrewsbury for repairs this morning
Quote from: tphi12000 on July 16, 2013, 10:38:00 PM
Quote from: bob on July 10, 2013, 06:51:43 AM
2743/4 at cannock also. They may be just loaned as cannock had SEVEN breakdowns in service yesterday and not enough spare buses
are 2743-5 still in service at cannock as these may be have been made surplus at burton following introduction of new x 38 pulsars and the versas having been debranded and appear to be staying at Burton?
Step two in bus wars: new buses, but its cannock so second hand'll do
Sb120s arent brilliant but better than mpds for routes like the 33
2743 still at cannock, 2744/45 returned to burton, 2735 had interior refurbished and been told the b10's will all be going to wardle
Wonder what cannock will have too replace the volvos as theyre the backbone of the fleet and generally not that unreliable compared to darts etc
On V338 MBV on the 62, a lady passenger has complained because the flooring towards the door is ripped and sticking up and an elderly man tripped getting off. Its an absolute shit heap of a bus to be fair with a vomit inducing interior but its not too bad by cannock standards lol
Quote from: bob on July 20, 2013, 11:51:19 AM
On V338 MBV on the 62, a lady passenger has complained because the flooring towards the door is ripped and sticking up and an elderly man tripped getting off. Its an absolute shit heap of a bus to be fair with a vomit inducing interior but its not too bad by cannock standards lol
Time for a bit of Pete's Travel maintainance and nail it down again lol
E328 ejz2291 and 2330 r330tjw been confirmed as withdrawn, 2208 s208dto now working from wednesfield and s629khn needs new wiring done
Ejz withdrawn? Its a 02 plate ! But it broke down nearly every bloody day. Cannock will need a couple more buses to replace them, theyre probably linin up a couple of the worst darts. V338 mbv really needs to go but bu51 kwj is the worst bus in cannock if not the whole midlands fleet, that should go to wednesfield, the home of shite buses lol
Front bumper is also hanging off v338 mbv!
But according to the driver they can get away with it as theyve bolted it at the corner. Lf52 uog is sat at lichfield bus station with its hazards on, maybe that's broken down as well
Quote from: arrivaaston on July 20, 2013, 12:49:37 PM
E328 ejz2291 and 2330 r330tjw been confirmed as withdrawn, 2208 s208dto now working from wednesfield and s629khn needs new wiring done
2208 has been at Wednesfield for weeks now
What sorta wiring? It was on pye green today it needs a dest blind lol
Wich is why it needs wiring, it can't programme anything due to dofgy wirin
Quote from: arrivaaston on July 20, 2013, 12:49:37 PM
E328 ejz2291 and 2330 r330tjw been confirmed as withdrawn, 2208 s208dto now working from wednesfield and s629khn needs new wiring done
2328 & 2330 are both still taxed, neither has been declared SORN yet, 2328s tax runs until 31/3/14
1 of my mates at cannock said they were withdrawn unless there moving depots
Quote from: arrivaaston on July 20, 2013, 07:42:00 PM
1 of my mates at cannock said they were withdrawn unless there moving depots
They may be withdrawn, just Cannock hasn't claimed the tax back yet, but Arriva are normally fairly fast at doing that
Im currently on bu51 kwn and it rattles shakes vibrates has threadbare seats and is making some unhealthy noises. I can honestly say tony no matter how old theyve been ive never ever been on a nxwm bus thats in even half the state of a lot of cannocks fleet. But of course ill get moaned at on here cos arrivaa are allegedly wonderful
Apparently theres some service changes coming up in cannock one ive heard is the 1 is going to go back to being just cannock to walsall again anyone know of any more
Quote from: bob on July 22, 2013, 02:58:23 PM
Apparently theres some service changes coming up in cannock one ive heard is the 1 is going to go back to being just cannock to walsall again anyone know of any more
Wasn't the 1 & 2 extended in the first place, to save money?
Not sure. I know the 1 has run to and from huntington for 3 years now and the branding still hasnt been updated to reflect this lol! But this is cannock depot...
Ive also heard that. They are apparently running a service 22 from cannock to huntington.
I think also that the 75 is going to terminate at penkridge
There was a rumour about the 75 doing that before, and the 74 was going to be run with deckers. Never materialised though. Yea ive heard about the huntington route being brought back. Tbh I dont know why they dont just divert the 74A round the dog in tree estate hourly it might drum up custom and help keep it going as I cant see it lasting due to it always being pretty dead.
I think if they do terminate the 75 at penkridge then the 74a will pick up as it leaves at half past the same as the 75 so in theory would take the stafford passengers
Itll need some bigger buses then wont it. Its an mpd quite a lot
Yes that possibly would create a problem I cant see them putting new buses on the route
Ive heard there are more changes planned as well for september
2131 V424DGT is now working from Cannock
Quote from: bob on July 23, 2013, 04:26:50 PM
Ive heard there are more changes planned as well for september
Ive heard that the longford and shoal hill on the 2/2a will somehow be joined together creating 1 route leaving the walsall service to terminate at cannock
Quote from: arrivaaston on July 24, 2013, 09:00:48 AM
2131 V424DGT is now working from Cannock
Oh dear another old dart lol
Quote from: busman99 on July 24, 2013, 09:47:39 AM
Quote from: bob on July 23, 2013, 04:26:50 PM
Ive heard there are more changes planned as well for september
Ive heard that the longford and shoal hill on the 2/2a will somehow be joined together creating 1 route leaving the walsall service to terminate at cannock
Hope they update those nice glossy leaflets they brought out a few months ago?
Quote from: arrivaaston on July 24, 2013, 09:00:48 AM
2131 V424DGT is now working from Cannock
Another old dart drafted in. Cannocks just gonna be full of old nails soon. Wouldnt surprise me if they moved the 60/825 buses on elsewhere at some point or other :-p. Given that telford, derby, burton tamworth etc have had loads of investment In new buses ( yea they run some older ones but on a ratio sort of thing nothin like cannocks lol), would people think possibly that cannocks the least money making garage? Obviously after stafford
2249 is now at cannock for a second spell
Anyone heard any more about service changes?
Ft06 zte broke down on fri, then again but more serious on sat, pulled out of bus stn on a tow truck, v604 dbc broke down thurs, and bu51 kwj keeps bdeaking down/cutting out. Fg52 ggu broken down in bus stn today with engine coveer up. F####s sake theres something seriously wrong there......
Bob did you get the 3703 fd52ggu off my facebook lol and 2623 and 2640 both working from cannock, both on 68's this morning
Lol haha yea an 2 b6s? Must be a vehicle shortage?
Lol and 3719 FJ06ZTE is back out in use now today on Pye Greens and yep 2 b6's 2623 and 2640 both on 68
Wonder what was up with 3703
It got going in the end after missing a trip to the Dog-In-Tree
Apparently route 2 evenin journeys are withdrawn from 1st sept according to nwm site!
Just seen R330 TJW being taken off to the scrapman ( hopefully) on the back of a lorry in huntington. Good riddance? Wonder whats next to go from Cannocks fleet? Should be the bu51 batch of mpds they are knackered vile things!
Does anyone know if the 2 route evening journeys are being withdrawn? I use it every other Saturday night!
Being re routed and r331tjw is still parked up at cannock, r330 has gone due to engine failure, yorkshire b10 w108ewu is joining the training fleet to replace 9522 K101ohf
Quote from: arrivaaston on August 06, 2013, 09:09:34 PM
Being re routed and r331tjw is still parked up at cannock, r330 has gone due to engine failure, yorkshire b10 w108ewu is joining the training fleet to replace 9522 K101ohf
I thought 9527 had replaced 9522.
Rerouted? ????
Tamworth based citaro 3010 in cannock today on 32
Christ, a citaro, b6s from stafford, a crappy old dart on long term hire from telford, and sb120 from burton, is cannock having issues? Lol
Quote from: bob on August 08, 2013, 10:31:33 AM
a crappy old dart on long term hire from telford
What Dart would this be?
S629 khn. Its terrible jerky fearbox etc, only thing its got goin for it is retrimmed seats
The citaro has moved on to shresbury to help with the flowershow, the 2 b6's not out today possibly returned or also made trackjs to shrewsburyn s629khn 2361 is still soldering on on Pye Green Circular services
Quote from: bob on August 09, 2013, 07:48:06 AM
S629 khn. Its terrible jerky fearbox etc, only thing its got goin for it is retrimmed seats
Fearbox? Was that deliberate? lol
Lol na but I see ur point lol. S629 khn prob kept on pye greens in case it bosts down lol. Seen s351 yog with loadsa black smoke comin out its back end lmao
Quote from: bob on August 09, 2013, 07:48:06 AM
S629 khn. Its terrible jerky fearbox etc, only thing its got goin for it is retrimmed seats
Oh, yeah! Forgot about that!
Apparently theres some big-ish changes to routes and timetables in cannock area as of 1st sept. Arriva, crap as ever havent even put them on their website yet!
EJZ is obviously not withdrawn it was in service at cannock bus station this morning. Thought we'd seen the back of it lol. One of the worst for constantly breaking down!
Quote from: bob on August 12, 2013, 11:08:16 AM
EJZ is obviously not withdrawn it was in service at cannock bus station this morning. Thought we'd seen the back of it lol. One of the worst for constantly breaking down!
Has it crossed your mind that maybe they noticed and have been rectifying it?
@bob,
I thought you said 2274 (FK52MML) was coming back to Telford?
It did do didnt it? Also rectified? It kept being rectified sometimea every other day and towed back, then out in service two days later to break down again. The scrapman wouldve been better its a heap of junk tbf
Quote from: bob on August 12, 2013, 07:00:03 PM
It did do didnt it? Also rectified? It kept being rectified sometimea every other day and towed back, then out in service two days later to break down again. The scrapman wouldve been better its a heap of junk tbf
I'm not doubting that it did, but sometimes it takes 3 or 4 incidences of a breakdown for fitters to be able to diagnose the cause of a fault. It's always been the way. Bus breaks down, fitter rectifies fault, fault reoccurs, fitter rectifies again....this can keep happening until eventually there is no desperate need to keep pushing it back out on the road as a spare maybe brought in, allowing for the vehicle to be booked in for proper diagnosis and then the source of the recurring fault is identified and rectified. It is all about time available, and if the garage is short of buses, they will always be pushed back out on the road.
Fair point but cannock garage suffers a hell of a lot of breakdowns to the point where services can be unreliable. I know nxwm have buses breaking down but from what ive seen its a bit less than cannock. Especially when buses are actually in service
All the mpds should go theyre too small for the 33 etc and the full size darts and b6 are too big for most stafford routes. Why not exchange? The only stafford route that possibly requires anythin bigger than an mpd is the 9, and that isnt all the time
Actually, service 88 (Staffs tender) requires specific sized vehicles on certain journeys Bob.
Ok so keep say 4 larger buses there and have mpds for every thing else
The 841 Uttoxeter run also requires a larger vehicle especially when schools/colleges are back! Goin back some years we used the ex-timeline volvos 55 seaters (3306/12/13) and you still had standing passengers on it
Isnt that covered by Burton now? Its usually an mpd when ive seen it? Plus these days stafford wouldnt be able to provide anything bigger than a 40 seater anyway lol, given its a midibus only shadow of its former self
Quote from: ARRIVA / CK / SD on August 13, 2013, 05:20:17 PM
Anyone seen Dennis / V204 KDA / 2284 / V424 DGT in Cannock recently i have still not seen W249 SNR / 2249 as mentioned by ARRIVAASTON
V424 DGT and W249 SNR have been helping out with Flower Show Duties in Shrewsbury, but may well have been kept in Shrewsbury long-term...
The 841 Uttoxeter-Stafford transferred back to Stafford garage on June 1st as the Spath Outstation is no more
Quote from: arrivadays on August 13, 2013, 07:15:54 PM
Quote from: ARRIVA / CK / SD on August 13, 2013, 05:20:17 PM
Anyone seen Dennis / V204 KDA / 2284 / V424 DGT in Cannock recently i have still not seen W249 SNR / 2249 as mentioned by ARRIVAASTON
V424 DGT and W249 SNR have been helping out with Flower Show Duties in Shrewsbury, but may well have been kept in Shrewsbury long-term...
Keep em! Keep em! Cannocks got enough of the bloody horrid things l
2131, 2249 and 2211 are all on hire to Wardle now
2251 is at cannock having had an engine fire
Explains why Y50TGM is on long term loan from Telford
Y50 tgm operates from stafford not cannock lol
Yea that's I wmean lol its on long term hire to Stafford as 2281 is out of action
Why not they get all of the other shit buses..
If they go cannock will have NO heavy duty buses just lightweight crap
Quote from: arrivaaston on August 17, 2013, 11:49:18 PM
Explains why Y50TGM is on long term loan from Telford
Y50TGM is not based at Telford anymore...
Less than two weeks till they stop running them and theres nothin on the arriva site about the 23 & 67
Quote from: bob on August 21, 2013, 07:03:18 PM
Less than two weeks till they stop running them and theres nothin on the arriva site about the 23 & 67
Bob, we've had this discussion before. As the services are not being withdrawn, and are tendered, it is not Arriva's responsibility to publicise any change of operator or timetable, it is down to Staffs CC.....who are notoriously useless and uninterested when it comes to anything public transport and particularly bus related, unless it is in Stoke.
Quote from: andy on August 22, 2013, 01:36:09 AM
Quote from: bob on August 21, 2013, 07:03:18 PM
Less than two weeks till they stop running them and theres nothin on the arriva site about the 23 & 67
Bob, we've had this discussion before. As the services are not being withdrawn, and are tendered, it is not Arriva's responsibility to publicise any change of operator or timetable, it is down to Staffs CC.....who are notoriously useless and uninterested when it comes to anything public transport and particularly bus related, unless it is in Stoke.
It is not even Staffordshire in Stoke, they have their own Unitary authority
Lets hope its been repaired then! It used to vibrate so badly when idling the whole bus shook. Whats going on with allocations today theres fd52 ggv a centro and the unbranded stafford pulsar on tbe stafford service abd stafford branded on the pye greens wtc.the pulsar was debranded to make allocating easier according to arriva so why not use it on routes thatbuses aren't branded for lol? Also y264 ybc on the 60? An mpd on a route advertised as having new buses
On the site; updates for cannock have been put on but they state 67 being no longer operated by arriva but dont mention the 23/23A. Maybe theyre keeping that now too.
Have SCC re-tendered the services which Arriva haven't taken on commercially which NXWM originally won on tender yet?
Think it was only one or two journeys. Hope arriva dont get them!
Quote from: bob on August 25, 2013, 04:01:16 PM
Think it was only one or two journeys. Hope arriva dont get them!
Oh thought there was more, I was under the impression the 2 evening/Sunday service was still to be replaced? I doubt any other operators will be interested in just a handful of journies
The whole sunday day service?
Quote from: bob on August 25, 2013, 09:32:35 PM
The whole sunday day service?
Eh? I was going on what you said 'Think it was only one or two journeys'
Yea I thought arriva had registered most but not all of the journeys on evenings/sundays as commercial. And the onesthey didnt were to be re tendered. I wonder if theyre now gonna lose money on these trips? If they were to withdraw them at a later date ( they normally do take off liss making routes think 72/12/X12, X31 etc ) they oughta be banned from bidding when theyre tendered again for pissing the council about. Registering trips that you previously thought needed subsidising as commercial just to hang on to your crap service & monopoly talk about desperate lol!
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:24:26 AM
Yea I thought arriva had registered most but not all of the journeys on evenings/sundays as commercial. And the onesthey didnt were to be re tendered. I wonder if theyre now gonna lose money on these trips? If they were to withdraw them at a later date ( they normally do take off liss making routes think 72/12/X12, X31 etc ) they oughta be banned from bidding when theyre tendered again for ****ing the council about. Registering trips that you previously thought needed subsidising as commercial just to hang on to your crap service & monopoly talk about desperate lol!
That's what I thought, so only a handful of journeys were now going to be re-tendered again
I think arriva are going to just continue running all of em, on the 2 , surely if another company was it would be advertised by now
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:33:53 AM
I think arriva are going to just continue running all of em, on the 2 , surely if another company was it would be advertised by now
Look's that way, its a shame NX will not get the chance to operate the tenders within Cannock, as it couldn't have been a whole different ball game. Arriva's moves to take the tendered work commercial seems to more than back that statement up
They shouldnt really beallowed to abuse their monopoly, although it might save the council a few quid, the underlying thing is thats what arriva have done
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:57:06 AM
They shouldnt really beallowed to abuse their monopoly, although it might save the council a few quid, the underlying thing is thats what arriva have done
They have saved the council having to pay for tendered services, but they have also cost the council money having to re-run the tender process for the bits that Arriva haven't taken on commercially.
Arriva really must have felt threatened by NXWM winning those tenders
Isnt that what competition should be about though? Even though technically they werent directly threatening them given that they were tendered services?
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 10:28:14 AM
Isnt that what competition should be about though? Even though technically they werent directly threatening them given that they were tendered services?
Yes, Exactly. Arriva have effectively shut the door to keep NXWM out of Cannock, even they were only tendered journeys it could have eventually led NXWM to start commercial services against Arriva
Maybe it will lead to that nx will know that arriva felt threatened
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 10:59:00 AM
Maybe it will lead to that nx will know that arriva felt threatened
If Arriva ever do decide to introduce any commercial routes against NX in WM, Cannock will be one of the first places that you'll see NXWM appear, especially as WA garage is close enough to operate Cannock routes from. With the state of Cannock's current fleet it would certainly work in NXWM's favour......
I'd quite like to see a spat between Arriva & NXWM in Cannock, I miss the days of bus wars..... it's a bit dull & boring these days, nothing very exciting ever happens
Theres apparently more mpd's due for cannock, so expect quality to decline even more. The B10BLE's are apparently leaving too. Theyre the only heavyweight buses there so I dont know what arriva will replace them with. Ive always thought if nx ran on the 1 with b7rles omnilinks or even old b10l's ( interior wise theyre better than arrivas sb200s and dont sound half as knackererd despite being much older) theyd quickly beat arriva (lower fares, 20 quid less for a monthly ticket) and end up the dominant operator again on the walsall cannock corridor, leaving arriva to run their knackered darts on the lightly loaded 2's lol
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 11:33:21 AM
Theres apparently more mpd's due for cannock, so expect quality to decline even more. The B10BLE's are apparently leaving too. Theyre the only heavyweight buses there so I dont know what arriva will replace them with. Ive always thought if nx ran on the 1 with b7rles omnilinks or even old b10l's ( interior wise theyre better than arrivas sb200s and dont sound half as knackererd despite being much older) theyd quickly beat arriva (lower fares, 20 quid less for a monthly ticket) and end up the dominant operator again on the walsall cannock corridor, leaving arriva to run their knackered darts on the lightly loaded 2's lol
Could still happen if Arriva introduce any commercial routes in competition with NX, it is the easiest corridor/place for NX to strike back from an existing garage.
Are Cannock now due those ex Arriva London MPD's that have been going through Hants & Dorset trim? I.e. 2163-2167
I heard from my mate ( who was told by a driver) that one of them is supposed to be cannock bound
Cant really see arriva launching any competing routes against nx at least not with the current wednesfield fleet. Dont think the bloxwich to wolves bit of the 19 will last either. Been a bit of a flop lol
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:01:21 PM
Cant really see arriva launching any competing routes against nx at least not with the current wednesfield fleet.
I think if Arriva ever managed to get their hands on Diamond it could change things, as it would give them scale in the West Midlands
Christ letshope not
Quote from: Winston on August 26, 2013, 12:12:18 PM
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:01:21 PM
Cant really see arriva launching any competing routes against nx at least not with the current wednesfield fleet.
I think if Arriva ever managed to get their hands on Diamond it could change things, as it would give them scale in the West Midlands
It's funny you say that, as someone posted a rumour on my FB page that Arriva were interested in buying Diamond, from one of the Diamond drivers apparently (the rumour that is, not trying to buy Diamond off a driver!)
Quote from: Stu on August 26, 2013, 12:58:02 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 26, 2013, 12:12:18 PM
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:01:21 PM
Cant really see arriva launching any competing routes against nx at least not with the current wednesfield fleet.
I think if Arriva ever managed to get their hands on Diamond it could change things, as it would give them scale in the West Midlands
It's funny you say that, as someone posted a rumour on my FB page that Arriva were interested in buying Diamond, from one of the Diamond drivers apparently (the rumour that is, not trying to buy Diamond off a driver!)
Arriva would be in a much stronger position if they were to get Diamond, but the only way I can see this happening is Arriva would have to make an offer for the whole of Rotala Group Plc. I can't see Rotala wanting to part with their largest operation.
I still like to see Diamond fight back and win further Centro tenders currently operated by Arriva
Would the office of ft even allow it?
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 01:20:37 PM
Would the office of ft even allow it?
I would have thought so, the combined fleets would only be around 250-300 buses, market share would still be way below that of NXWM
Isnt diamond a bit of a declining business though? Although nowhere near as bad as midland was
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 02:57:35 PM
Isnt diamond a bit of a declining business though? Although nowhere near as bad as midland was
It has shrunk in size quite a bit over the past couple of years, as they had chosen to withdraw from various commercial services when the going got tougher rather than putting up a fight. Diamond also lost quite a chunk of tendered work when Arriva first appeared on the scene in WM. Long Acre depot has seen the most cuts/losses and its fleet has been drastically reduced in size. Diamond still have some strong commercial services i.e. 002, 4/4H/4M, 56, 202, 301, 401E etc plus obviously the Redditch town network
I wouldnt class the 301 as that strong, or the 4 group. They both lise out to travel card holders and ive seen loads of 301s run empty.its ridiculous how frequent it runs
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 03:50:18 PM
I wouldnt class the 301 as that strong, or the 4 group. They both lise out to travel card holders and ive seen loads of 301s run empty.its ridiculous how frequent it runs
I thought Diamond carried good loads on all those services?
Never seen the 301 busy
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 04:02:40 PM
Never seen the 301 busy
I'd catch it if they had a 50p with a WM Travelcard thing like they used to.
Don't get why they withdrew that offer.
Isn't it all about bums on seats?
Quote from: Stu on August 26, 2013, 12:58:02 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 26, 2013, 12:12:18 PM
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:01:21 PM
Cant really see arriva launching any competing routes against nx at least not with the current wednesfield fleet.
I think if Arriva ever managed to get their hands on Diamond it could change things, as it would give them scale in the West Midlands
It's funny you say that, as someone posted a rumour on my FB page that Arriva were interested in buying Diamond, from one of the Diamond drivers apparently (the rumour that is, not trying to buy Diamond off a driver!)
Those rumours are going round like wildfire...
Quote from: DJ trainbasher on August 26, 2013, 05:53:35 PM
Quote from: Stu on August 26, 2013, 12:58:02 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 26, 2013, 12:12:18 PM
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:01:21 PM
Cant really see arriva launching any competing routes against nx at least not with the current wednesfield fleet.
I think if Arriva ever managed to get their hands on Diamond it could change things, as it would give them scale in the West Midlands
It's funny you say that, as someone posted a rumour on my FB page that Arriva were interested in buying Diamond, from one of the Diamond drivers apparently (the rumour that is, not trying to buy Diamond off a driver!)
Those rumours are going round like wildfire...
To be fair, they've been going round ever since Arriva entered the WM bus scene & won a load of Centro tenders operated by Diamond
Quote from: Winston on August 26, 2013, 12:31:04 AM
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:24:26 AM
Yea I thought arriva had registered most but not all of the journeys on evenings/sundays as commercial. And the onesthey didnt were to be re tendered. I wonder if theyre now gonna lose money on these trips? If they were to withdraw them at a later date ( they normally do take off liss making routes think 72/12/X12, X31 etc ) they oughta be banned from bidding when theyre tendered again for ****ing the council about. Registering trips that you previously thought needed subsidising as commercial just to hang on to your crap service & monopoly talk about desperate lol!
That's what I thought, so only a handful of journeys were now going to be re-tendered again
Oh come on Bob. We all know how you feel about Arriva, but please.....these tactics go on up and down the country and have done for years. NX will have pulled the same trick at some stage somewhere I guarantee it.
In a perverse way, the council and the tax payer benefit for once from the system as they don't end up shelling out for these tenders. Remember, they tendered them in the first place, nobody made them! They could have deemed them unnecessary and bailed out? The savings on these, however short a period they end up being run, will completely eclipse the cost of another tender round for the remaining journeys. To talk of banning Arriva is way beyond the mark, and also impossible.
Why don't you put the shoe on the other foot? If NX were so desperate to run these services and stick it to Arriva, why not register them commercially themselves? I didn't see them rushing to VOSA with the paperwork did you??!!
There should only be any action against Arriva if they now fail to operate the advertised journeys, as can happen in this instances. Then the Traffic Commisioner can act and the council can justifiably go about banning folk. But until then, they are quids in!
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 12:57:06 AM
They shouldnt really beallowed to abuse their monopoly, although it might save the council a few quid, the underlying thing is thats what arriva have done
It really makes me laugh when you talk about Arriva's monopoly. Nobody has tried to enter Arriva's operating area on a commercial basis (other than Midland Classic in Burton) for years! Is that Arriva's fault?? And you laud NX, the holder of the most watertight monopoly of probably some of the most lucrative bus operating territory in the country.....state sponsored and bankrolled by Centro with their quality partnerships, network mapping around NX's services and failure to offer any viable or competitive alternative to the NX travelcard.
Quote from: Winston on August 26, 2013, 11:07:45 AM
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 10:59:00 AM
Maybe it will lead to that nx will know that arriva felt threatened
If Arriva ever do decide to introduce any commercial routes against NX in WM, Cannock will be one of the first places that you'll see NXWM appear, especially as WA garage is close enough to operate Cannock routes from. With the state of Cannock's current fleet it would certainly work in NXWM's favour......I'd quite like to see a spat between Arriva & NXWM in Cannock, I miss the days of bus wars..... it's a bit dull & boring these days, nothing very exciting ever happens
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 11:33:21 AM
Theres apparently more mpd's due for cannock, so expect quality to decline even more. The B10BLE's are apparently leaving too. Theyre the only heavyweight buses there so I dont know what arriva will replace them with. Ive always thought if nx ran on the 1 with b7rles omnilinks or even old b10l's ( interior wise theyre better than arrivas sb200s and dont sound half as knackererd despite being much older) theyd quickly beat arriva (lower fares, 20 quid less for a monthly ticket) and end up the dominant operator again on the walsall cannock corridor, leaving arriva to run their knackered darts on the lightly loaded 2's lol
Yes, they could soon muster up a load of worn out and disgraceful Presidents and as delivered 13 year old ALX 400's to move Staffordshire's public transport up a gear couldn't they? But no, they still need those to operate flagship services in East Birmingham for a few more years...
And sorry to disappoint, but they could not offer monthly passes for 20 quid less as they would be too far away from Uncle Centro and his subsidies....sure, they could to start with, but as soon as they had the game to themselves......
I am not here to defend Arriva, I am fully aware of some of their shortcomings. But I am wholly sick of this 'if only NX operated every bus in the Midlands the world would be perfect' diatribe....
Erm they always have offered them for that much less for years? Travelcards are valid on cannock bound services and were when they ran the 351 etc. Arriva's monthly ticket is around 20 per month more as I said...
And arent most presidents on their second refurb? I will agree with you on some of the alx400s though, but the interiors arent as bad (seat wise) as some of cannocks fleet.
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 09:58:09 PM
Erm they always have offered them for that much less for years? Travelcards are valid on cannock bound services and were when they ran the 351 etc. Arriva's monthly ticket is around 20 per month more as I said...
Yes, and why do you think they ended up withdrawing almost all of their services?! It's not rocket science!
Whatever. At some point theyll come back and arriva will panic, just like they have recently. ...
Blimey the sept 1st changes to the 70 will leave chadsmoor without a bus service at all on sundays. Surprised at that
Why do they put darts on the pye greens? S629 khn has just gone past me on pye green Road with people standing all way to the front lol ( still got no working destination blind)
Quote from: Westy on August 26, 2013, 05:32:58 PM
Quote from: bob on August 26, 2013, 04:02:40 PM
Never seen the 301 busy
I'd catch it if they had a 50p with a WM Travelcard thing like they used to.
Don't get why they withdrew that offer.
Isn't it all about bums on seats?
Like WMSNT
60p for travelcard
if they did that then theyed get less money from OAP's
Has X523 GGO transferred to stafford? Looked like it was working from there today, shame it wasone of cannocks better darts
SN03 LGC is working from stafford as well today. Cannocks only other dart that isnt a total shed :-( wonder whats gonna replace em at cannock?
10/09
2209 SN03LGC from Cannock, 2221 T51JJF from Burton, 2315 X523GGO from Cannock, 2345 S345YOG from Shrewsbury?? all on loan at Stafford today due to a severe shortage
How have they ended up with a severe shortage? I remember when they were mainly dart, they had major reliability issues something like 10 breakdowns in a day which is bad when youve got a small fleet. Maybe the B6s are proving as unreliable?
Quote from: bob on September 10, 2013, 06:14:06 PM
SN03 LGC is working from stafford as well today. Cannocks only other dart that isnt a total shed :-( wonder whats gonna replace em at cannock?
Cannock is having 8 new buses ive been told.
They are mercedes and are for pye green circular and route 33
Citaros at cannock? Doubt it lol. Would 8 even cover the number of buses needed for those routes? Plus isnt the 33 nearly always operated by midibus sized buses?
Pye greens need 6 buses mon to fri and 5 on a sat and 33's need at least 4 so those new buses won't do both routes
It would be good to have some decent buses on the pye greens instead of a clapped out s-khn thats never had a working destination blind since its been there (!!) They just stick anything and everything on at the moment. Worst being mpds lol
Im not sure what mercedes they are as my friend who works there did not know
There are some changes coming to route 33 by the way of extra time to allow a more reliable service, 32 roure is to be cancelled completey so I have been told
Preaumably the 33 will be extended to Hednesford then? Otherwise the hednesford to cannock section will be reduced to a half hourly 31
Quote from: busman99 on September 11, 2013, 09:45:09 AM
There are some changes coming to route 33 by the way of extra time to allow a more reliable service, 32 roure is to be cancelled completey so I have been told
What about the 32 bit in Norton? Last time they tried to withdraw that bit, people had a moan & they had to change it back.
Quote from: Westy on September 11, 2013, 08:18:37 PM
Quote from: busman99 on September 11, 2013, 09:45:09 AM
There are some changes coming to route 33 by the way of extra time to allow a more reliable service, 32 roure is to be cancelled completey so I have been told
What about the 32 bit in Norton? Last time they tried to withdraw that bit, people had a moan & they had to change it back.
Ive just heard from my mate that the whole route is to be cancelled, including the norton bit. He is not sure about the 33 running to Hednesford he hasnt heard that only that it is being given more time to get to Walsall 1hr 20 instead of 1 hr
1hr 20 cannock to walsall? Jesus christ. Wonder if any other routes are changing. The whole 31/2/3 timetable needed a re think to be fair it was confusing as hell
Is that 32 fairly profitable?
Is it worth anyone else having a crack at it?
Who else could do it?
Wouldnt of thought so its a pretty thin area for bus routes ( norton canes) & duno why anyone would want to go to brownhills from cannock/Hednesford
The times ive been on the 32 ive noticed hardly anyone goes to Norton Green lane estate now, its hardly suprising that it maybe cancelled if not many people are using it then there is no point running it
S351 yog in lichfield the driver had to sit in neutral with her foot on the gas for ages just to build the air up lol. Its a right nail ripped and threadbare seats as well. Absolutely spewing out black smoke
Quote from: busman99 on September 11, 2013, 10:55:34 PM
The times ive been on the 32 ive noticed hardly anyone goes to Norton Green lane estate now, its hardly suprising that it maybe cancelled if not many people are using it then there is no point running it
As I said before, last time Arriva tried to withdraw the 32, people moaned, and it got reinstated.
People have got to realise ' Use it or lose it'.
My mate told me Cannock have two Stafford darts today W232 SNR & mpd V207 KDA. Anyone know if theyve got a vehicle shortage? X523 GGO is still operating from Stafford is this a loan or permanent transfer?
2287 V207KDA is having MOT done at Cannock. 2232 W232SNR had moved to Cannock today to have some body panels painted.
2315 X523GGO and 2345 S345YOG still on loan but all being well should be departing when 2232/2287 come back. Suppose it depends if the "delicate B6s" behave themselves lol
Delicate b6s lol? Nails
Quote from: bob on September 17, 2013, 09:25:11 PM
Delicate b6s lol? Nails
They've just been through prime overheating period.
Lol do they struggle with hills? Ive got visions of em crawling up Bradbury lane on a pye green at about 2mph :-p I used to think stafford should have some of cannocks mpds & cannock have the b6s, as theyre larger, but on reflection I reckon theyre better off staying put :-P
If I get the train to Cannock to see the ARRIVA fleet from Cannock
how far is it to walk from Cannock train station to cannock bus
Station thanks
Ten min walk just go up the hill cross over road or use subway at morrisons walk thru town and ur there
Every day on my way from work I see a 74 coming through huntington en route to stafford followed a minute later by an empty 74a! And the inbound 74 which passes them at this time (around 1720) is always full of standees! Why cant cannock have just a couple of the deckers they waste on empty services elsewhere? Even if one operated peak only on the sraffords itd probably take more revenue than a whole day on the 19 !
Is it just the 32/33 changing in October? Or are there anymore changes?
Broken down 61 plate pulsar in lichfield bus station earlier the arriva technical support van had come out
On hire from tamworth
Quick question time.
Anyone know the best way to Carol's / Big D in Cannock by bus from Bloxwich?
Looking at Arriva route map for Service 2/2a, it seems you have to get off just past the Delta Way depot & walk up to Longford Road & turn left, unless anyone has a better idea?
(Nephew has just got a temporary job there. It's a start I suppose in the current climate! )
Get off the 2 in hampton st at the first stop. Cross road and walk up to national tyres island and turn left and its there :)
Cheers Bob.
Or if you wantedthe most out of your day saver you could get on an empty 19 decker to new invention probably have the whole bus to yourself lol and catch a 68 to cannock getting off same place as you would the 2. Lol! Check timings tho as 68 is hourly :)
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on October 02, 2013, 12:30:45 PM
Are Cannock having 8 new buses this year for / 25 / 26 / all V / DBC are still at Cannock not gone are we hearing just rumours ?
My mate who works there has said there are new buses due but doesnt know if they are new, he heard they were second hand new from another depot.
Although I have heard drivers also saying they are expecting mercedes buses so who knows, just looks like they may be some fleet changes soon
Thats how poor cannock is mpds on arguably their busiest route! !
I thought the 33 was changing in October? ? Cant find anything in vosa n & p ( gov.uk site)
The 13.16 26 to cannock still not turned up on pye green rd, one of the usual breakdowns presumably? ? Lol
Yep it had broken down surprise surprise, how do they manage to avoid getting done for the amount of services that dont run due to broken down buses????
Another broken down bus on the route yesterday as well causing issues for passengers. Maybe its our fault and we should all leave an hour earlier to make allowances for the crap service provided? 32 broke down as well the other day. Yes I know buses do break down but ive never known it happen anywhere near as much as it does with arriva in cannock...
Well one of them broke down in service yesterday so I wouldnt think theyll last long full stop
The 2 darts are 2163 X546GGO amd 2167 X249PGT
Been told today 3608 is on the scrap pile at Cannock and is being stripped for spares
Bet that cheered u up lol
Apparently 3617 3618 are now allocated to cannock I wonder when we will see them out and about. 108 as it previously was has been parked in cannocks yard for ages
Hmmmmm hopefully theyll be out in use soon?
The one at wardle doesnt look too bad
Does anybody know when W107/8 EWU are going to enter service at Cannock? ??? Like HOW LONG are they gonna be in reserve. .. its mad lol
Quote from: bob on October 11, 2013, 04:05:45 PM
Does anybody know when W107/8 EWU are going to enter service at Cannock? ??? Like HOW LONG are they gonna be in reserve. .. its mad lol
108 is still parked up at cannock in the scrap pile and there is 1 of the ex yorkshire in the paint shop according to my mate but he does not know which bus this is, perhaps its 107 and its getting a paint job before service
Maybe its being branded up for something. ..:-p
Quote from: busman99 on September 11, 2013, 09:45:09 AM
There are some changes coming to route 33 by the way of extra time to allow a more reliable service, 32 roure is to be cancelled completey so I have been told
Anyone know when or if these are happening cos theres nothing at all listed for October
Also is the chaselinx brand being phased out? Probably only half or less of cannocks fleet carry it now...
Quote from: bob on October 12, 2013, 02:17:58 PM
Quote from: busman99 on September 11, 2013, 09:45:09 AM
There are some changes coming to route 33 by the way of extra time to allow a more reliable service, 32 roure is to be cancelled completey so I have been told
Anyone know when or if these are happening cos theres nothing at all listed for October
My mate thinks it will happen towards the end of november. On another note he also says the new daf pulsars are due in december for cannock
Daf pulsars? I hope they arent intended for the pye greens lol theyre so woefully underpowered they sound like they're about to spontaneously combust going up bradbury lane :-p I thought cannock was due mercs?
Quote from: bob on October 12, 2013, 06:13:25 PM
Daf pulsars? I hope they arent intended for the pye greens lol theyre so woefully underpowered they sound like they're about to spontaneously combust going up bradbury lane :-p I thought cannock was due mercs?
Just what he has heard, it was going to be mercs but now they are having pulsar 2.
They are going to replace the DBC volvos and some darts.
As we all know though things can change over night in Arriva.
Hmmmm I wonder which darts are on the hit list. Although the bu51 aint the oldest theyre the most shagged and scutty. They should be withdrawn and scrapped. Saying that theyd be ok for wednesfield to be fair
Any idea how many theyll be expecting? Would need to be 10 just to replace the volvos and if darts are going more....
Quote from: bob on October 13, 2013, 03:29:00 PM
Any idea how many theyll be expecting? Would need to be 10 just to replace the volvos and if darts are going more....
I dont know ill try and get hold of my mate tomorroe and ask him
3608 seems to of been scrapped apparently its in the yard and being stripped of parts to keep other volvos running,
If the 9 v-dbc volvos are going why are they bothering putting 2 w reg ones into service at cannock
The terminus for the 68/70 ( every other 70 that is, adding to confusion) in wolves is a bit daft on a hill and nowhere near the shops! Doesnt make it a very attractive option lol
S351 YOG is operating from stafford today. Lets hope its a permanent transfer lol
Its a pile of shite lol
Those 2 volvos any nearer to entering service yet?
Quote from: bob on October 17, 2013, 09:33:57 PM
Those 2 volvos any nearer to entering service yet?
Ive heard that 107 is in the paint shop at cannock being painted. 108 is still parked in their yard
Seems to have been in the paint shop ages!
I rode 3609 on the 68 last night, not sure why people complain about these B10BLEs, this one was a superb bus, fast and sounded great as well, I know not all of them are so good, but still
Theyre apparently going shortly, I think theyre prob cannocks best buses as theyre the only heavy duty vehicles allocated. They knock spots off the sb200s, lightweight shit that can't even pull off from a bus stop without the engine having to work so hard the bus is screaming! Lol im tall as well and the b10bs have got great legroom pretty much throughout the bus so ill miss em. Have to say tho I prefer the sound of voith b10bs so cant wait for the W reg pair to enter service at cannock. Presuming they ever do lol
That or the wolverhampton routes. With them having coach seats theyd be good for longer services
I think they would be nice on the 62 route to Lichfield
Me too but its quite a quiet route these days sadly
YJ54 CKF seen in stafford cannock bound by sainsburys today on the 74!!!! Full and standing load with 2 more busy town centre stops to go. Why on earth put a midibus on a buay interurban route???? Esp one with branding for walsalllol. Id of Iimagined at best this trip would've been horrendous
Bub it was actualy 2701 YJ54CKE, sister 2702 YJ54CKF was yesterday on 62, Telford based dart 2383 Y40TGM is now working from Cannock seen this morning on 23
Ive heard today that Cannock is expecting 2 new deliveries of vehicles before christmas.
There will be a complete replacement of the service 1 buses 3701/2/3/4 which will be mercedes benz
Then there will be a fleet of pulsar 2 probably to replace the volvos and some darts
Quote from: busman99 on October 23, 2013, 06:33:28 PM
Ive heard today that Cannock is expecting 2 new deliveries of vehicles before christmas.
There will be a complete replacement of the service 1 buses 3701/2/3/4 which will be mercedes benz
Then there will be a fleet of pulsar 2 probably to replace the volvos and some darts
First I've heard of this, any official announcement or just driver gossip?
Will 3701-4 stay and be used on other routes?
Yj54 cke was on 62 again today along with a route 1 bus on the 74 lol
Quote from: nx4737 on October 23, 2013, 07:02:00 PM
Quote from: busman99 on October 23, 2013, 06:33:28 PM
Ive heard today that Cannock is expecting 2 new deliveries of vehicles before christmas.
There will be a complete replacement of the service 1 buses 3701/2/3/4 which will be mercedes benz
Then there will be a fleet of pulsar 2 probably to replace the volvos and some darts
First I've heard of this, any official announcement or just driver gossip?
I heard an inspector telling a driver earlier, the driver was saying ill believe it when i see them in the yard and the inspector said its definately happening they are being built for delivery before christmas.
I have to admit though I would br like the driver ill believe it when we see them at the yard
Quote from: nx4737 on October 23, 2013, 07:02:00 PM
Quote from: busman99 on October 23, 2013, 06:33:28 PM
Ive heard today that Cannock is expecting 2 new deliveries of vehicles before christmas.
There will be a complete replacement of the service 1 buses 3701/2/3/4 which will be mercedes benz
Then there will be a fleet of pulsar 2 probably to replace the volvos and some darts
First I've heard of this, any official announcement or just driver gossip?
If 'some darts' are being replaced wouldnt that mean a decrease in midibuses? Cant see that happening lol
Quote from: bob on October 23, 2013, 07:04:00 PM
Will 3701-4 stay and be used on other routes?
Dont know but could explain why they have not been refurbed. Maybe there are new buses due to replace them only rime will tell. Ive a mate who works at cannock ill ask him see if he knows
Still no sign of W107/8 EWU!!! jesus how long does it take to put a bus into service lol? S629 KHN has been on the 70/76 today so its venturing further than pye greens now. Bu03 hrk was on them too lookin a state internally, odd how the other 3 were re trimmed a bit ago and they let that one go round in such a bad way
Arriva livered Wardles Transport MPD (Too far away to ID fleetnumber but could have been 2167) on the Sunday 70 this morning. Saw parked in Stafford Street in Wolverhampton about 09:40 whilst aboard 5511 on the 59
Quote from: nx4737 on October 23, 2013, 07:02:00 PM
Quote from: busman99 on October 23, 2013, 06:33:28 PM
Ive heard today that Cannock is expecting 2 new deliveries of vehicles before christmas.
There will be a complete replacement of the service 1 buses 3701/2/3/4 which will be mercedes benz
Then there will be a fleet of pulsar 2 probably to replace the volvos and some darts
First I've heard of this, any official announcement or just driver gossip?
Any idea which darts will go? Hopefully Bu51 kwj its knackered! The other four from the batch could possibly get away with a refurb. Maybe s351 yog/v338 mbv?
I've heard 2390 is now withdrawn, 3701/2/3/4 could possibly be branded for 2/2A when the "New" buses arrive
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 27, 2013, 10:13:05 AM
Arriva livered Wardles Transport MPD (Too far away to ID fleetnumber but could have been 2167) on the Sunday 70 this morning. Saw parked in Stafford Street in Wolverhampton about 09:40 whilst aboard 5511 on the 59
Saw it on the 33 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/10555581583/
Is it just on loan to Cannock or transferred
On loan as they are temporarily surplus at wardle
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on October 29, 2013, 09:25:05 PM
Going to be interesting to see if any of buses that are going at Cannock end up at Stafford / Wednesfield
Well the only thing that would go to Wednesfield from Ck would be MPD's
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 29, 2013, 09:31:46 PM
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on October 29, 2013, 09:25:05 PM
Going to be interesting to see if any of buses that are going at Cannock end up at Stafford / Wednesfield
Well the only thing that would go to Wednesfield from Ck would be MPD's
Mpds? Theyd be for wednesfields busier routes lol. Hope bu51 kwn is a permanent transfer to stafford. The whole batch should go there and be exchanged for b6s or larger darts
I realise that Stafford is actually only an outstation of Cannock but is Wednesfield an outstation also,or a garage in it's own right?
Garage in its own right. Only full sized buses are deckers. All singles are darts/mpd darts/e200 or solos
Does anyone know when the supposed new buses are due to arrive for cannock? And what they will replace? Rumour is the b10s are going, but theyve just been allocated 2 more of them, yet theyve been in the paintshop for WEEKS!
W107/8EWU could possibly be joining the trainig fleet, V338MBV is to be believed as w/drawn and there's an order of new buses due December/January
Nooooo their far to good for the training fleet! !! Given the shite they operate in service
Its in a right state, caught it in lichfield a couple of months ago its the one that had the bumper held on with string
2348 will either end life at cannock, go wednesfield with sister 2347 or stafford with sisters 2345/2346
Is it in better nick than sister bus S351 YOG?
Are they not the ex london ones for spares?
The two red deckers ar cannock are the for spares and will eventualy be scrapped
2743 noticed back at cannock from her stint at Shrewsbury, noticed earlier on Pye Green Circulars and new arrival 2348 noticed on 32's
Werent 2 of those supposed to be transferred to stafford, to modernise ( in the loosest terms lol) the fleet there???
Theyre at cannock but haven't entered service. Doubt they will. If theyre getting rid of the v reg b10bles and apparently scrapping them ( which is mad considering the other low quality vehicles they keep repairing and putting back into use obly for them to break down again days later) why put two others into use
Language, Timothy! Thanks, LS
Just seen it rammed on a walsall bound 33. Looks pretty tatty interior wise
Quote from: bob on November 11, 2013, 03:10:38 PM
Theyre at cannock but haven't entered service. Doubt they will. If theyre getting rid of the v reg b10bles and apparently scrapping them ( which is mad considering the other low quality vehicles they keep repairing and putting back into use obly for them to break down again days later) why put two others into use
Language, Timothy! Thanks, LS
I cant see them scrapping all the b10 maybe one or two but most of them have probably still got a few years life left yet. My mate says 107 is still in the paint shop and 108 is still parked in the yard
I cant see them all going either
3603/3612 are nicely refurbed inside. They werent done all that long ago. Plus theyre beasts of a bus! Surely S351 YOG S348 YOG V338 MBV S629 KHN BU51 KWJ need to be replaced before they even consider withdrawing any Volvo's lol.
Also the refurbished ones are in a much better state than some of the route 1 buses ( notably FD52 GGU )
2328 and 2348 are both working from Stafford, 3608 is already on the scrap pile, w107/8ewu are going to become training buses I've been told
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on November 16, 2013, 08:00:16 PM
Are the new batch of FL63 plates arriving at Cannock in December ( or ) early 2014
How fast the batch is being delivered, quite possibly this month, seems to be about 10 here so far
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on November 17, 2013, 03:10:30 PM
It is about time that the CK driver trainers / K107 OHF / M430 UNW / are replaced
The W plate volvoa are supposed to be replacing them aren't they
Thouggt sn03 lgc was off the road atm
2616 been on all day also 3729 got towed off the bus station WAS on 32's
Quote from: arrivaaston on November 21, 2013, 06:13:01 PM
2616 been on all day also 3729 got towed off the bus station WAS on 32's
Lol another cannock bus being towed off after breaking down in service ? Never in this world.....
Anybody know what route 2616 is on today?
Have not seen her just yet, 2731 and 3605 broke down this morning
Broke down in service again?
2209 and 2616 both broke down on Tesco Free Bus today
Jesus christ sort it out arriva lol
Quote from: arrivaaston on November 22, 2013, 06:37:54 PM
2209 and 2616 both broke down on Tesco Free Bus today
Cant the traffic commissioner or someone get involved with this. Surely they're missing too many journies out all across their network with a load of nails.
Quote from: bususer12 on November 24, 2013, 01:13:51 AM
Quote from: arrivaaston on November 22, 2013, 06:37:54 PM
2209 and 2616 both broke down on Tesco Free Bus today
Cant the traffic commissioner or someone get involved with this. Surely they're missing too many journies out all across their network with a load of nails.
Careful what you say, youll be shot down on here for slaggin cannocks rubbish fleet/level of service lol
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on November 20, 2013, 07:20:35 PM
SN03 LGC / 2209 is wasted on TESCO free bus route never see any people on
Would say its hardly "wasted"
I think he means its cos its probably cannocks nicest dart. They could use one of the crap ones instead
My mate has told me the pair of w-ewu volvos at cannock are actually supposed to be entering service this week rather than becoming trainers. ..hope so
2291 was abit rough on the 76 on friday night, but still got me back to Wolves right on time for my bus home
Ive been told that 3619 is at cannock also ready for service so there is possibly 3 of them for service.
Looking forward to seeing these buses out
Wonder what theyll be used on? Hopefully longer distance services
Probably wolverhampton and the 76 like the dbc volvos
Hope they are a bit faster than they were when new, 40mph up and down the M1 on the X33 was a bit tedious at times.
Shrewsbury 2296 running out of Cannock on the Lichfield 15 service today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/11051191306/
Been at cannock a couple of weeks. A shed
2296 is borroiwed froim Arriva Shrewsbury
Have they got a shortage then? Cos theyre always borrowing buses every week from various garages lol
Quote from: arrivaaston on November 25, 2013, 07:44:03 PM
2296 is borroiwed froim Arriva Shrewsbury
2296 is at Stafford today, just seen heading into town on a 6.
2296 was took off 2A at 8.45 this morning (26/11/13) and replaced with 3609 and returned to the yard by that driver that looks like Elton John
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on November 26, 2013, 05:15:42 PM
See / FK52 MML / 2274 / is back on road at Cannock again after bit of absence
Does it still shake and vibrate when idling
I was on 2274 on Sunday and seems a lot more smoother
Quote from: arrivaaston on November 26, 2013, 10:35:18 PM
2296 was took off 2A at 8.45 this morning (26/11/13) and replaced with 3609 and returned to the yard by that driver that looks like Elton John
Does he have a dodgy ginger wig then?
Quote from: Westy on November 27, 2013, 05:46:36 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on November 26, 2013, 10:35:18 PM
2296 was took off 2A at 8.45 this morning (26/11/13) and replaced with 3609 and returned to the yard by that driver that looks like Elton John
Does he have a dodgy ginger wig then?
If there was ever a quote to be in a signature, then this would be it.
Any sign of the bloody W-EWUs yet?????
Why could December prove interesting lol? W reg apparently gona be out nxt week
Apparently cannocks not having them now being sent elsewhere if rumours are true
Quote from: bob on November 28, 2013, 05:59:28 PM
Any sign of the bloody W-EWUs yet?????
3619 ex 109 has had a complete refurb inside and out andnis entering service ar cannock along with 3617 ex 107 and 3618 ex 108.
3619 was sent to have some work done on the exhaust brake and will enter service when it returns. They are supposed to be replacing 3 dbc volvos which are joining the training fleet
When are they entering service? Are they going to be branded at all?
Some changes to the 74/75/74A registered on vosa for 4th jan
I believe they are just amending some timing points rather than any actual timetable changes.
Nice to see buses on time service 62 running nearly 15 minutes late the 1:05 has just turned up
Was it a nice scabby old dart lol? V338 mbv & s351 yog ( usually belching out tons of black smoke) are regulars
2284
Vehicle change a 61 plate now running 25 minutes late
Unusual vehicle change that is. Maybe the dart had problems
I believe this happened on Wednesday too same time 2361 taken off and replaced with a 61 plate
Odd
How can you pull back 23 minutes after being late on previous route ?
Looking forward to sampling the w plate volvos :) at last some half decent proper big busesinstead of clapped out darts :)
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on November 30, 2013, 05:00:34 PM
Have not seen / S348 YOG / 2348 / in CK recently has it now gone to SD
I think arrivaaston said that 2348 went to the scrap yard on the low.loader
Quote from: bob on November 30, 2013, 09:15:44 PM
Looking forward to sampling the w plate volvos :) at last some half decent proper big busesinstead of clapped out darts :)
My mate who works there thinks it will be imminent in the next week or so
Quote from: busman99 on December 01, 2013, 05:32:39 PM
Quote from: bob on November 30, 2013, 09:15:44 PM
Looking forward to sampling the w plate volvos :) at last some half decent proper big busesinstead of clapped out darts :)
My mate who works there thinks it will be imminent in the next week or so
3619 is taxed the other 2 are still sorn according to dvla.
2348 has now left the fleet, I've been told 3601/2/9 could be the trainers for Cannock when the W/EWU shed enter the road
That could explain them taking forever entering service if theyre sorn lol. Hope they hurry up and get em out :)
I heard somewhere that the DVLA website can be a few weeks behind, whether thats true somebody can tell me. However that could mean that all three of the EWU's are now taxed perhaps
Why are people looking foward to seeing these W reg volvos out? There still b10's just with another body on still the same crappy volvo engine same as the V/DBC shed they operate now lol
Theyre voith similar to some of nx ones so will sound different to dbc's. Cmon theyre nice buses coach seats etc. Would u rather more poor quality darts?
Don't let me warn you again, Bob. L S
I would like to see the W/SNR darts at Derby at cannock, be more ideal than BU51, ones at derby are due to be replaced by former Hinckley Bus scanias as for the volvos I've travelled on them I didn't think much of them and given Cannocks track record they won't exactly stay well maintained would they now lol
The w-snr are alright but a bit past it. Plus the seating is awful cos theyve crammed forty in so theres even less legroom than normal lol. Darts dont suit longer routes though? What would they use em on?
U gotta admit the W/SNR are better for say 33's and 68's compared to MPD's
68 tends to get mainly full size buses tbf. Id say the only thing theyd be any good for would be 31 cos 33 is quite a long route or maybe 62 at a push
Quote from: arrivaaston on December 02, 2013, 02:31:05 PM
I would like to see the W/SNR darts at Derby at cannock, be more ideal than BU51, ones at derby are due to be replaced by former Hinckley Bus scanias as for the volvos I've travelled on them I didn't think much of them and given Cannocks track record they won't exactly stay well maintained would they now lol
Are you really suggesting any dart is better than a Volvo B10
Burton based 2227 is today working from Cannock and as I've said before Tony I don't like many volvos
Maybe its the Alexander darts that are going to be displaced by the new pulsars at Burton then. I hope it is abd cannock doesnt end up with S614 KHN T51 JJF or any of their other pointers. Cannock & Stafford seem to be a dumping ground for them. Still no sign of the volvos?
I spoke to soon! T51 JJF IS working from cannock today...let's hope its just a temporary thing lol! Maybe its on its way to wednesfield. ..
2221 what a beast!!! My favourite MPD :-p NOT!! Send it to Bridgnorth with sister 2219 which I've been informed has had a refurb....... Volvos due to enter service next week, another bad note 3608 has been reinstated after several months on the reserve pool
Quote from: arrivaaston on December 05, 2013, 08:50:35 AM
2221 what a beast!!! My favourite MPD :-p NOT!! Send it to Bridgnorth with sister 2219 which I've been informed has had a refurb....... Volvos due to enter service next week, another bad note 3608 has been reinstated after several months on the reserve pool
I thought 2219 is with us at Telford? Or has it gone again? 2219 is actually a really nice bus - bit shaky in idle and smelly, but it's very comfortable! :O
Deckers wouldnt be able to go on the 60 with it being interworked with the 825 unless you want em converted to open toppers in service lol
Agree with you on the 74 though itll never happen though unfortunately
From where?
Id imagine itd be the larger darts thatll go from stafford if anything
Saw a pulsar by asda in cannock displaying contract service on the blind, anyone know what thatd be about?
School contract perhaps?
It was about 730 pm :)
Does the evening 2 interwork with anything, or does it get 45 minutes layover time
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on December 10, 2013, 04:15:25 PM
Been on W109 EWU has nice seats got no stop bell / bars middle to rear
They are finally out then? At last
Nathan
Evening 2's interwork with the 70 and 76 in various ways
Quote from: Ashley on December 10, 2013, 04:31:07 PM
Nathan
Evening 2's interwork with the 70 and 76 in various ways
Thanks Ashley :)
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on December 10, 2013, 04:15:25 PM
Been on W109 EWU has nice seats got no stop bell / bars middle to rear
Was it on 33? Its the only one of the trio out in service as yet I think
Quote from: bob on December 09, 2013, 09:24:51 PM
Saw a pulsar by asda in cannock displaying contract service on the blind, anyone know what thatd be about?
Could of been doing amazon, cannock are operaring duplicates of the A2, they just may not have programmed the blinds on that one
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on December 10, 2013, 06:20:21 PM
No was on 31 / W109 EWU / has been on the 31 route most of day
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3619.html
Looks very smart! ! With coach seats it would be really good on longer distance/ interurban services :)
What was 3607 doing at cannock bus station?
Quote from: Ashley on December 10, 2013, 04:31:07 PM
Nathan
Evening 2's interwork with the 70 and 76 in various ways
Out of interest what is allocated to evening 70's/76's/2's?. I'm never out in Wolverhampton during the evening so i don't see the 70/76 at those times.
Also one thing is the evening 68 a bus off the daytime servi e or does it come from another route because the 20:36 and 22:36 from my stop (In Wednesfield going towards Wolves) seems be a different bus to the ones in the daytime. Its usually B10BLE's in the daytime then when the evening bus returns from Cannock going towards Wolverhampton it usually changes to an MPD
Quote from: bob on December 10, 2013, 09:25:08 PM
What was 3607 doing at cannock bus station?
## 3617 I meant ##
What gearbox do these W-EWU's have?
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on December 10, 2013, 05:40:34 PM
Has / W227 SNR / 2227 / been on loan at CK not seen it out for days
it was on the 62 yesterday
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 10, 2013, 09:56:07 PM
What gearbox do these W-EWU's have?
Voith so they sound diff to the dbc's
Like a sb200 with added vroooom and no struggle when a bit of powers needed
Quote from: bob on December 10, 2013, 10:20:38 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 10, 2013, 09:56:07 PM
What gearbox do these W-EWU's have?
Voith so they sound diff to the dbc's
Rats, I prefer ZF in newer B10s, but as it's a B10 not some DAF/VDL I'll let it off...
Any W-EWU out and about today??
Maybe theyve got rid of v338 mbv? It was in a right bad state
One of the latest arrivals either 3617,3618 or 3619 on route 62 today
Ive heard theres changes to the 25/26 & 31/32/33 in january, anyone know if this is right? Theres nothing advertisedthough. AlAlso theres a change listed on vosa to the 68 from 4th january; anyone know what that would be? ?
The change to the 68 is to alter the route so it serves hall lane again
Quote from: ARRIVA / S I on December 14, 2013, 04:20:25 PM
Not seen 3617 / 3618 out i have only seen + been on 3619 so far
Apparently they are on the pits at cannock being preped for mot
One of the recent B10BLE (361*) arrivals on the 68 today. Saw it on Lichfield Rd in Wednesfield about 14:55 going towards cannock
Has S629 KHN been written off now? Apparently it was in an accident on Wednesday evening. Anyone know what happened?
Quote from: bob on December 20, 2013, 04:28:05 PM
Has S629 KHN been written off now? Apparently it was in an accident on Wednesday evening. Anyone know what happened?
Doubt it'll of been written off that quick. If its an insurance job it could take weeks before it gets 'written off'.
How bad damage?
There was a SN03 *** Dart on the 68 today. Haven't seen an MPD on the daytime 68 for a while
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 20, 2013, 04:32:48 PM
Quote from: bob on December 20, 2013, 04:28:05 PM
Has S629 KHN been written off now? Apparently it was in an accident on Wednesday evening. Anyone know what happened?
Doubt it'll of been written off that quick. If its an insurance job it could take weeks before it gets 'written off'.
How bad damage?
Not sure my mate saysit wasnt good
Scrap that my mate was given wrong info. It was 2351, and it was broken down in the middle of a roundabout ( no surprise for a cannock bus) , rather than an accident. Apologies
Sn53 esg broke down in cannock bus station blocking the stands for 31/2/3
From the 5th Jan the 74/5 no longer serve cannock hospital. Presumably the four buses will need their branding removed? Or will arriva do what they did with the 1 that says its between walsall and cannock when its ran all day to and from huntington since about 2009 lol
With regard to the V-DBC volvos at cannock why are the fans permanently on? You cant actually hear the engine most of the time just the fans going off. Nx's zf ones dont sound like that although theyre b10L surely mechanically their not all that much different?
Its not a fannits a noisy turbo
What on nearly all of them? Theyre also quite slow nx ones seem a lot nippier
Is it true cannock are going to be running some trips on the amazon services and receiving a couple of deckers to do so? Hope so cos it means theyll be on other routes in the daytime :)
First's B10BLE's can be similarly as slow but some can move
Oh its just an inspector got on the 70 yesterday and said something about two deckers coming..and a mate had said something about cannock & amazon so I linked the two. When are all three of the w-ewu going to be running from cannock? W109 ewu not been out for a couple of days
@AMD I know you've been asked this before but are they ever going to refurb/respray the route 1 buses? 11 1/2 year old branded buses that sound pretty clapped out is bad enough but when they have threadbare interiors and one has at least three types of seat moquette it doesnt really give much of a good impression. ..the same principle regarding state of interiors applies to all the 51 plate darts some of the b10ble buo3 hrk and others..
Quote from: bob on December 21, 2013, 08:28:54 PM
What on nearly all of them? Theyre also quite slow nx ones seem a lot nippier
Not all of them, 3609 is a fast beast, I hope it ends up one of the last in service
Either 3610 or 3612 is my favourite lol. They should last a bit yet tbf. Theyve started to withdraw the v-kda mps but tbh the ones that had been at stafford for ages except v207 had never had a re trim I dont think and were disgusting inside. I hope cannocks mpds are next on the hitlist. Startin with bu51 kwj lol
Quote from: bob on December 03, 2013, 10:49:21 AM
Maybe its the Alexander darts that are going to be displaced by the new pulsars at Burton then. I hope it is abd cannock doesnt end up with S614 KHN T51 JJF or any of their other pointers. Cannock & Stafford seem to be a dumping ground for them. Still no sign of the volvos?
s624/2359 is still working at Burton seen today on the 8 I think...
Did we have an Arriva stafford thread on here seems to have disappeared. ..
Ive heard that Cannock have been allocated 3705 3706 3707 from thurmaston. 3705 has already arrived and is in cannocks yard
I see the change in January to the 74/75 Is no longer serving Cannock hospital any thoughts
Its sensible because buses really struggle to get up past the hospital, because people park like morons all along brunswick road. The driver of a 33 I was on said they wasnt going to go past it either but theres no changes listed on vosa. As usual arriva are rubbish at informing passengers. Its on staffs cc web page but nothing about 74/5 or 68 listed on arriva! They should debrand the buses, but they wont. Mid staffs nhs trust gets dissolved in a few months but I bet arriva are still advertising 'in partnership with mid staffs nhs trust' in 2015 lol.
3619 is on the 76 today. Saw in Wolverhampton about 11:35
These w reg volvos are perfect for longer distance trips like the 70/76 with their coach seats. Would be pleasant to travel on
3740 was also on the 70 today
3704 (1 branded) was on there on christmas eve
There was a 1 branded bus on pye greens today
2629 & y262 ybc running from cannock today... why does cannock seem to be the dumping ground for all of the tat?
2629 is a good B6
Although you'll sit there laugh at the above statement and probably criticise because Arriva to you seems to simply be the spawn on the devil
Quote from: Ashley on December 28, 2013, 07:47:36 PM
2629 is a good B6
Although you'll sit there laugh at the above statement and probably criticise because Arriva to you seems to simply be the spawn on the devil
I agree that there is nothing wrong with Arriva Midlands
I think I may have flew off the handle a bit there but all the same, all Darts rattle, B10BLE's are ageing a bit, route branded vehicles occassionally go off route, it could all be sooo much worse
Sorry
Quote from: Ashley on December 28, 2013, 08:02:15 PM
I think I may have flew off the handle a bit there but all the same, all Darts rattle, B10BLE's are ageing a bit, route branded vehicles occassionally go off route, it could all be sooo much worse
Sorry
Bob is sometimes over the top with his rants, but have a look at Cannock's darts. Most are completely threadbare on the seats and spend a lot of time parked up with their engine covers open. I have never known a day where Cannock garage have managed to put route branded vehicles on the correct routes. I guarantee if I stand at Hednesford I will see at least one route branded bus, normally more, even though none of the branded routes go to Hednesford!
Arrive Midlands are excellent in some places, but try living in Cannock. The 62 which Midland deemed to be a suitable route for Solos, and they were correct regularly has 40 odd seaters on it while the 60, my local route which should be one of the best with the newest buses on it will often see anything else including MPDs
Quote from: Tony on December 28, 2013, 08:16:16 PM
Quote from: Ashley on December 28, 2013, 08:02:15 PM
I think I may have flew off the handle a bit there but all the same, all Darts rattle, B10BLE's are ageing a bit, route branded vehicles occassionally go off route, it could all be sooo much worse
Sorry
Bob is sometimes over the top with his rants, but have a look at Cannock's darts. Most are completely threadbare on the seats and spend a lot of time parked up with their engine covers open. I have never known a day where Cannock garage have managed to put route branded vehicles on the correct routes. I guarantee if I stand at Hednesford I will see at least one route branded bus, normally more, even though none of the branded routes go to Hednesford!
Arrive Midlands are excellent in some places, but try living in Cannock. The 62 which Midland deemed to be a suitable route for Solos, and they were correct regularly has 40 odd seaters on it while the 60, my local route which should be one of the best with the newest buses on it will often see anything else including MPDs
Arriva Midlands are excellent in some areas. Look at Tamworth. But im sorry cannock is a terrible operation. Yes nx etc have buses that break down but Cannocks buses are always breaking down. I can count on one hand the amount of nx walsall buses ive seen broken down in service or in the bus stn but cannock arriva is at the very least ten times more than that. Its not just the darts that have threadbare seats either every one of the route 1 buses has disgusting interior as do many of the B10BLEs and other buses also. And goimg back to MRN days, Tony can you remember them having buses breaking down left right and centre and kept in such a state? I certainly can't. ..
In Liverpool this weekend and the Arriva fleet is immaculate... its the same story in most areas i vist.. It would seem that Cannock is the exception to the rule and as for the former Midland operation that continues to look like a low cost low class private operator.
Didn't I explain before?? The 5.05 60 is operated by the bus that does 2.45 31 to Rugeley then the 836 Stafford to cannock normaly a 57 plate but can be anything, the 5.35 60 will be what ever does the 3.50 2A it does a 60 to lichfield then finish, I speak to drivers as Tony knows (I feature in the picture of select X184BNH) reason you may not get the "correct" buses can be due to defects not been rectifies, the way buses have been parked in the yard the night before or say for example 3728 (stafford branded) has had problems, they will keep it local (Pye Greens) so if it breaksdown its easier to get to, as for the evening service depending who's driving, a lot of drivers prefer to take a smaller bus on the 60/825 for 2 reasons 1. Its not gonna be rammed at night and 2. A lot of drivers don't like taking the bigger buses out of a night
Quote from: andyr on December 28, 2013, 09:36:01 PM
In Liverpool this weekend and the Arriva fleet is immaculate... its the same story in most areas i vist.. It would seem that Cannock is the exception to the rule and as for the former Midland operation that continues to look like a low cost low class private operator.
Yes, I was in Liverpool just before Christmas. The only vehicles that let the fleet down were a few of the V reg Marshall bodied darts that survive, but I only saw 3 of those and for such a small percentage of nails, and even those are not that old shows how different parts of the country are treated differently
I apoligise again to Tony and Bob
Quote from: Tony on December 28, 2013, 08:16:16 PM
Quote from: Ashley on December 28, 2013, 08:02:15 PM
I think I may have flew off the handle a bit there but all the same, all Darts rattle, B10BLE's are ageing a bit, route branded vehicles occassionally go off route, it could all be sooo much worse
Sorry
Bob is sometimes over the top with his rants, but have a look at Cannock's darts. Most are completely threadbare on the seats and spend a lot of time parked up with their engine covers open. I have never known a day where Cannock garage have managed to put route branded vehicles on the correct routes. I guarantee if I stand at Hednesford I will see at least one route branded bus, normally more, even though none of the branded routes go to Hednesford!
Arrive Midlands are excellent in some places, but try living in Cannock. The 62 which Midland deemed to be a suitable route for Solos, and they were correct regularly has 40 odd seaters on it while the 60, my local route which should be one of the best with the newest buses on it will often see anything else including MPDs
That doesn't explain things like 74/75 branded buses appearing on the 60 at 7am that I see on my way to work occasionally. I got off the train at Hednesford a couple of weeks ago to see three buses, all branded, all on different routes outside Tesco, a 1, 2 and 74, the 2 was on the 33.
There's rumour that some dafs could be heading to telford from cannock not sure wich and wouldn't early morning "wrong route" buses be down to the way they are parked the night before?
Quote from: arrivaaston on December 29, 2013, 11:08:57 AM
There's rumour that some dafs could be heading to telford from cannock not sure wich and wouldn't early morning "wrong route" buses be down to the way they are parked the night before?
Shouldn't be at Cannock, they are only parked 3 deep and front and back can both be released, so 2/3 of the fleet is accessible even for first bus.
Quote from: arrivaaston on December 28, 2013, 10:00:40 PM
as for the evening service depending who's driving, a lot of drivers prefer to take a smaller bus on the 60/825 for 2 reasons 1. Its not gonna be rammed at night and 2. A lot of drivers don't like taking the bigger buses out of a night
This is very true. When we used to do the late 825 workings at Tamworth, drivers could choose what bus to take and very few drivers opted for a Tiger unless it was a Friday or Saturday night when you had to have one due to loadings on the way into Stafford. At other times we would always pick a Merc 811 which was also the standard allocation for Stafford depot on the other working, either that or an East Lancs Dart, which we didn't have any of. The reason being that the turn into and out of Colwich / Haywood from the A513 is a nightmare in the dark, you literally have to guess where the wall on the bridge is when you're turning as you can't see it.
Saw a Route 2 branded DAF on the 76 on Stafford Rd/Fiveways about 15:40
Theres often a rpute 1 walsall branded sb200 on the 74 to stafford on a sunday as there was today. What excuse is there for that when there's FOUR stafford branded buses, the route is supposed to be 'working in partnership with the county council & hospital'? And moreover the route 1 buses are scabby tatty and horrible!
On sundays drivers get to choose what bus to have providing its safe and low floor
On the fb page 'unfortunately due to mechanical issues we are unable to operate the 1457 32 from brownhills and the 1506 26 from cannock to pye green'. The 32 fair enough bit HELLO the garage is 5 mins from cannock lol. Maybe theysshould advertise in advance,,,'were using one of our clapped out buses on pye greens today expect possible breakdown'. Apparently the 1029/1059 32 didnt turn up at new hall farm either. .
Stafford 2627 was or still is on 68s today
Been told 3617/8 W07/8EWU are no longer at cannock
Cannocks fleet isnt very stable at the moment is it? Constantly having to borrow buses whats all that about
FK52 MML, FT06 ZTE & W109 EWU all broke down in service today, the first two had to be towed away....
Promising start for 3619(!) - I knew they wouldn't cope at Cannock!
Yep. But seriously. ..the brakes Apparently went on t51 jjf whilst in service hence it breaking down on a zebra crossing! The driver managed to move it backwards to nearer to the bus stop. I dread to think how many journeys are lost to breakdowns passengers must get annoyed. Its not the first time ft06 zte has had to be towed off either it was towed from cannock bus station not long back. Arriva should be ashamed realky I wish theyd sell up and get lost out of cannock
Well, losing the brakes on 2251 could've happened somewhere worse, I suppose.
I would hate to live in Cannock, because of the bus service. In Telford, however, look how nice our fleet is. We have our share of breakdowns at times, but in general, we have a large variety (some bits of the range are good, but there's the odd ones that I don't like).
3619 back out today seen on 70 this morning
3707 now in use at cannock today on 1's
There are service changes in Cannock and there are no new timetables on there website at all how bad is that
Apparently the 74/5 arent gonna be going to cannock hospital anymore according to drivers but theres nothin online or on buses. This is cannock tho lol
Quote from: bob on January 03, 2014, 10:30:47 PM
Apparently the 74/5 arent gonna be going to cannock hospital anymore according to drivers but theres nothin online or on buses. This is cannock tho lol
And again another 74/5 branded bus off route on the 68
My mate just told me 3705/6/7 & the new pulsars will be the buses that replace all of the volvos eventually. This means cannock will have an entire fleet of lightweight buses made up of sb120/sb200 and darts. Great. Given the current MASSIVE reliability issues and thefact that apart from pulsars which will make up around a third of fleet once the new ones are in use, the rest of the buses will be utterly clapped out rubbish and old darts will be used on interurban services, expect the problems to get worse.
I think cannock are trying to become a DAF Garage same as Arriva Telford with darts,the volvos are expensive to run and if the depot is making a loss then the volvos simply have to go, all I know is 3 of them are joining the training fleet the remaining 8 will be allocated elsewhere also been told 3708 will be joining cannock to do the 1's while the former route 1 buses go for repaint/refurb
Lol yea but the Volvos are probably the most dependable buses theyve got in service atm. The darts have almost all had it they werent built to last for years running anything more than former minibus routes. The newest ones they got at cannock is 11 yrs old! Itll just decline further there...
I wish Telford had the Volvos. They'd be much more suitable because they could replace the step-entry Scanias.
I know what you mean about the former minibus routes - nowadays in Telford, the former minibus routes (e.g. 65/6, 23/4/5, 77) are run by the large-size B6s and SB120s, in addition to 2374, while the Darts are run on the larger routes (e.g. 11/22, 33/55). It's not all the time, it's the odd occasion.
Quote from: busman99 on December 23, 2013, 08:47:46 PM
Ive heard that Cannock have been allocated 3705 3706 3707 from thurmaston. 3705 has already arrived and is in cannocks yard
3706 is still at Thurmaston.
Quote from: arrivaaston on January 04, 2014, 08:39:06 AM
I think cannock are trying to become a DAF Garage same as Arriva Telford with darts,the volvos are expensive to run and if the depot is making a loss then the volvos simply have to go, all I know is 3 of them are joining the training fleet the remaining 8 will be allocated elsewhere also been told 3708 will be joining cannock to do the 1's while the former route 1 buses go for repaint/refurb
I dunno about making a loss, i wouldn't imagine it makes much money but doubt it makes a loss cos theyd probably be axing routes like they did with the X31 and previously the 62 and tried to axe the 68. But then again they keep persevering with the 19 and that must be the biggest dead duck goin lol
The volvos are beginin to break down quite a fair bit though now, there older than darts and have been thrashed about all over the place and are as tired and knackered as the darts..... A few drivers tell me 3609 is the best volvo, I just can't stand the blooming things and be glad to see them gone
They dont break down nowhere near as the darts and dont sound nowhere bear as knackered as them or the route 1 buses. Most of em havent got the threadbare interiors that come with most darts either bu51 kwj/l/m/n sn53 esg/esott51 jjf s351 yog all have disgusting seats. Some sound more clapped out than others. V204 kda recently withdrawn actually had half decent seats cos it had a re trim at some point. All of the route 1 dafs are clapped out, at least a re trim will improve them. Dont know why theyre refurbing tired old buses for whats supposed to be a prominent trunk route though. Youd think they might invest in some better buses given that its one of cannocks busiest routes. I'll miss the volvos theyre the last half decent workhorses theyve got
3730 broken down in stafford at the rail station with a arriva stafford van behind it blicking both bus stands and a lot of annoyed looking passengers lol. Usual reliability standard then :-p
Anyone know where 3717/3718 are???
3717/8 still operating out of Telford
M-F 17:10 74A Cannock-Stafford and all Saturday 74A runs HAVE STOPPED RUNNING.
Quote from: arrivaaston on January 04, 2014, 02:36:32 PM
The volvos are beginin to break down quite a fair bit though now, there older than darts and have been thrashed about all over the place and are as tired and knackered as the darts..... A few drivers tell me 3609 is the best volvo, I just can't stand the blooming things and be glad to see them gone
Yes 3609 IMO is much better that the other ALX300 bodied B10BLE's. Remember the other week i had a ride of it on the 68 home from Wolverhampton-Wednesfield and it is a fast bus
Quote from: bob on January 09, 2014, 08:44:12 PM
Anyone know where 3717/3718 are???
What? Have they been at Cannock recently? o_O
Sorry 3617/3618 !!! Typo :-/
It's alright. I just got a bit confused because I wouldn't have thought of them going to Cannock just yet ;)
3617/18 have both left Cannock
Where are they headed now?
Makes u laugh why bother allocating them have them sit there for christ knows how long then move them lol
I know. Any news on whether the 03-plate CK DAF Cadets will be transferring to Telford in the future?
My mate reckons bu03 hrd may have possibly already left cannock
Im gonna miss the volvos loads when they leave :-(( great workhorses..how many darts would be capable of belting back and forth to wolves all day every day without breaking down all the while...or lightweight dafs tbf
Quote from: staffsdave on January 09, 2014, 09:02:40 PM
M-F 17:10 74A Cannock-Stafford and all Saturday 74A runs HAVE STOPPED RUNNING.
Where'd you hear that?? Theres been no adverts for it stating that
Just checked the arriva site n yea the timetable says no 74a on Saturday etc. No service updates no posters how bad is that
One assumes an issue with the registration
Still no news on where W107/108 EWU are? W107 had a refurb so surely its going to re enter service SOMEWHERE!
Is Dart 2103 in Arriva livery since it is now at Cannock, or still in Midland red?
Sure I saw S629 KHN working from Wardle in Newcastle on sat
Quote from: bob on January 20, 2014, 08:10:26 AM
Sure I saw S629 KHN working from Wardle in Newcastle on sat
It was on a town service in Stafford one day last week, Thursday maybe. Saw it on a 9 I think.
Saw W109 EWU earlier, adding a touch of DP luxury to the 32.pity it doesnt look like the other pair are destined for cannock, nice powerful buses. ..sooner be on them than any commander!
Why are they even bothering refurbing a 13 yr old midibus that was built with a 10 year life in mind? Surely being ex midland itd be possibly in a worse mechanical state than arriva ones of similar age? Also it cant be that far from the scrapyard surely?
I take it the pye greens are not having a revised frequency with the new branded buses saying up to 10 buses an hour and also has the free tesco bus stopped in rugeley as 2209 keeps appearing on different routes ?
Quote from: Ck on January 23, 2014, 09:51:52 PM
I take it the pye greens are not having a revised frequency with the new branded buses saying up to 10 buses an hour and also has the free tesco bus stopped in rugeley as 2209 keeps appearing on different routes ?
Or they are using another bus on the tesco free bus? What is the frequency of Pye Greens Mon-Sat daytimes? Also do they operate evening/Sundays? If so what's the frequency at those times?
Monday to Friday it's every 12 minutes sat every 15 mins and evenings every hour
Quote from: Ck on January 23, 2014, 10:16:35 PM
Monday to Friday it's every 12 minutes sat every 15 mins and evenings every hour
So no Sunday buses then? That's quite a drop in frequency from 12 minutes to every 60. Is it every 12 each or combined?
No Sunday buses that's run by the 2 to Walsall every 12 mins on both 25 and 26 so giving 10 buses an hour and yes hourly after 7
3617 W107EWU was on Tescos yesterday, 2209 only does Tescos on Saturdays
3617 on the 68 today. Saw it going towards Cannock on Lichfield Rd in Wednesfield this afternoon
EDIT: Just saw it again 15 minutes ago going past Poundstrecher on Lichfield Road in Wednesfield towards Cannock
3619 W109EWU once again on 32 today, seems to be a regular on there lately
Either 3617 or 3619 is on the 68 today
Along with sn03 lgc
Quote from: bob on January 28, 2014, 07:05:36 PM
Along with sn03 lgc
It had a faulty LED display on the font when I saw it in Wednesfield this afternoon. I think SN03 LGC was on yesterday too
Its had faulty display for weeks lol. Probably cannocks nicest dart tho tbf
Possibly the only one that doesnt come complete with a filthy threadbare interior. Am I right in thinking that with the departure of V338 MBV and S351 YOG To the scrapheap and S629 KHN moved elsewhere that X523 GGO is now the only cannock dart that isnt an MPD?
2361 is to Wardles, 2351 has returned to Cannock and is undergoing repairs but 2315 is the only dart at Cannock in use that isn't an MPD
Good god 2351 is a absolute nail. Belches out black smoke and is riffy inside. I caught it on 62 once and all way from lichfield driver had to keep stopping and revving while stationary just to stop it conkin out. Another crappy bus on its way back to cannock then...
Most of the batch were withdrawn ages ago and s351 constantly kept breaking down, it broke down on a traffic island not long ago and caused chaos lol....
Cannock depot having major issues this morning at least 10 services have issues with broken down buses there Facebook arriva midlands west is full of apologises not a good day lets hope things improve with the new arrivals
A mirror has been taken off a 63 plate to replace a damaged mirror on a 61 plate
Quote from: Ck on January 31, 2014, 11:45:13 AM
Cannock depot having major issues this morning at least 10 services have issues with broken down buses there Facebook arriva midlands west is full of apologises not a good day lets hope things improve with the new arrivals
Hahahaha!
Quote from: Ck on January 31, 2014, 11:45:13 AM
Cannock depot having major issues this morning at least 10 services have issues with broken down buses there Facebook arriva midlands west is full of apologises not a good day lets hope things improve with the new arrivals
My mother was waiting for a number 2 around 955 this morning in our bit of Leamore.
She ended up going round onto the Bloxwich Road route instead.
Pity vosa werent about when you need em lol
Dowt they would off done anything today was a very bad today
In One day:
Service update: number 2 service from cannock tro walsall at 8.15 is running approx 10 mins late due to mechanical problems
service update: 68 service 8.35 cannock to wolverhampton is currently out of service due to mechanical problems we will keep you updated
Service Update: 9.23 service 32 cannock to brownhills has currently broken down we will keep you updated
service update: 09.30 75 service cannock to stafford has currently broke down we will keep you updated
service update: 9.50 2 service cannock to walsall has currently broken down we will keep you updated
service update: 9.40 70 service from cannock to wolverhampton is currently broken down due to mechanical problems
service update: 32 service 10.40 hednesford to brownhills currently broken down we will keep you updated
service update: our 32 service 12.55 from brownhills to hednesford is currently out of service due to mechanical problems
our number 1 service cannock to walsall at 13.10 has currently broken down we will keep you updated
Update:Number 1 service cannock - walsall at 14.50 and our 32 Service 14.53 Cannock-Brownhills are currently broke down.keep you updated
Update
servises not operating due to Breakdowns.
32`s 15.55 Brownhills-Hednesford
1`s 16.15 Dog-in Tree -Walsall
26`s 15.54 Cannock Circular
update
60 Service the 16.10 Lichfield to Cannock will not be operating
Those In one day is disgusting and the thing that gets people off buses and in cars, people use buses to get to work, and as you can imagine the excuse about the buses only wears so thin.
Quote from: bususer12 on January 31, 2014, 06:10:27 PM
In One day:
Service update: number 2 service from cannock tro walsall at 8.15 is running approx 10 mins late due to mechanical problems
service update: 68 service 8.35 cannock to wolverhampton is currently out of service due to mechanical problems we will keep you updated
Service Update: 9.23 service 32 cannock to brownhills has currently broken down we will keep you updated
service update: 09.30 75 service cannock to stafford has currently broke down we will keep you updated
service update: 9.50 2 service cannock to walsall has currently broken down we will keep you updated
service update: 9.40 70 service from cannock to wolverhampton is currently broken down due to mechanical problems
service update: 32 service 10.40 hednesford to brownhills currently broken down we will keep you updated
service update: our 32 service 12.55 from brownhills to hednesford is currently out of service due to mechanical problems
our number 1 service cannock to walsall at 13.10 has currently broken down we will keep you updated
Update:Number 1 service cannock - walsall at 14.50 and our 32 Service 14.53 Cannock-Brownhills are currently broke down.keep you updated
Update
servises not operating due to Breakdowns.
32`s 15.55 Brownhills-Hednesford
1`s 16.15 Dog-in Tree -Walsall
26`s 15.54 Cannock Circular
update
60 Service the 16.10 Lichfield to Cannock will not be operating
Those In one day is disgusting and the thing that gets people off buses and in cars, people use buses to get to work, and as you can imagine the excuse about the buses only wears so thin.
With all those breakdowns, it sounds as though Cannock is crying out for a reliable bus service and Arriva could leave themselves wide open for someone else to set up in the town in competition with them
This sort of thing has been happening for MONTHS! but if you dare to criticise you get shouted at aboutt how NX have breakdown's etc. Arriva in Cannock are disgusting. End of. Lol
Youd only get this amount of problems if you had a crap fleet and/or dodgy maintenance
Quote from: bob on January 31, 2014, 06:42:23 PM
This sort of thing has been happening for MONTHS! but if you dare to criticise you get shouted at aboutt how NX have breakdown's etc. Arriva in Cannock are disgusting. End of. Lol
There are 8 different routes affected by breakdowns in one day alone, everyone has breakdowns but that seems a very high proportion based on the size of Cannock allocation. If they intend to continue to operate an elderly fleet carry more spares to reduce the amount of lost mileage / inconvenience to passengers?
Quote from: bob on January 31, 2014, 06:42:23 PM
This sort of thing has been happening for MONTHS! but if you dare to criticise you get shouted at aboutt how NX have breakdown's etc. Arriva in Cannock are disgusting. End of. Lol
You don't get shouted at. You get reminded that all bus operators have issues with breakdowns. Perhaps if you saved your posts for circumstances when they're not wildly over the top and might possibly be justified, such as today, then they would be taken more seriously.
I travel most days on mobile skips operated by NX that they have the nerve to put on the roads of the UK's second city with little or no opposition, I just don't give everybody a running commentary.
It's quite clear from the investment that Arriva have just made in this area that they are well aware of the shortcomings of their current fleet. Give them chance to get them on the road.
Investment? 11 61 plate buses that spend half their time out of area on the 825. Oh and 6 new buses for a local circular to shortly enter service...Wow! The majority of the fleet is crap theyve been having breakdowns daily for ages and today it came to a head. Id challenge anyone to say todays issues were anything other than appalling....
Quote from: bob on January 31, 2014, 08:54:32 PM
Investment? 11 61 plate buses that spend half their time out of area on the 825. Oh and 6 new buses for a local circular to shortly enter service...Wow! The majority of the fleet is crap theyve been having breakdowns daily for ages and today it came to a head. Id challenge anyone to say todays issues were anything other than appalling....
Think I'd have to agree with Bob on that one!
Quote from: bob on January 31, 2014, 08:54:32 PM
Investment? 11 61 plate buses that spend half their time out of area on the 825. Oh and 6 new buses for a local circular to shortly enter service...Wow! The majority of the fleet is crap theyve been having breakdowns daily for ages and today it came to a head. Id challenge anyone to say todays issues were anything other than appalling....
Did I say that they weren't? Read my post again....
Quote from: andy on January 31, 2014, 09:02:14 PM
Quote from: bob on January 31, 2014, 08:54:32 PM
Investment? 11 61 plate buses that spend half their time out of area on the 825. Oh and 6 new buses for a local circular to shortly enter service...Wow! The majority of the fleet is crap theyve been having breakdowns daily for ages and today it came to a head. Id challenge anyone to say todays issues were anything other than appalling....
Did I say that they weren't? Read my post again....
I don't need to re-read your post.
I was actually replying /agreeing with Bob's comment!
Quote from: Winston on January 31, 2014, 09:09:01 PM
Quote from: andy on January 31, 2014, 09:02:14 PM
Quote from: bob on January 31, 2014, 08:54:32 PM
Investment? 11 61 plate buses that spend half their time out of area on the 825. Oh and 6 new buses for a local circular to shortly enter service...Wow! The majority of the fleet is crap theyve been having breakdowns daily for ages and today it came to a head. Id challenge anyone to say todays issues were anything other than appalling....
Did I say that they weren't? Read my post again....
I don't need to re-read your post.
I was actually replying /agreeing with Bob's comment!
Winston I know you were my reply was to Bob.
Quote from: andy on January 31, 2014, 09:15:48 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 31, 2014, 09:09:01 PM
Quote from: andy on January 31, 2014, 09:02:14 PM
Quote from: bob on January 31, 2014, 08:54:32 PM
Investment? 11 61 plate buses that spend half their time out of area on the 825. Oh and 6 new buses for a local circular to shortly enter service...Wow! The majority of the fleet is crap theyve been having breakdowns daily for ages and today it came to a head. Id challenge anyone to say todays issues were anything other than appalling....
Did I say that they weren't? Read my post again....
I don't need to re-read your post.
I was actually replying /agreeing with Bob's comment!
Winston I know you were my reply was to Bob.
Andy, apologies you'd replied to Bob's post with the comment I'd highlighted.....
Another 2 services in Cannock affected by breakdown according to their fb page, and were only on 11 am LOL!
Makeit 3 the number 2 to walsall is listed on there fb as having broken down as well. At what point does somebody step in and question their suitability to run a service?
The 1418 no 19 in bloxwich has NOT TURNED UP AT ALL! !!!!! resulting in me standing in a bus stop freezing! !! Presumably this is due to another goddamn breakdown??????? They are an absolute disgrace! !!!!!!!!!!
Surprise surprise it had broken down!
The 19 is Wednesfield though.
Lol I was following the theme of breakdowns I guess. .. something must of happened on the 70 as well as the woman who got on by the uni was going mental about bus before not coming and how long she'd been waiting there and asked who to complain to the driver told her bloody travel line! Lol
It might not have been a breakdown, it could have been down to any number of reasons. Plus, it's not that cold out. These breakdowns don't just inconvinience the travelling public, the drivers are equally as irritated yet as per usual they face the full force of passengers anger. As I've said before, we should be greatful we have overall a top bus service in the West Midlands. Arriva Cannock have had a bad week, that shouldn't make them write offs
Quote from: Ashley on February 01, 2014, 04:33:34 PM
It might not have been a breakdown, it could have been down to any number of reasons. Plus, it's not that cold out. These breakdowns don't just inconvinience the travelling public, the drivers are equally as irritated yet as per usual they face the full force of passengers anger. As I've said before, we should be greatful we have overall a top bus service in the West Midlands. Arriva Cannock have had a bad week, that shouldn't make them write offs
Shame us that live in Cannock haven't though! It is cold, it is very windy, and it is also pouring with rain in Cannock, and this isn't particularly that different to any other week recently up here.
I don't dispute these letdowns at Cannock are inconvinient and I know it's been happening for a while. I wasn't trying to imply "it could be worse" because it probably could,kt get much worse. At this point I sort of crumble so I apoligise for the first post. Sadly I'm a bit more tolerable of winter so I apoligise for that also.
The amount of breakdowns that cannock have is absolutely undefendable im sorry! There has got to be a reason for them though. .....
At least Arriva post details of cancelled services for passengers to see. Not many operators do this as they are frightened it will attract the attention of the commissioners. That's not to say these issues are acceptable but as a passenger you'd rather be pre warned when things are going wrong.
Not many operators have as many breakdowns in one operating area as arriva!
Quote from: andy on February 01, 2014, 07:20:08 PM
At least Arriva post details of cancelled services for passengers to see. Not many operators do this as they are frightened it will attract the attention of the commissioners. That's not to say these issues are acceptable but as a passenger you'd rather be pre warned when things are going wrong.
So do Nx on Facebook & Twitter.
Quote from: Westy on February 01, 2014, 08:06:04 PM
Quote from: andy on February 01, 2014, 07:20:08 PM
At least Arriva post details of cancelled services for passengers to see. Not many operators do this as they are frightened it will attract the attention of the commissioners. That's not to say these issues are acceptable but as a passenger you'd rather be pre warned when things are going wrong.
So do Nx on Facebook & Twitter.
Let's just say I don't find it to be very 'comprehensive' and is more about general disruption rather than admitting that an individual journey isn't operating.
Quote from: Westy on February 01, 2014, 08:06:04 PM
Quote from: andy on February 01, 2014, 07:20:08 PM
At least Arriva post details of cancelled services for passengers to see. Not many operators do this as they are frightened it will attract the attention of the commissioners. That's not to say these issues are acceptable but as a passenger you'd rather be pre warned when things are going wrong.
So do Nx on Facebook & Twitter.
And Diamond advises of late running/missing services due to breakdowns.
The trouble is, not every intending passenger would think to check on FB or twitter first before proceeding to the bus stop & not every passenger would have access to check those sites particularity the elderly that are the most vulnerable if their bus didn't turn up
Quote from: Winston on February 01, 2014, 09:21:02 PM
Quote from: Westy on February 01, 2014, 08:06:04 PM
Quote from: andy on February 01, 2014, 07:20:08 PM
At least Arriva post details of cancelled services for passengers to see. Not many operators do this as they are frightened it will attract the attention of the commissioners. That's not to say these issues are acceptable but as a passenger you'd rather be pre warned when things are going wrong.
So do Nx on Facebook & Twitter.
And Diamond advises of late running/missing services due to breakdowns.
The trouble is, not every intending passenger would think to check on FB or twitter first before proceeding to the bus stop & not every passenger would have access to check those sites particularity the elderly that are the most vulnerable if their bus didn't turn up
You're not wrong there.
My old mum can't even handle Sky Plus let alone the internet!
Bob, is that you telling Arriva on Facebook how it is?
Yep lol
Four or five breakdowns today again in cannock alone....
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 05:43:43 PM
Four or five breakdowns today again in cannock alone....
And how many NX have failed today?
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 03, 2014, 08:57:15 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 05:43:43 PM
Four or five breakdowns today again in cannock alone....
And how many NX have failed today?
Well if 4 out of 60 of Cannock's broke down that is the equivilent of over 100 of NX's 1500 breaking down! The day 10 broke down would be the equivilent of NX having 250 breakdowns.
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2014, 09:01:54 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 03, 2014, 08:57:15 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 05:43:43 PM
Four or five breakdowns today again in cannock alone....
And how many NX have failed today?
Well if 4 out of 60 of Cannock's broke down that is the equivilent of over 100 of NX's 1500 breaking down! The day 10 broke down would be the equivilent of NX having 250 breakdowns.
Which I would guess rarely ever happens.... I am just surprised that no one has thought to compete there, after all First's Redditch operation looked to be in far better shape than Arriva Cannock and that had competition from Pete's, GWM and then Diamond. Surely arriva must want to up their game and margins in Cannock? They certainly won't do this with an old fleet, dirty buses and worst of all, cancelled services due to breakdowns. Is the problem not this: the arriva midlands fleet is full of ageing darts with the exception of Leicester and Tamworth. Surely they need to be ordering massive batches of versas or streetlites or sb200s to try and ensure the average vehicle age comes down. Whilst going for the before and after look ie totally new fleet like they did at Tamworth was a good thing, would it not be better to inject a minimum number of buses into each fleet per year? Surely a decent number of buses per year would be the best solution to try and even out the fleet age, like NX are doing?
And I don't mean ex London cast-offs which Arriva Midlands and also Arriva North East have to put up with, often with dirty interiors even on newer 61 plate buses. There are buses in the North East that are now W reg and never had a refurb-that is far worse than NX and Arriva didn't go through the crisis that NX group did, either, so there is no excuse.
It may seem harsh but arriva seem so patchy: north east are poor, north west have an immaculate fleet, and midlands is incredibly patchy...
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2014, 09:01:54 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 03, 2014, 08:57:15 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 05:43:43 PM
Four or five breakdowns today again in cannock alone....
And how many NX have failed today?
Well if 4 out of 60 of Cannock's broke down that is the equivilent of over 100 of NX's 1500 breaking down! The day 10 broke down would be the equivilent of NX having 250 breakdowns.
Thanks for putting into perspective what ive been trying to say for months! Cannock should be an embarrassment to them... 6 token sb200s which theyve bought for pye greens is nowhere near whats needed. Nx would so wipe the floor with them if they attempted to compete tony..seriously
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 09:36:01 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2014, 09:01:54 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 03, 2014, 08:57:15 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 05:43:43 PM
Four or five breakdowns today again in cannock alone....
And how many NX have failed today?
Well if 4 out of 60 of Cannock's broke down that is the equivilent of over 100 of NX's 1500 breaking down! The day 10 broke down would be the equivilent of NX having 250 breakdowns.
Thanks for putting into perspective what ive been trying to say for months! Cannock should be an embarrassment to them... 6 token sb200s which theyve bought for pye greens is nowhere near whats needed. Nx would so wipe the floor with them if they attempted to compete tony..seriously
No they wouldn't. How many times do I have to point out that NX obviously can't make Cannock pay otherwise they wouldn't have retrenched. They are only interested in high frequency monopoly operations where there is a constant revenue stream from a local authority for subsidised fares and generous concessionary schemes. That certainly is not Staffordshire.
And I'm sorry Tony but to try to create a breakdown ration based on a ratchet system such as that is completely illogical. Apart from anything else I very much doubt anybody, even yourself, can have accurate numbers of breakdowns for an operation as large as that.
You cannot suggest that 4 Arriva buses are the equivalent of 100 NX ones, it simply doesn't work like that. Very often a bus will break down twice in a day following a break down and a running repair, so it is a completely unrealistic equation to try to make. It's like saying that an operator with only 2 vehicles that both break down will always be worse than NX because 1500 of their vehicles didn't break down.
Well arrivas cannock to walsall service definitely pays....whos to say people wouldnt rather have a travelcard price than a arriva midlands monthly saver. The cannock to walsall trunk route has always been profitable arriva ran chsse off the road with it. Nx were operating the less busy cheslyn hay route which arriva have continued at a half hourly frequency so are obviously satisfied with it
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 11:36:39 PM
Well arrivas cannock to walsall service definitely pays....whos to say people wouldnt rather have a travelcard price than a arriva midlands monthly saver. The cannock to walsall trunk route has always been profitable arriva ran chsse off the road with it. Nx were operating the less busy cheslyn hay route which arriva have continued at a half hourly frequency so are obviously satisfied with it
Yes it is a profitable corridor. But NX would not be able to operate it profitably with the Travelcard, because there isn't the concessionary scheme or fare subsidy to allow that. NX would have to charge similar fares to Arriva to make it pay, and that doesn't fit with their operational structure.
Quote from: andy on February 03, 2014, 11:20:53 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 09:36:01 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2014, 09:01:54 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 03, 2014, 08:57:15 PM
Quote from: bob on February 03, 2014, 05:43:43 PM
Four or five breakdowns today again in cannock alone....
And how many NX have failed today?
Well if 4 out of 60 of Cannock's broke down that is the equivilent of over 100 of NX's 1500 breaking down! The day 10 broke down would be the equivilent of NX having 250 breakdowns.
Thanks for putting into perspective what ive been trying to say for months! Cannock should be an embarrassment to them... 6 token sb200s which theyve bought for pye greens is nowhere near whats needed. Nx would so wipe the floor with them if they attempted to compete tony..seriously
No they wouldn't. How many times do I have to point out that NX obviously can't make Cannock pay otherwise they wouldn't have retrenched. They are only interested in high frequency monopoly operations where there is a constant revenue stream from a local authority for subsidised fares and generous concessionary schemes. That certainly is not Staffordshire.
And I'm sorry Tony but to try to create a breakdown ration based on a ratchet system such as that is completely illogical. Apart from anything else I very much doubt anybody, even yourself, can have accurate numbers of breakdowns for an operation as large as that.
You cannot suggest that 4 Arriva buses are the equivalent of 100 NX ones, it simply doesn't work like that. Very often a bus will break down twice in a day following a break down and a running repair, so it is a completely unrealistic equation to try to make. It's like saying that an operator with only 2 vehicles that both break down will always be worse than NX because 1500 of their vehicles didn't break down.
Doing percentage like that is not illogical, remember VOSA expect 95% compliance, so they work on percentages the same as I did. Vosa expect an operator with 2 vehicles to have contingency plans so the still run 95% of their mileage within required margins the same as the expect NX to. GRS have recently found that out. An operator that has one sixth of its fleet break down in one day, before poor timekeeping even comes into the figures is never going to achieve 95%
Quote from: Tony on February 04, 2014, 07:28:02 AM
Doing percentage like that is not illogical, remember VOSA expect 95% compliance, so they work on percentages the same as I did. Vosa expect an operator with 2 vehicles to have contingency plans so the still run 95% of their mileage within required margins the same as the expect NX to. GRS have recently found that out. An operator that has one sixth of its fleet break down in one day, before poor timekeeping even comes into the figures is never going to achieve 95%
Fine. So infact it is the ratio of lost mileage and late running across the Midland Red North operating licence which VOSA will monitor, and not the 4 out of 60 at Cannock on its own. That is if we are to continue with the NX 1500 vehicles analogy. Correct?
We're on 4 breakdowns already today lol
Add another two breakdowns to that according to the Facebook page. On one hand its great they let you know but onthe oother arent they advertising how rubbish they are?
NatEx are just as bad as Arriva when it comes to breakdowns, especialy in Wolverhampton, its NatEx that stop the Mansfield Group from going bankrupt
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 10:10:33 AM
NatEx are just as bad as Arriva when it comes to breakdowns, especialy in Wolverhampton, its NatEx that stop the Mansfield Group from going bankrupt
Give us some figures of how many then if you know that
Well can't give exact figures but just stating that people slag Arriva off for breakdowns, yes it is pour I agree but everytime I visit Wolverhampton I always see atleast 2 or 3 trident on the back of Mansfield trucks or the mercs........ Fact of the matter is every single bus operator out there suffers breakdowns so why is Arriva the only ones being slagged off when all companies are the same?
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 01:03:30 PM
Well can't give exact figures but just stating that people slag Arriva off for breakdowns, yes it is pour I agree but everytime I visit Wolverhampton I always see atleast 2 or 3 trident on the back of Mansfield trucks or the mercs........ Fact of the matter is every single bus operator out there suffers breakdowns so why is Arriva the only ones being slagged off when all companies are the same?
But your talking 2-3 Tridents out of a fleet of 201 buses.
i.e. 1.5% of the fleet based on 3 Tridents.
Quote from: Winston on February 05, 2014, 01:11:47 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 01:03:30 PM
Well can't give exact figures but just stating that people slag Arriva off for breakdowns, yes it is pour I agree but everytime I visit Wolverhampton I always see atleast 2 or 3 trident on the back of Mansfield trucks or the mercs........ Fact of the matter is every single bus operator out there suffers breakdowns so why is Arriva the only ones being slagged off when all companies are the same?
But your talking 2-3 Tridents out of a fleet of 201 buses.
i.e. 1.5% of the fleet based on 3 Tridents.
And he doesn't see 2-3 tridents on the back of Mansfield Tow trucks every time he visits because it is very rare for that to happen, and as BN has Stated the Mercs at WN are also behaving at the moment. I cannot actually remember the last time I was working at any individual garage when 3 buses got towed in in the same day. Only breakdowns that get tows back are completely dead buses, accident victims or ones that are a risk if driven, which means steering or brake faults, fuel leaks or anything at risk of catching fire.
Most 'breakdowns' are fail to starts which are normally cured by an engineer with a battery pack, (as WBdriver suffered with 4114 yesterday) and I would imagine most of the Arriva ones Bob lists are the same, nothing mechanically wrong just poor battery health, poor alternator health, so not charging properly, or drivers leaving lots of electrics on without the engine running.
Quote from: Tony on February 05, 2014, 01:34:20 PM
Most 'breakdowns' are fail to starts which are normally cured by an engineer with a battery pack, (as WBdriver suffered with 4114 yesterday) and I would imagine most of the Arriva ones Bob lists are the same, nothing mechanically wrong just poor battery health, poor alternator health, so not charging properly, or drivers leaving lots of electrics on without the engine running.
Precisely. So why can this ridiculous tit for tat not be stopped and everybody accept that any operator with a large number of vehicles over 10 years old will always suffer a degree of breakdowns, particularly in the winter months.
3 things I wanna correct you on, 1. I know what a trident looks like, 2. I know what a mansfield truck looks like and 3. I can count I'm not f*****g thick!!!!
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 03:44:42 PM
3 things I wanna correct you on, 1. I know what a trident looks like, 2. I know what a mansfield truck looks like and 3. I can count I'm not f*****g thick!!!!
Maybe but this quote
'everytime I visit Wolverhampton I always see atleast 2 or 3 trident on the back of Mansfield trucks or the mercs' Is just either an exaggeration, or just a complete lie, you cannot tell me that happens
everytime you are in Wolverhampton, because the facts are it is extremely rare!
LOL well arriva don't have a coach aid trucks on stand by at the depot unlike Natex, majority of people think Natex are so perfect? Yet 1 particular driver always refuses to let me or my girlfriend on the bus with the push chair because and I quote " I don't like push chairs on my bus" now she's either not a fully qualifies driver and can't cope with push chairs on her bus or 2 she's just bone idle and doesn't have the patience to wait for people with push chairs!! My girlfriend along with several other people have complained about her...... Never had these issues with Arriva
I bet the nx bus wasnt cancelled due to mechanical issues tho ahahaha
ive seen many a time nx drivers reporting a fault they have found developing as they progress. for example, one chap was driving along, when suddenly his ticket machine failed. he called it in straight away, given instructions on what to do next, and within the 20min journey onwards to wolves, an engineer was there with a change bus. they swapped vehicles, and driver carries on. have also seen nx have an engineer based in town with most spares for minor defects eg coolant bulbs wipers mirrors etc,
Quote from: mranon on February 05, 2014, 05:23:47 PM
ive seen many a time nx drivers reporting a fault they have found developing as they progress. for example, one chap was driving along, when suddenly his ticket machine failed. he called it in straight away, given instructions on what to do next, and within the 20min journey onwards to wolves, an engineer was there with a change bus. they swapped vehicles, and driver carries on. have also seen nx have an engineer based in town with most spares for minor defects eg coolant bulbs wipers mirrors etc,
There is usually a change bus very quickly after most defective buses I have seen taken back to garage. I usually regually see the engineer and his van parked at the bus station
Was a pic on fb of a Trident that had crashed and yes it was NatEx, how many have caught fire.....???
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 05:29:02 PM
Was a pic on fb of a Trident that had crashed and yes it was NatEx, how many have caught fire.....???
How many tridents have caught fire? Apart from 4336,not many! I did notice 4566 was taken off the 59 today (Defective probably) And replaced with 1669
Not just tridents I was refering to lol
We have an engineer permanently at the bus station. He keeps a hell of a lot of lost mileage at bay.
Quote from: BN on February 05, 2014, 05:36:47 PM
We have an engineer permanently at the bus station. He keeps a hell of a lot of lost mileage at bay.
I really don't want to keep this silly argument going but I think the fact a fitter has to be permanently stationed at the bus station tells all you need to know about the reliability of many vehicles to get through a day's work without failing in some way.
Quote from: andy on February 05, 2014, 05:41:47 PM
Quote from: BN on February 05, 2014, 05:36:47 PM
We have an engineer permanently at the bus station. He keeps a hell of a lot of lost mileage at bay.
I really don't want to keep this silly argument going but I think the fact a fitter has to be permanently stationed at the bus station tells all you need to know about the reliability of many vehicles to get through a day's work without failing in some way.
But no operator can predict when a light bulb / wiper blade / ticket machine will fail, but they are all things that would result in the bus being taken out of service. If minor defects can be dealt with quickly in the bus station it keeps delays / missing journeys to a minimum.
If a mechanic is based at the bus station all day then the buses can't be all that well maintained can they? But the point here is every1 slates Arriva for having mechanical issues yet every bus operator suffers them, it can not be helped at all and have Nat Ex got a chosen liverey as they have 3 different ones?
Quote from: andy on February 05, 2014, 05:41:47 PM
Quote from: BN on February 05, 2014, 05:36:47 PM
We have an engineer permanently at the bus station. He keeps a hell of a lot of lost mileage at bay.
I really don't want to keep this silly argument going but I think the fact a fitter has to be permanently stationed at the bus station tells all you need to know about the reliability of many vehicles to get through a day's work without failing in some way.
It does, but it is also a sensible contigency,
I am not so sure modern vehicles are any less reliable than older vehicles, but there are two things that make a big difference, specially if you go back to pre-deregulation. When I was first driving you were expected to carry on driving with the exception of
a) You were physically unable to make it move
b) Steering was so bad you couldn't control it. (I am sure if Autosteer on fleetlines was brought back nearly every bus would be parked for bad steering!)
c) Brakes were so bad you couldn't stop it
If you reported 'heavy steering', 'no heaters' or various other defects you were expected to carry on until engineers found time to give you a change bus. Even things like defective doors was carry on, just ask people not to come onto the platform until you've stopped!
Nowadays any red warning lights is park up immediately, any yellow warning light, poor cab heaters, or any other non-safety critical fault is change bus or engineers attendance at the next time you get to the usual changeover point.
The second is there are much fewer peak only boards than there used to be so buses amount many more miles much quicker. In Birmingham off-peak was only about 25% of the peak in the 1950s and 60s so it took buses a lot longer to run the same number of miles, so if a bus was going to break down every 60,000 miles, that will be much more frequently timescale wise now.
Even three failed tridents a day though given the size of the fleet is nothing. The amount of breakdowns at cannock almost every day and resulting in cancelled services would surely , pro rata, be equivalent of at least 25 breakdowns a day at wolverhampton? ?
Agreed, every operator has mechanical issues on a daily basis.
I think Arriva's issues are:
1 - They don't carry enough spare buses to cover the volume of breakdowns that are occurring
2 - They don't have enough engineering staff to be able to respond quickly enough when a breakdown occurs resulting in them loosing the journey / mileage
3 - Arriva also don't have cab radio's where they can easily communicate with drivers
Why would Arriva drivers need to communicate with each other? Can imagine that "Hi, I'm on 825 I'm brokedown in Hansacre" other driver "oh right cool I'm on 76 just leaving stafford"..... Waste of time IMO
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 06:09:40 PM
Why would Arriva drivers need to communicate with each other? Can imagine that "Hi, I'm on 825 I'm brokedown in Hansacre" other driver "oh right cool I'm on 76 just leaving stafford"..... Waste of time IMO
Errr..... I actually said Arriva can't as in the 'depot' that can't easily communicate with their drivers.
Are they going to pull out a list of drivers personal mobile numbers to give instructions???
Quote from: Winston on February 05, 2014, 06:15:01 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 06:09:40 PM
Why would Arriva drivers need to communicate with each other? Can imagine that "Hi, I'm on 825 I'm brokedown in Hansacre" other driver "oh right cool I'm on 76 just leaving stafford"..... Waste of time IMO
Errr..... I actually said Arriva can't as in the 'depot' that can't easily communicate with their drivers.
Are they going to pull out a list of drivers personal mobile numbers to give instructions???
Surely radios are vital in order to tell drivers to hold back to let sufficient gaps build up-in London they live on them! Seems the most sensible way to communicate and struggling to think of an example here but if there was a problem on a lower frequency route then a driver could be radioed on a high frequency route and told to go onto the other route, to ensure that a service is only missed on a high frequency route where one individual bus is less important?
Were going off topic here........... Arriva buses break down, NatEx buses break down every1 breaks down for crying out loud but why are people whinging about Arriva breaking down and being left standing in the rain etc? I suppose if NatEx broke down and people were left in the cold and the rain it would be acceptable I suppose?
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 05:47:50 PM
If a mechanic is based at the bus station all day then the buses can't be all that well maintained can they?
Yes they can,
But the point here is every1 slates Arriva for having mechanical issues yet every bus operator suffers them, it can not be helped at all
It could, If Arriva had an engineer in Cannock Bus Station he could repair minor faults, so they wouldn't be posting so many missing journeys on facebook (they did in 2000)
and have Nat Ex got a chosen liverey as they have 3 different ones?
And how many liveries have Arriva got? I have photographed 4 this year already.
Hahaha, Tony! Remember that AutoSteer?! Oh the curbs I hit cause of that god awful idea. I'm so glad it's come on in leaps and bounds now.
I loved the fleetlines though, I remember when walsall got the east lancs ones in the 90s and an odd man out tvp-s example! I thought that was a great period and the nationals too! After ages of just metros n lynxes it was like a retro explosion! Good days
i am not having a dig here, but i think arrivaaston has a lot of learning to do. i have experience in maintaining coaches/buses in the past and behind the scenes. you cannot prevent breakdowns - it happens. buses/coaches are getting more technical, emissions and being green hampers performance, but you cannot predict when something will fail. with nx having an engineer in a van at wn, it means that if he can fix small defects as they arise, mileage isnt lost as much,
ticket machines can fail, even the old ones did. a 2 min job, and bus can carry on. if a bulb, especially headlight goes, again 5 min job. this is an ideal tactic, as it means the engineers at garage dont have to deal with these small defects, and get to carry on with scheduled stuff/major repairs. when i was in charge of maintainance where i used to work, i used to have a kit in each vehicle, so even if i was out driving, and say a bulb went, id do it whilst out.
tony might answer this, but i suspect a number of tow ins now also occur due to the health and safety arrangements, i.e the attending engineers not being allowed to do major repairs at the roadside, esp if they had to crawl under the engine etc as well as the reasons already given for tow ins.
arriva seem to let themselves down, but when their other garages have a much better fleet, and lower age, they must be fighting a loosing battle.
its easy to slag operators off, but it hits them not only with grief off the tc, but if a bus isnt rolling it looses money. even small operators breakdown, although some may carry on with a defect until end of service wheras others will stop. no operator is immune to breakdowns, but some are more active in prevention than others. hence the guy from nx at wn bus station. its a comfort to see support there - and especially as lights wipers etc are concerned, its great nx try to sort these issues as and when they happen
I'm not disputing the fact that Arriva have been poor lately with breakdowns, the point I'm making is Arriva are not the only operator to suffer breakdownss, yes certain jobs possibly can be done there and then and delay the service, I've seen it done in Cannock many atime 2./, fixing a whiper, sorting a ticket machine etc and yes I can imagine health and safety is a lot to do with having buses towed in, afterall these days you can't do jack shit with out it breaking health and safety regulations....... The point I'm trying to make is Arriva are not they only operator that suffer breakdowns and age of vehicles isn't an issue its to do with how well the bus is maintained.......
So your saying cannocks fleet is badly maintained then?
so arrivaaston, i once took a coach to a main dealer for a major service/vehicle inspection. it was on a contract as it was less than a year old. on return after a few days, it developed a fault. the fault wasnt there when it went in, and 3 days after its return. its just sods law. you can only fix what is found during a v.i and what drivers report. things go wrong, and its always like buses none then 4/5 come along together. if these vehicles were not maintained vosa would be on them
I cant begin to imagine just how bad Auto Steer must of been when the flletlines fitted with it sent to other garages in favour of Bristil VRs without any power assistance ?
Again I can understand certain faults can only be found when V.I is carried out, and yes - Arriva Cannock do have a poor fleet with low quality Volvo's that have been to the moon and back and heavily used Darts that have been to the moon and back; But let's move from Cannock at the moment to say, Derby who have a pretty decent fleet, got through 6 or 7 breakdowns in a day. Does it make Arriva a poor quality Company and say there running a poor service? We've established breakdowns can't be helped, we've established that certain things can be rectifies by a mechanic. If shoe was on the other foot and NatEx got through as many breakdowns in a day does that make them as poor as Arriva? Would they be defamed like what Arriva have?
Please watch you're use of profanity! , LS
Can this pretty pointless discussion be ended? Arriva Cannock have a high percentage of vehicle breakdowns. FACT, let's move on!
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 05, 2014, 06:20:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 05, 2014, 06:15:01 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 06:09:40 PM
Why would Arriva drivers need to communicate with each other? Can imagine that "Hi, I'm on 825 I'm brokedown in Hansacre" other driver "oh right cool I'm on 76 just leaving stafford"..... Waste of time IMO
Errr..... I actually said Arriva can't as in the 'depot' that can't easily communicate with their drivers.
Are they going to pull out a list of drivers personal mobile numbers to give instructions???
Surely radios are vital in order to tell drivers to hold back to let sufficient gaps build up-in London they live on them! Seems the most sensible way to communicate and struggling to think of an example here but if there was a problem on a lower frequency route then a driver could be radioed on a high frequency route and told to go onto the other route, to ensure that a service is only missed on a high frequency route where one individual bus is less important?
Does Arriva have any high frequency routes?
What I call a high frequency route is the likes of the 4, 51, 301 & 529!
Quote from: andyr on February 05, 2014, 09:07:49 PM
I cant begin to imagine just how bad Auto Steer must of been when the flletlines fitted with it sent to other garages in favour of Bristil VRs without any power assistance ?
I dont think autosteer was fitted till tthe mid 80s was it? Around about when the VRs were going
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 05, 2014, 10:16:29 PM
Again I can understand certain faults can only be found when V.I is carried out and yes Arriva Cannock do have a poor fleet with ****ed up volvos that have been to the moon and back and shagged darts that have been to the moon and back but let's move from Cannock at the moment to say, Derby who have a pretty decent fleet, I Derby got through 6 or 7 breakdowns in a day does it make Arriva shit and say there running a poor service? We've established breakdowns can't be helped, we've established that certain things can be rectifies by a mechanic or if shoe was on the other foot and NatEx got through as many breakdowns in a day does that make them shit? Would they be slagged off like what Arriva have?
Maybe thats the point? Tamworth derby etc have decent fleets. Cannock has a terrible fleet....
I fail to see how its FACT "/........... But I suppose of course the great the wonderful NatEx never suffer a breakdown, the only good thing about Natex is that I paid about 1 or 2wuid in strapnil for a daysaver..... Natex are a piece of piss to rob
Quote from: bob on February 06, 2014, 01:52:19 AM
Quote from: andyr on February 05, 2014, 09:07:49 PM
I cant begin to imagine just how bad Auto Steer must of been when the flletlines fitted with it sent to other garages in favour of Bristil VRs without any power assistance ?
I dont think autosteer was fitted till tthe mid 80s was it? Around about when the VRs were going
Did ypu mean walsall garage? I think what it was was that wolverhampton got rid of their VRs toward the end of 1983 as they were being withdrawn for overhaul, then they and the remaining examples largely second batch were concentrated at walsall allowing all their remaining fleetlines to go elsewhere :)) tge last ones left in or around may 1984
74 broken down this morning, bus was fixed at bus station but has delayed the service by 15 minutes, no criticising as we've established its better when there fixed at the bus stn and service is delayed
Quote from: mranon on February 05, 2014, 08:11:07 PM
i am not having a dig here, but i think arrivaaston has a lot of learning to do. i have experience in maintaining coaches/buses in the past and behind the scenes. you cannot prevent breakdowns - it happens. buses/coaches are getting more technical, emissions and being green hampers performance, but you cannot predict when something will fail. with nx having an engineer in a van at wn, it means that if he can fix small defects as they arise, mileage isnt lost as much,
ticket machines can fail, even the old ones did. a 2 min job, and bus can carry on. if a bulb, especially headlight goes, again 5 min job. this is an ideal tactic, as it means the engineers at garage dont have to deal with these small defects, and get to carry on with scheduled stuff/major repairs. when i was in charge of maintainance where i used to work, i used to have a kit in each vehicle, so even if i was out driving, and say a bulb went, id do it whilst out.
tony might answer this, but i suspect a number of tow ins now also occur due to the health and safety arrangements, i.e the attending engineers not being allowed to do major repairs at the roadside, esp if they had to crawl under the engine etc as well as the reasons already given for tow ins.
arriva seem to let themselves down, but when their other garages have a much better fleet, and lower age, they must be fighting a loosing battle.
its easy to slag operators off, but it hits them not only with grief off the tc, but if a bus isnt rolling it looses money. even small operators breakdown, although some may carry on with a defect until end of service wheras others will stop. no operator is immune to breakdowns, but some are more active in prevention than others. hence the guy from nx at wn bus station. its a comfort to see support there - and especially as lights wipers etc are concerned, its great nx try to sort these issues as and when they happen
It's much like BC's City Engineer. Even fix small leaks without major loss of mileage. (Or even repair it for the driver to return it to garage.)
Basically, if you work with vehicles, you must expect a certain degree of defects, and should have procedures in place to reduce the disruption as much as possible.
Cannock has had TWELVE breakdowns today! Largely on 32/3 but on pye greens with two breaking down within minutes of each other. Also a 2 and the 74 mentioned earlier. Thats a fifth of the bloody fleet! !!!!!!
Quote from: bob on February 06, 2014, 05:38:43 PM
Cannock has had TWELVE breakdowns today! Largely on 32/3 but on pye greens with two breaking down within minutes of each other. Also a 2 and the 74 mentioned earlier. Thats a fifth of the bloody fleet! !!!!!!
Have any of these breakdowns consisted of some of the older buses in the fleet or does this include some of the younger buses such as the 57 Plate and 61 Plate VDL's?
Dont know.FT06 ZTE has broken down quite a bit in the past. Darts break down more than anything else and theyre also the worst condition interior wise. But in their wisdom theyre getting rid of volvos and keeping absolutely knackered lightweight midibuses...
The 32 has had 2 buses on majority of today, the 74 was rectified and back in use, 3719 has been out all day, the volvos are going due to costs of running them and a couple of drivers I speak to says he'll be glad to see the back of them and that they are useless, 3602 is proberbly the worse 1 for breaking down
They dont breakdown nowhere near as much as darts though! Plus darts are really unpleasant to travel on on interurban services which theyre frequently used on and not big enough for
I agree darts on 70's is daft but how many of them volvos sound horrific? 3602/3/5/8/10 are the worse volvos of the lot, 3601 and 3609 are proberbly the best ones, 3606 now only acts as a "spare" 3612 seems to be a regular for fucking up and them Yorkshire things aren't much better, they may have the nice seats in but IMO the whole batch of volvos would look better on the back of a watsons wagon lol
The ex Yorkshire ones are beasts lol. I love em.proper buses not lightweight nails
3605 3606 and 3610 are actually my top three but maybe i'm just speaking from bad taste
10 trips on various routes missed in cannock today due to breakdowns...crikey they need to get a grip. Its loads for a small garage
Quote from: bob on February 07, 2014, 04:14:49 PM
10 trips on various routes missed in cannock today due to breakdowns...crikey they need to get a grip. Its loads for a small garage
They must be loosing quite a bit of revenue on a daily basis, plus potentially passengers due to poor service
Someone criticised them om their fb for amount of breakdowns and they replied 'were replacing 10% of cannocks fleet with new buses'. Wow..pity the other 60% are knackered
Quote from: bob on February 07, 2014, 04:48:08 PM
Someone criticised them om their fb for amount of breakdowns and they replied 'were replacing 10% of cannocks fleet with new buses'. Wow..pity the other 60% are knackered
I'd have thought that they need to replace 15-20 (up to third of fleet) of the most unreliable existing buses with new/nearly new buses to reduce the number of breakdowns
Darts break down the most but are being kept. The alx bodied b10bs are going when the 6 new pulsars enter service. Apparently the cadets are beimg moved to telford, that would make sense. What really needs to go are any darts older than 52 plate. Theyvehad it and CERTAINLY arent up to interurban work cos theyre so unreliable
Got off the train today and found brand new 3794 going across the bridge on the Pye Greens, Not the best photo as it was moving in the dark, but it does show the route branding. The other Pye Green I saw was a Centro, so they are not all out yet.#
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3794.html
Quote from: Tony on February 10, 2014, 06:35:38 PM
Got off the train today and found brand new 3794 going across the bridge on the Pye Greens, Not the best photo as it was moving in the dark, but it does show the route branding. The other Pye Green I saw was a Centro, so they are not all out yet.#
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3794.html
From the photo, that does look like a nice bus.
When I occasionally go to Wolverhampton, the Arriva vehicles that come in on the Telford route look pretty smart too.
Its a shame Cannock doesn't have anything similar otherwise, while the best buses Wednesfield appear to have are the Enviro 200's, the ones on the 9 normally.
At least NX have shared out the allocations up to a point.
7 new buses is good but its only a start. Cannock needs a lot of investment. Most of its darts really need to go as theyre the worst and are the main culprits for breaking down. Even today they were advertising a string of breakdowns on the fb page, although not as bad as the other Friday which was the worst ive ever seen. I wonder if all tge volvos are gonna go this week? Plenty of them were in use on the 70/68 today
Roll on when the volvos go!! A driver friend of mine has said that 2315 X523GGO is to join Stafford to replace 2346 S346YOG
I dont think the volvos are gonna go for a bit yet. How can u prefer a crappy dart to one of them beasts aston? Lol
If the Cadets do go to Telford. What would they replace?
With regards to 2315 replacing 2346 at Stafford. Get rid of that UVG shed first, you can hear it rattle a mile off
Quote from: Ashley on February 10, 2014, 10:36:29 PM
If the Cadets do go to Telford. What would they replce?
B6's / Dart 2374 / Scanias possibly
With regards to 2315 replacing 2346 at Stafford. Get rid of that UVG shed first, you can hear it rattle a mile off
[/quote
thought there were two UVG's at Stafford ?
New buses straying already. ..one on the 70 coming into cannock this morning. ..
Quote from: Tony on February 10, 2014, 06:35:38 PM
Got off the train today and found brand new 3794 going across the bridge on the Pye Greens, Not the best photo as it was moving in the dark, but it does show the route branding. The other Pye Green I saw was a Centro, so they are not all out yet.#
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3794.html
3795 and 3796 both branded on there first thing this morning
Quote from: bob on February 07, 2014, 05:15:30 PM
Darts break down the most but are being kept. The alx bodied b10bs are going when the 6 new pulsars enter service. Apparently the cadets are beimg moved to telford, that would make sense. What really needs to go are any darts older than 52 plate. Theyvehad it and CERTAINLY arent up to interurban work cos theyre so unreliable
Are the Alx200 bodied Volvo B10B's the ones that are supposed to be going to Hinckley?
3 of the b10's are to become training buses, and don't prefer darts to volvos, just hate the volvos lol, I've had darts, dafs and volvos on 76 and the DAF everytime if you ask me ;), the remamining volvos are to be allocated elsewhere.....
Quote from: tphi12000 on February 11, 2014, 01:33:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 10, 2014, 06:35:38 PM
Got off the train today and found brand new 3794 going across the bridge on the Pye Greens, Not the best photo as it was moving in the dark, but it does show the route branding. The other Pye Green I saw was a Centro, so they are not all out yet.#
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3794.html
3795 and 3796 both branded on there first thing this morning
3792 & 3793 again both branded in service this evening these were used for launch event yesterday.
The w reg are stayin though
either 3711 NZX or 3712 NZY is on the 1 this morning either loan or ex Burton.
Was 3707 on one of the Walsall routes yesterday as it was parked broken down in Stafford St around 530 last night?
Not sure if its all them but noticed the 33 service now just displays "Cannock" ?
All of CK's services heading towards Cannock display "Cannock" only on their destinations
3619 on 68's today
I thought the new buses& 3705-7 were to see off all the V-DBC batch yet most of the volvos are still in use...are cannock currently running more buses than normal or have other vehicles been withdrawn instead? ?
Quote from: C K / S I on February 17, 2014, 04:30:28 PM
I thought CK were to have / 7 / FL63 / ? so far i have only seen / DWV / DWW / DYA / DYB / DYC
The other 2 seem to be parked uo in cannocks yard looks like they have been recently delivered.
Quote from: Ashley on February 10, 2014, 10:36:29 PM
If the Cadets do go to Telford. What would they replace?
My assumption is perhaps half of the Crusaders (hoorah!) or possibly 3/4 of them, if you are including 2701 and 2702 (the mini Cadets).
The mini cadets are staying I think. Its just the ex telfords that are supposed to be going back. My mate told me cannock were due 3 more b6s..I hope not in the sense that if its a swap with telfords arent they absolutely knackered? Ive seen people say on here before that they can barely get up slopes? Cannocks been suffering breakdowns again. ..the 650am route 1 brole down and two 32s, and v601 dbc was in the bus station tonight with the front grille off and engine cover up and a recovery low loader blocking an entire row of the bus station. ..lol
They DO struggle to get up a hill - Telford has plenty of hills, therefore the B6BLEs do struggle (a cat could go faster up a hill than V235 KDA). Went on 2636 the other day, and the diff is knackered. They all shake like hell in idle, as well. 2637 is probably the best one, but, on the other hand, 2630 and 2641 are the worst in the fleet, but it doesn't mean to say the rest (possibly bar 2637 - I haven't been on that for a while, tbf) aren't rubbish.
They are shockingly underpowered to be hauling a heavy 40 seat body around, hence why they are knackered compared to other buses of their age. 2630 was indeed a complete nail when we received it at Tamworth from Telford, but was made to look superb by the arrival of 2631!
There was one junction in particular at the top of a hill on the number 7 where you could sit for several minutes waiting for a big enough gap to get these things safely out.
Has 2630 left Telford?
Not sure about 2630, I know there is a volvo on the scrap pile at Cannock and 2701 has its bumper
Seen 2630 today on the 55 - so all's "good"... Well - not good.
Sorry didn't mean to cause confusion, I was talking about when 2630 and 2631 came over a couple of years ago before Tamworth got the Citaros.
Oh, that explains it :)
Quote from: C K / S I on February 20, 2014, 02:15:04 PM
Anyone know registrations / fleet numbers of 2 / FL63 plates / ( not yet on road ) at Cannock
You only have to look on the main site!
Are those two going to be unbranded?
The 25/26 require 6 buses Monday to Friday and 5 on a Saturday so surely at least 6 if them should be branded
The 1 requires five buses but theres only four branded for it and the 2 needs more buses than the pair that are branded for it...
Telford needs 6 buses on the 481 - but only 5 of the new batch are branded, so this leaves the other as a spare (of sorts).
I think it's a good way to go, leaving 1 or 2 bus(es) unbranded.
Yea. Cannock oughta debrand the route 1 buses to be fair rheyre such a state internally they should be embarrassed to advertise em lol!
Has one of them still got the turbo leak?
Yea I think so but none of the four sound very healthy. They all desperately need a retrim. They were never done whenthe mmajority of the others were, all of them are threadbare inside and have been for years lol. One has about 4 types of seat moquette. ..they have been supposed to be refurbishing them for ages but its never happened. One had a plain panel substituted for half of the big chase linx logo last year so it looks a right mess. Theyve not been repainted since 2007. Neither have the staffords and they look a mess...the 1has run to Huntington for years and the branding says between walsall and cannock. I got shot down with screams of 'the x51 says Birmingham to walsall but it goes to cannock' lol but thats three trips a day! 95% of the 1s start or finish in Huntington lol
I tell you what Telford should give to Cannock - 2219. I always used to say it was a lovely bus, went on it yesterday (on the 11/22) - it was dreadful! It was so uncomfortable, the whole bus was rattling - but it used to be so smooth and everything, and then they sent it to Cannock/Stafford/somewhere else, and it's now a complete mess. You see what just a month at a bad depot can do to an otherwise good bus :(
Lol its very old tho. You should of seen t51jjf thats now moved from cannock to stafford. NAIL! It broke down on a zebra crossing at Hednesford bus stn and had to be pushed back into a bus stand! The brakes went apparently. I heard it was that bad drivers refused to drive it but were eventually told those who did would face disciplinary action!
Trust me - 2219 was very old a few months ago, still. Just about 3-4 months ago I rode on it, and it was smooth and lovely. A month at another depot, and it came back to Telford, a complete mess.
I see what you mean about differing standards caught 3728 from stafford on the 74 today, this is a 57 plate bus and sounded dreadful. Also all the interior panels were filthy. Then had the displeasure of 3704 on the 1 all of 3701-3704 sound bad and are threadbare inside but 3704 is the worstit sounded like it was about to blow up has a faulty turbo qhich has never been dealt with and has half of the chaselinx branding missing. Caught 3707 back. A ex thurmaston bus. Yea ok it had a retrim but its so much smoother. Theyre all of the same vintage but the difference is amazing
A 61 Plate VDL SB200 (Didn't catch fleetnumber) on 68's today. Saw at 15:15 on Lichfield Rd in Wednesfield
Lucky passengers lol. Ive got a feeling the 68 which is currently not the most well used route is gonna vastly increase in importance in the not so distant future. When new cross take over cannock hospital people will be going there for a lot of the things they currently go to stafford for. Staffords being massively down graded and will be not much more than a outstation of North Staffordshire hospital who its being merged into
Quote from: bob on February 24, 2014, 07:46:16 PM
Lucky passengers lol. Ive got a feeling the 68 which is currently not the most well used route is gonna vastly increase in importance in the not so distant future. When new cross take over cannock hospital people will be going there for a lot of the things they currently go to stafford for. Staffords being massively down graded and will be not much more than a outstation of North Staffordshire hospital who its being merged into
Tbh it is pretty well used between Wolverhampton and New Invention
Really??? Must only be with n bus users then? Cos it stops in a crap place in wolves since arriva ludicrously got rid of the circuit around town
Quote from: bob on February 24, 2014, 08:23:16 PM
Really??? Must only be with n bus users then? Cos it stops in a crap place in wolves since arriva ludicrously got rid of the circuit around town
I have seen a few fare payers usually people in Heath Town heading to W'ton (Waiting for any bus to turn up).
2264 on 68's today. Haven't seen an MPD on there in weeks
I was on a route 1 branded bis on the 68 today, the ome with the 3 or 4 different types of seat trim, jeeesus that bis is in a bad way even the driver said it sounded like something bad was wrong. Making a howling/vibrating/whining noise similar to the worst of the ALX400 dafs...which sb200's dont normally do....
Quote from: bob on February 26, 2014, 05:20:40 PM
I was on a route 1 branded bis on the 68 today, the ome with the 3 or 4 different types of seat trim, jeeesus that bis is in a bad way even the driver said it sounded like something bad was wrong. Making a howling/vibrating/whining noise similar to the worst of the ALX400 dafs...which sb200's dont normally do....
3703 is the 1 branded SB200 on the 68 today. For once there isn't a B10BLE on there....
I didn't think the Commanders on the 1 were that bad. I will try and catch one to see how bad they are. I have been on a 57 plate and they sound pretty good
Quote from: C K / S I on February 26, 2014, 05:10:09 PM
Thought that Cannock were supposed to have / BF52 NZS / to join / BF52 NZR / BF52 NZT
3706 (BF52 NZS) is on loan to Thurmaston depot and operating services 5/5a in Leicester today.
The 1 branded commanders are really rough. ..370 3 the worst.theyve all got threadbare interiors I dont understand why theyve never ever been re trimmed? ? Go on a 1 branded one then go on 3707. Aside from the retrim it sounds so much smoother than cannocks examples. ..
3797 out on the 25 today. First time I have seen an unbranded one in service, photo on the main site later
The other unbranded one was on the 1 yesterday and today
3798 on route 1 thought they where for pye green circulars ?
Quote from: Ck on February 27, 2014, 08:11:58 PM
3798 on route 1 thought they where for pye green circulars ?
3797 and 3798 are unbranded so are avalible for any service.
Crikey domt knock it..makes a change from the crap thats normally on there!
Just out of interest with sb200 buses the engine having to work so much harder than other similar size vehicles ( citaro volvo etc) will they knacker out more quickly like b6s for example?
3798's currently parked in Walsall.
Quote from: Matt on March 01, 2014, 04:45:46 PM
3798's currently parked in Walsall.
Most likely on the 1 where 3797/8 are mainly being allocated atm
3798 will 9/10 be on the 1, on Saturday there was not 1 route 1 branded bus, there was 3606, 3705, 3707, 3797 and 3798
When and where are the DBCs going? Lol what a sad day at cannock thatll be knowing theyre completely at the mercy of knackered darts and lightweight crap sb200's
Some of the V6** DBC volvos were reported as going to the Hinckley Bus operations recently, anyone know if that's still the plan?
Quote from: stuartn on March 05, 2014, 07:44:54 PM
Some of the V6** DBC volvos were reported as going to the Hinckley Bus operations recently, anyone know if that's still the plan?
3603/10/12 are now allocated to Head office .
In use at Leicester or being prepared for training?
Quote from: arrivaaston on March 05, 2014, 09:02:40 PM
In use at Leicester or being prepared for training?
Allocated to 'Head Office' in Arriva Speak actually means the equivilent of National Express 'reserve' not Leicester. Difference is Most HO vehicles are parked at Cannock and are regularly used by Cannock if they are fit to use
3618 was on the 31 this evening when I got off the train, first time I have actually seen that one in use, and I can find no mention of it in this thread, has anyone seen this out before?
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3618.html
Quote from: Tony on March 06, 2014, 07:57:07 PM
3618 was on the 31 this evening when I got off the train, first time I have actually seen that one in use, and I can find no mention of it in this thread, has anyone seen this out before?
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3618.html
You have just reminded me tony, I saw 3618 about 8:40-8:45 this morning whilst on my way to WN Garage at the Elephant and Castle Junction (Stafford Rd/St/Cannock Rd) heading into W'ton on the 76. I don't think it has been mentioned
3618 has been out for about a week, I have pictures on my facebook, how she ended up on 31 I don't no as this mornings she came in as a z0, changed to a 68
Quote from: arrivaaston on March 06, 2014, 08:20:50 PM
3618 has been out for about a week, I have pictures on my facebook, how she ended up on 31 I don't no as this mornings she came in as a z0, changed to a 68
Didn't see it on the 68. What time was this? 3608 was on the 68 about 8:15 this morning but this afternoon 3766 and another 61 Plate SB200 were the buses on the 68
I like these three voith volvos. Apparently theyre only planned to be at cannock briefly :-(((. Is it a bit dodgy though that there arent any handrails through the length of the bus on all of them?
Quote from: bob on March 06, 2014, 08:25:19 PM
I like these three voith volvos. Apparently theyre only planned to be at cannock briefly :-(((. Is it a bit dodgy though that there arent any handrails through the length of the bus on all of them?
Bob there isn't a bus on the planet that once painted in Arriva colours you wouldn't have an issue with!
Not at all. Just pointing out could be a bit dangerous :)
Driver friend of mine describes them as f*****g heaps of s**t!!
Lol is that what the drivers think of them? From a passengers point of view theyre pretty comfortable and much much quieter than darts/sb200s ( especially sb200s! !) Lol
Quote from: arrivaaston on March 07, 2014, 01:37:43 PM
Driver friend of mine describes them as f*****g heaps of s**t!!
[
Is this the vocabulary we are reduced to? ...............Come back literate english.
Bobs going to be happy...apparently 3602 has left Cannock for Wardles!
Yep its a dark day for cannock lol. I was on a new sb200 on the 26 yesterday. ..christ almighty they struggle to get up Bradbury lane over revving screeching the lot lol.i dunno why but I find them pretty dull buses lol :)
would it be possible to start a new thread called "Bob's gripes about Arriva",then we could use the Cannock garage section to read about any news therefrom?
I am surprised that with the host of complaints from Bob,he doesn,t write a constructive letter to the area manager.......or is there any constructive criticism available?
Quote from: arrifirststage on March 09, 2014, 05:04:31 PM
would it be possible to start a new thread called "Bob's gripes about Arriva",then we could use the Cannock garage section to read about any news therefrom?
I am surprised that with the host of complaints from Bob,he doesn,t write a constructive letter to the area manager.......or is there any constructive criticism available?
Are we a bit anally retentive??? I have visions of furniture being sucked up :-)
Can you both leave it there or take it off the forum! Winston
3601/3604 V601/4DBC are also now working at Wardles
Quote from: Winston on March 09, 2014, 06:03:47 PM
Can you both leave it there or take it off the forum! Winston
I didnt start anything Winston. ..it was just a good humoured response?
I certainly haven't taken any offence over Bob's reply........it was actually far less scathing than I would have anticipated.
Well there we are then thats alright
Fair enough both, just don't want anything to flare up, Winston
Is cannock operating more buses than normal at the moment? ? The dbcs were supposed to be replaced by the 7 new pulsars plus the 52 plate commanders which we have 2 of from Leicester recently transferred in. So that should, in effect leave only one dbc in service. Plus I thought the three w-ewu volvos were going elsewhere too?
Have any B10BLE's (ALX300 bodies) left Cannock yet? The 68 seems to be getting all sorts at present. Up until recently the standard allocation was B10BLE's
Quote from: Nathan on March 12, 2014, 10:45:26 PM
Have any B10BLE's (ALX300 bodies) left Cannock yet? The 68 seems to be getting all sorts at present. Up until recently the standard allocation was B10BLE's
yes at least 3 have gone to Wardles
3601/2/4 have transfered to Wardles, 3603/10/12 are withdrawn from service leaving 3605/6/8/9 left in service at Cannock
Y264ybc parked at cannock bus station with the engine flap up
Oh dear lol...
I've seen the EWU's on the 1 and 70 this week and one on the 31 last week
3619 W109EWU once again broke down yesterday whilst on the Tesco Free Bus
2268 is carrying advertising for the new Pye Green Circular Sunday service from 23rd March 2014. Caught 2268 on the 18:35 68 ex Wolverhampton (Stafford St)
Been on y264ybc on the 70 tonight. Pretty nippy for an old dart. Definitely a better state than bu51 batch!
Quote from: bob on March 15, 2014, 09:59:37 PM
Been on y264ybc on the 70 tonight. Pretty nippy for an old dart. Definitely a better state than bu51 batch!
Shame couldn't be said for one or two Y-YBC's at Wednesfield. I had a clapped out 2256 which kept juddering foward this morning on the 18 (Lyndale Park-Wolverhampton).
BTW I saw a 61 plate SB200 on the 70 late last night in Featherstone. Is this usual?
Yea 61 plates are regulars. I just wasn't lucky enough to get one lol
To be fair it wasnt too bad to travel on at all and wasn't as threadbare as some either. Itd be perfect for daytime 2/2A/62. Anyone noticed how 31/2/3 seem to get mostly larger buses now?
Late 2/70/76 is a mix of MPD's and SB200's. Three of the 6 buses last night were 3719, another Commander and an MPD
To be fair im surprised all the night services arent mpd permanently especially now a lot of trips are run without subsidy
Its gonna be interesting the next few months to see whether arriva up their game and continue with investment in cannock. Theres rumours about new buses for the 1 & 2, but stuff like the 32/33 needs some money spending on it etc. Id be surprised if they splashed out on new buses for the 2/2a though, its not exactly a busy service is it? Also a lot of cannock's fleet are approaching the end of their lives bu51 darts/remaining volvos/the route 1 buses etc and will need major refurbishment. ...
Makor refurbishment is abit of an exaggeration. New trim, a repaint and a few tightened bolts would do in the case of the Commanders. A 51 plate Dart is nothing compared to some of the buses Arriva still operate in some parts. The evening 2/70/76 journeys take mostly cash paying passengers plus those vehicles will have covered their costs for the day by the evening surely. Evening 74's are too quiet for Pulsar's, the staff bus at Stafford would be more ideal lol
Id say bu51kwj needs scrapping definitely, thats the one the driver branded a disgrace, and when you think v reg ones have been scrapped recently hopefully its not long for this world. As for the commanders have you been on 3704? Sounds like it needs more than tightened bolts lol. I dont understand why cannock dont refurb their buses? Wednesfield darts are being done almost every other commander got done why not theirs lol
No but all I mean is there's probably much worse out there than Arriva Cannock who have been doing better of late. the Commander refurbs will come in time.
The new buses on the pye greens have made inroads into the numbers of breakdowns a bit for sure
Dart 2228 W228SNR was working from Cannock today on 68
Quote from: arrivaaston on March 17, 2014, 09:07:02 PM
Dart 2228 W228SNR was working from Cannock today on 68
I was wondering what route it was on going down Lichfield Road! Thought was a late running 19 at first
Its probably just been at cannock having a bit of work done or something
2228 stilll in use at Cannock on the 70 this morning.
Anyone been on W107/108/109 EWU? Ive always wondered why you can barely hear the Voiths on them? Especially on W109....if you compare them to nxwms B10L's you can really hear it
My mate told me that V610 DBC has been reinstated at cannock, what with that and W228 SNR, the borrowed b6 a couple of weeks ago are cannock having a vehicle shortage or something?
Quote from: bob on March 22, 2014, 01:57:03 PM
My mate told me that V610 DBC has been reinstated at cannock, what with that and W228 SNR, the borrowed b6 a couple of weeks ago are cannock having a vehicle shortage or something?
3610 is on the 70/76 today
Quote from: bob on March 16, 2014, 03:21:25 PM
Its gonna be interesting the next few months to see whether arriva up their game and continue with investment in cannock. Theres rumours about new buses for the 1 & 2, but stuff like the 32/33 needs some money spending on it etc. Id be surprised if they splashed out on new buses for the 2/2a though, its not exactly a busy service is it? Also a lot of cannock's fleet are approaching the end of their lives bu51 darts/remaining volvos/the route 1 buses etc and will need major refurbishment. ...
Cannock will be making the routes 1, 2 and 2a sapphire by the end of this year.
Only cannock could 'upgrade' a route to sapphire using bloody Streetlites. By all accounts their supposed to be terrible buses lol and ive read somewhere the legroom is supposed to be non existent. And aint they like the ugliest bus around at the moment lol? Why would they upgrade the 2/2a nobody uses them? The 1 is a popular service though.
Ive no idea why the 2 and 2a. It will be interesting to see what happens to the 2 service in a sunday running pye greenon a sapphire bus
The 825 number 2 to walsall has not turned up! !! Crap service as per!
Its finally come...the drivers excuse was 'sorry im late had a right game trying to find a suitable bus to take out'!!! What???? The evening number 2 doesnt come out of the garage? the FULL OF BUSES garage. Im sorry but thats pathetic. ....the bus that came is a rough sounding sn o3 lgc
I did feel sorry for the driver though he was really stressed out, almost missed a lady at a bus stop and had to slam on brakes and had to put up with people having a go when they got on. And to make it worse hed got no change :-/
Does the 2 get many passengers evening & Sundays between Bloxwich & Walsall, including through passengers from Cannock?
Would've thought NX has that section sewn up.
Even though I'm currently paying money rather than flashing an NX pass at the moment, I normally wait for an NX so I can get a return.
Could the evening & Sunday 2's get away with terminating at Bloxwich?
Noooo we need a link between cannock and walsall. Otherwise wed have to pay twice!
Only four breakdowns today.according to their Facebook page due to 'machanical issues', nice to know theyre admin staff are fully literate lol...
Maybe bob, the people who man the Facebook page also deal with other things like possibly customer service or something similar so have to give priority to the job they're actually paid to do!!
Quote from: bob on March 24, 2014, 03:50:43 PM
nice to know theyre admin staff are fully literate lol...
Glass houses? Stones?
Lets hope so! Its a shed
3619 and a 37** 61 plate SB200 on the 68 today in case anyone is interested?
Sn03 lgc broken down in bus stn with engine flap up and the technical team in attendence earlier and one of the buses dropped a load of diesel oil in the layby stop again the technical team were there. Must have been a decent load of slippage costheyve had to put all stuff down
A 75 & 70 have also broken down today according to the fb page. Another day in paradise lol
3797 (FL63 DWX) spent the day on the 68 today. Seen on Lichfield Rd in Wednesfield (By Poundstretcher and Gala Bingo) about 18:55 heading towards Cannock
the 2 2A are funded routes, so I guess arriva will get some funding toward the vehicles maybe like wmsnt did??
I think it is a vital link between Walsall and Cannock at evenings and sundays, I would even say I reckon arriva would run the 1 on a sunday if someone else won the tender for the 2
2 and 2a arent funded in the day time at all? Nor is the 2 at night
Quote from: bwsau cymru on April 02, 2014, 09:11:33 PM
the 2 2A are funded routes, so I guess arriva will get some funding toward the vehicles maybe like wmsnt did??
I think it is a vital link between Walsall and Cannock at evenings and sundays, I would even say I reckon arriva would run the 1 on a sunday if someone else won the tender for the 2
I am sorry, but you must be joking with that last line. How many people travel from Walsall to Cannock on a Sunday? very few, asnd most that do use the train. The 2 is needed because it serves the estates, but the 1 has very few houses within a 5 min walk compared to the 2. Why do you think NX withdrawn from Walsall-Cannock routes Monday to Saturday. no money to be made when you only charge £4 return (or equivalent back then). Sundays probably wouldn't even cover the drivers wages, let alone other costs
Arriva of course run evenings and sundays for naff all now don't forget following their nervous breakdown when they thought their monopoly of crapness was going to be broken. ... ( I can never remember multiple journeys being missed to walsall in a week due to breakdowns when nx ran it, not even when they used bloody solos )
Dunno about the rest of the week, but it always seems to be replacement buses on the Chase Line on a Sunday half the time!
Quote from: Westy on April 02, 2014, 10:15:46 PM
Dunno about the rest of the week, but it always seems to be replacement buses on the Chase Line on a Sunday half the time!
Only until lunchtime while they do the bridge replacement work for electrification
Does anybody know what route 3798 is on today?
Rumour has it the bu51 darts may be going to wednesfield. Id imagine theyre almost at the end of their working life though after years of being thrashed about on services they were never designed for. Theyll need a respray and re trim but that depends on if arriva would think it worth the expense. Bu51 kwj is by far the worst the others not as bad but theyre all threadbare & pretty rough outside.
Quote from: Ashley on April 05, 2014, 12:49:36 PM
Does anybody know what route 3798 is on today?
It's on the 1 today Ashley. Got a pic of it in Cannock (both unbranded ones are on the 1 today)
Quote from: John on April 05, 2014, 02:34:58 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 05, 2014, 12:49:36 PM
Does anybody know what route 3798 is on today?
It's on the 1 today Ashley. Got a pic of it in Cannock (both unbranded ones are on the 1 today)
Thanks John. Knowing my luck it will be off by the time I've got across from Telford. Maybe my last three 61 plates will stay out for the night (3756 3759 3764)
Quote from: Ashley on April 05, 2014, 02:38:49 PM
Quote from: John on April 05, 2014, 02:34:58 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 05, 2014, 12:49:36 PM
Does anybody know what route 3798 is on today?
It's on the 1 today Ashley. Got a pic of it in Cannock (both unbranded ones are on the 1 today)
Thanks John. Knowing my luck it will be off by the time I've got across from Telford. Maybe my last three 61 plates will stay out for the night (3756 3759 3764)
No problem. I managed to get pics of all new ones apart from 3793, which I missed by about 5 minutes in Cannock this afternoon
There must of been somebody dodgy on the new pulsar I got on the pye greens earlier cos the bus absolutely stank of wee horrible it was. The driver said hed noticed as well. Filthy people :-(
Quote from: bob on April 05, 2014, 05:55:18 PM
There must of been somebody dodgy on the new pulsar I got on the pye greens earlier cos the bus absolutely stank of wee horrible it was. The driver said hed noticed as well. Filthy people :-(
Well the 26 I got from Hednesford got egged this afternoon, while turning round the island by Tesco (3795). I had just shut that window as well!!
I also noticed that on the map for the 26 inside the bus, the arrows had 25 misprinted on them (instead of 26)
Blimey. Kids eh? 3730 is sounding really rough and shaking at bus stops when idling it was struggling to get above 25mph on the 70 today :-(
Of all the 1's its a 9 branded e200 on 33!! Just saw her leave cannock bus station
Maybe its been in for some repairs work
74/75 branded on route 62 hardly any passengers on board what a waste
3730 and 3741 are both on 62 today, got a photo of 2141 on the 2 yesterday with 310 on the blind!!
Anyone know just out of interest why most of the B10s at cannock especially w109 ewu have really loud groaning turbos ( on 3619 its so loud you can't actually hear the Voith gearbox and you can hear it coming before you see it) and nx's dont? Is it that arrivas are not maintained as well?
W109 ewu broke down again in service apparently. ..a week after dumping a load of diesel at cannock bus stn. Its broken down at least ten times in the last couple of months possibly more. Is it the fans that whine or the turbps come to think of it?
I have to say though the 3617/8/9 are my favourite buses at cannock extremely comfy to travel on!
What is the Arriva's e-mail address so I can submit a complaint.
Its on the midlands home page I think. Is it a cannock related one lol?
Had to Google it, I found the webpage. Yes, it is a Cannock related complaint.
Either a bus not turning up or an arrogant driver....??
Or bein unfortnate enough to have two connecting buses break down lol
Lol. More silly speculations, please.
Yea we do! But arriva would rather waste them on wednesfield half empty routes. Even the 10 isnt as busy as the 74
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2014, 07:34:50 PM
Yea we do! But arriva would rather waste them on wednesfield half empty routes. Even the 10 isnt as busy as the 74
But the 10 still requires double deckers (Especially at Peak Times) bob.
Quote from: Nathan on April 21, 2014, 07:38:02 PM
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2014, 07:34:50 PM
Yea we do! But arriva would rather waste them on wednesfield half empty routes. Even the 10 isnt as busy as the 74
But the 10 still requires double deckers (Especially at Peak Times) bob.
How often is there more than 43 passengers on a 10? It might be nice to have deckers on, but i bet it wouldn't ever leave passengers if a full size single deck was used
Quote from: Tony on April 21, 2014, 08:26:25 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 21, 2014, 07:38:02 PM
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2014, 07:34:50 PM
Yea we do! But arriva would rather waste them on wednesfield half empty routes. Even the 10 isnt as busy as the 74
But the 10 still requires double deckers (Especially at Peak Times) bob.
How often is there more than 43 passengers on a 10? It might be nice to have deckers on, but i bet it wouldn't ever leave passengers if a full size single deck was used
What's the usual Nx allocation on the 10?
Is it double or single deck?
Could Arriva get away with singles if Nx are using doubles?
Quote from: Westy on April 21, 2014, 08:37:34 PM
What's the usual Nx allocation on the 10?
Is it double or single deck?
Could Arriva get away with singles if Nx are using doubles?
B7RLE usually
Quote from: John on April 21, 2014, 08:39:06 PM
Quote from: Westy on April 21, 2014, 08:37:34 PM
What's the usual Nx allocation on the 10?
Is it double or single deck?
Could Arriva get away with singles if Nx are using doubles?
B7RLE usually
It's the fact that NXWM use single decks that make me think Arriva's double decks are more of a vanity then a necessity
Quote from: John on April 21, 2014, 08:39:06 PM
Quote from: Westy on April 21, 2014, 08:37:34 PM
What's the usual Nx allocation on the 10?
Is it double or single deck?
Could Arriva get away with singles if Nx are using doubles?
B7RLE usually
Only Certain B7's and most if not all of the B6's (Only 1 B6 has occurred as far as I know) are suitable for WN10 as they are the only vehicles fitted with transponders to activate the Perton Bus Link
Also Arriva probably use the double deckers as they are fitted with transponders. There has been several MPD's on recently so how many MPD's are fitted with transponders?
Quote from: Nathan on April 21, 2014, 07:38:02 PM
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2014, 07:34:50 PM
Yea we do! But arriva would rather waste them on wednesfield half empty routes. Even the 10 isnt as busy as the 74
But the 10 still requires double deckers (Especially at Peak Times) bob.
So do the staffords! And I would put money on them taking more in a day than the 10....in fact id put money on the pye greens taking more than the 10
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2014, 08:58:34 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 21, 2014, 07:38:02 PM
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2014, 07:34:50 PM
Yea we do! But arriva would rather waste them on wednesfield half empty routes. Even the 10 isnt as busy as the 74
But the 10 still requires double deckers (Especially at Peak Times) bob.
So do the staffords! And I would put money on them taking more in a day than the 10....in fact id put money on the pye greens taking more than the 10
I suppose 2208/2414/2347 could be used on 10's. But I would cascade newer double deckers over to CK (Personally I would transfer over some B9TL's from Tamworth when the 110 becomes a Sapphire Route) and brand them for 74/75's.
You wouldn't want the DAF's at Ck ;). Enough buses break down in Cannock as it is lol ;)
Lol its not quite as bad as it was. But still regular breakdowns though. Apparently the w-ewu volvos are horrendous for it. I cant understand that tbf cos generally they're really good buses nx dont seem to have much trouble with theirs at walsall
Quote from: bob on April 21, 2014, 09:16:15 PM
Lol its not quite as bad as it was. But still regular breakdowns though. Apparently the w-ewu volvos are horrendous for it. I cant understand that tbf cos generally they're really good buses nx dont seem to have much trouble with theirs at walsall
Aren't B10L's (NX) and B10BLE's (Arriva) different buses? I've always thought of the B10BLE's as low floor versions of the B10B (ie.TWM's 13**'s)
Arrivaaston reckons cannock will never see a decker again lol. One things for sure though if the 57 plate pulsars are going to stay on it they need a respray sharpish. The one has turned blue at the back and looks awful. The seats while not threadbare at all need a deep clean on all of them cos they absolutely stink. Or just a re trim lol
Pretty much the same mechanically. BLE have a step to the rear section, L's have a low floor throughout the bus
2228 appears to be a permanent transfer from Wednesfield to Cannock looking at the fleet list on the main site
2228 I believe is now a permanent fix at Cannock, 2229 is withdrawn, 2264 I've not seen for abit and remember cannock had those daf deckers when running the A1
Breakdowns galore again today ay it mate lol
3619 W109EWU has broken down and left at bus station, only been there since 5pm!!
Quote from: arrivaaston on April 23, 2014, 11:10:39 PM
3619 W109EWU has broken down and left at bus station, only been there since 5pm!!
Is it still there at present?
Was still there at 10pm when I came back from swimming. ..apparently w107 ewu an two darts also broke down today as well. W109 ewu is breaking down on a every other day basis at Present, I know this is arriva etc but can they not get it together to find whats wrong with it and fix it??!!!
2383 Y40TGM is working out of Cannock, today on 62
Isnt that supposed to be an absolute nail lol
Aren't all Arriva darts :-p
Yea lol mostly. Unless their a wednesfield knacker with new seat trim and newly painted handrails lol
Quote from: bob on April 30, 2014, 01:28:24 PM
Yea lol mostly. Unless their a wednesfield knacker with new seat trim and newly painted handrails lol
The LJ51s at Wednesfield are alright, no Urban 90 seats and some have a nice interior paint job, but yeah most Arriva darts are awful
Urban 90 seats are really crap. So uncomfortable! I prefer the old fashioned bus seat type like on T47 WUT and the s reg longer darts. The W SNR heaps have the worst legroom ever cos theyve crammed 40 seats into what should be a midibus
The W-SNR MPDs are okay for legroom :)
Quote from: arrivadays on April 30, 2014, 06:07:06 PM
The W-SNR MPDs are okay for legroom :)
They aren't MPD's though as they have ALX200 bodywork so it isn't a Mini Pointer Dart ;)
Sorry for being pedantic ;) Tbh i don't mind the legroom on the W-SNR darts.
Anyway moving on, 3797 was on the 70/76 today.
What legroom? ??
Im 6 ft 3in an struggle with mpds alx darts, the alx b10bles w-ewu and pulsars/centros all have loads of legroom on most seats. B6s and cadets are abysmal tho! Older buses like nationals and metrobuses had loads more legroom. The worst buses in step entry models were any plaxton pointer dart and the l-yvk darts. Even women use to have to stick their legs in the aisle on them lol
My mate told me W109EWU broke down yet again today. This bus has been breakjng down at least once a week and more for months now, is it beyond the engineers to repair it properly? Its like they patch it up then it breaks again the same day or next its crazy. If its that knackered why not get rid!
I was talking about the Plaxton MPDs.
Quote from: Nathan on April 30, 2014, 06:14:19 PM
Quote from: arrivadays on April 30, 2014, 06:07:06 PM
The W-SNR MPDs are okay for legroom :)
They aren't MPD's though as they have ALX200 bodywork so it isn't a Mini Pointer Dart ;)
Sorry for being pedantic ;) Tbh i don't mind the legroom on the W-SNR darts.
Anyway moving on, 3797 was on the 70/76 today.
Looks like a pointer to me
https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/john-s-91/9240473619/
Lol I forgot that some w snr examples are plaxtons.
Quote from: arrivadays on May 01, 2014, 07:35:33 AM
I was talking about the Plaxton MPDs.
Sorry i thought you meant the ALX200 Darts at Wednesfield ;) I do apologise :)
2226-2238 are ALX200, 2239/41/42/43/46/47/48/49 are MPD Pointers ;)
And theyre all sheds
Just been on a citaro on the x65 and was reminded how good they are. So much better than pulsars and the I dread to think streetlites coming soon. Why cant cannock actually have some decent buses. Lightweight crap just doesnt cut it for interurban services
2239/41/47/48 are alright, tbf - not bad (they're nowhere near the extent of sheds)
The entire bu51 batch are a disgrace. Especially bu51 kwj ( a disgrace was the drivers choice of word)
Quote from: bob on May 03, 2014, 12:30:08 PM
The entire bu51 batch are a disgrace. Especially bu51 kwj ( a disgrace was the drivers choice of word)
Drivers will brand any bus that doesn't take off like a dragster and have a cab heater like a furnace a disgrace. They very rarely enthuse about any bus.
No trust me BU51 KWJ is in a sorry state. Speaking of states I saw 2121 in Sutton on the 604 looking very rough and sounding it too.
Quote from: bob on May 03, 2014, 12:13:58 PM
Just been on a citaro on the x65 and was reminded how good they are. So much better than pulsars and the I dread to think streetlites coming soon. Why cant cannock actually have some decent buses. Lightweight crap just doesnt cut it for interurban services
Over the last couple of weeks I have been in Manchester quite a bit and I have to say, having ridden four of the new Streetlites that First have introduced on the Wilmslow Road ( 63096 - 118 and 63146 -56 ) on ex-Finglands routes I am impressed by the ride and internal fittings of these vehicles. I am no engineer and the journeys were urban and only about two miles each. They seemed nippy in the heavy traffic. We shall have to wait and see but they may not be as bad as you are clearly expecting.
Shockingly bad allocating again today, route 1 branded buses on the 70 & 33, the De branded pulsar ( with the chaselinx vinyls on passenger side peeling and hanging off )on the staffords, a stafford branded pulsar on the 68 and a too small mpd on the 68 going out rammed. Gives off a fantastic image. ....
Quote from: bob on May 06, 2014, 06:32:42 PM
Shockingly bad allocating again today, route 1 branded buses on the 70 & 33, the De branded pulsar ( with the chaselinx vinyls on passenger side peeling and hanging off )on the staffords, a stafford branded pulsar on the 68 and a too small mpd on the 68 going out rammed. Gives off a fantastic image. ....
The debranded 74/5 pulsars and MPD's are regulars on the 68 now but can virtually get anything apart from the 25/6 branded Pulsars (Well one hasn't apeared yet....)
The mpd was packed. Tbh I didn't think it was that busy a service. Some people say its good advertising for a route using buses branded for another personally I dunno. Esp when they look and sound a state like the route 1 buses. The one on the 70 was 3704, the most knackered one. Youd think the staffords might be due an upgrade now considering their a premium service. Theyll need mid staffs nhs trust taking off shortly as its being disbanded by the govt lol
Wednesfield based solo 2554 W287EYG today working from cannock on service 2
Lets hope its a loan lol
There was a Wright decker parked in Cannock yard when I passed at 6 this evening.
2345 S345YOG was in Cannock depot this morning
Another nail lol
Just seen S345 YOG. Struggling to get up the hill by Wickes in cannock. It looks and sounds an absolute state! Wheres it come from? It cant be far off the scrapyard! So we get 7 new pulsars to improve things, then start getting nails again lol....
See we've got a 1 branded vehicle on the 2!
If they must put the wrong branded vehicle on the route, at least put a brand on that's nowhere near the routes in question!
Pye green brand pulsar on the 1 lol as well
One of the 361* B10BLE's was nearly 40 minutes late this morning on the 68!
Quote from: bob on May 10, 2014, 11:54:18 AM
Pye green brand pulsar on the 1 lol as well
74/75 branded 3731 has been on the 60/825 yesterday and again today.
Quote from: tphi12000 on May 10, 2014, 06:12:08 PM
Quote from: bob on May 10, 2014, 11:54:18 AM
Pye green brand pulsar on the 1 lol as well
74/75 branded 3731 has been on the 60/825 yesterday and again today.
And 3719 was on there
2290 on 74/75, 3701 33 3702 2 3703 32, 3705 60/825, 3719 60/825! 3731 60/825, 3796 1 3797 1 3798 Pye Greens
Absolutely appalling allocation! NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER for allocating mpds to stafford 74/75!
Quote from: bob on May 10, 2014, 08:42:42 PM
Absolutely appalling allocation! NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER for allocating mpds to stafford 74/75!
Is that detention for Cannock's allocator?
Quote from: Matt on May 10, 2014, 08:45:41 PM
Quote from: bob on May 10, 2014, 08:42:42 PM
Absolutely appalling allocation! NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER for allocating mpds to stafford 74/75!
Is that detention for Cannock's allocator?
No but it's a padded cell for Bob.
Whys that? It is terrible allocation and well below standard. Theyve had full size buses on dead routes like the 62 today yet put tiny unsuitable heaps of crap on the busiest.....I think the allocator needs a doctor....
Route 2 branded midibus on the pye greens. ... lol
Apparently 3609's been withdrawn?
Quote from: Matt on May 12, 2014, 06:08:39 PM
Apparently 3609's been withdrawn?
Haven't seen it in ages......
2345 is still at ck today noted heading back to garage tonight
The De branded stafford pulsar is on tonight's pye greens. ..so out of the 7 new ( and five of them branded) buses for the pye greens. ..they weren't able to find one lol
Leicester based 4028 was spotted in Cannock earlier...... Assuming maintenance has been given??
A 51 plate broken down in norton canes around 4pm on route 33 oops
Had the pleasure of recently transferred S345 YOG in front of me earlier belching out plumes of black smoke, from its discoloured rear end...I thought ah cannocks maintenance mustve improved lol. Seriously though what a state!!! If theyre ( allegedly) trying to improve cannocks image by bringing in a handful of new branded buses for pye greens which are advertised on bus as a connecting service to the other routes, why transfer in heaps of crap like that and even worse use them on longer distance services?
Quote from: arrivaaston on May 14, 2014, 05:40:08 PM
Leicester based 4028 was spotted in Cannock earlier...... Assuming maintenance has been given??
I guess this was the one I reported last week
3757 YJ61FEG has been sent away to Derby after a car ran into it on 825
Where did it happen
Apparently the Mpd that was put on the 74/5 the other day was overcrowded , it overheated and broke down lol
Lichfield
On V608 DBC on the 70, it doesn't sound very well at all :-(( wonder if it's next in line for the chop
Waiting at the stop opposite delta way for the 20.50 no 70...it hasnt turned up...I walk over to the depot to ask where itIis to be told "there has been some breakdown's but not sure what routes theyre on" for gods sake cant they just put another damn bus on from the depot full of them??? This is the second time this has happened recently. When youre running an hourly service reliability is important. Not worth complaining to arriva cos they always feed you the same rubbish about 'we always endeavour to provide a reliable service. ." Etc on Facebook when they get complaints. Or worse dont even reply to peoples emails. Who can I complain to other than arriva? Its pathetic!
Quote from: bob on May 17, 2014, 09:07:07 PM
Waiting at the stop opposite delta way for the 20.50 no 70...it hasnt turned up...I walk over to the depot to ask where itIis to be told "there has been some breakdown's but not sure what routes theyre on" for gods sake cant they just put another damn bus on from the depot full of them??? This is the second time this has happened recently. When youre running an hourly service reliability is important. Not worth complaining to arriva cos they always feed you the same rubbish about 'we always endeavour to provide a reliable service. ." Etc on Facebook when they get complaints. Or worse dont even reply to peoples emails. Who can I complain to other than arriva? Its pathetic!
They are quite useful at feeding 'useless' information on Facebook, when people go off topic with some questions.
At least you can start your own threads on theirs unlike Nx.
Nx should start blocking the likes of Reiss if they start posting useless drivel.
It spoils it for the rest of us.
13:20 route 2 to hednesford 15 mins late even struggling on a Sunday
As if its not bad enough that s345 yog is now at cannock on its last legs we now have Y184 tuk back, another pile of junk to add to cannocks quality image lol
Quote from: bob on May 21, 2014, 09:01:57 PM
As if its not bad enough that s345 yog is now at cannock on its last legs we now have Y184 tuk back, another pile of junk to add to cannocks quality image lol
Bob, with all due respect everybody on the forum including you is aware that Arriva are about to inject a large batch of brand new vehicles into Cannock which I'm pretty certain will displace the likes of the vehicles you describe. This on top of other new deliveries this year. You really need to get rid of a few of the chips on your shoulder and stop endlessly repeating yourself, we have all got the message now.
A large new batch????? 7 crap streetlites. ...
And they had 7 pulsars yea but they got rid of Volvos? And there are a lot more than 7 darts that needs replacing
Quote from: bob on May 21, 2014, 09:50:45 PM
A large new batch????? 7 crap streetlites. ...
A lot of operators seem to be repeat ordering Streetlites, so cannot be that bad. First, when they do order new buses, do tend to go for the better ones, and they seem to like them
Hmmmm I dunno tony? Have you seen the youtube videos? Theyre rattly, very very noisy, they make a sb200 sound like a trolleybus lol. Point being 7 is not a very large batch, that is what cannock are having. Ive been told most darts are staying. IMO arriva still provide a poor service in cannock. Saturday night was the second time in a month the 70ddidn't come because of breakdowns! A lady made a complaint on their fb page that she'd had to evidence arrivas reply about her evening bus not turning up ( no 2 I think) at work to avoid receiving a disciplinary cause shed been late so many times!
The 1240 74 from stafford hasnt turned up leaving a massive queue. Another breakdown anyone? How do they get awy with providing such crap service? ???
The 68 broke down also, leaving passengers stranded for an hour. It also broke down the other day. Along with 2 pye greens in a row, a 2 to walsall and a 33. This was all on tuesday apart from todays 68/74. Its not so bad on a service like the pye greens as theyre regular but awful for people on the hourly services.
Quote from: bob on May 22, 2014, 04:47:07 PM
The 68 broke down also, leaving passengers stranded for an hour. It also broke down the other day. Along with 2 pye greens in a row, a 2 to walsall and a 33. This was all on tuesday apart from todays 68/74. Its not so bad on a service like the pye greens as theyre regular but awful for people on the hourly services.
That explains why one of the ex 74/5 branded SB200's is now on the 68
Terrible service. Theyve got a lot of elderly and very unreliable buses, which get used on the interurban routes and when they break down daily causes disruption. I dont know why they put new buses on pye greens tbh? Surely its better to have the worst buses on it as theyre easy to get to when they inevitably break? And use newer more reliable vehicles on the longer and less frequent services. The pye greens are the scummy routes anyway that go through the rough areas so doesn't really matter whats on them theyd make money regardless.
Quote from: Tony on May 21, 2014, 10:02:15 PM
Quote from: bob on May 21, 2014, 09:50:45 PM
A large new batch????? 7 crap streetlites. ...
A lot of operators seem to be repeat ordering Streetlites, so cannot be that bad. First, when they do order new buses, do tend to go for the better ones, and they seem to like them
I can only repeat my view that having ridden a considerable number of the First Manchester Streetlites on the Wilmslow Road past the University - very busy - that you will be pleasantly surprised at the Streetlites when they arrive. The First vehicles are high spec and very comfortable - in my opinion.
Just spotted 2266 Y266YBC leave Cannock Bus Station and heading towards Cannock depot, loan or transfer?
Faulty handbrake on W109 EWU yesterday driver said it wasnt holding the bus and it was rolling forward/back. I said about the crap complacent answers you get off arriva on fb when you complain about buses constantly breaking down ie "all our buses are vosa inspected every 30 days" she laughed and said "yea right they only check certain things". Lol
3797 seen in Wolverhampton this morning on Rail Replacement duties to Telford Central Station
3798 was also out yesterday
Quote from: Bob on May 24, 2014, 03:09:18 PM
Faulty handbrake on W109 EWU yesterday driver said it wasnt holding the bus and it was rolling forward/back. I said about the crap complacent answers you get off arriva on fb when you complain about buses constantly breaking down ie "all our buses are vosa inspected every 30 days" she laughed and said "yea right they only check certain things". Lol
If that is the case she should have stopped where she was and called for assistance immediately as the vehicle was unroadworthy. From what you are saying, she didn't?
No she didnt. I got off by the mander centre ( it was the hourly 70 that gos round town not the alternate one that comes in as a 76. She drove off, maybe she called when she got to the main terminus round the corner by the uni).
Dodgy. Its a bit like that dart whos brakes failed on the zebra crossing in Hednesford. Its not like theyd be unaware ofW109 eewu being a problem bus though its broken down twice in a day previously and broke down every other day one week, its the one that got left in bus stn overnight recently. Maybe they didn't think it was worth the expense of having it towed lol
Although im a bit biased cos I like the b10ble thats got to be one of the worst buses. It makes a weird noise totally unlike a volvo and sounds incredibly bad. The groaning noise it makes is so loud you cant hear the voith. W107 ewu is the best of the 3
As a PCV licence holder I would not move a vehicle which the handbrake was not operating on. I would sit there with my foot on the brake and call for assistance. If drivers don't report defects and drive unroadworthy vehicles, mechanics and managers have no chance.
Quote from: andy on May 27, 2014, 02:51:37 PM
As a PCV licence holder I would not move a vehicle which the handbrake was not operating on. I would sit there with my foot on the brake and call for assistance. If drivers don't report defects and drive unroadworthy vehicles, mechanics and managers have no chance.
If that was the case at cannock half the fleet would be off the road lol. I remember v338mbv in lichfield with its front bumper tied on with string, that dart that the brakes went on was T51 JJF.some drivers had refused to take it out it was that bad....
Quote from: andy on May 27, 2014, 02:51:37 PM
As a PCV licence holder I would not move a vehicle which the handbrake was not operating on. I would sit there with my foot on the brake and call for assistance. If drivers don't report defects and drive unroadworthy vehicles, mechanics and managers have no chance.
I would actually prefer to drive a bus with a defective handbrake back to garage than park it and have to sit for ages with a foot on the brake.
Of course in the old days you would just put it close to the kerb, knock it out of gear. Turn the wheels into the kerb to stop it rolling and then chock the back wheel. Whatever happened to wheel chocks?. Midland Red brass ones where the best!
We have wheel chocks on all of our Van Hools and Starliners. One of which won coach of the year at the 2014 UK Coach rally at Alton Towers a few weeks ago..
Just out of interest andy do you remember the east lancs re bodied Tigers MRN/ Arriva used to run? Looking at one from the back their the spit of an 80s vanhool coach rear end!
Bob yes now i have looked at pictures they do look alike. I have the pleasure of one of our new starliners at the moment, they are a fantastic coach. If only we could apply Parrys values to the bus industry. I think Lothian Buses would be the bench mark..
Yea definitely. A lot of people think private sector best public bad but look at Lothian and Nottingham!
Seen V426 DGT in cannock looking a state with Arriva Midlands on blinds and a piece of A4 with walsall on it stuck in the window. Still got its vault so hopefully it's just a loan
Vault?
Exact fair vault mate as she's borrowed from Wednesfield, saw earlier broken down in Heath Hayes but now back up and running :-)
Here a day and broken down already.....
No pride or even a hint of wanting to get things right. A real pity as when in Liverpool a few weeks ago the Arriva fleet was immaculate. You can only judge any fleet by there worst bus/coach and the West Midlands must be Arriva low point.
Quote from: andyr on May 28, 2014, 06:55:01 PM
No pride or even a hint of wanting to get things right. A real pity as when in Liverpool a few weeks ago the Arriva fleet was immaculate. You can only judge any fleet by there worst bus/coach and the West Midlands must be Arriva low point.
Liverpool must bring in a lot of money. Everywhere you look its sb200's that are under 5 years old. Guess Stagecoach keep them on their toes as well ;)
Having a monoply in Cannock i dont see how they cant make money there.
Exactly, they can be as crap as they want in cannock, cos theres is no and probably never will be any competition, and wednesfield well, thats just a bit of a joke lol, never to be taken seriously :-P
I must say, Telford's maintenance on the 59-plate Pulsars appears very bad - there was one that pulled up on the bus stop outside of my house and the vibrating was so severe, and that was hearing it from my window.
Pulsars being lightweight buses probably arent designed to withstand loads of heavy urban work. Cannocks examples are 52 plate on the 1 and are really rough and knackered. FT06 ZTE is actually the worst sounding though, never heard anything like it!
Saw a vid of it on youtube - sounds very poorly :(
2383 Y40TGM is today working the 32 service
3619 on the 18:35 68 ex Wolverhampton (Stafford St)
Route 1 suffered two breakdowns yesterday
Cannock had 5 branded stafford pulsars. ...they debranded one to use on other routes, leaving four, which is the pvr for the stafford services. Today theyve got the unbranded one on there, an unbranded 63 plate pulsar and a knackered old commander....you can understand one but three? Awful allocation
Been on one of the centros today gotta say the interior layout is better than most low floors cos theres pushchair space only on the left and normal seating all way to front wheelarch on the right. This equals much better legroom throughout. Great for people with long legs :) the legroom on pulsars isnt too bad but on cadets/mpds are shocking
Quote from: Bob on June 07, 2014, 01:55:55 PM
Been on one of the centros today gotta say the interior layout is better than most low floors cos theres pushchair space only on the left and normal seating all way to front wheelarch on the right. This equals much better legroom throughout. Great for people with long legs :) the legroom on pulsars isnt too bad but on cadets/mpds are shocking
I like the VDL SB200 Plaxton Centro's. Seem better than the Wright bodied ones for some reason! They have a Voith Trident like sound to them
Wednesfield's 2160 working from Cannock on the 68 this afternoon. Replaced another MPD (An SN 03 i think)
2160 broke down in cannock bus station today, they can't even borrow a bus without it breaking down lol
Do buses only break down when working for Cannock or does it just seem like that?
I think wednesfield has had its fair share of them lol. To be fair though it was worse when it was midland.
Quote from: Bob on June 08, 2014, 09:57:46 AM
I think wednesfield has had its fair share of them lol. To be fair though it was worse when it was midland.
I don't witness many Arriva Wednesfield buses breaking down tbh. And when i do its usually buses that were awuired from Midland.
I dunno nathan them daf/alx400 broke down a fair bit. I always wonder whether theyll allocate wednesfield some newbuses ? For routes that pay, Iif there are any? The 35 got some nearly new ones but mini e200 would suggest its not particularly busy same as 9. Maybe when the route 1 buses are redundant at cannock they might refurb them andggive em wednesfield. Theyre twelve years old but still slightly newer than most of the fleet lol
2232 W232SNR is at Cannock today working the 2's
Shocking allocation again today a stafford pulsar on pye greens and another on 2a
Two morning peak trips on the 1 & 2 didnt operate due to breakdowns, making people late for work/school according to arrivas Facebook page along with another trip on the 2 and a broken down 32....oooops lol
Anyone see that comment on the Facebook page basically saying ' You're crap & you should let someone else have a go' ?
Slightly spoilt by the poster refering to Network West Midlands as a bus company!
Do your research mate. Sure you mean Nx instead?
Yea it made me laugh lol. Fair point though
Quote from: Westy on June 09, 2014, 06:59:30 PM
Anyone see that comment on the Facebook page basically saying ' You're crap & you should let someone else have a go' ?
Slightly spoilt by the poster refering to Network West Midlands as a bus company!
Do your research mate. Sure you mean Nx instead?
You get a lot of that on Network West Midlands' Facebook page, where people think they're complaining to NX West Midlands!
2228 has been on the 68 for the past couple of days. Why did this transfer to Cannock?
Its proberbly on its way out and totaly knackered so cannock will finish her off
Have you heard it idling ? It shakes vibrates and keeps cutting out. Lol
It now sounds like 2289 BU51KWJ when stationary
Rough then?
Very
3609 has returned and has been repainted and refurbed inside, solos 2544 and 2553 are also here today
Quote from: arrivaaston on June 16, 2014, 04:48:30 PM
3609 has returned and has been repainted and refurbed inside, solos 2544 and 2553 are also here today
Not withdrawn then!
I was told from a friend she had been withdrawn and bits had been taken off, so just 3603 and 3612 on the scrap pile at Cannock
Quote from: arrivaaston on June 16, 2014, 04:48:30 PM
3609 has returned and has been repainted and refurbed inside, solos 2544 and 2553 are also here today
Thats nice to know :) 3609 is the best of the B10BLE's at CK (Well imo anyway and i'm sure others would agree?)
Will it be staying tho? Or going to wardles?
Surprised 3609 has been refurbished, as its not DDA compliant it will leave the front line fleet by the end of next year.
Here is a photo I took this morning of 2544 working the 70 service
www.flickr.com/photos/81543024@N06/14258471697/
Andy
Why is it non dda compliant? Its a low floor bus with wheelchair space.
Theres more to it than that. I'm by no way an expert but I understand anything pre 'Y' reg is unlikely to be fully DDA unless it has been modified. The whole batch of these V-DBC Volvos are on the company list as non DDA and are planned to be off front line service by the DDA deadline.
Lets hope it applies to all v w x y and 51 plate Darts then cos their heaps of junk!!!!
Unfortunately not! I think the Y-HKE batch have had some modifications from something that was said the other day. A posting was made elsewhere describing the arrival of the Wardle Solos as a measure to assist the disposal of non DDA buses, so there should be some more to go. Presumably the remaining W-EYG Solos must be earmarked for disposal although the repainted ones do look quite smart.
On that subject is there specific routes that the remaining Solos tend to work regularly or do they get mixed in with everything else? I've not been spending as much time on the patch recently (until today) so have lost touch a bit with the allocations.
Caught 3764 on the 68 this evening. A very nippy bus and nice sounding too. Does the evening bus on the 68 come of another route as it is usually a bus that isn't on the 68 in the daytime.
A majority of evening services can be operated by anything, a selection of buses are parked by the gate after a wash to go back out, 5.05 60 how ever comes off a 31 and evening 33 comes off a 32
Citaro 3018 has been on 1's today and Dart 2281 has been on 2A
The 20:55 68 from W'ton Stafford St didn't turn up tonight.
I wonder why.....
Thats the trouble with cannock services, maybe nx have a similar amount or proportion of breakdowns ( id still say they lose less than cannock in mileage tho lol) bit the majority of their routes are pretty frequent so a missed bus isnt as noticeable. Whereas cannock have a lot of hourly trips, 62/74/75/68 and unreliable buses which theyve got a lot of are really noticeable. Plus the stupid interworking like 70/76, so if stafford traffics bad your screwed on the 70 or if the 70 breaks down passengers are left waiting two hours for a 76 in wolves
And the 68 is two hourly at night. Surely there were spare buses avaliable in the garage if a bus broke down.
A few weeks back a evening 2 had broken down somewhere, it should of changed to the 2045 no 70. Me and my mate were waiting for it, at tje stop opposite the garage in delta way, when it didnt turn up after 30 mins I saw a driver and asked wtf was going on to be told "oh weve had a couple of breakdowns tonight, think its the 2 and another one but I dunno". The garage is full of buses at that time and they couldn't even get it together to send one out. Sometimes the evening 2's just haven't run at all leading as I mentioned before to a customer having to get proof from arriva customer services that it didn't arrive again ( as shed been late due this previously) to avoid disciplinary action being took against her. Trouble is arriva since their nervous breakdown when nx won the contract now run the 2 for nothing, so the council cant really do nothing. Would it be this bad if nx were running them? I can barely remember any 351s breaking down and they were run with 20 yr old plus metros for years
Quote from: Bob on June 27, 2014, 10:33:55 PM
A few weeks back a evening 2 had broken down somewhere, it should of changed to the 2045 no 70. Me and my mate were waiting for it, at tje stop opposite the garage in delta way, when it didnt turn up after 30 mins I saw a driver and asked wtf was going on to be told "oh weve had a couple of breakdowns tonight, think its the 2 and another one but I dunno". The garage is full of buses at that time and they couldn't even get it together to send one out. Sometimes the evening 2's just haven't run at all leading as I mentioned before to a customer having to get proof from arriva customer services that it didn't arrive again ( as shed been late due this previously) to avoid disciplinary action being took against her. Trouble is arriva since their nervous breakdown when nx won the contract now run the 2 for nothing, so the council cant really do nothing. Would it be this bad if nx were running them? I can barely remember any 351s breaking down and they were run with 20 yr old plus metros for years
I remember a short lived 353 service operated by Wmt & Stevensons that ran between Cannock & Walsall.
Did it divert off the A34 or not?
Dont know lol. Wmt operated on it alongside their 345/9 350 950/1/2/3 services. Man there must have been a lot more people going between cannock and walsall in 1994!
There used to be an earlier journey I think between Walsall & Cannock in the PTE days.
From reading the old timetables I got, I think it was 540am!
3609 is on the 68 today. First time i've seen it on the 68 since it being reinstated
Painted up and re trimmed when there slipping out of use when the likes of the darts and 2736 (all DDA) need refurbing
The older darts are going though arent they? When the streetlites arrive
I cant understand why the volvos arent dda ccompliant theyre low floor, have space for wheelchair's have ramps......
3619 is on the 825 this evening
As mentioned before, there's more to the DDA than the ramp and looking at 3619 that don't even have a ramp anyway
Go on then lol what more is there to it? Give me a decent b10 over a crap dart any day lol. You did say the 51 plates and a couple are going didn't u?
I imagine the volvos will head out when the streetlites come and a few darts, I believe its 2209/2268/2274/2276/2277 for keeps
Only 7 streetlites. If the other darts are going theres 6 of them going, plus 7 volvos. If both types are going there needs to be 13 replacement buses. And arent the cadets supposed to be going? ??
The 1308 60 from swan island burntwood to lichfield hasnt turned up at all! Thatll be an 825 missing as well with the stupid interworking....yet another breakdown? ??
It broke down in cannock bus stn and they didnt send a spare bus!!!! Pathetic crap service as usual! Theres now a bus missing on two routes which will probably lead to overcrowding on the 825. I dont know how anyone can defend them? Everyone at the stop has been going mad saying this happens regularly and how theyve missed connectting buses previously etc. A joke
Oh and I asked their fb page where it was at 1320 & have not yet received a reply...the next 60 should be 1338 & still hasnt arrived
To top it all...the 1338 60 is 15 mins late and operated by a midibus!!! Bu03 hrk. This has virtually zero legroom anyway and 36 seats....the 825 is horrendously busy at the best of times and the pulsars can struggle. Yet theres full size buses on the 31/2 in cannock. ...what a s##t way to run a bus service. ..I can only assume whoever allocates the buses has some sort of mental capacity issues...lol
See the Facebook page was promoting the App again.
Nothing wrong with that, you may say, but what about the banal wording of the post?
I thought when I saw it, You lot are going to get stick again!
Not only that but the 1625 no 62 didnt run. Due to the commander on it breaking down at cannock throwing out really bad levels of black smoke. This is the last trip of the day on an hourly service and once again no replacement bus was put on. People waiting for it along the route would have been wondering what the hell was happening. Again canaanyone think of a possible way to defend this sort of standard of service? Crap maintenence and low frequency routes dont mix...
One of the 51 plate MPD's is on the 68 tonight. Surprised it hasn't brokw down.....
The other bus on the 62 was a 51 plate dart. Bu51 kwl. Horrible. When stationary the whole bus was shaking and vibrating it rattled really badly seats were threadbare and the one I sat on had a rusty sharp piece of metal hanging off under it which I grazed my ankle on. A right state. Mind you it was the commander that broke down on the service today not this lol
Quote from: Bob on July 04, 2014, 09:58:26 PM
The other bus on the 62 was a 51 plate dart. Bu51 kwl. Horrible. When stationary the whole bus was shaking and vibrating it rattled really badly seats were threadbare and the one I sat on had a rusty sharp piece of metal hanging off under it which I grazed my ankle on. A right state. Mind you it was the commander that broke down on the service today not this lol
At least I felt at home at Stansted. An Arriva T-reg MPD pulled in on the 301 still with roller blinds and the destination blank!
Wonder if it was in as bad a condition as ours lol? Cannocks are amongst the worst ive seen/been on. You could understand if it was a two bit tinpot small operator but a huge private empire?....
Surprised bob doesn't comment on arrivas performance for this chaps trip...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/10947507/Its-a-record-four-days-by-bus-from-Lands-End-to-John-OGroats.html
Saw 3797 on rail replacement in hednesford a bit more contract work
3719 and a 74/75 pulsar on the 60/62a/825 today
Saw V609 DBC its looking good after its retrim and respray
When r cannocks streetlites due
Theres a rumour theyre going to be refurbished 2012 stock transferred in. Cant see that myself. Why spend money refurbing a two year old bus lol. Still, if that is the case 2yrs old is still ten years more modern than the vehicles used now
There are some unregistered Sapphire spec Streetlites at Heysham, pictured today. One has fleetnumber 1552, and the other 3659.
I wonder if 3659 is one of the ones destined for Cannock (Do we know their fleetnumbers yet?) I could not see 1552 been for Midlands as it does not fit in with the numbering system
https://www.flickr.com/photos/81788292@N07/14595772502/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/81788292@N07/14593133291/
3659 is for the Shires , it was suggested elsewhere a while ago they would be 28xx however same article had the E400 as 49xx and they are reprtaed as 44xx.
According to staffordshire c.c local bus service changes page from "july 2014" ( no specific date stated) the 32 is cancelled and the 31 has timetable changes. ...nothing on arriva site as usual! !!! Unless its an error on the county council page?
Quote from: Bob on July 15, 2014, 11:25:39 PM
According to staffordshire c.c local bus service changes page from "july 2014" ( no specific date stated) the 32 is cancelled and the 31 has timetable changes. ...nothing on arriva site as usual! !!! Unless its an error on the county council page?
Why would it be an error? The 32 is being withdrawn and the 31 and 33 are having timetable changes. From Monday I believe.
Yet theres nothin listed in arriva midlands service changes!
According to the actual timetable page on arriva if you look hard enough ( which you wouldn't as theres no service changes listed anywhere) theres a new timetable from sat 19th July. ..which lists the 32 as still running. Shocking
Quote from: Bob on July 16, 2014, 09:09:13 AM
According to the actual timetable page on arriva if you look hard enough ( which you wouldn't as theres no service changes listed anywhere) theres a new timetable from sat 19th July. ..which lists the 32 as still running. Shocking
This timetable?
I don't see any 32
http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/uploadedfiles/Services/Midlands/MDCK31,32,33,33A,62A_190714_190614.pdf
2276 SN53ESG has been refurbished inside and gainde a new side and rear destination blind
Forgot to mention 3798 was on the 70/76 on Sunday Night. Usually just MPD's out on Sunday 70/6's
3730 has been on 60/825 along with 1 or 2 other 47 plate (Centros/Commanders)
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 16, 2014, 09:15:11 AM
Quote from: Bob on July 16, 2014, 09:09:13 AM
According to the actual timetable page on arriva if you look hard enough ( which you wouldn't as theres no service changes listed anywhere) theres a new timetable from sat 19th July. ..which lists the 32 as still running. Shocking
This timetable?
I don't see any 32
http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/uploadedfiles/Services/Midlands/MDCK31,32,33,33A,62A_190714_190614.pdf
Yep, that's the one I have seen as well.
No this one?
That looks like the current timetable, if you click on download service timetable from 19/07/2014 there is a PDF of the new timetable or the new times are also shown on the tabs below.
Fair enough. They should at least advertise that the service is changing or put posters up on buses surely? Its a reduction of two buses an hour from Hednesford
When the 1 gets upgrade its rumoured itll be walsall to cannock only. Anyone know if thats correct?
2103 SN51UDW and 2232 W232SNR are both working out of Cannock today
An upgrade lol
My mate told me BU03 HRE is being resprayed at the moment. These 4 buses were rumoured to be goin back to telford
What with recent transfers from Wednesfield to Telford, I don't think these are headin there now, in other news Arriva Cannocks "New" buses are going to be refurbished streetlites from Arriva Southend according to a driver and certain drivers will be going to Derby for "sapphire training"
I dont mind the cadets theyre quite smooth. Terrible legroom tho lol
Bob... Is there a bus out there on the Arriva fleet you do like lmao..... 3736 on 68 today, 3737 on 60/825 and 3738 on 33
Yea the voith B10bles, the centros are ok great legroom ( pity theyre not on volvo chassis) the alx300 b10bles all half decent. Darts are the pits followed by the route 1 buses and older pulsars just sound knackered
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 24, 2014, 09:48:17 PM
What with recent transfers from Wednesfield to Telford, I don't think these are headin there now, in other news Arriva Cannocks "New" buses are going to be refurbished streetlites from Arriva Southend according to a driver and certain drivers will be going to Derby for "sapphire training"
Id heard that too but then the streetlite buses cannock are getting are listed as part of arrivas new bus orders so...
Had W107 EWU in front of me at the traffic lights earlier sounding dreadful, screeching brakes and spewing out loads of black smoke...maintenance standards haven't improved lol
That's all 3 knackered then, soon to be gone anyhow along with 3606/8/9/10
Quote from: Bob on July 31, 2014, 12:12:56 PM
Had W107 EWU in front of me at the traffic lights earlier sounding dreadful, screeching brakes and spewing out loads of black smoke...maintenance standards haven't improved lol
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 31, 2014, 08:13:43 PM
That's all 3 knackered then, soon to be gone anyhow along with 3606/8/9/10
Ah yes the expert mechanics who have both examined all of these vehicles over the pits and have full access to their mechanical history and records have declared them unfit and condemned. With such expertise available at the mere click of a button, it's a wonder Arriva spend money employing a fleet management team atall?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 31, 2014, 08:13:43 PM
That's all 3 knackered then, soon to be gone anyhow along with 3606/8/9/10
I thought darts were going? ???
Well Andy their "fleet management" team cant seem to ensure certain members of the fleet go even a week without breaking down. ...
Why do you hate the Volvos so much though jamie? Lets face it quality wise they are ( or should be if maintained properly) far superior buses to any dart/daf/vdl rubbish
I have never the liked the alx300's even when I rode them all at leicester
Good solid reliable buses lol. Rather be on a volvo than an old dart anyday. The absolute pits
So with 9 streetlites coming and four deckers, 13 buses should be leaving cannocks fleet. Wonder what they'll be. Im hoping so.e of the volvos stay, they're repainted look smart and largely refurbished. The darts havent been resprayed are threadbare and very knackered. Hmmmmm maybe the current route 1 buses will move on or even the stafford pulsars
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2014, 02:42:34 PM
So with 9 streetlites coming and four deckers, 13 buses should be leaving cannocks fleet. Wonder what they'll be. Im hoping so.e of the volvos stay, they're repainted look smart and largely refurbished. The darts havent been resprayed are threadbare and very knackered. Hmmmmm maybe the current route 1 buses will move on or even the stafford pulsars
You'll be suprised what goes when 4201-4204 turn up!
I take it its none of what ive listed above? Are they exclusively for the staffords these four deckers or will they find work on other services too?
Quote from: BN on August 13, 2014, 05:58:53 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2014, 02:42:34 PM
So with 9 streetlites coming and four deckers, 13 buses should be leaving cannocks fleet. Wonder what they'll be. Im hoping so.e of the volvos stay, they're repainted look smart and largely refurbished. The darts havent been resprayed are threadbare and very knackered. Hmmmmm maybe the current route 1 buses will move on or even the stafford pulsars
You'll be suprised what goes when 4201-4204 turn up!
The 63 plates?
Quote from: Nathan on August 13, 2014, 07:21:50 PM
Quote from: BN on August 13, 2014, 05:58:53 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2014, 02:42:34 PM
So with 9 streetlites coming and four deckers, 13 buses should be leaving cannocks fleet. Wonder what they'll be. Im hoping so.e of the volvos stay, they're repainted look smart and largely refurbished. The darts havent been resprayed are threadbare and very knackered. Hmmmmm maybe the current route 1 buses will move on or even the stafford pulsars
You'll be suprised what goes when 4201-4204 turn up!
The 63 plates?
I'm thinking 52 plate Commanders might move to Wednesfield?
Quote from: Winston on August 13, 2014, 07:30:00 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 13, 2014, 07:21:50 PM
Quote from: BN on August 13, 2014, 05:58:53 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2014, 02:42:34 PM
So with 9 streetlites coming and four deckers, 13 buses should be leaving cannocks fleet. Wonder what they'll be. Im hoping so.e of the volvos stay, they're repainted look smart and largely refurbished. The darts havent been resprayed are threadbare and very knackered. Hmmmmm maybe the current route 1 buses will move on or even the stafford pulsars
You'll be suprised what goes when 4201-4204 turn up!
The 63 plates?
I'm thinking 52 plate Commanders might move to Wednesfield?
They could be used on the 10 cascading the DAF DB250's with ALX400 bodies elsewhere
W-Ewu's to wardles or commanders to Telford perhaps or some mpd's to the scrapman. Talk amongst yourselves...
V609 DBC has just had a retrim and repaint, the ewus are resprayed and refurbed internally. The darts with the exception of sno3 lgc are all in the old livery and most are absolutely knackered. The route 1 commanders need a refurb and respray badly. Maybe the cadets might move on. Possibly the current 74/5 branded buses might be surplus to requirements?
3609 is old news and I am aware of the paintschemes other mentions vehicles plus their condition. The point in making is that why don't Arriva standatdise the vehicle types at each garage, its just a suggestion
First 5 Streetlites due next week
Quote from: Ashley on August 13, 2014, 09:40:49 PM
3609 is old news and I am aware of the paintschemes other mentions vehicles plus their condition. The point in making is that why don't Arriva standatdise the vehicle types at each garage, its just a suggestion
If they were gonna standardise vehicle types why send commanders to telford when they only have one or two left ? One of the Leicester garages would make more sense
How long has 2732 been resprayed/refurbed for? Was looking very smart yesterday. Looked like it had only recently been done
2732 has been out about a week in interurban liverey, with regards to transfers, the 3 EWU volvos could go to Telford to replace the last 3 N reg scanias, the remaining alx300's to wardles with the rest of the batch, that's 7 buses gone and replaced
Surely the worst darts will go? They're an embarrassment!
Cannock driver just told me first New streelite just arrived this morning
Maybe some of the V*** DBC batch could end up at Hinckley Bus as they've got a lot of non DDA compliant buses left or even trainers to replace the current ones which are getting on.
Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 14, 2014, 11:38:55 PM
2732 has been out about a week in interurban liverey, with regards to transfers, the 3 EWU volvos could go to Telford to replace the last 3 N reg scanias, the remaining alx300's to wardles with the rest of the batch, that's 7 buses gone and replaced
Volvos for Telford please! :D
No ! We need em at cannock to strike a balance with the VDL crap! Lol
A volvo can make it up a hill without going into kickdown! :)
Would be nice to have them in Telford. I actually thought that the stop request bells were only near the front, but I now know that the rest are on the "walls" (so to speak).
Telford can have the heaps of shit!!! Well have the scanias :-p
Theyre nice buses but for reasons that baffle me cannocks have been very unreliable particularly 3619. I dont get it as volvos are usually pretty good. But what with cannocks maintenance and reliability record being so excellent Its simply inexplicable :-0
On W107 EWU at the mo on the 2 to walsall. Ive gotta say despite being old its a real nice bus to be on. Comfy seats and mich smoother and quieter and generally much pleasanter to listen to than a pulsar. For a start it hasnt kicked down, struggled or laboured once
Quote from: Bob on August 16, 2014, 02:46:03 PM
On W107 EWU at the mo on the 2 to walsall. Ive gotta say despite being old its a real nice bus to be on. Comfy seats and mich smoother and quieter and generally much pleasanter to listen to than a pulsar. For a start it hasnt kicked down, struggled or laboured once
Last week you were saying what a pile of crap it was at the lights in front of you?
Correction I said it was spewing out alot of black smoke and sounding rough. It must have been repaired. It still sounds abit rough now but even so still ten times quieter and smoother than any sb200! That wouldn't be hard tho. Theres a video on YouTube of a sapphire sb200 that sounds awful loads of screams and kickdowns engine constantly labouring. Wouldn't be a nice experience to travel on and certainly not deserving of a premium label
The brakes seem to have been done on 3617 also.
Quote from: Bob on August 16, 2014, 06:07:26 PM
Correction I said it was spewing out alot of black smoke and sounding rough. It must have been repaired. It still sounds abit rough now but even so still ten times quieter and smoother than any sb200! That wouldn't be hard tho. Theres a video on YouTube of a sapphire sb200 that sounds awful loads of screams and kickdowns engine constantly labouring. Wouldn't be a nice experience to travel on and certainly not deserving of a premium label
I've been on them-seriously, they're really nice, comfortable buses and yes, I was also sceptical about Voith's/sb200's on an interurban route but they work and brilliantly, too!
Have you ever been on one on a 26 trying to get up bradbury lane? Jeesus theyre awful kickdown then struggle then screaming gears/engine. Compared to citaros and b7rle's im sorry but theyre tat
3797 on Arriva Rail Replacement at Wolverhampton today
3763 and 3764 also on Rail Replacement in W'ton
1st 3 streetlights in the yard, very nice.
All 64 plates too by the looks of it. Cant wait to have a go on them
Quote from: busman99 on August 19, 2014, 07:50:32 PM
All 64 plates too by the looks of it. Cant wait to have a go on them
3302 & 3304 are two of them visible in the yard last night.
A photo especially to make Bob angry! From Saturday
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/2209.html
Quote from: Tony on August 21, 2014, 08:43:25 PM
A photo especially to make Bob angry! From Saturday
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/2209.html
Was there a large queue for that bus or the Gemini next to it?
It doesn't make me angry tony but it does highlight the issue that they haven't got a clue....there were probably full sized buses operating dead routes like the 62 at the same time
2209 on 75 isn't rare for a sunday
Ive noticed today that a Tamworth Sapphire Decker has appeared at Cannocks yard
3610 is now withdrawn and slowly being broken at Cannock leaving 3606/3608/3609 the last 3 alx300 b10bles in operation at Cannock
Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 24, 2014, 05:15:17 PM
3610 is now withdrawn and slowly being broken at Cannock leaving 3606/3608/3609 the last 3 alx300 b10bles in operation at Cannock
That's a shame, done many trip on her very nice! It is a shame to see these Volvos get broken down, still have years left in them!
Quote from: busman99 on August 23, 2014, 09:24:56 PM
Ive noticed today that a Tamworth Sapphire Decker has appeared at Cannocks yard
at lesst 2 E400's in the yard tonight.
There's 4 there or there was earlier this afternoon
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/09/01/petition-launched-to-bring-back-lifeline-bus-service/
Haha a Tory MP complaining about public transport. It was they who privatised it all and left it to the markets!!! If theres a social need it should either be taken into public hands or subsidised!
Quote from: Bob on September 02, 2014, 12:31:52 AM
Haha a Tory MP complaining about public transport. It was they who privatised it all and left it to the markets!!! If theres a social need it should either be taken into public hands or subsidised!
Don't forget Bob, there's an election next year, so it's high season for
blue rinse bullsh!t the Sheriff's of Nottingham to blatantly pull the wool over your eyes!
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 02, 2014, 12:52:06 AM
Quote from: Bob on September 02, 2014, 12:31:52 AM
Haha a Tory MP complaining about public transport. It was they who privatised it all and left it to the markets!!! If theres a social need it should either be taken into public hands or subsidised!
Don't forget Bob, there's an election next year, so it's high season for blue rinse bullsh!t the Sheriff's of Nottingham to blatantly pull the wool over your eyes!
Except in my constituancy as the incumbant is resigning so will have at least 4 fresh faces to pic...
Ours is too hes that fool who dressed as a nazi at a party. And when the nurses did the dance routine at olympics he tweeted 'what next a tribute to the welfare state". Got him in a bit of trouble that did
Quote from: Bob on September 02, 2014, 08:18:04 AM
Ours is too hes that fool who dressed as a nazi at a party. And when the nurses did the dance routine at olympics he tweeted 'what next a tribute to the welfare state". Got him in a bit of trouble that did
Didn't he marry a local councillor recently?
Think I saw something in the Express & Star.
Anybody any news on the route 32 I've heard it's coming back as route 34 but a different route anybody know if this is true
Quote from: Ck on September 02, 2014, 05:35:16 PM
Anybody any news on the route 32 I've heard it's coming back as route 34 but a different route anybody know if this is true
Somewhat different than the 32 but yes, 34 will be operating via the bottom end of Norton Canes. Not really a direct replacement but sort of convenient I suppose. Sometime in September it begins, can't remember exactly.
When are they planning to advertise it? A day before it starts?
When you click on arriva cannock app it doesnt list the 70, 75 or 62 ! Ie for cannock to wolverhampton it just lists the 68....hmmmm
Quote from: Bob on September 02, 2014, 06:59:28 PM
When are they planning to advertise it? A day before it starts?
Let's hope they use it this time.
Any idea when they're changing the 1 & 2?
Are they just changing it over to sapphire or changing the route too?
Seen BU51 KWN driving near cannock rail station this morning. Newly refurbished and resprayed. Had red and white test plates on and was carrying a load of seats stacked up in the back. Lets hope its heading for pastures new. On the downside looks like cannocks acquired another old mpd V426 DGT
There's a murmur that cannock is now not having the four deckers from tamworth. Any truth in it does anyone know?
Quote from: Bob on September 03, 2014, 12:15:12 PM
There's a murmur that cannock is now not having the four deckers from tamworth. Any truth in it does anyone know?
Yes they are.
When are they expected
Ive heard the deckers will be in cannock around the first week of october maybe sooner
So 13 buses coming in shortly. Whats gonna leave. Sadly I reckon all the volvos...but thats only 6...what about the other 7
ALX300 B10's for scrap
Wright B10's to Telford
Cadets to Telford
That's my idea
Quote from: Ashley on September 06, 2014, 10:39:10 AM
ALX300 B10's for scrap
Wright B10's to Telford
Cadets to Telford
That's my idea
Thought Telford had been getting rid of Cadets, can't imagine they would want more back. Cadets to Wednesfield seems more likely, that was where the other ones have just gone.
Quote from: Cheese on September 06, 2014, 10:43:32 AM
Quote from: Ashley on September 06, 2014, 10:39:10 AM
ALX300 B10's for scrap
Wright B10's to Telford
Cadets to Telford
That's my idea
Thought Telford had been getting rid of Cadets, can't imagine they would want more back. Cadets to Wednesfield seems more likely, that was where the other ones have just gone.
B6LE replacements was the idea I had in my head
Cant see the b10s heading to telford. Theyre great buses but have been really really unreliable at cannock. Never understood why. W109 EWU has been sounding awful since its been there. V609 DBC has oddly been refurbished and resprayed recently. Maybe itll joint its siblings at wardle. There was a rumour that the cadets were going to Shrewsbury. Id hope at least a few of the darts were going. BU51 KWJ is a disgrace
Ive heard a whisper that the plaxtons are going to join the rest of the fleet if plaxtons
Apparently earlier today, according to a comment on Facebook, the 1 was diverted via the Turnberry in Bloxwich due to an RTA near the Bell Inn end of Stafford Road.
Just saw a citaro pulling out of delta way
Will 4200-4203 be resprayed before entering service at cannock? Or branded up for staffords? Presumably the sapphire advert will be taken off the one lol
Is central operating Lichfield to Sankeys corner causing arriva any problems yet ?
Route 2 branded cadet has smashed into the back of a car at the island in cannock by multi storey police n ambulance there
Quote from: Ck on September 09, 2014, 01:02:21 PM
Is central operating Lichfield to Sankeys corner causing arriva any problems yet ?
Might take more than 3 days to judge that, probably need to give it a couple of months at least.
Quote from: Ck on September 09, 2014, 01:02:21 PM
Is central operating Lichfield to Sankeys corner causing arriva any problems yet ?
I wouldnt see that this route will cause Arriva any problems. Although they have now introduced a Tamworth and Lichfield Local Saver which you can buy in Burntwood and use to lichfield and all the way to tamworth if you fancy a ride on the X65 as well.
A driver told me you can buy it on route 60 from the Skoda garage and on the 62 from Cannock wood both Lichfield bound. Bargain at £4.20 or £7.00 local group ticket
Whatll probably happen is eventually central will pull out of the tamworth route, arriva will then withdraw the X65, Central will withdraw the burntwood route and things will go back to as they were with arriva having the monopoly. Such are the great virtues of thatcherism!
Quote from: Bob on September 12, 2014, 11:57:48 AM
Whatll probably happen is eventually central will pull out of the tamworth route, arriva will then withdraw the X65, Central will withdraw the burntwood route and things will go back to as they were with arriva having the monopoly. Such are the great virtues of thatcherism!
I don't know, Central Buses seem to stick at any routes they start-up and don't chop & change as frequently as some operators.
As a side note, Central Buses have been nominated for Innovation of the Year with their xpre55 at the RouteOne awards, so I doubt that with be withdrawn anytime soon
https://www.facebook.com/centralbuses?fref=ts
Id imagine it depends on loadings? Never seen it rammed nor the X65. Its not sustainable to have that amount of buses going to tamworth surely?
Quote from: Bob on September 12, 2014, 12:48:38 PM
Id imagine it depends on loadings? Never seen it rammed nor the X65. Its not sustainable to have that amount of buses going to tamworth surely?
It will depend on loadings & revenue mix. It probably doesn't need to be rammed for it to break even/make a profit.
What you also need to take in to account, is that Central Buses overheads & office staffing costs will be a lot less than that of Arriva's due to their size, therefore buses may not need to generate as much income as Arriva's would need to contribute to all those additional costs.
Quote from: Winston on September 12, 2014, 01:10:25 PM
Quote from: Bob on September 12, 2014, 12:48:38 PM
Id imagine it depends on loadings? Never seen it rammed nor the X65. Its not sustainable to have that amount of buses going to tamworth surely?
It will depend on loadings & revenue mix. It probably doesn't need to be rammed for it to break even/make a profit.
What you also need to take in to account, is that Central Buses overheads & office staffing costs will be a lot less than that of Arriva's due to their size, therefore buses may not need to generate as much income as Arriva's would need to contribute to all those additional costs.
Bob is a 'bums on seats' man. If it isnt a decker with 74 seated and 20 standing, he assumes it's a loss maker. Unless of course it's red and white.
So a 1/3 full single decker full of pensioners would be a profit making trip? How?
Is it known yet which buses will be leaving cannock when the streetlites and deckers enter service? BU51 KWN has just re entered service after its second refurb. I was hoping some of these knackers would be first to go but maybe not!
According to network west midlands 27th oct changes the 1 & 2 are to be sped up between cannock and walsall. Not sure how they could do that without changing the route......
As usual theres nothing on arriva site or on buses about service/timetable changes. Nothing about the new 34 service as of last week. I had to find the timetable through a staffs cc page! The 60 timetable is supposed to change early October yet nothing on there. Pretty p##s poor as usual
Quote from: Bob on September 29, 2014, 12:53:11 PM
As usual theres nothing on arriva site or on buses about service/timetable changes. Nothing about the new 34 service as of last week. I had to find the timetable through a staffs cc page! The 60 timetable is supposed to change early October yet nothing on there. Pretty p##s poor as usual
Picked up a timetable for the 34 service from a Service 68 bus. Which buses do they use? Or is it anything going spare from garage?
Quote from: Nathan on September 29, 2014, 06:36:03 PM
Quote from: Bob on September 29, 2014, 12:53:11 PM
As usual theres nothing on arriva site or on buses about service/timetable changes. Nothing about the new 34 service as of last week. I had to find the timetable through a staffs cc page! The 60 timetable is supposed to change early October yet nothing on there. Pretty p##s poor as usual
Picked up a timetable for the 34 service from a Service 68 bus. Which buses do they use? Or is it anything going spare from garage?
It is 2274 this evening
Noticed 2290 has been refurbed/resprayed. Out on the 68 today
Its second refurb. Why theyre bothering I dont know theyre already past their sell by date after heavy use on interurban routes they weren't designed for for 13 years
Are the deckers being put straight into service on Saturday from cannock?
The deckers Cannock are actually getting are 4201-4. 4200 is staying at Tamworth
Are all four exclusively for the stafford routes?
Quote from: Bob on October 01, 2014, 06:49:12 PM
Are all four exclusively for the stafford routes?
Sorry Bob, I only get sent vehicle news by Arriva!
The reason I ask is I had heard a rumour that the 60/825 interworkings may be ending with the 825 going back to stafford garage. This would potentially allow the use of deckers as and when on the 60. Both routeshave timetable changes in oct according to staffs cc. But on different dates
What vehicles are leaving when they come?
Quote from: Bob on October 01, 2014, 06:53:29 PM
What vehicles are leaving when they come?
The email I had didn't state that, full details of what I was sent today are
The Sapphire launch is taking place today with the vehicles entering service on Saturday this will cascade 4201,4202,4203,4204 to CANNOCK and 4205,4206,4207 to Wigston.
4200 is to Remain at Tamworth and will be repainted.
The Vovlo B6's displaced at Tamworth have surfaced at Wardle's temporarily
A streetlite from Telford will be going to Shrewsbury from 6 Oct for 2 weeks for trial on the Park and Ride
Itll be interesting to see if 4201-4 are treated to a repaint at cannock before entering service or whether theyre just pressed straight into use on Saturday/Monday.
Quote from: Tony on October 01, 2014, 06:58:11 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 01, 2014, 06:53:29 PM
What vehicles are leaving when they come?
The email I had didn't state that, full details of what I was sent today are
The Sapphire launch is taking place today with the vehicles entering service on Saturday this will cascade 4201,4202,4203,4204 to CANNOCK and 4205,4206,4207 to Wigston.
4200 is to Remain at Tamworth and will be repainted.
The Vovlo B6's displaced at Tamworth have surfaced at Wardle's temporarily
A streetlite from Telford will be going to Shrewsbury from 6 Oct for 2 weeks for trial on the Park and Ride
Vehicles leaving Cannock are 3736, 7, 8, 9.
For Shrewsbury? Are any darts ever going to leave cannock? Theyre easily the worst buses at the depot and they keep coming! V208 KDA V426 DGT are recent transfers. V426 DGT stinks of diesel at the back and rattles like mad. Hopefully the route one commanders are at best going or at worst at least being refurbed and resprayed!
More breakdowns today. Theres two coach aid vehicles in the bus station, looks like one of the route 2 buses about to be towed off. Decker 4202 is in bus stn. Not sure if its in service
Quote from: Bob on October 03, 2014, 12:59:10 PM
More breakdowns today. Theres two coach aid vehicles in the bus station, looks like one of the route 2 buses about to be towed off. Decker 4202 is in bus stn. Not sure if its in service
Won't be long before one sneaks onto the 68 or 70!
They might do but I think they were intended for the stafford services. Camt wait until they enter service!
3741 has been resprayed. Just passed through Wednesfield High St on a 68
Itd be great if theyre having 8 but what would they be used on?
Quote from: Bob on October 05, 2014, 08:58:54 PM
Itd be great if theyre having 8 but what would they be used on?
Maybe CK are about to give the regulars a massive shock by treating their fleet to repaints and refurbs where required. No wait that's a mad idea. What about peak time or school service extras?
The Centros transferring is logical but having 4201 - 7 doesn't seem logical to me, well four yes just not 7
I dont know if theres any truth in it but a friend told me thatthe 825 is supposed to be going back to stafford garage. If it did this would allow them to use deckers on the 60 as it wouldn't have to interwork and go under that low bridge. To be fair the 60 used to be the route that deckers were used on the most when arriva had them at cannock previously
Quote from: busman99 on October 05, 2014, 09:36:44 PM
Quote from: Ashley on October 05, 2014, 09:22:40 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 05, 2014, 08:58:54 PM
Itd be great if theyre having 8 but what would they be used on?
Maybe CK are about to give the regulars a massive shock by treating their fleet to repaints and refurbs where required. No wait that's a mad idea. What about peak time or school service extras?
The Centros transferring is logical but having 4201 - 7 doesn't seem logical to me, well four yes just not 7
4201 - 7 and 1 other decker ive been told. 4223 was milling around the depot the other day perhaps it could be that one.
Im wondering though what other service they could go on besides 74 and 75. It will be good to see deckers out in cannock tomorrow
As I posted above senior management at Arriva were still telling me 4205-7 were going to Wigston, so not sure where this rumour has appeared from
Some of the deckers are out today and one has already broken down! And been replaced with a Cadet! Lets hope its not still on in rush hour cos thatd make a very unpleasant trip with no legroom and a bus that cant cope to start with. Give it six months at cannock and the b9s will be ready for the scrapyard
Anyone else noted 3701 has had its interior refurbed??
And chase linx removed from the side and rear branding taken off
3701-4 have been desperately needing refurbs for a long time though. Almost all of the other commanders elsewhere in the fleet were done years ago
Your right they did need doing desperatly. Wonder if they keep these buses as they seem to be being refurbed??
3703 is the worst by far interior wise and 3704 the worst sounding. BU03 HRK cadet is the bus most in need of a refurb as its absolutely shocking inside worst than nx's worst. Awful. A lot of the darts are in a poor state. Bu51 kwj is terrible. I don't know why theyre bothering to give them a second refurb though theyre lightweight midibuses that have been thrashed on interurban routes they cant be far from withdrawal? Itll be interesting to see what goes when the streetlites enter service
It will be interesting to see what goes. Ive heard the start date for Sapphire is the 27th October. A driver told me a launch is due in cannock town on the 20th
Are the all of the B9TL's in service at CK after transferring from Tamworth?
I saw 4201 to 4 out yesterday and a quick peek over the fence at cannocks yard I noticed 4205 sat there
Quote from: busman99 on October 08, 2014, 12:50:57 PM
I saw 4201 to 4 out yesterday and a quick peek over the fence at cannocks yard I noticed 4205 sat there
All on the Staffords I guess? Won't be long before one gets onto the Pye Green circulars or even the 70/6
Its odd isnt it cos 4205/6/7 are supposed to be for wigston
Weird to send them via cannock
I didnt see 6 or 7 suppose they could of been in the pits but yes it is strange for wigston buses to be at cannock.
Quote from: Bob on October 08, 2014, 12:57:14 PM
Weird to send them via cannock
As 7 of the E400s were stored at Cannock, presumably 7 drivers took 7 B9s Tamworth-CK and tool the 7 Enviros back overnight on Friday
Are 4205-7 still heading for Wigston tony?
Quote from: Bob on October 08, 2014, 05:27:19 PM
Are 4205-7 still heading for Wigston tony?
I have posted that three times in the last two weeks, which has come to me from two different senior managers at Arriva, but some people still don't believe it
How will they do it? Send a bus down with three drivers on as passengers then pick them up ?
Quote from: Bob on October 08, 2014, 06:45:07 PM
How will they do it? Send a bus down with three drivers on as passengers then pick them up ?
Company car more than likely
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2014, 06:15:35 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 08, 2014, 05:27:19 PM
Are 4205-7 still heading for Wigston tony?
I have posted that three times in the last two weeks, which has come to me from two different senior managers at Arriva, but some people still don't believe it
4206 and 4207 are now both in Leicestershire and have been in service on the 50's
4205 *MAY* also be at South Wigston depot.
Quote from: stuartn on October 08, 2014, 07:28:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2014, 06:15:35 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 08, 2014, 05:27:19 PM
Are 4205-7 still heading for Wigston tony?
I have posted that three times in the last two weeks, which has come to me from two different senior managers at Arriva, but some people still don't believe it
4206 and 4207 are now both in Leicestershire and have been in service on the 50's
4205 *MAY* also be at South Wigston depot.
4205 is also now at South Wigston alongside the others and apparently made it out onto the 47/48 earlier today.
4201-75
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/15505299512/
Anyone know if the geminis are going to receive branding for the 74/5
Cannocks B10's are coming off service next week
3606 and 3609 to Wardles
3608 - scrap
3617 3618 3619 - transfer as yet unknown
Urghh Sapphire lamposts
Thats crazy theyre so much better than darts! Wgy cant they get rid of some of the most knackered darts or the naff cadets? Presumably three more buses will need to be withdrawn
Not necessarily; they may have three more spares in the garage.
Yea then maybe they can replace buses that break down in the bus station instead of missing journeys out
Im on W108 EWU at the moment. Its pretty smooth and extremely quiet especially considering it's a voith. Towers above any commander or pulsar, at least its not underpowered and your not deafened by a bus that over revs and screams every time it pulls off. Plus the voith/ renowns have coach seats :)
Here is the finished look of the Streetlites for the 1 & 2
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3302a.html
The front is very bland, all one colour, no fleetname on the metal, just Sapphire on the windscreen, but the sides do look nice
They look ok but theyre still possibly one of the most hideous looking buses ever built and you cant polish a turd. They also look smaller than the commanders. Does anyone know what the seating capacity is?
They are 44 seaters.
Quote from: Tony on October 18, 2014, 05:12:05 PM
Here is the finished look of the Streetlites for the 1 & 2
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3302a.html
The front is very bland, all one colour, no fleetname on the metal, just Sapphire on the windscreen, but the sides do look nice
I can see free wi-fi and power on broad what is the 3rd on I can't make it out. Can you or anyone tell me what it is please and thank you
Quote from: leewhayward29 on October 18, 2014, 06:02:57 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 18, 2014, 05:12:05 PM
Here is the finished look of the Streetlites for the 1 & 2
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3302a.html
The front is very bland, all one colour, no fleetname on the metal, just Sapphire on the windscreen, but the sides do look nice
I can see free wi-fi and power on broad what is the 3rd on I can't make it out. Can you or anyone tell me what it is please and thank you
It says 'real time app'
Quote from: Tony on October 18, 2014, 06:26:17 PM
Quote from: leewhayward29 on October 18, 2014, 06:02:57 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 18, 2014, 05:12:05 PM
Here is the finished look of the Streetlites for the 1 & 2
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3302a.html
The front is very bland, all one colour, no fleetname on the metal, just Sapphire on the windscreen, but the sides do look nice
I can see free wi-fi and power on broad what is the 3rd on I can't make it out. Can you or anyone tell me what it is please and thank you
It says 'real time app'
Thank you Tony are they in service now or not yet
It should say "dont bother trying to get a timetable online" lol. I cant believe cannocks losing its volvos. Possibly the only decent single deckers theyve got
Quote from: Bob on October 18, 2014, 06:51:26 PM
It should say "dont bother trying to get a timetable online" lol. I cant believe cannocks losing its volvos. Possibly the only decent single deckers theyve got
When
Guess it makes sense to try to standardize the fleet and concentrate certain types at particular garages. I know in the North East that that seems to be the focus.
I agree with Tony that they look bland at the front but nice from the side. I reckon they look far nicer in this livery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nebp2/15365234909/
The interiors look good even on these ones and the Sapphire ones are to an even higher specification.
Still, hopefully it'll lead to some growth in passenger numbers as has been seen in the North East.
Where the voith Volvos going?
Quote from: arrivadays on October 18, 2014, 08:20:53 PM
Where the voith Volvos going?
See my comment on the previous page
Quote from: leewhayward29 on October 18, 2014, 07:20:59 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 18, 2014, 06:51:26 PM
It should say "dont bother trying to get a timetable online" lol. I cant believe cannocks losing its volvos. Possibly the only decent single deckers theyve got
When
The same. Think the launch is this week, isn't really as though theyre gone forever if they're mostly at Wardles
They go into service on 27th October. If theyre 44 seater buses judging by how small they look I wouldnt imagine the legroom will be brilliant. The whole of cannocks single deck fleet will npw be lightweight crap. Knackered darts, clapped out commanders and ex stafford pulsars along with a handful of cadets. And newer pulsars on 60 & pye greens
Quote from: arrivadays on October 18, 2014, 08:20:53 PM
Where the voith Volvos going?
Possibility of being new Training vehicles. Not confirmed yet.
Quote from: Bob on October 19, 2014, 12:59:59 AM
They go into service on 27th October. If theyre 44 seater buses judging by how small they look I wouldnt imagine the legroom will be brilliant.
The legroom on the TF examples isn't too bad tbf. But I didn't think that they seated that many people!
Quote from: BN on October 19, 2014, 10:19:09 AM
Quote from: arrivadays on October 18, 2014, 08:20:53 PM
Where the voith Volvos going?
Possibility of being new Training vehicles. Not confirmed yet.
Such a waste! W109 EWU doesn't ( and hasnt ever) sound too good and must hold the record for breakdowns but 3617/8 are really nice smooth buses far nicer to travel on than any other of cannocks efforts. Are they any more buses due to go when the streetlites enter service? Are cannock going to ever catch up with other garages refurb wise? I know 3701 has been done are the rest of the ex route 1 buses to follow? And if any of the 51 plate darts apart from bu51 kwn are staying will they get done too? Good to see the deckers in use. The 75 wasnt mega busy yesterday but a lady passenger who uses it for work said they are most definitely needed during the week! Lets hope they stay on there
Presumably they are going to curtail the 1/2/2A to operate walsall to cannock only at some point? Otherwise the branding is incorrect? I looked at the photos, the seats look theyre really crammed in especially towards the back of the bus.
Quote from: Bob on October 19, 2014, 09:39:31 PM
Presumably they are going to curtail the 1/2/2A to operate walsall to cannock only at some point? Otherwise the branding is incorrect? I looked at the photos, the seats look theyre really crammed in especially towards the back of the bus.
The branding is not incorrect, lots of branding doesn't show the final part of a route if not all buses go there, and the seating doesn't looked cramped from the photos, you can actually see the head rests on both seats which makes them looked close, but means the opposite or the gangway one would be hidden
End points? Huntington is the start point for 99per cent of 1 journeys? Maybe nx should exclude walsall and change it to Blue coat school? Lol
For the X51 I meant :)
Bob, if you read my comment before - the legroom is more than enough on these SLs. Michael Jordan wouldn't have difficulty sitting on one of these. They're the Max versions as well - so it's not like you can get any better (but you shouldn't need better).
So its better than a cadet or b6 then legroom wise?
Yep - definetely. The backs of the seats in front don't touch your legs/knees.
Quote from: Bob on October 20, 2014, 12:01:22 AM
End points? Huntington is the start point for 99per cent of 1 journeys? Maybe nx should exclude walsall and change it to Blue coat school? Lol
Generic branding so the buses can be used on both routes surely? Like NX's Harborne branding
Theyre putting the fare from Cannock to Walsall up from £2.30 ( or 2.40) up to £3.30 for a one way! Thats ridiculous! ! The trains cheaper! Theyve slipped that in on the quiet. ....
Quote from: Bob on October 21, 2014, 04:33:21 PM
Theyre putting the fare from Cannock to Walsall up from £2.30 ( or 2.40) up to £3.30 for a one way! Thats ridiculous! ! The trains cheaper! Theyve slipped that in on the quiet. ....
Is it still £6.20 for a Daysaver?
It would work out cheaper if you used it in both directions, like Nx does!
Hmmmm maybe the x51 to cannock might pick up a few passengers...
Quote from: Bob on October 21, 2014, 05:34:55 PM
Hmmmm maybe the x51 to cannock might pick up a few passengers...
Why don't nxwm set up a service to cannock all day?
Quote from: leewhayward29 on October 21, 2014, 06:12:04 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 21, 2014, 05:34:55 PM
Hmmmm maybe the x51 to cannock might pick up a few passengers...
Why don't nxwm set up a service to cannock all day?
Here we go again......
Quote from: andy on October 21, 2014, 07:21:20 PM
Quote from: leewhayward29 on October 21, 2014, 06:12:04 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 21, 2014, 05:34:55 PM
Hmmmm maybe the x51 to cannock might pick up a few passengers...
Why don't nxwm set up a service to cannock all day?
Here we go again......
because the last one didn't make any money, which is also probably why Arriva cannot manage charging £2.30
Tony - who has actually just come home on an X51 to Cannock because a tree has fallen on the overhead lines by Walsall
Well im sure hiking the fare by over 50% is really going to tempt passengers and drive growth.....I mean why would anyone even consider usi g the train when they can pay more for a bus...interestingly there arent enough streetlites toaaccomodate a spare so we can expect to see darts etc on there should anything untoward happen. ..
And you still can't download timetables from the website or the sapphire website! That looks really impressive! Launching an improved service and short of turning up at a bloody bus stop and hoping theres a timetable on it you cant find out when the buses are running? Im sure certain people will jump to their defence. ...
Quote from: Tony on October 21, 2014, 08:04:08 PM
Quote from: andy on October 21, 2014, 07:21:20 PM
Quote from: leewhayward29 on October 21, 2014, 06:12:04 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 21, 2014, 05:34:55 PM
Hmmmm maybe the x51 to cannock might pick up a few passengers...
Why don't nxwm set up a service to cannock all day?
Here we go again......
because the last one didn't make any money, which is also probably why Arriva cannot manage charging £2.30
Tony - who has actually just come home on an X51 to Cannock because a tree has fallen on the overhead lines by Walsall
Here is my bus home, apart from the people I guided onto it from the cancelled train you could count on one hand the other passengers
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4475-4699/4528.html
Quote from: Bob on October 21, 2014, 10:12:56 PM
And you still can't download timetables from the website or the sapphire website! That looks really impressive! Launching an improved service and short of turning up at a bloody bus stop and hoping theres a timetable on it you cant find out when the buses are running? Im sure certain people will jump to their defence. ...
2 minutes on Traveline will provide the updated timetables for the 1, 2/2A/2E. And they can be downloaded as PDFs. Shame Centro have also coded them onto Traveline as well, wish they wouldn't as they can't be trusted with any service once it leaves the Centro boundary... Note that evening/Sunday journeys to Hednesford are numbered 2E and are separate on Traveline, they are there, just not on the same timetable.
All other Arriva service changes from this weekend in Staffs should be on Traveline also (25/26, 60, 825 - mostly changes to evening/Sunday journeys), I checked earlier today and the updated times for next week appeared correct.
Thanks. Its a pity we have to go to those lengths though! According to the network wm site there were "improved journey times between walsall & cannock" ill have to have a look
Oddly according to the timetable it takes 30mins inbound and 40 outbound? ????
The deckers are already starting to slip off the staffords. ..just seen on 3/4 full on the 74 leaving cannock ( proving theyre needed) & theres one on pye greens meaning therell be a pulsar or knowing cannock prob a mpd or cadet on the 74/5 somewhere.
http://www.arrivasapphire.co.uk/
Lists the bus fare as being 2.40 from cannock to walsall unchanges but 3.30 from huntington to walsall
That has changed from earlier in the week. Not all of those fares were listed then
They must of made a serious error
Looks like theyre having teething troubles with the deckers already one has been on pye greens again today (meaning a peak 74 will be run by a pulsar) & got taken off and driven back to garage by an engineer
pye green branded VDL pulsar on rugeley rail replacement today
Route 2 still running on Walsall despite it suppose tobe 2e just seen a 74/75 branded on it thought it was sapphire branded
Quote from: Ck on October 26, 2014, 01:53:14 PM
Route 2 still running on Walsall despite it suppose tobe 2e just seen a 74/75 branded on it thought it was sapphire branded
Not til tomorrow.
Saw one going down Somerfield Road earlier.
Do hope he was out of service & not working the wrong route!
Quote from: Ck on October 26, 2014, 01:53:14 PM
Route 2 still running on Walsall despite it suppose tobe 2e just seen a 74/75 branded on it thought it was sapphire branded
Which bus is still branded for 74/75?
I know at least two of the stafford pulsars have had the branding removed ( surely they're ripe for repaint now after seven years as are the route 1 commanders)
Quote from: Bob on October 26, 2014, 03:35:53 PM
I know at least two of the stafford pulsars have had the branding removed ( surely they're ripe for repaint now after seven years as are the route 1 commanders)
3729/3730 have lost there 74/5 branding
The other three should as well surely?
Well cannock looks a mess today. Youve got a route 2 branded cadet on 31 route 1 commander on 70 stafford branded 3728 on pye greens and a very poorly sounding 3731 on the 68. It does look a bit naff surely they could have removed the branding over the weekend or made use of the volvos etc til it was done. Saw one of the ewu volvos with not in service in cannock earlier so not left yet
Quote from: Bob on October 27, 2014, 01:45:27 PM
Well cannock looks a mess today. Youve got a route 2 branded cadet on 31 route 1 commander on 70 stafford branded 3728 on pye greens and a very poorly sounding 3731 on the 68. It does look a bit naff surely they could have removed the branding over the weekend or made use of the volvos etc til it was done. Saw one of the ewu volvos with not in service in cannock earlier so not left yet
It doesn't help that an engineer has driven one of the new Streetlites into another one.
One has a bent rear end and no rear window, another had a side panel & window missing, so not all the 1 & 2 is Sapphire today
Quote from: Tony on October 27, 2014, 02:15:56 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 27, 2014, 01:45:27 PM
Well cannock looks a mess today. Youve got a route 2 branded cadet on 31 route 1 commander on 70 stafford branded 3728 on pye greens and a very poorly sounding 3731 on the 68. It does look a bit naff surely they could have removed the branding over the weekend or made use of the volvos etc til it was done. Saw one of the ewu volvos with not in service in cannock earlier so not left yet
It doesn't help that an engineer has driven one of the new Streetlites into another one.
One has a bent rear end and no rear window, another had a side panel & window missing, so not all the 1 & 2 is Sapphire today
You couldn't make it up could you.
Driver has accident in garage = instant suspension leading to final written and / or sack...
Fitter does the same thing = has anyone got a nice piece of carpet and a broom please?
Always been the way.
Oooops....the fitters obviously have as much driving skills as they do maintenance skills :-)
3301 officiated on the first sapphire on the no 2 off Cannock at 0615
me & three other people (including the driver) were there to see history in the making LOL
they've really damaged 2 in the the garage....... :'(
Anyone else noticed the destination displays on the streetlites? White on black at the front but orange on the side and rear? It does look odd
Is it only white on black for when they do the Sapphire routes, varying for the routes (like the Shrewsbury P&R Versas)?
Also, how likely is it that the StreetLites are going to be the first buses that very RARELY stray off their route?
They were all orange side & back yesterday on sapphire routes
Just seen a 31 Cannock heading down belt road from pye green road very strange
Quote from: andy on October 27, 2014, 02:38:12 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 27, 2014, 02:15:56 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 27, 2014, 01:45:27 PM
Well cannock looks a mess today. Youve got a route 2 branded cadet on 31 route 1 commander on 70 stafford branded 3728 on pye greens and a very poorly sounding 3731 on the 68. It does look a bit naff surely they could have removed the branding over the weekend or made use of the volvos etc til it was done. Saw one of the ewu volvos with not in service in cannock earlier so not left yet
It doesn't help that an engineer has driven one of the new Streetlites into another one.
One has a bent rear end and no rear window, another had a side panel & window missing, so not all the 1 & 2 is Sapphire today
You couldn't make it up could you.
Driver has accident in garage = instant suspension leading to final written and / or sack...
Fitter does the same thing = has anyone got a nice piece of carpet and a broom please?
Always been the way.
The first two damaged were 3301 & 3309
Apparently another 'engineer' has just taken a side panel & window out of a third one
Maybe the streetlites are jinxed. ....
Quote from: Bob on October 30, 2014, 12:02:34 PM
Maybe the streetlites are jinxed. ....
Or maybe the staff don't deserve to be driving new buses....
Or maybe cannock couldnt run a p##s up in a brewery? Today weve got an old dart on the 2, a pye green branded pulsar on the 1 and two stafford branded pulsars on pye greens! It just looks poor and with route 1 branded commanders on the 70/76 etc looks really unprofessional. Surely they could speed up the debranding at least. A repaint is obviously too much to ask for. Going from volvos to really knackered commanders on the 70/76 is a bit of a downgrade in my opinion as apart from one they're all minging inside and 3704 has sounded like it has had it for ages! At least the volvos were refurbished and resprayed!
Have they got rid of the Volvos now? They've probably also gone to Wardles with the others.
Yes theyve gone apparently. So were left with Streetlites, sb200 pulsars, sb200 commanders most of which are knackered apart from a couple, sb120 cadets and a fair few old darts the number of which seems to keep growing ( recently had a V-KDA & V-DGT transferred in). Not one heavyweight bus.
I cant believe there was an MPD dart on the 2 this morning. I know theyre short of Sapphires but jesus christ couldn't they have found something a bit better ? For an allegedly now upmarket service. Itd be like whacking a B6 on the 110 lol.
Pye green branded seen on 1 heading towards Huntington so guess its anything goes to replace damaged sapphire buses
Quote from: Ck on October 30, 2014, 09:20:42 PM
Pye green branded seen on 1 heading towards Huntington so guess its anything goes to replace damaged sapphire buses
I travelled on 3793 on the 1 today, which was probably the one you saw.
To be fair it still seemed in good nick inside and was comfy enough for a trip to Cannock from Walsall, so not a bad replacement for a Sapphire.
Yea but they've got unbranded pulsars they could use including two that came with the pye green batch....the pye greens were relaunched with "brand new buses" yet they still get anything on there ...stafford pulsars deckers last week. Its pretty shambolic to be fair
It just seems like its throw anything anywhere and hope for the best
Just seen route 2 branded cadet on 70 from cannock, full. Thatll be an uncomfortable trip once people get on at cheslyn hay Featherstone etc. Well planned allocation as per
Funny I was asking about the Volvos...
W108 EWU on the 55 today! :--)
A commander and a pulsar on 74/75 today. Along with two deckers. Lets hope theyve timed it so the deckers are on the rush hour trips back from stafford! Anyone know where the other two deckers are?
2731 - 60/825
Edit
3794 also on 60/825
Quote from: Bob on October 31, 2014, 03:46:08 PM
A commander and a pulsar on 74/75 today. Along with two deckers. Lets hope theyve timed it so the deckers are on the rush hour trips back from stafford! Anyone know where the other two deckers are?
I noticed one parked over the pits today
One of the B9TL's on the A5 in W'ton this morning
For f###s sake they were transferred here specifically to go on Cannocks busiest route! But don't seem to spend much bloody time on it!
One of the two deckers allocated to the staffords yesterday broke down in penkridge and had to be towed off leaving passengers to wait another hour....
Quote from: Bob on November 01, 2014, 09:03:54 AM
For f###s sake they were transferred here specifically to go on Cannocks busiest route! But don't seem to spend much bloody time on it!
In the interim period, the A5 duplicate has become Cannock's busiest route!
Tell that to standing passengers crammed in like sardines on peak time 74/5s! If thats the case cannock should receive a couple of older deckers as reserves for the b9tls and to use on amazons. And maybe a couple of buses refurbished as sapphire spares so when things go wrong they can maintain the standard instead of using darts
Quote from: Bob on November 01, 2014, 09:36:30 AM
One of the two deckers allocated to the staffords yesterday broke down in penkridge and had to be towed off leaving passengers to wait another hour....
Which routes have they appeared on so far apart from the 74/5 then?
Pye greens and now apparently amazon and other than that either broken down or sat in yard
Bob, I do wish you'd worked for a bus company so you could put some consideration into some of the tantrumic, knee jerk spouting that you do whenever you clap eyes on something you disapprove of.
I am not here to defend Arriva Cannock or its methods but for a moment put yourself in the position of a workshop manager or operations supervisor.
It is the Monday of a service and schedule change, encompassing the launch of the Sapphire corridor and increased PVR on other routes.
You have icorporated brand new vehicles and internal transfers into your operation with all that entails, and deactivated those that were being replaced. They in turn have planned maintenance and movements within the fleet to adhere to.
One of your fitters 'disables' two of your new vehicles at the last minute. You have a planned maintenance programme for the vehicles that are left, some of which are mandatory safety checks and unavoidable work.
Some other vehicles that were booked out for duties today may have general day to day defects highlighted in the morning checks or topside checks overnight.
One of the internal transfers has an itermittent fault which you can't trust out on a Stafford duty all day but will probably manage a peak working so you can get it back in and work on it.
You would like to put an unbranded nearly new Pulsar out to replace a missing Sapphire but that vehicle is on safety check tomorrow and needs to go out on an early returning working today instead. So another will have to do.
You have negotiated with another depot to hang onto one of the vehicles they were due to have for an extra day but you want it back in for prep for the transfer this evening, so need to select an appropriate working.
It's been a tough morning but you're just relieved to have got a full service out today with all the issues you've faced. Now you can start planning the contingencies for tomorrow until you've got everything back where it should be.
Bob, I could go on and on but I fear you wouldn't be listening. The jigsaw puzzle that is operating a significant bus garage and fleet cannot always be all about the branding, the seats and the vehicle type when your back is up against the wall.
I accept some of your points there andy.
But compare cannock to say telford or maybe shrewsbury or even wednesfield for the purpose of refurbs.
Why does cannock lag so far behind them? For example almost every commander at other garages (52 plate) was refurbished years ago, cannocks have not been other than 3701 recently and even then it was a cheap one not even involving a repaint. The same with darts from other garages most were done. Of cannocks Sn53 esg has had the seats re trimmed with no repaint, sno3 lgc was refurbished before it moved here so doesnt count. The only one is bu51 kwn which was done recently.
Yes its good that theyre investing in some new buses even though three have been damaged and out of use before their first week is out, but the fact that things were left to get into the state they were is bad.
I would still say though that in comparison with other garages cannock suffers more breakdown issues, although maybe its more noticeable due to many routes not running on high frequencies. id say that makes it even more important to have a reliable fleet
First two buses I saw yesterday on leaving the house were 25/26 branded 3796 on the 33. Then 2274 broken down on Lichfield Road
It's not the depots fault really (vehicle age wise).
The depot are allocated a budget and vehicles by head office & it is up to the manager to stick to that budget or answer some very awkward questions as to why he exceeded it. So cannock may not have the budget to afford all these costly refurbished.
The vehicles that are allocated to the depot are also down to head office & are "I believe" based on the net book value of the bus against the net revenue from the route/depot.
Having recently looked into cannock depots routes recently it's easy to see why they don't have a big budget, I spent 3 weeks looking for something profitable to compete on & couldn't find a thing worth while. From my calculations the only decent earning route (s) are the 74/75 & then you have to factor in that some of those passengers have bought day, week or monthly tickets from a stafford depots route/bus.
Am I surprised that other depots have better buses, NO
Am I surprised that there is no competition in Cannock, NO
Do I think Arriva cannock are doing a decent (ish) job given their circumstances YES.
Remember chase used to run around cannock & their fleet consisted of mainly elderly nationals with very little being spent on updating the fleet. The question you have to ask is WHY? The answer is simple. Lack of revenue.
Not really a fair comparison with Chase there, their entire fleet bar about 4 buses consisted of Nationals! And very well maintained ones at that. They only really ran on the 1 which they did for years so it must have turned a profit. They did a short lived 60A in response to Arriva trying to kill them off on the 1 but that was about it. I dont ever remember Chase suffering the reliability issues there are now either
You are kidding right. Chase had plenty of breakdowns it was just less noticeable as they had fewer buses than Arriva.
I'm not a fan of Arriva at all but I have to say that comparatively they aren't doing too bad a job in Cannock. Or would you prefer to swap them for Diamond.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 02, 2014, 05:13:47 PM
You are kidding right. Chase had plenty of breakdowns it was just less noticeable as they had fewer buses than Arriva.
I'm not a fan of Arriva at all but I have to say that comparatively they aren't doing too bad a job in Cannock. Or would you prefer to swap them for Diamond.
Without wishing to ask the chicken/egg question, could it not be that it was exactly the supposed poor presentation/breakdowns that led to lower usage in the first place and thus to grow ridership, a depot should speculate to accumulate and spend some money even if initially this can seem unjustified.
Steve: out of interest (I've never been to Cannock) would you say that Redditch/Cannock are similar areas in terms of buses ie smaller towns with decent networks with 1/2 good earning routes?
If its so unprofitable why have they not just got rid and transferred the 74/5 to Stafford? After all it isn't a public service run for the greater good its a profiteering private business
To Bob first the simple answer is transferring the routes to Stafford would cost more in the dead mileage for all the duties/routes starting in Cannock. Secondly I didn't say it was unprofitable just not very profitable & I can see Arriva is operating within their means & keeping costs down.
Diamond dart I would say Redditch is better bus territory than Cannock. I would put it more on a kin to Kidderminster.
Given that I think Diamond should be running Redditch a lot better than they are & unless they up their game it's only a matter of time before they get competition.
They were lucky with Cityline not starting or they could have been in for some serious competition by now IMO. But still that whole episode worked out well for Sunny as well as Diamond as they got a fleet of darts without having to spend any cash .
Quote from: Steveminor on November 03, 2014, 12:28:24 AM
To Bob first the simple answer is transferring the routes to Stafford would cost more in the dead mileage for all the duties/routes starting in Cannock. Secondly I didn't say it was unprofitable just not very profitable & I can see Arriva is operating within their means & keeping costs down.
Diamond dart I would say Redditch is better bus territory than Cannock. I would put it more on a kin to Kidderminster.
Given that I think Diamond should be running Redditch a lot better than they are & unless they up their game it's only a matter of time before they get competition.
They were lucky with Cityline not starting or they could have been in for some serious competition by now IMO. But still that whole episode worked out well for Sunny as well as Diamond as they got a fleet of darts without having to spend any cash .
Steve, totally agree, never seen/heard anyone have anything good to say about Diamond's Redditch services only negative. Kidderminster is the opposite though, people are far more positive about their services and this is backed up by increased ridership.
Wouldnt the amount of time spent dealing with breakdown/using coach aid etc cost a lot though? Id hate to have to rely on arriva in cannock for getting to work and things, as you cant really take reliability for granted.
Yes I agree it's not nice for the public when the service is unreliable but I think their reliability has improved lately. But posts regarding older buses and route branded buses on the wrong route are unfair criticisms IMO
At least two of the four vehicles on the 74/5 today are single deck. So the point of transferring deckers in for the route was what exactly? .....
Does anyone *know* that was the intention?
Maybe they were brought in to sit in the yard
They were transferred in for the staffords due to single deckers not coping with the loadings esp at certain times of the day
The decker may be in for inspection or mot or may simply be required for other duties I.e school runs. But all the 74/75 are running so can't complain especially since the routes have been single deck for years.
Badly oovercrowded single deckers which was the point of transferring deckers in. But being cannock within less than a month of them being here its degenerated into only one or two being on there each day for at least the last week and single deckers ending up on the peak time trips. Surely if the route was intended to be converted ( which as theyve now started de branding the pulsars so presumably it was) and said deckers are required on other routes or whatever, they should have at least one extra decker as spare?
Quote from: Steveminor on November 03, 2014, 03:12:57 PM
The decker may be in for inspection or mot or may simply be required for other duties I.e school runs. But all the 74/75 are running so can't complain especially since the routes have been single deck for years.
Bob, have you missed this? It's possible that, as Steve has said, there could be decker(s) in for inspection. Would you rather have a route always operated by double deckers, but are unreliable and potentially unsafe?
Wouldnt have thought reliability would be a factor considered here....but obviously safety is paramount
A manager from Arriva who reads the forum, but is not on there has emailed me to tell me the reason the Volvos have been removed from Cannock is not only are they old, the running costs on them are about 25% higher than the same size DAFs.
In addition he has told me to look out for an Arriva Midlands vehicle exhibited at the Coach & Bus show at the NEC tomorrow of a type new to Arriva Midlands.
As I have posted in the Telford thread 25 more StreetLites are due for delivery in January
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2014, 07:45:29 PM
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2014, 07:41:02 PM
A manager from Arriva who reads the forum, but is not on there has emailed me to tell me the reason the Volvos have been removed from Cannock is not only are they old, the running costs on them are about 25% higher than the same size DAFs. Also Stafford garage cannot have 'deckers as they do not fit in the garage.
In addition he has told me to look out for an Arriva Midlands vehicle exhibited at the Coach & Bus show at the NEC tomorrow of a type new to Arriva Midlands.
As I have posted in the Telford thread 25 more StreetLites are due for delivery in January
Is there any other Stafford services that require DDs?
Got the impression the times Ive been there, there isnt.
I'm surprised Arriva didn't have the 1 as Sapphire and 2/a as Max.
The 2 being the "secondary" route with the 1 a being the premier route
No the 825 could do with them at times but cant have them due to a low bridge en route. Other than the 481 operatedby telford which ddoesn't need them and a couple of college trips oh and the 76 the rest of the routesare just pretty lightly loaded local services. Stafford used to be a major garage but isnt anymore.
With regard to the Volvos presumably Wardles have no problems affording to run them then? Yes they were old but so are the darts and the commanders are only a couple of years newer, the volvos were far superior and had had money spent respraying and refurbing them whereas the 52 plate commanders were and are disgusting inside as are many of the darts. Cannock must really be struggling if they cant afford to run a single heavyweight bus! I didnt think Darts etc were ever designed with interurban work in mind werent they intended as minibus replacements?
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 03, 2014, 08:17:05 PM
I'm surprised Arriva didn't have the 1 as Sapphire and 2/a as Max.
The 2 being the "secondary" route with the 1 a being the premier route
Im surprised theyve kept the longford and especially the holder drive extensions on the 2/2a the holder drive route is lucky to get one or two passengers! Btwn cannock and walsall though the 2 compete with the train so maybe theyve made it upmarket to try and compete. Although why youd siton a streetlite for 30 mins when you could jump on a train for 15 is beyond me
Quote from: arrivadays on November 03, 2014, 04:22:12 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on November 03, 2014, 03:12:57 PM
The decker may be in for inspection or mot or may simply be required for other duties I.e school runs. But all the 74/75 are running so can't complain especially since the routes have been single deck for years.
Bob, have you missed this? It's possible that, as Steve has said, there could be decker(s) in for inspection. Would you rather have a route always operated by double deckers, but are unreliable and potentially unsafe?
My mate has said that the deckers have been in for safety service and are now awaiting parts and then will be back out. Apparently not been that well maintained by tamworth
Quote from: Bob on November 03, 2014, 08:24:08 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 03, 2014, 08:17:05 PM
I'm surprised Arriva didn't have the 1 as Sapphire and 2/a as Max.
The 2 being the "secondary" route with the 1 a being the premier route
Im surprised theyve kept the longford and especially the holder drive extensions on the 2/2a the holder drive route is lucky to get one or two passengers! Btwn cannock and walsall though the 2 compete with the train so maybe theyve made it upmarket to try and compete. Although why youd siton a streetlite for 30 mins when you could jump on a train for 15 is beyond me
I believe the Holder Drive and Longford extensions are tendered so will continue until either the end of the contract or Arriva gives them up.
Theyd have to be as they would never pay commercially. Id have just thought theyd have hived them off into a separate route. Surprised they extended the evening 2's though considering they run them for free
Wasnt they separate routes before?
Quote from: Westy on November 04, 2014, 05:38:58 AM
Wasnt they separate routes before?
Yes, 20/21 I think. Guess it works better operationally to run them off the 2.
Longford estate used to be the 27. It involved placing journeys connected with the lichfield service so was often an olympian or lynx
Sapphire on the 2 service. Should be " soul destroying ". Awful in every way. Loud engine, wrongly geared and awful gear changes. Will drive into Walsall from Cheslyn Hay in future as usual.
Quote from: andyr on November 04, 2014, 04:02:48 PM
Sapphire on the 2 service. Should be " soul destroying ". Awful in every way. Loud engine, wrongly geared and awful gear changes. Will drive into Walsall from Cheslyn Hay in future as usual.
Voith are going in this week to sort the gearboxes out
Not impressed with the Streetlites then ? To be fair, whilst far from the standard of a B7RLE/Citaro and possibly even to a degree Pulsar, the one I got on the 1 wasnt really as bad as I expected it to be. Although I would think theyre more suited to midibus/local services where the racket only has to be put up with for a few minutes at a time rather than 'luxury' interurban services..
Does that mean theyre going to be off the road then Tony?
Quote from: Bob on November 04, 2014, 04:24:19 PM
Does that mean theyre going to be off the road then Tony?
They are badly set up as Andyr says. Not Wright's fault. Voith should need to just get on correct then put those settings into a laptop and plug it into the rest of them. There are stories another two got accident damage yesterday. Don't know if it is true yet. One a car driver s fault. The other a driver hitting street furniture
Jeeez are these the unluckiest batch of new buses ever? Lol
Well i will give them another chance when next back off tour. The bus in to Walsall was a pulsar and was very impressed. I felt so sorry for the driver of Sapphire on return journey, pax moaning about his driving skills but i new was not down to him. On a plus side both buses were very clean, nice and warm and clean windows. Feel guilty complaining now. Thanks Tony for info on gearbox.
The only problem across the whole range of StreetLites is that the gearboxes jerk at times, jolting you forward, if the revs get too low.
That and the horrendous level of engine noise like a dart on speed
Quote from: Tony on November 04, 2014, 04:30:31 PM
Quote from: Bob on November 04, 2014, 04:24:19 PM
Does that mean theyre going to be off the road then Tony?
They are badly set up as Andyr says. Not Wright's fault. Voith should need to just get on correct then put those settings into a laptop and plug it into the rest of them. There are stories another two got accident damage yesterday. Don't know if it is true yet. One a car driver s fault. The other a driver hitting street furniture
My mate says a car drove into the back of one of the streetlites caused no damage other than a few scratches. He also says that a driver tried to reverse another streetlite at night and reveresed into the towbar shop sign on the A34 by great wyrley somewhere not sure where this and apparently popped 3 windows and caused substantial damage to 2 lower panels and also damaged the panel above the windows which join to the roof part
Are the deckers still waiting for parts? ?? Seen one on staffords today and two pulsars. ..so there might be two deckers on but probably not!
Ex route 2 cadet looking very odd on the 68 with branding removed on one side but left on the other! Making a very odd whistling noise when accelerating as well
While waiting for the 2 earlier y264 ybc passed us going into cannock out of service. It was stuck in first gear doing about 15mph and being overtaken by cars....dont know what or if it was going to be used in service. ....
Caught the 14.40 from stafford station to cannock, the decker was most definitely needed as the upstairs was full and there were about three seats left on the lower deck. There were three deckers and a pulsar on today but one of the deckers got taken off and replaced, oddly, by a pye green pulsar. Then 4204 wasnt able to do the 1530 from cannock due to a problem and all the passengers had to get off....
Quote from: Bob on November 13, 2014, 04:48:39 PM
Caught the 14.40 from stafford station to cannock, the decker was most definitely needed as the upstairs was full and there were about three seats left on the lower deck. There were three deckers and a pulsar on today but one of the deckers got taken off and replaced, oddly, by a pye green pulsar. Then 4204 wasnt able to do the 1530 from cannock due to a problem and all the passengers had to get off....
4204 had an early start today! It passed me in Hednesford in convoy with 4789 & NXWM 4192 on the A5 at 6am when I was walking to the station
Well it werent fit to run to stafford at 1530!
Also it appears the ejz alx200 dart thst has been running from stafford is back at cannock now, seen on the 33 this morning. Lets hope its a temporary loan it was an absolute heap of crap when allocated here before! !!
Quote from: Bob on November 13, 2014, 06:47:49 PM
Also it appears the ejz alx200 dart thst has been running from stafford is back at cannock now, seen on the 33 this morning. Lets hope its a temporary loan it was an absolute heap of crap when allocated here before! !!
Was going to mention that at some point. It was on the 68 on Tuesday and yesterday
It used to constantly break down when it was here before, it was coach aid-s most recovered bus in cannock lol. The only thing it had going for it was it had a half decent interior.
Quote from: Bob on November 13, 2014, 11:00:28 PM
It used to constantly break down when it was here before, it was coach aid-s most recovered bus in cannock lol. The only thing it had going for it was it had a half decent interior.
Change the record. I went on 2328 a couple of Fridays back on Stafford 10. Apart from one handrail rattle, it seemed a decent bus and always one ive seen every time I'm in Stafford
Quote from: Ashley on November 14, 2014, 05:15:05 AM
Quote from: Bob on November 13, 2014, 11:00:28 PM
It used to constantly break down when it was here before, it was coach aid-s most recovered bus in cannock lol. The only thing it had going for it was it had a half decent interior.
Change the record. I went on 2328 a couple of Fridays back on Stafford 10. Apart from one handrail rattle, it seemed a decent bus and always one ive seen every time I'm in Stafford
Maybe Stafford maintained it? It was always breaking down at cannock!
Well bob I was in Cannock yesterday when a 62 dart came in driver rang depot saying his mirror was a bit loose, 5 mins latter engineer was there to sort it. Hardly a poor maintenance staff if they can respond that quickly.
The depot is like two minutes down the road! Hatdly gpod maintenance staff in general though are they? What was it, 3 brand new buses damaged and off road in their first week of service?
Accidents can & do happen.
Quote from: Bob on November 14, 2014, 12:45:59 PM
The depot is like two minutes down the road!
Um, maybe it took about 5 minutes to not only get the required tools/supplies, and then drive up (traffic permitting).
Quote from: Steveminor on November 14, 2014, 04:41:51 PM
Accidents can & do happen.
Yea sure but three brand new vehicles? Jesus. The decker (4204) didnt get sorted in 5 mins it was due out at 430 and still in the bus station at 4, 55. Those who were going all the way were advised to wait for the 74 to come. Those who were unfortunate enough to be going to penkridge had to wait
Only two deckers out again today! Hope its not a pulsar on the 1440 back if its as busy as the one last week
Guy going mad that the 1317 75 at the green in stafford hadnt turned up at all. I got the 1347 74 which was a decker carrying almost a full load. One of the deckers appears to have been taken off and replaced with BU03 HRE. A totally unsuitable 36/37 seater bus....
You get around Bob!
Into stafford for work today :-) the 8.20am in and the 1.47 out were both very busy. Surprisingly the afternoon one was busier than the morning one
Two pulsars again on staffords....V606 DBC back in service on 825
Quote from: Bob on November 24, 2014, 12:15:41 PM
Two pulsars again on staffords....V606 DBC back in service on 825
3606 has been on loan to Shrewsbury recently
3608 has been repainted in some kind of Sapphire mock livery
V606 isnt a bad bus. Good to see it back !
Quote from: Ashley on November 24, 2014, 09:20:06 PM
Quote from: Bob on November 24, 2014, 12:15:41 PM
Two pulsars again on staffords....V606 DBC back in service on 825
3606 has been on loan to Shrewsbury recently
3608 has been repainted in some kind of Sapphire mock livery
3608 is to become a training vehicle, and this is the new livery. Scania/Irizar 6764 MW is another such example.
Quote from: 646 on November 24, 2014, 09:28:02 PM
Quote from: Ashley on November 24, 2014, 09:20:06 PM
Quote from: Bob on November 24, 2014, 12:15:41 PM
Two pulsars again on staffords....V606 DBC back in service on 825
3606 has been on loan to Shrewsbury recently
3608 has been repainted in some kind of Sapphire mock livery
3608 is to become a training vehicle, and this is the new livery. Scania/Irizar 6764 MW is another such example.
Is 6764MW really fleetnumber 9258 that it carries or should it be 9528 in the normal training bus series?
It says on fleet changes list 2209-? Not on fleetlist. 2209 is still in service in cannock. Apparently 2701 has gone in for a refurb. Wonder if its going elsewhere? As most cannock buses that get refurbished do. The two commanders ( bf52 0ab/c I think) were re done and moved immediately while the ones that stayed were never done. V609 DBC had a recent respray and light refurb shortly before either being withdrawn or moved. The ejz plate dart was moved to stafford as was X523 GGO while all the remaining ones werent done. Theyre really slow at refurbs it seems to take an eternity. Out of the 51 plates only BU51 KWN has been done and sn53 esg has had its seats retrimmed but no repaint. Anyone know which if any other buses are planned to be done? Are all the ex route1 buses going to be refurbished and resprayed, and the stafford pulsars will they get a repaint instead of just branding removed? Both have had their respective liveries since 2007 & are looking really tired one of the staffords has turned bright blue at the back
Versa 2939 was noted on an 825 earlier heading towards the hospital in Stafford. Was this on loan to Cannock or do Stafford depot run some journeys on the 825 now?
Theres been an increase in frequency during peaks so maybe? Dont think stafford run any 825 trips tho. But maybe theyve started to. Either that or the versa could be at cannock for some work to be done or whatever and has been put into service temporarily while there
Quote from: Bob on November 25, 2014, 05:59:32 PM
Theres been an increase in frequency during peaks so maybe? Dont think stafford run any 825 trips tho. But maybe theyve started to. Either that or the versa could be at cannock for some work to be done or whatever and has been put into service temporarily while there
Stafford run a duplicate 825 from Lichfield to Stafford at 1535 , both fill up with kids and leapfrog each other all the way there . Not sure if there's more
Quote from: Ashley on November 25, 2014, 06:39:50 PM
Quote from: Bob on November 25, 2014, 05:59:32 PM
Theres been an increase in frequency during peaks so maybe? Dont think stafford run any 825 trips tho. But maybe theyve started to. Either that or the versa could be at cannock for some work to be done or whatever and has been put into service temporarily while there
Stafford run a duplicate 825 from Lichfield to Stafford at 1535 , both fill up with kids and leapfrog each other all the way there . Not sure if there's more
Could well have been that one as I saw the Versa at 16:55 on South Walls.
Amazingly I think there might be a full complement of deckers on 74/5 today. Im on the 210 from stafford its full downstairs and about half full upstairs. So justified
3794 (25/26 branded) - 1910 74 ex Cannock
379x (25/26 branded) - 2130 76 ex Stafford
Just for the Arriva internet slaters
Its not their fault they couldnt find an unbranded bus....and people say that its advertising ....cos theres probably lots of people in stafford who might wanba visit chadsmoor, ....lol
Quote from: Bob on November 28, 2014, 12:04:08 AM
Its not their fault they couldnt find an unbranded bus....and people say that its advertising ....cos theres probably lots of people in stafford who might wanba visit chadsmoor, ....lol
Who said I was complaining? I had 3704 back to wolvo, the best of Cannocks Commanders, apart from 3707 and no I cant sleep again so I thought id waffle on here briefly as you do lol
3704 is the one with the knackered diff! We aint got 3707 I dont think?
Quote from: Bob on November 28, 2014, 09:42:47 AM
3704 is the one with the knackered diff! We aint got 3707 I dont think?
3707 is the refurbished one. 3704 best sounding for that reason
Ahhh yea 3705 ( awful) & 3707. For some reason I thought it was 3708 we had. 3704 sounds like its gonna blow up lol! You been on FJ06 ZTE? most knackered sounding one they have. Its had to be towed off by coach aid a few times. Its an odd man out being the only one of the batch not to remain in Leicester.
They need to hurry up and debrand and repaint 3701-4 looks really stupid carrying 1 branding when they aren't used on there anymore.
Quote from: Bob on November 28, 2014, 11:09:24 AM
Ahhh yea 3705 ( awful) & 3707. For some reason I thought it was 3708 we had. 3704 sounds like its gonna blow up lol! You been on FJ06 ZTE? most knackered sounding one they have. Its had to be towed off by coach aid a few times. Its an odd man out being the only one of the batch not to remain in Leicester.
Not had 3719 for at least a year then saying that ill probably get it tomorrow now lol
Nice interior but it sounds seriously loud and not right by sb200 standards lol
Quote from: Bob on November 28, 2014, 12:57:44 PM
Nice interior but it sounds seriously loud and not right by sb200 standards lol
The louder the better
Why though? Compared with their contemporaries ( B7RLE/ Citaro/ scania) they sound really awful. Although dare I say it pulsars probably would have been a slightly better choice for sapphires, as the streetlites arent exactly brilliant. ( mainly gearboxes)
3608 from cannock is now 9529 and is in the new training school livery like the scania coach which is also at cannock for training
Spent a while in Cannock yesterday (74 from Stafford, half hour or so in the Podge & Tin looking out the window and a round trip on the Pye Green circle)... Didn't see a single bus wrongly allocated... Just saying.
Quote from: Kevin on November 29, 2014, 08:52:20 AM
Spent a while in Cannock yesterday (74 from Stafford, half hour or so in the Podge & Tin looking out the window and a round trip on the Pye Green circle)... Didn't see a single bus wrongly allocated... Just saying.
One interesting thing yesterday though, the BBC were filming in Cannock Bus Station, zooming in on a 25 Pye Green circular destination and lots of other buses including Selects Y-NBB dart on the 23, I wonder if that had any influence?
Probably similar to our place.
When the Eddie Stobart series was being filmed a few years, we got contacted for permission to film on our premises.
Our company decided to move the filming to our other depot nearby because it wouldve looked better on camera, which meant I had to ring the company that Stobarts were delivering for, to check it was ok.
Some companies say if the delivery address does not match the address on the delivery note then they wont do it for insurance purposes.
Coke is one such company!
There were plenty of wrongly branded buses yesterday 3701-4 for a start
Today route 1 commanders were on 62, 68, & probably one or two on 70/76. Dont know where the three 74/75 branded pulsars were as it looked like a full complement of deckers again on the staffords. At least three anyway! Finally
Quote from: Bob on November 29, 2014, 04:39:39 PM
Today route 1 commanders were on 62, 68, & probably one or two on 70/76. Dont know where the three 74/75 branded pulsars were as it looked like a full complement of deckers again on the staffords. At least three anyway! Finally
One was on loan to Stafford, saw it on the 12
3730 was on 70/76
Not sure about the other three
When you say on loan to stafford do you mean a pulsar?
Quote from: Bob on November 29, 2014, 10:49:05 PM
When you say on loan to stafford do you mean a pulsar?
Yes I was referring to the debranded Pulsars, well the one at Stafford still had full 74/75 branding if that helps
Changes to route and timetables coming on 74/75, 2/2a coming up
Quote from: Bob on December 01, 2014, 04:49:36 PM
Changes to route and timetables coming on 74/75, 2/2a coming up
What is the changes to 2/2A
Dont know. Changes listed on vosa n & p 28th nov.
Quote from: Bob on December 01, 2014, 05:24:43 PM
Dont know. Changes listed on vosa n & p 28th nov.
Timing changes I believe, particularly the Sunday services as far as I know.
Been to wolvestoday got BF52 NZR on a 70 there and an ex stafford pulsar on a 68 back. Someone mentioned on another post that kickdown etc can be caused by the way the gearbox is set up. Both buses but particularly the pulsar kickdown every time they pulled off or had to accelerate. Could things not be tweaked so that you don't have a bus with an engine thats constantly struggling and labouring? It sounds awful. B7s/omnilinks /citaros dont do it or if they do they dont create the noise from hell racket that pulsars do. That aside they werent bad journeys. Caught BU51 KWM on a 31 later on. This has got to be cannocks worst dart at the moment far worse than KWJ. The bus when idling or slowing down to turn into a street etc vibrates so badly the change was rattling in the cab! The brakes screeched bad too. Surely the times approaching to withdraw most of the batch. Terrible condition. If this was your first impression of arriva youd rate them with sunny travel etc cos its on a par with their heaps
Are they having a problem with one of the deckers ? As theres been one on pye greens all week, thought perhaps they were keeping it local maybe
Supposed to be being resprayed and refurbished. Hopefully never to be seen again. Which of the two had the engine blown?
A couple of pulsars on 74/75.......again....
Apparently 2 deckers are off the road again. Itd be 2202/2204. Proving a bit problematic arent they those deckers, seem to be off more than they're on!
Yea typo. What I put are two old stafford darts
Following my earlier trip on the new Sapphire 2 service and not being impressed i have decided to give it another go. Bus 3309 is awful. Gearbox is horrific, wifi not working and freezing cold. On the plus side the bus is very clean and a very good driver.
Quote from: andyr on December 10, 2014, 08:19:37 AM
Following my earlier trip on the new Sapphire 2 service and not being impressed i have decided to give it another go. Bus 3309 is awful. Gearbox is horrific, wifi not working and freezing cold. On the plus side the bus is very clean and a very good driver.
That's the one that suffered the worst damage in the garage accident and has only entered service in the last week or so
Quote from: S I on December 05, 2014, 12:15:28 PM
Not seen / YJ54 CKE / for ages / is it in workshops being debranded like YJ54 CKF
2701 CKE noted this morning on the 70 looks to have been resprayed.
Quote from: tphi12000 on December 10, 2014, 10:33:35 AM
Quote from: S I on December 05, 2014, 12:15:28 PM
Not seen / YJ54 CKE / for ages / is it in workshops being debranded like YJ54 CKF
2701 CKE noted this morning on the 70 looks to have been resprayed.
former 1 branded 3701 has been refurbed/resprayed too. It worked the A5 from Wolverhampton on Monday afternoon
Pulsar on the 74/5 again. Take it theres at least one decker off road still. ....
YJ61 FEK is operating from stafford today on the 9
Dont really care. Maybe most of the remaining mpds. If theyre having the 825 back presumably theyll receive about half of the 61 plate pulsars
3728 was swapped at Cannock last night after doing the evening A51 Amazon runs
Wouldn't it have made sense to transfer 5 B9TLs to Cannock (4200 or 4205), so at least there is one spare and more chance of the 74/75s been completely decker operated?
maybe Derby will release a B9 when the streetdeck enters service .
Yea it would but this is arriva lol theres not even a spare sapphire bus so in theory if one was in for maintenance (or a couple crash in to each other lol) & one broke down you could have anything on 1 & 2. They could do with a spare decker.
Quote from: andyr on December 10, 2014, 08:19:37 AM
Following my earlier trip on the new Sapphire 2 service and not being impressed i have decided to give it another go. Bus 3309 is awful. Gearbox is horrific, wifi not working and freezing cold. On the plus side the bus is very clean and a very good driver.
Do you think maybe they might have made a naff choice with the streetlite? Give they're supposed to upgrade the services to a sapphire standard? Some are slightly better than others but in general theyre crap. Terribly underpowered.
Quote from: Bob on December 10, 2014, 08:28:34 PM
Quote from: andyr on December 10, 2014, 08:19:37 AM
Following my earlier trip on the new Sapphire 2 service and not being impressed i have decided to give it another go. Bus 3309 is awful. Gearbox is horrific, wifi not working and freezing cold. On the plus side the bus is very clean and a very good driver.
Do you think maybe they might have made a naff choice with the streetlite? Give they're supposed to upgrade the services to a sapphire standard? Some are slightly better than others but in general theyre crap. Terribly underpowered.
They are NOT underpowered Bob, Just because Arriva choose a fuel saving set up is nothing to do with the Streetlite. It is the same Powertrain as you can have in and Enviro 200 moving a lighter body, and despite their other failings E200s can move
e200s are gutless (if its the setup) that voith box cant make its mind up either!!!!! terrible
Quote from: mranon on December 10, 2014, 09:15:39 PM
e200s are gutless (if its the setup) that voith box cant make its mind up either!!!!! terrible
Depends on the operator's set up again. You will never get a Lynx or O405N again, nothing to do with manufacturers, so stop knocking the vehicles for not throwing passengers about.
A) companies don't want to throw passengers about
b) they want the lowest possible fuel consumption
This gutless description is just silly
Dont want to throw their passengers about? ?? Are you having a laugh Tony? Every time a streetlite accelerates and goes into kickdown passengers are jolted forward violently.....theyre awful!
Been on an Arriva streetlite twice now, no idea what this violent kickdown is you talk about it
Others have also commented on it...
No kickdown andy? Two old dears complained about it on the last no2 I was on
Is it the downshift that makes them feel so bloody slow also?
I dont particularly like pulsars ( no comparison btwn them and citaros/scanias/b7rles for smoothness/quietness etc) but id say they're a bit better than streetlites...esp in the looks department
Quote from: Bob on December 10, 2014, 11:18:27 PM
No kickdown andy? Two old dears complained about it on the last no2 I was on
If I had all day to post everything that old dears on buses complain about I would have my own thread.
They arent brilliant, as others have commented, awful gearboxes/set up. Maybe sapphire branded pulsars ( or even refurbished other older buses ) would have been a better choice
Have arriva completely stopped buying pulsars now?
Quote from: Bob on December 10, 2014, 11:36:12 PM
Have arriva completely stopped buying pulsars now?
I'm not sure VDL have/are developing a new SB200 chassis for Euro 6
Nothing wrong with Streetlites.
Bob simply appears to have a vendetta against anything Arriva does.
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2014, 09:07:01 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 10, 2014, 08:28:34 PM
Quote from: andyr on December 10, 2014, 08:19:37 AM
Following my earlier trip on the new Sapphire 2 service and not being impressed i have decided to give it another go. Bus 3309 is awful. Gearbox is horrific, wifi not working and freezing cold. On the plus side the bus is very clean and a very good driver.
Do you think maybe they might have made a naff choice with the streetlite? Give they're supposed to upgrade the services to a sapphire standard? Some are slightly better than others but in general theyre crap. Terribly underpowered.
They are NOT underpowered Bob, Just because Arriva choose a fuel saving set up is nothing to do with the Streetlite. It is the same Powertrain as you can have in and Enviro 200 moving a lighter body, and despite their other failings E200s can move
Stockton depot in North East (my depot) have been trialling a different gearbox map from Voith which has now been adopted across our 10 Streetlites. They pull away much quicker now, but other than that there's not much difference as they still fly up the hills etc. Maybe worth getting engineering to talk to Voith.
Quote from: Squirrel on December 11, 2014, 04:53:35 AM
Nothing wrong with Streetlites.
Bob simply appears to have a vendetta against anything Arriva does.
Apart from crap jerky gearboxes, do you not think they're incredibly ugly? ????
Quote from: Bob on December 11, 2014, 07:04:13 PM
Quote from: Squirrel on December 11, 2014, 04:53:35 AM
Nothing wrong with Streetlites.
Bob simply appears to have a vendetta against anything Arriva does.
Apart from crap jerky gearboxes, do you not think they're incredibly ugly? ????
Theyre better looking and of better build quality to the Enviro200 despite their faulrs
What's wrong with the looks of a bus?
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2014, 09:18:55 PM
Quote from: mranon on December 10, 2014, 09:15:39 PM
e200s are gutless (if its the setup) that voith box cant make its mind up either!!!!! terrible
Depends on the operator's set up again. You will never get a Lynx or O405N again, nothing to do with manufacturers, so stop knocking the vehicles for not throwing passengers about.
A) companies don't want to throw passengers about
b) they want the lowest possible fuel consumption
This gutless description is just silly
tony i beg to disagree. i not wanting a wheel spinning ferrari, but get a decent load of passengers aboard these and they have no go. for example at a roundabout you want to be confident you can safely get away in a gap in traffic. these are so gutless as they change gear to quick. some b7rles have same problem. the voith box clunks and cant make its mind up which gear it wants. i reguarly use a route this latest batch are on. as i hold pcv myself, ive seen many different drivers take a gap in traffic to pull out (which i would use myself) but then they just change gear too quick killing the power. so its not a case of throwing passengers about. the lynx well that was just shocking as it had to power but stopping them was another.
as for killing the fuel settings, i remember my old boss getting between 10-14mpg out of coach's. then he started playing with the settings. killed the power, made them dangerously slow on hills, and caused more throttling of engine in higher gears. also fuel useage increased! i cant understand the map on these buses as they sluggish pulling away, but then they can be cruising along steady then they get a surge of power and motor.
Quote from: mranon on December 11, 2014, 10:11:10 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2014, 09:18:55 PM
Quote from: mranon on December 10, 2014, 09:15:39 PM
e200s are gutless (if its the setup) that voith box cant make its mind up either!!!!! terrible
Depends on the operator's set up again. You will never get a Lynx or O405N again, nothing to do with manufacturers, so stop knocking the vehicles for not throwing passengers about.
A) companies don't want to throw passengers about
b) they want the lowest possible fuel consumption
This gutless description is just silly
tony i beg to disagree. i not wanting a wheel spinning ferrari, but get a decent load of passengers aboard these and they have no go. for example at a roundabout you want to be confident you can safely get away in a gap in traffic. these are so gutless as they change gear to quick. some b7rles have same problem. the voith box clunks and cant make its mind up which gear it wants. i reguarly use a route this latest batch are on. as i hold pcv myself, ive seen many different drivers take a gap in traffic to pull out (which i would use myself) but then they just change gear too quick killing the power. so its not a case of throwing passengers about. the lynx well that was just shocking as it had to power but stopping them was another.
as for killing the fuel settings, i remember my old boss getting between 10-14mpg out of coach's. then he started playing with the settings. killed the power, made them dangerously slow on hills, and caused more throttling of engine in higher gears. also fuel useage increased! i cant understand the map on these buses as they sluggish pulling away, but then they can be cruising along steady then they get a surge of power and motor.
How many more times do I need to say it. It is not the bus it is the set by the company, as someone posted, those in the North East pull away well and fly up hills. There is nothing wrong with Streetlites, power wise, if operators want them to move.
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2014, 10:17:43 PM
Quote from: mranon on December 11, 2014, 10:11:10 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2014, 09:18:55 PM
Quote from: mranon on December 10, 2014, 09:15:39 PM
e200s are gutless (if its the setup) that voith box cant make its mind up either!!!!! terrible
Depends on the operator's set up again. You will never get a Lynx or O405N again, nothing to do with manufacturers, so stop knocking the vehicles for not throwing passengers about.
A) companies don't want to throw passengers about
b) they want the lowest possible fuel consumption
This gutless description is just silly
tony i beg to disagree. i not wanting a wheel spinning ferrari, but get a decent load of passengers aboard these and they have no go. for example at a roundabout you want to be confident you can safely get away in a gap in traffic. these are so gutless as they change gear to quick. some b7rles have same problem. the voith box clunks and cant make its mind up which gear it wants. i reguarly use a route this latest batch are on. as i hold pcv myself, ive seen many different drivers take a gap in traffic to pull out (which i would use myself) but then they just change gear too quick killing the power. so its not a case of throwing passengers about. the lynx well that was just shocking as it had to power but stopping them was another.
as for killing the fuel settings, i remember my old boss getting between 10-14mpg out of coach's. then he started playing with the settings. killed the power, made them dangerously slow on hills, and caused more throttling of engine in higher gears. also fuel useage increased! i cant understand the map on these buses as they sluggish pulling away, but then they can be cruising along steady then they get a surge of power and motor.
How many more times do I need to say it. It is not the bus it is the set by the company, as someone posted, those in the North East pull away well and fly up hills. There is nothing wrong with Streetlites, power wise, if operators want them to move.
Nope, nothing wrong with power. Just they look ugly, sound pretty awful, have a dingy interior, the heating on them isn't great-steamed up windows on newish buses-really?!-and there aren't enough opening windows for the summer. Apart from that, they're great buses! :P Mind you, what the streetdeck/gemini 3 will be like in summer remains to be seen.
Quote from: mranon on December 11, 2014, 10:11:10 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2014, 09:18:55 PM
Quote from: mranon on December 10, 2014, 09:15:39 PM
e200s are gutless (if its the setup) that voith box cant make its mind up either!!!!! terrible
Depends on the operator's set up again. You will never get a Lynx or O405N again, nothing to do with manufacturers, so stop knocking the vehicles for not throwing passengers about.
A) companies don't want to throw passengers about
b) they want the lowest possible fuel consumption
This gutless description is just silly
tony i beg to disagree. i not wanting a wheel spinning ferrari, but get a decent load of passengers aboard these and they have no go. for example at a roundabout you want to be confident you can safely get away in a gap in traffic. these are so gutless as they change gear to quick. some b7rles have same problem. the voith box clunks and cant make its mind up which gear it wants. i reguarly use a route this latest batch are on. as i hold pcv myself, ive seen many different drivers take a gap in traffic to pull out (which i would use myself) but then they just change gear too quick killing the power. so its not a case of throwing passengers about. the lynx well that was just shocking as it had to power but stopping them was another.
as for killing the fuel settings, i remember my old boss getting between 10-14mpg out of coach's. then he started playing with the settings. killed the power, made them dangerously slow on hills, and caused more throttling of engine in higher gears. also fuel useage increased! i cant understand the map on these buses as they sluggish pulling away, but then they can be cruising along steady then they get a surge of power and motor.
Clunk is an understatement. ..loads worse than metrobuses did and more often.
Quote from: Ashley on December 11, 2014, 09:42:33 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 11, 2014, 07:04:13 PM
Quote from: Squirrel on December 11, 2014, 04:53:35 AM
Nothing wrong with Streetlites.
Bob simply appears to have a vendetta against anything Arriva does.
Apart from crap jerky gearboxes, do you not think they're incredibly ugly? ????
Theyre better looking and of better build quality to the Enviro200 despite their faulrs
Better looking? They're f#####g hideous, huge bulbous fronts, really ugly windows, naff looking rear end. Pulsars are miles better looking. Well in fact anything is better looking than them.
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2014, 10:36:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2014, 10:17:43 PM
Quote from: mranon on December 11, 2014, 10:11:10 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2014, 09:18:55 PM
Quote from: mranon on December 10, 2014, 09:15:39 PM
e200s are gutless (if its the setup) that voith box cant make its mind up either!!!!! terrible
Depends on the operator's set up again. You will never get a Lynx or O405N again, nothing to do with manufacturers, so stop knocking the vehicles for not throwing passengers about.
A) companies don't want to throw passengers about
b) they want the lowest possible fuel consumption
This gutless description is just silly
tony i beg to disagree. i not wanting a wheel spinning ferrari, but get a decent load of passengers aboard these and they have no go. for example at a roundabout you want to be confident you can safely get away in a gap in traffic. these are so gutless as they change gear to quick. some b7rles have same problem. the voith box clunks and cant make its mind up which gear it wants. i reguarly use a route this latest batch are on. as i hold pcv myself, ive seen many different drivers take a gap in traffic to pull out (which i would use myself) but then they just change gear too quick killing the power. so its not a case of throwing passengers about. the lynx well that was just shocking as it had to power but stopping them was another.
as for killing the fuel settings, i remember my old boss getting between 10-14mpg out of coach's. then he started playing with the settings. killed the power, made them dangerously slow on hills, and caused more throttling of engine in higher gears. also fuel useage increased! i cant understand the map on these buses as they sluggish pulling away, but then they can be cruising along steady then they get a surge of power and motor.
How many more times do I need to say it. It is not the bus it is the set by the company, as someone posted, those in the North East pull away well and fly up hills. There is nothing wrong with Streetlites, power wise, if operators want them to move.
Nope, nothing wrong with power. Just they look ugly, sound pretty awful, have a dingy interior, the heating on them isn't great-steamed up windows on newish buses-really?!-and there aren't enough opening windows for the summer. Apart from that, they're great buses! :P Mind you, what the streetdeck/gemini 3 will be like in summer remains to be seen.
Do you find the interior dingy? To me the half decent legroom and leatherette is their one saving grace, as they got nothing else going for them
The ones I have been on aren't Sapphire spec Bob so don't/didn't have the nice seating or the white interior ceiling which does a lot to improve the interior/give a lighter appearance.
It's odd-the Pulsar's feel a lot more spacious inside and yet in a streetlite there's even more headroom in the lower part of the bus. The back feels like a solo though :P I don't like them at all...
Think that's where our agreement ends though Bob as I really like Pulsar 2's! ;)
Pulsars are better than streetlites definitely. But come a distinctly poor fourth compared to citaros b7rle and omnilinks...on the noise factor alone lol.
X523 GGO was adding a touch of class to the pye greens today.
Just seen refurbished ( only one of its batch maybe theyve given up) BU51 KWN go past my mates house with a horrendous rattle and squeaking coming from its back end. Hopefully its not long for this world!
Citaros and OmniStinks dont make any noise other than a dull wump whereas Pulsars and Darts are hellfire
The hellfire of a pulsar is a underpowered engine that is over revving and labouring cos the gearbox is set up craply....
And post 52 plate darts just sound like non voith e200s anyway? The earlier ones just sound like sheds
Quote from: Bob on December 12, 2014, 09:48:41 PM
The hellfire of a pulsar is a underpowered engine that is over revving and labouring cos the gearbox is set up craply....
Whilst nobody expects the forum to be grammatically perfect ,can we not find another description for buses other than "crap"?
And is crawly actually a word?
Quote from: arrifirststage on December 13, 2014, 09:41:42 AM
Quote from: Bob on December 12, 2014, 09:48:41 PM
The hellfire of a pulsar is a underpowered engine that is over revving and labouring cos the gearbox is set up craply....
Whilst nobody expects the forum to be grammatically perfect ,can we not find another description for buses other than "crap"?
And is crawly actually a word?
Serves me right.......I meant craply.
Quote from: Ashley on December 12, 2014, 09:43:11 PM
Citaros and OmniStinks dont make any noise other than a dull wump whereas Pulsars and Darts are hellfire
Citaros have got an awesome beefy growl. Smooth. Especially on the fast stretch on the X65. Just cos they dont kickdown/over rev every time the slightest bit of power is required doesn't mean theyre dull.
I still don't get why you make such a fuss over the looks of a bus...
I mean, if this was the case, wouldn't you have something to say about the majority of Wright's pre-millenium bodies having exactly the same style, where there's a lack of flare? What would you rather: boxy and bland designs like the Commander and Cadet; or Wright's attempts of creating a range of buses that have a sense of styling?
Furthermore, what would you prefer: a Streetlite that looks revolting but works and runs; or a bus that's 'good-looking' but breaks down constantly?
Commanders and cadets and the corresponding scania/volvo bodies were stylish and pretty longlived. Pulsars/solars/eclipse were good looking as well but im sorry the streetlite body is f##k ugly to the point of replusion
Such a fuss over nothing as far as I can see -.-
Its all emperors new clothes stuff - few managers have the guts to say that what matters is capacity and legroom and order Citaros.
Quote from: mikestone on December 14, 2014, 04:45:59 PM
Its all emperors new clothes stuff - few managers have the guts to say that what matters is capacity and legroom and order Citaros.
What is all this fuss about Citaros, perhaps you ought to go and see First Manchester who are one of the few operators in the UK with a large batch of them how often they are off the road, how often they burst into flames (more than even Tridents). How they have had to redo the interior layout twice in their lives to get them right.
How often has one of Diamond's three been off the road waiting spare parts? Yes the bodywork build quality is fairly good compared to others, but they are not perfect mechanically, have just as many seats with limited legroom as others and are more expensive to operate than most.
Arriva tamworth seem to like them
25/26 branded 3796 was on the 60/825 today with a 61 plate Pulsar on the 25/26
Quote from: Bob on December 14, 2014, 05:06:36 PM
Arriva tamworth seem to like them
And Yourbus & McGill's
Quote from: Winston on December 14, 2014, 09:18:50 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 14, 2014, 05:06:36 PM
Arriva tamworth seem to like them
And Yourbus & McGill's
And Go North East and Trent Barton liked them, only said the layout was less than ideal.
Preston Bus seem impressed with theirs as well.
Kinchbus have eight EuroVI citaros and they are quite impressive as they're spacious while providing enough seats plus the overhead luggage racks are great as they allow for them to maximise capacity.
They're certainly a vast improvement over the Volvo Centros that were previously used.
Have the 55 plate darts entered use yet? They should be a slight improvement on the knackers theyve replaced
Quote from: Bob on December 21, 2014, 03:51:49 PM
Have the 55 plate darts entered use yet? They should be a slight improvement on the knackers theyve replaced
Not yet they are having a lot of panel work done and I believe being MOT'd too.
Will they be joined by the rest of the batch or just the two ? Any more transfers due cannock way after Xmas?
Quote from: Bob on December 21, 2014, 04:40:20 PM
Will they be joined by the rest of the batch or just the two ? Any more transfers due cannock way after Xmas?
Maybe.
Is there any chance of one or two spare deckers? ?
New evening route 25/26 timetable is out and they don't fully inter work anybody any ideas why and what they will work with
Santa in full costume spotted driving 2736 on the 33 in Friezland Lane, Brownhills this morning.
Well done that driver whoever he was, amazed Cannock let you do it.
Went on a Sapphire streetlite today. What a good job Arriva have done with this one! Smart, polite driver on an immaculate bus which was pretty fast and the kickdown wasn't a problem, as on other streetlites I've been on. It also didn't have a dingy interior either and was extremely comfortable. All in all, 10/10 and I rate Sapphire highly. If only they had a timetable for the 1/2 somewhere on the bus, as on most other Sapphire routes I've been on!
X60 starting on jan 11th to Lichfield & the 60 reduced in frequency (another ltd stop service to join the X25),will these be branded VDL / pulsars does anyone know & will it be no longer interworked with the 825 ?
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/transport/publictransport/buses/docs/busservicechangesjan15bydistrict.pdf
seasons greetings everybody !!!
Quote from: cannockanorak on December 28, 2014, 04:19:31 PM
X60 starting on jan 11th to Lichfield & the 60 reduced in frequency (another ltd stop service to join the X25),will these be branded VDL / pulsars does anyone know & will it be no longer interworked with the 825 ?
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/transport/publictransport/buses/docs/busservicechangesjan15bydistrict.pdf
seasons greetings everybody !!!
Maybe this is where the soon to arrive ANW Pulsars will fit in at Midlands
Quote from: Ashley on December 28, 2014, 05:10:17 PM
Quote from: cannockanorak on December 28, 2014, 04:19:31 PM
X60 starting on jan 11th to Lichfield & the 60 reduced in frequency (another ltd stop service to join the X25),will these be branded VDL / pulsars does anyone know & will it be no longer interworked with the 825 ?
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/transport/publictransport/buses/docs/busservicechangesjan15bydistrict.pdf
seasons greetings everybody !!!
Maybe this is where the soon to arrive ANW Pulsars will fit in at Midlands
They will be from Cannock.
Is the X60 going to be entirely pulsar operated? With the Ex-60/825 ones?
Also is there any difference, in the route taken, from cannock to lichfield, between the 60 & X60? Doesnt appear to be according to the staffs cc timetable ( considering as usual theres nothing available from arriva).
Quote from: Bob on December 28, 2014, 06:31:10 PM
Also is there any difference, in the route taken, from cannock to lichfield, between the 60 & X60? Doesnt appear to be according to the staffs cc timetable ( considering as usual theres nothing available from arriva).
Nope, no difference.
Didn't they try an X60 years ago?
From memory, didn't it miss out Norton Canes & went direct along the A5190?
Quote from: Westy on December 28, 2014, 10:13:01 PM
Didn't they try an X60 years ago?
From memory, didn't it miss out Norton Canes & went direct along the A5190?
That was a couple of years ago, it didn't last, aren't enough end-to-end passengers on the Cannock to Lichfield corridor to really make it work, especially as the 60 still ran half-hourly I believe. This version is only numbered X60 because of the Tamworth extension, no missing out of Norton Canes or anything this time.
Why bother even calling it X60 ? If the issue is breaking up 60/825 why not just interwork the 60 & X65. Calling it an X60 is stupid and confusing for cannock passengers. It works for the X25 cos it saves time end to end but is daft for the X60 especially as theres still going to be a 60 as well. Nobody would want to travel from cannock to tamworth with a running time like that!
hi,agree it would make sense to perhaps call it the X65 end to end to reflect the tamworth extension,although as both the 60 & X60 both eventually arrive in Lichfield,the only confusion will be passengers expecting a shorter journey time because of the magical X prefix :) Lichfield passengers will obviously now be looking for an X60 & not an X65 so could be confusion there,lesser of 2 evils ?
for any hardy souls travelling all the way,the the journey time remains the same end to end for the journeys I've studied but with the advantage of NOT having to change buses in Lichfield & Cannock has gained another "express" service & direct destination & that must be a positive thing ? (even if the majority of Cannock passengers primarily use the cannock-lichfield portion)
assuming Cannock drivers will be working through to tamworth or will there be a changeover at Lichfield in the very limited time allowed ?
will this mean Cannock needing more drivers / buses & tamworth having drivers / buses released to drive elsewhere assuming the X65 is operated by tamworth now ?
how will the 825 now operate with buses now being pushed through to tamworth on the X60
sorry if all the answers to these questions are obvious as i'm not an expert !!! (just an anorak ;))
thanks all for any answers to above (any Cannock arriva drivers out there?)
cheers
The 825 is supposedly going back to stafford. I wonder if tje new X25 is doing well. There was already an X25 versa operating another service today.
Theres a 10 min layover at lichfield I think.
I wonder if cannock are operating the entire route
Ive heard the 825 is going to stafford depot and cannock will be running the x60 to tamworth. Apparently this is because of the timings from cannock. The drivers do 5hr pices in 60 and 825 and with the planned road works the could all be over driving hours
Quote from: Bob on December 28, 2014, 06:31:10 PM
Also is there any difference, in the route taken, from cannock to lichfield, between the 60 & X60? Doesnt appear to be according to the staffs cc timetable ( considering as usual theres nothing available from arriva).
its the exact same route as the current service 60
What will be on the X60 from monday? Are the 61 plate pulsars all leaving on Sunday?
Quote from: Bob on January 09, 2015, 08:11:54 PM
What will be on the X60 from monday? Are the 61 plate pulsars all leaving on Sunday?
Yes.
So what are cannock gonna be using then? Have they got any spares
Quote from: Bob on January 09, 2015, 09:38:31 PM
So what are cannock gonna be using then? Have they got any spares
Sorry Bob, I dont know the allocations.
There is a Citaro from Tamworth
Enviro from Wednesfield
Sb 120 from Telford coming over
Blimey thats a unusual mixture! Id reckon the sb120 & enviro would be used on other services to free up some biggerbuses etc
Quote from: BN on January 10, 2015, 09:18:49 AM
Quote from: Bob on January 09, 2015, 09:38:31 PM
So what are cannock gonna be using then? Have they got any spares
Sorry Bob, I dont know the allocations.
There is a Citaro from Tamworth
Enviro from Wednesfield
Sb 120 from Telford coming over
Is this temporarily to cover the start of the X60?
2291 2292 2293 Cannock to Stafford
2328 Stafford to Cannock
2374 3717 3718 Telford to Cannock
3756 - 66 Cannock to Stafford
2149 has been noted at Cannock, that's what's going round the internet
The darts to stafford temporary or permanent? Cant see BU51 KWM lasting long its in a horrific state
Quote from: Ashley on January 10, 2015, 10:32:55 AM
2291 2292 2293 Cannock to Stafford
2328 Stafford to Cannock
2374 3717 3718 Telford to Cannock
3756 - 66 Cannock to Stafford
2149 has been noted at Cannock, that's what's going round the internet
2149 is out today (Maybe one of the ones I've seen on the 4A) so still at Wednesfield
Quote from: Ashley on January 10, 2015, 10:32:55 AM
2291 2292 2293 Cannock to Stafford
2328 Stafford to Cannock
2374 3717 3718 Telford to Cannock
3756 - 66 Cannock to Stafford
2149 has been noted at Cannock, that's what's going round the internet
1 out of 5 of those is correct, for now.
2376 and 2377 both out on 62A today is the 825 still inter working evenings and Sundays ?
all 825s sre from today running out of Stafford depot
I still don't understand why they need all eleven pulsars. The 825 doesnt need that amount. Are they upgrading other stafford services?
Quote from: Bob on January 11, 2015, 03:17:07 PM
I still don't understand why they need all eleven pulsars. The 825 doesnt need that amount. Are they upgrading other stafford services?
Well the combined 825/X25 will need at least 11 buses from tomorrow (6 for the 825, 5 for the X25 if my calculations were correct, maybe one more?), assuming the X25 will continue out of Stafford garage... Whether the X25 will be Pulsar or Versa I have no idea.
5 for the X25??????
Quote from: Bob on January 11, 2015, 03:53:53 PM
5 for the X25??????
Yes - extra for the short workings to Rugeley. Journey time will be increased anyway having to run via Brocton Cross Roads.
Yea bit of unfortunate timing to launch a express service with major roadworks starting shortly after lol. I thought they just put anything on the short working trips. Anyone know how the X25 is performing?
Quote from: Bob on January 11, 2015, 04:30:04 PM
Yea bit of unfortunate timing to launch a express service with major roadworks starting shortly after lol. I thought they just put anything on the short working trips. Anyone know how the X25 is performing?
I went on the 1830 ish X25 Lichfield to Stafford one day last week and end to end we carried 20 passengers including me, which was more than the 825 we were up against
X60 has been run by mainly ex stafford pulsars and a pye green one today
Are the ex 74/5 buses going to be the standard allocation for the X60? Theyve never been repainted in 7 years and you can still see where the stafford branding used to be. Looks naff compared to the citaros that were mostly used before on the tamworth stretch. Especially compared with centrals much smarter appearance
Comfortable? Why just cos theyve got pseudo DP seats? Weirdly although the seats arent threadbare years of busy use on the staffords have left them riffy! They really smell on them. A decent steam clean or re tdim would sort them out and a respray would be a big improvement. Especially on the rancid looking one with the turquoise rear end
Theyre abit worn out in comparison to the newer ones. Kickdown a lot...
The seats arent anything special though? Just bus seats with a headrest that comes up to about back height, barely any padding on the back, compare them to the seats on w-ewu's a totally different class
Why should it matter though? Long as you have a seat to sit on that's reasonably comfortable then what's the issue? Its a seat...
2739 on 33 in Brownhills yesterday evening, has this moved from Telford?
Quote from: 888DUK on January 17, 2015, 05:45:28 AM
2739 on 33 in Brownhills yesterday evening, has this moved from Telford?
It is borrowed from Reserve fleet.
Quote from: BN on January 17, 2015, 09:55:08 AM
Quote from: 888DUK on January 17, 2015, 05:45:28 AM
2739 on 33 in Brownhills yesterday evening, has this moved from Telford?
It is borrowed from Reserve fleet.
Thank You
FJ06 ZTE on 74/5 earlier with standees. A decker short again?
Quote from: 888DUK on January 17, 2015, 05:45:28 AM
2739 on 33 in Brownhills yesterday evening, has this moved from Telford?
On the 68 today. 17:35 ex Wolverhampton Stafford St
Any idea when the NW pulsars arrive?
Quote from: Bob on January 21, 2015, 07:33:56 PM
Any idea when the NW pulsars arrive?
Hi Bob, according to Merseyside-based bus sites, there are some more 13-reg, as well as some 61-reg Pulsars due for the Midlands. The 13-reg Pulsars have already been replaced here by Enviro400s at Green Lane garage, so the rest of those should be with you soon.
The release of the 61-reg Pulsars depends on Enviro400s going in to service at St Helens garage, as these will release some Wright Renowns to Green Lane, which will then release the Pulsars to the Midlands.
HTH
Quote from: Pulsar on January 21, 2015, 08:00:11 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 21, 2015, 07:33:56 PM
Any idea when the NW pulsars arrive?
Hi Bob, according to Merseyside-based bus sites, there are some more 13-reg, as well as some 61-reg Pulsars due for the Midlands. The 13-reg Pulsars have already been replaced here by Enviro400s at Green Lane garage, so the rest of those should be with you soon.
The release of the 61-reg Pulsars depends on Enviro400s going in to service at St Helens garage, as these will release some Wright Renowns to Green Lane, which will then release the Pulsars to the Midlands.
HTH
All the vehicles due have been on the main site for some time
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/2501-4000.html
I know that Tony I meant any idea when cannocks share of them will arrive
Quote from: Bob on January 21, 2015, 08:06:17 PM
I know that Tony I meant any idea when cannocks share of them will arrive
My reply was to
@Pulsar @Bob
2143 is an addition to Cannock as is 2739 from Telford
2376 &2377 are permanent transfers to Cannock, Cannock are no longer getting the ex Merseyside pulsars, thay are going to thurmaston for service 104 and in exchange Cannock get 2371,2,3,5 and 2374 from Telford end of jan/beginning of feb along with 3717/8 also joining Cannock from telford
Not really bothered....now that theyve invested with some newer buses and got it looking slightly better, its only natural that, being arriva theyre going to balance the fleet out with more s##t...this is arriva :-)
Thurmaston are not getting them for the 104. They are getting 3. 1 is already in place for the 158 extra PVR and the other 2 are for March for the 29/29A.
So Cannock are still getting around 6 ?
Quote from: Bob on January 21, 2015, 10:48:50 PM
So Cannock are still getting around 6 ?
Shrewsbury will get a share, as for Cannock , that's debateable. Has 3799 been allocated yet?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 21, 2015, 09:48:54 PM
2143 is an addition to Cannock as is 2739 from Telford
2376 &2377 are permanent transfers to Cannock, Cannock are no longer getting the ex Merseyside pulsars, thay are going to thurmaston for service 104 and in exchange Cannock get 2371,2,3,5 and 2374 from Telford end of jan/beginning of feb along with 3717/8 also joining Cannock from telford
Only half of this is correct I believe, where has your info come from?
Quote from: williamposh on January 21, 2015, 10:23:41 PM
Thurmaston are not getting them for the 104. They are getting 3. 1 is already in place for the 158 extra PVR and the other 2 are for March for the 29/29A.
3804 is already in service having worked on at least the 53/53a and 104 so far.
Interesting that the 29/29a is to get two as it already has a full set of Pulsar2's or are there improvements on the way?
Quote from: BN on January 22, 2015, 06:38:22 PM
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 21, 2015, 09:48:54 PM
2143 is an addition to Cannock as is 2739 from Telford
2376 &2377 are permanent transfers to Cannock, Cannock are no longer getting the ex Merseyside pulsars, thay are going to thurmaston for service 104 and in exchange Cannock get 2371,2,3,5 and 2374 from Telford end of jan/beginning of feb along with 3717/8 also joining Cannock from telford
Only half of this is correct I believe, where has your info come from?
Which half ..
Missed you on Arriva's Facebook earlier
@Bob.
There's a lovely comment regarding a 33 journey you'd like!
Quote from: Bob on January 22, 2015, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: BN on January 22, 2015, 06:38:22 PM
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 21, 2015, 09:48:54 PM
2143 is an addition to Cannock as is 2739 from Telford
2376 &2377 are permanent transfers to Cannock, Cannock are no longer getting the ex Merseyside pulsars, thay are going to thurmaston for service 104 and in exchange Cannock get 2371,2,3,5 and 2374 from Telford end of jan/beginning of feb along with 3717/8 also joining Cannock from telford
Only half of this is correct I believe, where has your info come from?
Which half ..
Guess
So were definitely getting the pulsars?
BU51 KWL looking and sounding dreadful spewing out black smoke with none of the destination blinds working and a card saying 33 stuck in the windscreen adding to the professional image in cannock earlier
Pulsar on the 'sapphire' evening route 2 tonight. I take it all 9 streetlites are out of action then....can we claim our fareback as theres no leather seats extra llegroom or wifi?
Oh and theres no working ticket machine. ...
3717, 3718, 2374 now arrived.
2291, 2292 gone to Stafford.
3793 (Pye Green branded) on late night 70/6. Seen in Wolverhampton about 22:40
Quote from: Bob on January 24, 2015, 08:34:01 PM
Pulsar on the 'sapphire' evening route 2 tonight. I take it all 9 streetlites are out of action then....can we claim our fareback as theres no leather seats extra llegroom or wifi?
The 2E isnt actually a Sapphire route is it?
Its not branded on the bus is it?
I think it is sapphire....im sure its advertised as such on the bus station posters
Quote from: Westy on February 01, 2015, 11:51:28 AM
Quote from: Bob on January 24, 2015, 08:34:01 PM
Pulsar on the 'sapphire' evening route 2 tonight. I take it all 9 streetlites are out of action then....can we claim our fareback as theres no leather seats extra llegroom or wifi?
The 2E isnt actually a Sapphire route is it?
Its not branded on the bus is it?
All 2/2A/2E are operated by the Sapphire buses. I'm basing that on what my friend tells me as she commutes on these routes regularly.
Quote from: Bob on February 01, 2015, 09:20:44 PM
I think it is sapphire....im sure its advertised as such on the bus station posters
@Bob Yeah, the 2E is advertised as a Sapphire service as on the poster at Cannock Bus Stn says 1/2/2A/2E
Apparently a streetlite lost all power and broke down last week after going over a speed bump. Im sure expectations of their reliability were raised then...Does anyone know what the ex NW Pulsars are going to replace at cannock when they finally come?
Quote from: Bob on February 01, 2015, 09:49:48 PM
Apparently a streetlite lost all power and broke down last week after going over a speed bump. Im sure expectations of their reliability were raised then...Does anyone know what the ex NW Pulsars are going to replace at cannock when they finally come?
Pulsars.
As in those that have already left or are we losing the 57 plates
Quote from: Bob on February 02, 2015, 08:16:24 PM
As in those that have already left or are we losing the 57 plates
Wait and see, deliveries start in a fortnight.
Hmmmmm thatll be interesting. ...cant think whod want the ex 74/5 ones!
Taken from Staffordshire website.
;
From 21st February 2015
• Service X25 (Arriva Midlands, Stafford - Lichfield) - Revised timetable
including a reduced frequency, and the cancellation of evening / Sunday
journeys.
• Service 825 (Arriva Midlands, Stafford - Lichfield) - Revised route and
timetable. The roadworks diversion route will be amended so the service
will operate via A513, Milford, Brocton Road and the A34, rather than via
Weston.
Another great success then? Lol
Quote from: Bob on February 05, 2015, 07:08:03 PM
Another great success then? Lol
No - very simple really. Congestion hasn't been anywhere like as bad as predicted so putting the service back to as close as possible as before with the road closure. Why do you assume everything is a disaster when often there is a very simple reason for it.
Thought Bob was refering to the X25?
Quote from: Westy on February 05, 2015, 08:20:38 PM
Thought Bob was refering to the X25?
That is being reduced back to what it was when it started as the 825 can go back through Milford via Brocton. X25 was only increased to half-hourly between Stafford and Rugeley because the 825 was going via Weston.
Think the X25 is going to last then?
Quote from: Bob on February 05, 2015, 08:39:11 PM
Think the X25 is going to last then?
Time will tell - need to give it at least six months to a year or so (which I think has already been pointed out) before it can be seen whether it will be a success or not.
The branded buses are rarely on it a X25 versa on stafford locals again today why do they bother branding buses up and not putting them on the service theyre branded for. It just looks s##t
Well even I have to admit it, cannocks fleet is actually looking a bit better now than it did 18months ago and they don't seem to be plagued by constant breakdowns as they were then. At least a few of the worst Darts have now been shifted. Not sure what the three 55 plate darts are like but they at least don't look too bad, all they need to do is repaint all the 57 plate pulsars cos they do look a bit tired now some worse than others and refurbish the three ex route 1 buses and ( desperately) BU03 HRK, it still arguably has poss the worst condition interior of the midlands fleet, and spray a few buses up in the new colours and itll be about as good as they can manage to get it. I reckon the 74/5 should be a candidate for Sapphire, but with deckers obviously not bloody streetlites
2315 on the 68 today.
3808 and 3809 delivered.
Still keeping schtum on which pulsars they're replacing?
3728 is in lichfield bus stn sounding incredibly unhealthy, theres a rattling noise like somethings loose and the driver has had to keep revving the engine constantly. ...doesnt sound very good at all :-/
Just seen an absolutely rammed commander coming into cannock on the 74. It does beg the question why transfer deckers in for the route if a lot of the time they arent on there or why not have at least one spare?
3808 and 3809 should be out tomorrow.
Are the 57 plate pulsars staying?
Cannock due any other transfers in?
What we having
2276(assume its a Cannock vehicle!) broken down on Bloxwich High Street by junction of Old Lane, hazards flashing, parked half on pavement.
Was it a spare / substitute vehicle for the 1?
Couldve been on the 2/2A maybe? Brought to you by Sapphire lol....Say hello to wifi, leatherette, and extra legroom. ..or failing that a knackered old dart when were short of streets####s, guaranteed reliability.
Quote from: Bob on February 11, 2015, 12:22:10 PM
Couldve been on the 2/2A maybe? Brought to you by Sapphire lol....Say hello to wifi, leatherette, and extra legroom. ..or failing that a knackered old dart when were short of streets####s, guaranteed reliability.
Dont forget that the 2 & 2a operate via my road during the day while the 1 stays on Bloxwich Road / High Street !
Cant imagine even them putting a bus like that on a premium ( said in the most loose of terms) route though, theres a lot of far better and more suited capacity wise vehicles.
Shows you Arriva don't actually read the Facebook messages, it's a 'copy & paste' job!
I asked them what was up with 2276 & the reply I got back was 'I'm sorry. We hope it didn't delay your journey', to which I replied ' I wasn't catching it. I just wondered what was up with it!'
3811 delivered today.
11.12 31 to rugeley not running due to breakdown issues. Ffs. Cant even run a half hourly service reliably its broken down in cannock bus station! What no spare bus when the garage is 5 mins away? Pathetic
I then caught 2702 back in to cannock on the 31 from the stop opposite, which had standees all the way to the front so I had to stand in the cab area ( do they not realise by now that a bus that size is not suitable for the route ffs?), and the emergency warning light was flashing in the cab which I pointed out to the driver, he said "I know Yeah theres something up with the suspension its bouncing up and down terrible but they say its alright so.....". A great way to run a bus service eh....
Quote from: BN on February 13, 2015, 09:00:09 PM
3811 delivered today.
And out on the 33 today
3808 is on the 75
3809 is on the X60
And the fares are going up soon!
I was going to have a run up to Cannock to try out a Sapphire but I couldnt be bothered!
By the way, where do you get the bus leaflets from in Cannock?
I looked for that market stall after the last time I asked & couldnt find it & the Prince Of Wales had out of date leaflets!
I then caught 3809 on the X60. Awful. The bus only moved with the driver over revving the hell out of it. Full of rattles filthy inside cans of skol super at the back etc. The driver said there was something wrong with the gearbox as it was jumping around all over the place. On the 50 stretch up to pipe hill island it sounded like it was going to blow up with the engine and gears going absolutely mental. Only one passenger got on between lichfield and tamworth. The central bus left about 5 min before, busy.
There seems to be quite a few single deckers on the 74/5 lately, incl peak time journeys. Whats going on there? !. As for timetables could try the library
3809s gearbox is definitely faulty. The drivers words were "b#####d terrible". Its slipping over revving and jerking its way along the fast stretch to tamworth
The X60 is far to slo, why not run an hourly 60 and an hourly X60 from cannock as a proper express, promote it etc. Nobody realistically is going to want to sit on a bus for an hour and a half almost and Central look like they've largely got the numbers between lichfield and tamworth so its probably doomed. Coupled with downgrading it from mercs to absolute tat
citaro 3004 on the X60 this morning at Cannock,is this a regular occurrence or covering a Cannock duty ? (assuming its still a tamworth bus) nice to see a bit of variety !!! :D
Bob, your moaning about Arriva is tiresome. We know you hate Cannock but we don't need to hear about it 50 times a day!!!
Perhaps if Arriva took pride in the fleet, Bob wouldnt need to slag it off.
Do you read the Facebook page?
Bob's posts are mild compared to the complaints on there.
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 14, 2015, 01:17:48 PM
Bob, your moaning about Arriva is tiresome. We know you hate Cannock but we don't need to hear about it 50 times a day!!!
Not moaning. Stating a point. Service has declined since cannock took it on. You think its acceptable to run faulty buses in service? And to not replace broken down ones when the garage is five mins away? And to provide a good image by running buses with knackered gearboxes on an express route with fast stretches? Credit where its due but none of the above deserve credit. For example when tamworth had trouble on the 110 a couple of weeks ago they despatched extra buses to maintain service. That deserves credit/praise. Cannock due to the condition of still a fair proportion of the fleet still suffer numerous reliability issues yet extremely rarely replace broken down vehicles, passsengers can just wait. That doesnt deserve any compliment
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2015, 01:52:34 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 14, 2015, 01:17:48 PM
Bob, your moaning about Arriva is tiresome. We know you hate Cannock but we don't need to hear about it 50 times a day!!!
Not moaning. Stating a point. Service has declined since cannock took it on. You think its acceptable to run faulty buses in service? And to not replace broken down ones when the garage is five mins away? And to provide a good image by running buses with knackered gearboxes on an express route with fast stretches? Credit where its due but none of the above deserve credit. For example when tamworth had trouble on the 110 a couple of weeks ago they despatched extra buses to maintain service. That deserves credit/praise. Cannock due to the condition of still a fair proportion of the fleet still suffer numerous reliability issues yet extremely rarely replace broken down vehicles, passsengers can just wait. That doesnt deserve any compliment
Bob,have you ever written to Arriva Cannock garage to complain or called at the garage to complain personally?
If things are as bad as you say,write to your local councillor or even your MP.
You sure as hell are not improving the service by constantly moaning on this forum,make some effort and stir it up with people who are able to make a difference.......with the added bonus of giving all our ears a rest.
What so when theyre S##t I shouldnt criticise and kiss their arse like certain people on here. ....hmmmmm...complain to arriva are you having a laugh? ???? Have you seen their responses to complaints? Jesus. ..
Write to your member of parliament, write to your councillor, write to vosa, write to the Pope.
Oh and incidentally the crap reliability and poor condition of some buses have been discussed at local council meetings theres minutes on the net if you Google them. So its obviously already been raised by someone. Doesnt seem to have made much difference to be honest. .
Have you seen who our MP is?? The nazi uniform wearing pro privatisation tory pillock? Id imagine he thinks along the lines of Mrs T that any one over a certain age who uses a bus is a failure in life... lol. Hopefully we'll have a decent one after the election
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2015, 03:54:51 PM
What so when theyre S##t I shouldnt criticise and kiss their arse like certain people on here. ....hmmmmm...complain to arriva are you having a laugh? ???? Have you seen their responses to complaints? Jesus. ..
Quite the reverse......if you re read my post,I have suggested you take you complaints much further.
If your local councillor cannot or will not assist,write to your MP.
FAILING ALL THIS,SEND A REGISTERED LETTER TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DB IN GERMANY,German service is supposedly legendary.
Like I say,complaining to members on the forum won't achieve much,other than bending our ears unnecessarily.
Is it allowed to run buses in service with emergency warning lights flashing ? That might be one for vosa..
On and one other thing on a service that advertises "power sockets and wifi" ( the 1) it might be an idea if the f#####g things worked and to have a driver that can give a better answer than "I dunno" when asked if theyre switched on or not. Ffs
Ill be honest these last two pages have kept me amused all day lol
Quote from: cannockanorak on February 14, 2015, 01:14:30 PM
citaro 3004 on the X60 this morning at Cannock,is this a regular occurrence or covering a Cannock duty ? (assuming its still a tamworth bus) nice to see a bit of variety !!! :D
Transferred in Jan.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on February 14, 2015, 04:46:28 PM
Ill be honest these last two pages have kept me amused all day lol
Bob is actually the personification of Victor Meldrew from "One Foot In The Grave".
2143 has now left for Thurmaston.
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2015, 04:07:01 PM
Have you seen who our MP is?? The nazi uniform wearing pro privatisation tory pillock? Id imagine he thinks along the lines of Mrs T that any one over a certain age who uses a bus is a failure in life... lol. Hopefully we'll have a decent one after the election
He's giving up at the election, isn't he?
Did I read somewhere the Tories were trying to parachute a name in?
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2015, 04:07:01 PM
Have you seen who our MP is?? The nazi uniform wearing pro privatisation tory pillock? Id imagine he thinks along the lines of Mrs T that any one over a certain age who uses a bus is a failure in life... lol. Hopefully we'll have a decent one after the election
At least he has turned up at Hednesford Station at 6am some mornings asking commuters their views, and if they have any problems he can help with and actually talking to people. I have never seen any of the Labour councillors anywhere let alone at that time in the morning. The Labour hopeful for the general election has set up a shop in Market Street for people to express their views to him and vice versa. I actually thought this was a good idea, except... I have never seen any in there yet. I want to speak to him before the election to ask his personal views on things. He stands no chance of getting me to vote for him if I cannot even find him.
Must admit I had a Tory volunteer turn up at my door after the local elections, trying to find out why I didn't vote in the most recent one(I was on holiday & never bothered to sort out a postal vote!).
He asked me who I would vote for.
'Not your lot mate', was the reply.
As it happened, I lived in a ward where one of the winners actually passed away after the election & it had to be rerun, so I was able to cast my vote after all!
If he asked me what my views were id have said "give us back what we own you privatising right wing t##t". Remember when the tories tried to sell off the chase? He put a column in the local paper saying he basically agreed with it. The following week they had to have two extra letters pages for the backlash. He then went on to say he thought public ownership was best after that. Opportunistic t####r. Never trust a tory.
Well in that case
@Bob you'll never trust me because I am a card carrying, labour hating, privatisation loving, fully paid up Tory party member...
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2015, 06:56:07 PM
If he asked me what my views were id have said "give us back what we own you privatising right wing t##t". Remember when the tories tried to sell off the chase? He put a column in the local paper saying he basically agreed with it. The following week they had to have two extra letters pages for the backlash. He then went on to say he thought public ownership was best after that. Opportunistic t####r. Never trust a tory.
Whatever my political views,I would imagine they would be better expressed in less profanity strewn language than that.
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 14, 2015, 06:58:35 PM
Well in that case @Bob you'll never trust me because I am a card carrying, labour hating, privatisation loving, fully paid up tory party member.
Oh well...somebodys gotta be...
Quote from: Westy on February 14, 2015, 12:51:55 PM
By the way, where do you get the bus leaflets from in Cannock?
I looked for that market stall after the last time I asked & couldnt find it & the Prince Of Wales had out of date leaflets!
Anyway...
You can get leaflets from Cannock library, on the top floor by the desk. The Market Stall was closed the last time I was on Cannock. The stall doesn't appear to be open on Saturdays, and the woman puts the stand away
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2015, 06:56:07 PM
If he asked me what my views were id have said "give us back what we own you privatising right wing t##t". Remember when the tories tried to sell off the chase? He put a column in the local paper saying he basically agreed with it. The following week they had to have two extra letters pages for the backlash. He then went on to say he thought public ownership was best after that. Opportunistic t####r. Never trust a tory.
They tried to sell off Cannock Chase?
Phillistines!
I remember the yearly school trip from primary school.
Coach to somewhere on the Cannock to Rugeley road, then a steady walk through the Chase to Milford, a short break for food, then pick up the coach for a trip over to Chasewater for the amusement arcade, then back home.
Ah happy days.
Yes tried to sell the forestry commission land off but there was a massive public backlash and they backed down. The fact they even tried to says a lot about them.
@Bob way I see it would you rather have cuts to vital public services or things like a forest sold off to avoid cuts
Oh shut up it was nothing to do with avoiding cuts it was purely ideological. The tories want to get rid of anything publicly provided and privatise it or get rid all together. Theyre scum. I bet you can't wait for a fully privatised health service ...
Oh and didnt George Osborne say hed have eliminated the deficit by 2015? He hasnt even halved it...
Yeah because the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats won't allow him to do what is required!
What obliterate every public service? I suppose you like Iain Duncan Smith too....
And the sadly departed Margaret Thatcher. May God rest her soul
She didn't have a soul. Hopefully her carcus is rotting in hell
I do my best :)
I think the only time Margaret Thatcher has been sadly missed was in Brighton in 1984 :-0
Oooch!
At least the tories didn't sex up any dossiers!
No they just created a generation of dossers....
Ah well I'm alright... :-)
Isnt that tory policy...im alright bugger the rest of society?
Bob, enough now, get back on topic I.e. Cannock garage or moaning about Arriva
Quote from: BN on February 13, 2015, 09:00:09 PM
3811 delivered today.
Yep and broke down on its first day in use...lmaoooo
Quote from: Bob on February 15, 2015, 09:44:55 AM
Quote from: BN on February 13, 2015, 09:00:09 PM
3811 delivered today.
Yep and broke down on its first day in use...lmaoooo
Have you yet been able to spare a minute to write to the managing director of DB in Germany.......anyone can moan ceaselessly,time you did something about it.
That wasnt moaning. ..im simply saying 3811 broke down in its first day in service, and one of the other two broke down on friday too had to be taken out of service. Not looking good is it? What the hell did they do to them in the north west
They worked them hard
Lol theyll need a fair bit of looking after then to get em in a better state
3723 now at Cannock
3719 is an absolute beast. ..the loudest sb200 ever it sounds like an aeroplane about to take off! Wonder if the other 06 plates will live up to that
Quote from: Bob on February 16, 2015, 10:21:47 PM
3719 is an absolute beast. ..the loudest sb200 ever it sounds like an aeroplane about to take off! Wonder if the other 06 plates will live up to that
They are quite nice buses that have been looked after well in Leicester.
2742 SY - CK
Is 2736 ever going to get a respray and refurb? The panels are all dented on the nearside and almost every seat is threadbare. The other three cannock ran from the batch were refurbished well over a year ago and one was repainted 2736 was just leleft
V208 KDA was on the X60 yesterday, thatd provide the route with a classy image lol. And FD52 GGU today all threadbare seats faded paintwork and remnants of old branding. ..least it gives Tamworth passengers a bit of contrast. ..
Quote from: cannockanorak on February 14, 2015, 01:14:30 PM
citaro 3004 on the X60 this morning at Cannock,is this a regular occurrence or covering a Cannock duty ? (assuming its still a tamworth bus) nice to see a bit of variety !!! :D
this is now allocated to Cannock garage (?),are all boards now with Cannock garage as this was probably now a Cannock bus at the time of photographing then ?
does having only one example of a type at a garage cause difficulties with holding spares,fitter familiarisation,driver training etc
thanks
Its probably a loan temporarily. Distinctly an odd one out at cannock.
Quote from: cannockanorak on February 21, 2015, 11:08:47 PM
Quote from: cannockanorak on February 14, 2015, 01:14:30 PM
citaro 3004 on the X60 this morning at Cannock,is this a regular occurrence or covering a Cannock duty ? (assuming its still a tamworth bus) nice to see a bit of variety !!! :D
this is now allocated to Cannock garage (?),are all boards now with Cannock garage as this was probably now a Cannock bus at the time of photographing then ?
does having only one example of a type at a garage cause difficulties with holding spares,fitter familiarisation,driver training etc
thanks
3004 transferred to Cannock Jan.
A permanent one? Are the recent transfers of larger darts/the odd cadet anything to do with giving a bit of extra capacity on routes like the 33 ?
Quote from: Bob on February 22, 2015, 10:37:41 AM
A permanent one? Are the recent transfers of larger darts/the odd cadet anything to do with giving a bit of extra capacity on routes like the 33 ?
Yes it is.
On a seperate note if it interests anybody, evening 70/76 interwork with the 25/26
Now 3727-31 have left what will be the standard allocation for the X60 alongside the Citaro?
Quote from: Bob on February 22, 2015, 03:37:34 PM
Now 3727-31 have left what will be the standard allocation for the X60 alongside the Citaro?
Pass, 3807-11?
Have 3807 and 3810 arrived yet or are they due?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on February 22, 2015, 03:48:57 PM
Have 3807 and 3810 arrived yet or are they due?
Yes collected Friday I believe.
The one I caught on the X60 last sat poss 3808/9 wasnt very good at all, kept going into kickdown, driver kept having to rev it to get it to keep moving, the engine sounded like it was going crazy. Hope the others are a bit better and not so rough. The driver on 3308 yesterday said streetlites were the worst buses hed ever driven in 5 yrs of working there said something about the gearboxes. To be fair it didn't have the jolting kickdown and the seats are coomfy etc but its impossible to have a smooth trip on them as they are completely jerky slowing down/pulling off etc
And hard riding. Maybe theyll keep tweaking them and itll improve
Quote from: BN on February 22, 2015, 03:55:49 PM
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on February 22, 2015, 03:48:57 PM
Have 3807 and 3810 arrived yet or are they due?
Yes collected Friday I believe.
Thanks BN
Quote from: Bob on February 22, 2015, 04:13:07 PM
The one I caught on the X60 last sat poss 3808/9 wasnt very good at all, kept going into kickdown, driver kept having to rev it to get it to keep moving, the engine sounded like it was going crazy. Hope the others are a bit better and not so rough. The driver on 3308 yesterday said streetlites were the worst buses hed ever driven in 5 yrs of working there said something about the gearboxes. To be fair it didn't have the jolting kickdown and the seats are coomfy etc but its impossible to have a smooth trip on them as they are completely jerky slowing down/pulling off etc
And hard riding. Maybe theyll keep tweaking them and itll improve
It was 3809 you went on Bob because your review is a couple of pages back. I also went on 3809 that day, it was probably the slowest pulsar ive been on. Ive dropped 3808 on the 60 and 75 which wasn't too bad. Overall theyre a decent batch that are still in a decent condition minus a few seat back burns.
Ah yea 3809. The driver said it wasnt in a very good state. It had an absolutely massive kickdown on that 50 stretch much louder than normal, proper screamed. I sometimes wonder is it healthy for any engine to be constantly labouring like that ? Surely itll eventually knacker it! You never hear a citaro/b7rle/omnilink struggle in that manner
2328 collected by Hinckley today.
2743 from Telford to replace it.
it would appear that all pulsars have are at Cannock excluding the 1 allocated to shresbury
Does anybody know where 3807 and 3810 are today please? Thanks
What rev till it keeps gping into kickdown and the engine labouring? Yea all buses are like that arent they......
3801 is running from cannock
Quote from: Bob on February 24, 2015, 06:07:06 PM
3801 is running from cannock
3803 as well and another SY Cadet either 2740 or 41
Quote from: Bob on February 24, 2015, 06:03:33 PM
What rev till it keeps gping into kickdown and the engine labouring? Yea all buses are like that arent they......
An engine wouldn't labour if it had changed down. It might be over revving, but that is the point of the downward change, to stop an engine labouring.
Engines on sb200's labour all the time tony even pulling away from stops
Quote from: Bob on February 24, 2015, 06:31:50 PM
Engines on sb200's labour all the time tony even pulling away from stops
Labouring is when the revs are low in too high a gear for the road speed and the engine is not supplying enough torque, if a gearbox is working properly it will change down (or apply kickdown as some people call it - Kickdown is actually when the driver deliberately makes the gearbox change down, normally by using an extra stage on the accelerator pedal) If a vehicle has changed down and is high revving that is not labouring.
Well then what is it that sb200 do when struggling up hills etc and pulling off especially ( that volvos/omnlinks/other scanias/b7/b10s just about every other bus type don't) where the engine/voith struggles and makes a loud screaming noise?
Shrewsbury's last 3 Sb120's are now at Cannock, 2737, 2740, 2741.
recent additions ive noticed at Cannock are as following (In The Past Month Or so)
2378
2379
2732
2738
2739
2740
2742
2743
3720
3721
3723
Quote from: Busman Jamie on February 25, 2015, 11:03:11 PM
recent additions ive noticed at Cannock are as following (In The Past Month Or so)
2378
2379
2732
2738
2739
2740
2742
2743
3720
3721
3723
2732 is at Wednesfield
Are the 63 plate pulsars possibly leaving Cannock?
sorry, ment 2737
Quote from: Bob on February 26, 2015, 08:12:11 PM
Are the 63 plate pulsars possibly leaving Cannock?
No
Oh the rumour was the pye greens werent making enough to warrant them being on there
Rumours, bless them!
True. Although in fairness the 25/26 are never really full. They could easily reduce the frequency without any major problems
It had beenposted on an enthusiast site that they were supposed to allegedly be following the 57 plate ones to Oswestry
Id like to see a bus between cannock and telford possibly via Featherstone or Penkridge. Maybe hourly? Reckon itd ever happen? Could run as an express
Quote from: Bob on February 26, 2015, 09:53:40 PM
Id like to see a bus between cannock and telford possibly via Featherstone or Penkridge. Maybe hourly? Reckon itd ever happen? Could run as an express
@Bob Wouldn't that be more appropriate here, rather than the garage thread
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=3345.msg132366#new
I thought that was more for nx routes tbf?
Quote from: Bob on February 26, 2015, 10:15:46 PM
I thought that was more for nx routes tbf?
No, for any company, mate
Been on 3703 today on the 70. Horrific state, seats now completely threadbare and gearbox knackered and interior panel above window hanging off so potentially dangerous ( the driver advised me to anonymously tell vosa about it instead of complaining to arriva! ). Shocking.
Surprise of the day was 3307 on 20.28 no 2 from cannock, despite filthy interior complete with tickets pop bottles and uncleaned floor and scuff marks on every fold up seat, was probably the smoothest streetlite ive been on. Absolutely full of rattles though at the front as are a couple of the others. ...one of the best of a bad lot though
BJ12 YPN on 76
Just seen 3610 on the back of a tow truck looked in a sorry state where's it going anyone know
Quote from: Ck on March 05, 2015, 04:57:07 PM
Just seen 3610 on the back of a tow truck looked in a sorry state where's it going anyone know
It will soon be available in various shops near you (scrap). Shame, doesn't seem five minutes since the ALX300's went
Quote from: Ck on March 05, 2015, 04:57:07 PM
Just seen 3610 on the back of a tow truck looked in a sorry state where's it going anyone know
Watsons Scrapyard. Stafford
2715 is at Cannock on the 33 this morning , im guessing a Dart has gone to Stafford in exchange ?
Quote from: tphi12000 on March 13, 2015, 08:35:33 AM
2715 is at Cannock on the 33 this morning , im guessing a Dart has gone to Stafford in exchange ?
2374 in exchange.
It looks like Cannock buses are having a bad day today!! My friend has been telling me what happened today.
One Streetlite on 2E broke down in Bloxwich and was towed away 2 hours later.
Another Streetlite (FJ64 EVC) on 2E has had an accident with CX04 EHZ in Cannock Bus Station.
Pictures in Cannock Bus Station - Picture 1 (http://i.imgur.com/isRLIzl.jpg), Picture 2 (http://i.imgur.com/8NXw8Gc.jpg), Picture 3 (http://i.imgur.com/zswIa0w.jpg).
Bad luck if your travelling to or from walsall then. Still though. .two streets####s off the road for the foreseeable so every cloud and all that
Are all the 55 plate darts going to stafford still? Its a shame to exchange them for older cadets. For darts theyre in quite decent condition and would be wasted on stafford locals. Theyre used on interurban services in cannock ( 2 on the 70 today) & staffords cadets have been notoriously unreliable so why move them to cannock?
Anybody know where 3807 and 3810 are today?
The ex Leicester/telford ones are much better than the ex Oswestry one cannock currently has. Caught fj55 bvt home on 70 it was rammed and not really a good choice for peak time working. It vibrates horribly. As I say the others are pretty good
3807 has been out all day on the x60, 3810 had issues and returned to bass but did later return toservice replacing 420* on the 5.40 75 service
What was up with the 75 decker?
4201 appeard on Pye Greens this afternoon
Quote from: Busman Jamie on March 18, 2015, 09:37:02 PM
4201 appeard on Pye Greens this afternoon
A photo will appear on the main site in the next 30 min
Bob, 1 youll love, 2376 on 74/75 with 3702.... HOWEVER 3702 broke down and got replaced by 3704 lol
2376 on a route thats supposed to be deckered....well. and 3702/4 what anice threadbare treat. Theyre putting loads of rubbish on staffordsof late. Noticed that pye greens have had cadets and commanders on recently too. Commander on yesterday and today
PS isnt 3704 the most knackered of all cannocks commanders? Surprised it made it to stafford!
2379 is on 74/5 today ive just passed it while on 4202 going the other way. That is a ridiculous allocation! A 38 seater on a deckered route? Pathetic. 4202 whilst not rammed is reasonably full up and down. A dart on the journey would have been extremely uncomfortable with a lot of standees. Just when cannock was starting to improve. ..
Quote from: Bob on March 19, 2015, 11:17:07 AM
2379 is on 74/5 today ive just passed it while on 4202 going the other way. That is a ridiculous allocation! A 38 seater on a deckered route? Pathetic. 4202 whilst not rammed is reasonably full up and down. A dart on the journey would have been extremely uncomfortable with a lot of standees. Just when cannock was starting to improve. ..
Pathetic?
What about if a decker brokedown or was in for servicing, should the running card just be stood or should a bus be allocated to pick people up?
Yes pathetic. For a deckered route you should have at least one spare or at the very least allocate a full sized single decker. Two darts were on there today
Quote from: Bob on March 20, 2015, 12:55:18 AM
"Would you rather. ." Blah blah blah..just a excuse for rubbish service
Whatever. Go moan to your MP, not here
@trainbasher Admin will decide what is/isn't acceptable to post, if you don't like what is posted, ignore it!
@Winston, I'm only commenting vis a vis the strawman arguments that
@Bob is referring to
@the trainbasher we don't want anymore comments that could provoke an argument & no comments regarding the locking of non bus/train related threads
i thought the aim of a forum was to encourage
debate, which is what I was doing, debating a point! And I thought I'd only mention about threads you
might have overlooked@the trainbasher There's debate and there's
stiring..... The forum is a source of info, if you want to debate everything to death try a politics forum instead - discussion closed!
I don't normally moan about Arriva but i think this warrants it:
As i just boarded 4204 in the 74 from Stafford, going to Cannock, the driver said that child daysavers can't be issued during school holidays, meaning i have to spend £2.45 on a child single, that i can only use once, rather than being able to buy a daysaver that i can use multiple times for £4.10.
Why are child daysavers not allowed to be issued in school holidays? To me, at least, this seems to be a major error, as more families would use the buses, if child daysavers were to be valid.
Quote from: Alex on March 20, 2015, 09:58:46 AM
I don't normally moan about Arriva but i think this warrants it:
As i just boarded 4204 in the 74 from Stafford, going to Cannock, the driver said that child daysavers can't be issued during school holidays, meaning i have to spend £2.45 on a child single, that i can only use once, rather than being able to buy a daysaver that i can use multiple times for £4.10.
Why are child daysavers not allowed to be issued in school holidays? To me, at least, this seems to be a major error, as more families would use the buses, if child daysavers were to be valid.
I thought Arriva only issued Child Daysavers during school hols. Normal school day in Stafford and Cannock today so no child Daysavers would be issued today.
Quote from: Alex on March 20, 2015, 09:58:46 AM
I don't normally moan about Arriva but i think this warrants it:
As i just boarded 4204 in the 74 from Stafford, going to Cannock, the driver said that child daysavers can't be issued during school holidays, meaning i have to spend £2.45 on a child single, that i can only use once, rather than being able to buy a daysaver that i can use multiple times for £4.10.
Why are child daysavers not allowed to be issued in school holidays? To me, at least, this seems to be a major error, as more families would use the buses, if child daysavers were to be valid.
Why not just buy an adult one....
Currently Sat on 3720 home from Wolverhampton. Drives nicely. engine not struggling, seats not threadbare, smack on time with a pleasant driver
You're the customer Ashley use this link to provide feedback.
www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/
Quote from: JoNi on March 22, 2015, 06:54:17 AM
You're the customer Ashley use this link to provide feedback.
www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/
Whoever reads my feedback probably hasn't ever heard of Cannock?
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2015, 05:18:34 PM
Currently Sat on 3720 home from Wolverhampton. Drives nicely. engine not struggling, seats not threadbare, smack on time with a pleasant driver
Those ex Leicester 06 plates arent too bad are they, theyve got a slightly higher spec interior to ordinary commandersand smart flflooring etc. All of them are good apart from 3719. 3702-4 are the ones that are the poorest, 3703 is horrific inside.
@BN are all of the 55 plate darts still going to Stafford, in exchange for the cadets?
Quote from: Bob on March 22, 2015, 12:18:36 PM
@BN are all of the 55 plate darts still going to Stafford, in exchange for the cadets?
Yes
Lets hope they sort out the reliability issues beforehand then!
When the 75 is cit to penkridge only, will cannock lose deckers?
Im up in Scouseland for a few days.
Wonder how much of that fleet will find its way to Midlands eventually & what condition it will be in?
Some of the ex NW pulsars at cannock are a bit naff, burn marks on bacjs of seats rough sounding engines etc. 3809 the worst. 3810 isnt too bad though so...
Quote from: Bob on March 23, 2015, 02:00:45 PM
Lets hope they sort out the reliability issues beforehand then!
That is the reason they are going to Cannock. They will undergo rigorous health checks on the electrics.
So they wont have major reliability issues at cannock then, given that until recently their breakdown problems were probably worse than staffords
Currently on Y354 UON, as if some half decent darts have been exchanged for these knackered rattling sheds lol
Quote from: Bob on April 04, 2015, 09:51:23 AM
Currently on Y354 UON, as if some half decent darts have been exchanged for these knackered rattling sheds lol
Bob,please,please stop your repetitive,hyperbolic ramblings.........most members surely go into the Cannock garage thread hoping to read news,not to be confronted by meaningless waffle.
If you are unable to see any good in Arriva then please take your complaints to the MD in Germany.
Not the only one who's starting to find bob boring then....
Quote from: arrifirststage on April 04, 2015, 10:11:48 AM
Bob,please,please stop your repetitive,hyperbolic ramblings.........most members surely go into the Cannock garage thread hoping to read news,not to be confronted by meaningless waffle.
If you are unable to see any good in Arriva then please take your complaints to the MD in Germany.
If I want to comment about the state of a CANNOCK GARAGE bus then I will. And ill continue to do so cheers :-)
And if you find my posts hyperbolic repetitive or anything else its academic to me as its so unimportant to me :-)
Quote from: Bob on April 04, 2015, 11:11:13 AM
If I want to comment about the state of a CANNOCK GARAGE bus then I will. And ill continue to do so cheers :-)
Hear hear!
Deckers seem to be straying from the Staffords & used on other services regularly, whilst its nice to provide a bit of variety, is it signalling the end of them on the stafford services?
Is 2701 still running from cannock? Not seen it for ages. I know one of the pair went wednesfield
Quote from: Bob on April 12, 2015, 07:39:35 PM
Is 2701 still running from cannock? Not seen it for ages. I know one of the pair went wednesfield
Both are at Wednesfield
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on April 12, 2015, 07:40:11 PM
Both are at Wednesfield
Tony has updated all the Arriva fleetlist last week so allocations will be correct on there.
Any idea when the service changes are actually going to be on the website? Or are arriva going to just wait for someone waiting for a stafford 75 and just tell them on the day lol? Considering the changes are less than a fortnight away its a pretty bad show that the company dont let people know in time. Not unexpected though, theyve done this before
3740 currently parked in an awkward position broken down on Wood End Island in Wednesfield going towards Wolverhampton. It was working a 68. I don't know how the 59/69/89 are supposed o get past!
Quote from: Nathan on April 13, 2015, 07:01:25 PM
3740 currently parked in an awkward position broken down on Wood End Island in Wednesfield going towards Wolverhampton. It was working a 68. I don't know how the 59/69/89 are supposed o get past!
On an hourly service as well. Poor passengers!
Quote from: Bob on April 13, 2015, 07:05:05 PM
On an hourly service as well. Poor passengers!
Unless a replacement is sent, the next bus from Wolverhampton will not be till 20:55!
Quote from: Bob on April 13, 2015, 06:38:43 PM
Any idea when the service changes are actually going to be on the website? Or are arriva going to just wait for someone waiting for a stafford 75 and just tell them on the day lol? Considering the changes are less than a fortnight away its a pretty bad show that the company dont let people know in time. Not unexpected though, theyve done this before
Bob, whining here in the forum about this won't achieve anything, you'd have to ask Arriva about it.
Contact form: http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/
Live chat (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm): http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/chat-live-to-our-advisors/
Quote from: Stu on April 13, 2015, 07:55:48 PM
Bob, whining here in the forum about this won't achieve anything, you'd have to ask Arriva about it.
Contact form: http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/
Live chat (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm): http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/contact-us/chat-live-to-our-advisors/
Is that any better than the Facebook site?
No its what they tell you to do on the fb site. Check it out its full of people asking why when they put their complaint intthrough customer services like they were told to and nobodys got back to them in over a month. Lol
Have any deckers left the fleet? Only one parked in garage tonight at 20.30. Cant imagine any in service at this time so unless there's three in tje bays? Didnt notice any deckers on 70 today either. ...
Quote from: Bob on April 18, 2015, 08:36:46 PM
Have any deckers left the fleet? Only one parked in garage tonight at 20.30. Cant imagine any in service at this time so unless there's three in tje bays? Didnt notice any deckers on 70 today either. ...
At 2030 there would be one B9 running private from Stafford so there was either one on late 74's or two on the pits, unless the 2000 74 ex Cannock was single deck tonight
Yes but don't forget hardly any b9tl have been on staffords of late so there might not have been any today. Is there a reason that they're suddenly not being used on the 74/75? When cannock to stafford service goes hourly a decker will definitely be required!
Quote from: Bob on April 18, 2015, 08:36:46 PM
Have any deckers left the fleet? Only one parked in garage tonight at 20.30. Cant imagine any in service at this time so unless there's three in tje bays? Didnt notice any deckers on 70 today either. ...
4201-4 still at Cannock.
Whats gonna happen with them now the stafford services are hourly? Is it going to be single decker operated? Obviously two deckers will be surplus to requirements regardless
2745 now at Cannock.
Quote from: BN on April 22, 2015, 08:16:15 PM
2745 now at Cannock.
2744 and 2722 also noted in service at Cannock this week.
Are two deckers rendered surplus from Sunday then?
Quote from: Bob on April 22, 2015, 08:51:51 PM
Are two deckers rendered surplus from Sunday then?
Yes, don't know which route they will go on instead.
Quote from: BN on April 22, 2015, 09:07:45 PM
Yes, don't know which route they will go on instead.
The 70 probably considering they have been on there recently.
Probably get transferred elsewhere. Interestingly the 74 /5 have had a lot of single deckers on recently, will this carry on once the cannock to staffords are reduced to an hourly service? Can you imagine? A cadet or whatever coping....?
Quote from: Bob on April 22, 2015, 09:47:16 PM
Probably get transferred elsewhere. Interestingly the 74 /5 have had a lot of single deckers on recently, will this carry on once the cannock to staffords are reduced to an hourly service? Can you imagine? A cadet or whatever coping....?
They will probably stay.....
At least now they will have two spares so they can make sure the 74/5 are decker operated most of the times. Any not needed on the 74/5 could be used on Pye Greens and the 70?
I'm not from Cannock as you know but that's what I think :)
This is Arriva they don't do spares lol. Thats why theres nearly always at least one pulsar on the 1 or 2/2a. The 25 has enough 63 plate pulsars 5 branded plus two unbranded ones one of which is usually on there mon to fri. The 70, does it ever really warrant a decker? Technically they could even use them on the 62 & 68 if they were desperate
And the 31
Quote from: Bob on April 22, 2015, 10:01:20 PM
This is Arriva they don't do spares lol. Thats why theres nearly always at least one pulsar on the 1 or 2/2a. The 25 has enough 63 plate pulsars 5 branded plus two unbranded ones one of which is usually on there mon to fri. The 70, does it ever really warrant a decker? Technically they could even use them on the 62 & 68 if they were desperate
Doesn't the 68 have a low bridge en route, somewhere near Great Wyrley rail station?
Quote from: Bob on April 22, 2015, 10:01:20 PM
This is Arriva they don't do spares lol. Thats why theres nearly always at least one pulsar on the 1 or 2/2a. The 25 has enough 63 plate pulsars 5 branded plus two unbranded ones one of which is usually on there mon to fri. The 70, does it ever really warrant a decker? Technically they could even use them on the 62 & 68 if they were desperate
68 has a low bridge doesn't it? At peak times, the 70 has quite healthy loadings (Well at the Wolverhampton End anyway)
Quote from: Nathan on April 22, 2015, 10:04:20 PM
68 has a low bridge doesn't it? At peak times, the 70 has quite healthy loadings (Well at the Wolverhampton End anyway)
Low bridge on the 68. Over the course of the day, one decker on the 70 wouldn't hurt. Come on, Burton have 2 B9's they dont need, plus they use them on MPD routes so why do people make such a flap about Cannock. Plus as long as a bus turns up, why should it matter?
Deckers waNt f#####g off, heaps of s##t, always breaking down, has no1 told arriva that watsons are just up the road
Yea but theyre needed for staffords and will be even more so shortly. Theyre better than Wednesfields god awful heaps. Wouldn't wish them on cannock lol. Theyre pretty smooth n quiet as well, better than hearing a13 yr old commander screeching down the A34 struggling at speed !
3706 now at Cannock.
Looks like a broken down streetlite on Dartmouth ave in cannock right by new penk rd junction. Traffic having a right game going round it! Hazards on driver not in cab
Caught the 7.50 74 to stafford. An uncomfortably rammed decker that was full up and down with standees downstairs. Lets hope they always keep a spare decker. A single decker would have had to.stop picking up passengers surely?
People were sat on the stairs and had to move when people wanted to get off!
There are signs in bus shelters in Stafford regarding the changes to the 75 explaining that they've listened and they are sorry. The 75 is also going to be free to all passengers on the entire route on tuesday only as a way of saying sorry. There are also timetables for the 54 above these just to add.
Does anyone know if Cannock are still doing Drayton Manor tickets on the X60 for £21??
I make the two remaining mpds as FK52 MML & SNO3 LGC. It seems weird considering cannock used to be inundated with the things! To keep just two though, anyone know if theyve been kept for a particular service? 15 to boney hay maybe?
I would think one is for the 15 and one is for the tesco free bus
Ah yea I forgot about the tesco service. Makes sense to keep SN03 as well. One of the slightly nicer darts
2209 has lost it's Tesco branding, sure it was on the 34 on friday
Theres a W-VGJ DB250 at cannock at the minute
One of the buses collected from Wardle which will not be transferring to D&G
Saw it coming down past the leisure centre in cannock. Is it going to be used in service?
3004 on Pye Greens tonight. Is this a normal sight? I very rarely visit Cannock (especially at night) but I tried out my first ride on the 154
Quote from: Nathan on May 08, 2015, 09:54:38 PM
3004 on Pye Greens tonight. Is this a normal sight? I very rarely visit Cannock (especially at night) but I tried out my first ride on the 154
No, first time it's been on there day or night. Not sure if it interworks with the 70 anymore though
Has the 154 picked up at all? Hope it lasts but cant see it sadly
Quote from: Bob on May 08, 2015, 09:59:57 PM
Has the 154 picked up at all? Hope it lasts but cant see it sadly
Well if Arriva drivers are having the timetables taken down , as reported on here, then doesnt bode well.
Is there any NX stickers / timetables on the bus stops on route?
Nope. Nothing. Theres a cased timetable unit at cannock bus station with the 68, 70 & select timetable in, would it be too much to ask to put them in there?
Quote from: Bob on May 08, 2015, 08:58:39 PM
Saw it coming down past the leisure centre in cannock. Is it going to be used in service?
No.
Pye Green branded Pulsar 3795 on the 68 tonight. Seen in Wednesfield High St at 20:45 going towards Wolverhampton.
All over Featherstone theres laminated posters attached to bus stops saying 'Service 70 running as usual' ....Why wouldn't it be lol?
Quote from: Bob on May 16, 2015, 01:49:12 PM
All over Featherstone theres laminated posters attached to bus stops saying 'Service 70 running as usual' ....Why wouldn't it be lol?
Anyone know what the posters on the Wolves to Penkridge section said?
I was too far away to see them the other day.
I'm taking a guess something similar.
Or about the upcoming changes possibly?
3308 on display at Wythall today.
Single deckers appearing regularly on the Staffords again....
2722 is currently in the process of being towed away from cannock bus station by coach aid, its been there all night. Nice to see theyve managed to iron out the issues with them since theyve moved from stafford. ..isnt 2722 the one that was dead on an island whilst there causing traffic mayhem?
Quote from: Bob on May 29, 2015, 11:36:44 PM
2722 is currently in the process of being towed away from cannock bus station by coach aid, its been there all night. Nice to see theyve managed to iron out the issues with them since theyve moved from stafford. ..isnt 2722 the one that was dead on an island whilst there causing traffic mayhem?
Was on the X60 at 6 noted in Burntwood
Woulda been about 715 when I saw it parked it the layby stop at the bus station, still there at 11.30 when coach aid arrived. What a shed to put on the X60!
Has 3702 had some major mechanical work done as well as a refurb? Sounds totally different to what it used to!
Quote from: Bob on May 30, 2015, 10:44:16 AM
Has 3702 had some major mechanical work done as well as a refurb? Sounds totally different to what it used to!
Had an in house paint for its MOT. Not sure on anything else.
Looks like 3704 has had the same refurb etc/repaint. Not before time to be fair all four were in an awful state. The majority of the 52 plate examples elsewhere were done years ago.
Are 3724/5/6 ever going to come to Cannock?
Quote from: Bob on May 31, 2015, 11:38:35 AM
Are 3724/5/6 ever going to come to Cannock?
Wait and see, June transfers have already started Bob.
Are the deckers staying? Theres apparently an upcoming review of Cannock services, will it be similar to the Telford one?
Two DLA's in Cannock yard. One red, one aquamarine.
Theyve been there a while. Not being used
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on June 06, 2015, 10:21:52 AM
Two DLA's in Cannock yard. One red, one aquamarine.
Yesterday afternoon there were two aquamarine ones. Didnt see the red one unless it was over the pits
Quote from: Bob on June 07, 2015, 04:13:08 PM
Yesterday afternoon there were two aquamarine ones. Didnt see the red one unless it was over the pits
Never been a red one in there.
Are they withdrawn or to be put to use?
Quote from: Bob on June 07, 2015, 05:08:31 PM
Are they withdrawn or to be put to use?
Withdrawn as per fleet changes on front page.
Cannock due any more vehicles transferring in?
Quote from: Bob on June 07, 2015, 05:44:03 PM
Cannock due any more vehicles transferring in?
Yes.
Quote from: BN on June 07, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Never been a red one in there.
I thought I saw a red decker. But must've seen things again.
3798 was on the 2E last night and 2741 on PG's. Not sure how the interworking works now if any.
Between the 2 & pye greens? Dont think they do do they? Otherwise youd get sapphires on there lol. Whats transferring in? Any more deckers? Or anything interesting?
Quote from: Bob on June 07, 2015, 10:00:52 PM
Between the 2 & pye greens? Dont think they do do they? Otherwise youd get sapphires on there lol. Whats transferring in? Any more deckers? Or anything interesting?
No I just worded it wrong. 3798 had been on the 2 all day and was on a late card. When I arrived in Cannock at 2205 , 2741 was loading on the 25. I asked because the PG's/70/76 used to interwork on the night but I wondered whether the 70 just worked on its own or still grouped with PG's at night or not.
Ohhhh no worrys
Quote from: Bob on June 07, 2015, 11:22:11 PM
Ohhhh no worrys
I was more annoyed that 2741 is required but ill figure it out another time. Apparently theres a 70 weekday card that appears on the 74 in the PM peak but I don't know.
2746 has joined the fleet.
Any more transfers coming in? Any idea when the cannock services review is going to take place? Itll be interesting to see what they withdraw and whether they introduce any new routes!
Decker on pye greens
Quote from: Bob on June 14, 2015, 09:34:15 PM
Any more transfers coming in? Any idea when the cannock services review is going to take place? Itll be interesting to see what they withdraw and whether they introduce any new routes!
Cannock have always been a bit slow with the transfers, probably towards the back end of June.
Quote from: Bob on June 14, 2015, 09:34:15 PM
Any more transfers coming in? Any idea when the cannock services review is going to take place? Itll be interesting to see what they withdraw and whether they introduce any new routes!
September
Quote from: BN on June 15, 2015, 06:56:10 PM
Cannock have always been a bit slow with the transfers, probably towards the back end of June.
What are they expecting in? The rest of the 06 plate commanders? Darts? Hey maybe even a spare decker lol.....
Quote from: Bob on June 15, 2015, 07:14:45 PM
What are they expecting in? The rest of the 06 plate commanders? Darts? Hey maybe even a spare decker lol.....
September for the network review
Cheers I got that mate. No I was referring to the june transfers :-)
Quote from: Bob on June 15, 2015, 07:14:45 PM
What are they expecting in? The rest of the 06 plate commanders? Darts? Hey maybe even a spare decker lol.....
Wait and see, nothing exciting though.
That rules out a decker then. I reclon potentially more cadets
BF52 OAD has a pretty knackered sounding diff...BU03 HRK broke down abandoned in Walsall Wood causing traffic jam...as if its still not had a re trim lol
noticed 2371 on 34 today, im guessing this will move to Stafford in time and swapped with 2748?
FT06 ZTE sounding absolutely dreadful on the 70. Knackered diff like 3704?
Has 3807 definetely moved to Leicester? Any others to follow?
Quote from: Bob on June 26, 2015, 04:55:15 PM
Has 3807 definetely moved to Leicester? Any others to follow?
Yes 3807 moved earlier this week. Others to follow......
3726 has moved to Cannock and is out in service this morning, presumably another Pulsar has gone to Thurmaston in its place.
Wonder why they didnt last here?
Quote from: Bob on June 27, 2015, 09:37:30 AM
Wonder why they didnt last here?
I believe its a route upgrade in Leicester.
The commanders are marginally better anyway ( 06 platers) better seats and interior etc for longer trips
What are peoples thoughts on the forthcoming cannock network review and possible outcomes? New routes. New places served? Amalgamation of any services? Axeing of some?
Didn't know there was one where do I find the infi
Its being done in Sept. I cant see that they could make any major changes to destinations etc, the routes have been same for 30 yrs poss longer with only changes to roads served etc. I thought cannocks routes sounded much better when they were 8xx. 838 to Stafford 870 to wolves 862 Lich etc
As long as they keep the daytime 2 / 2a diversion for me mom, ain't too fussed.
(Or is that down to Centro?)
Quote from: Bob on July 04, 2015, 10:23:05 AM
Its being done in Sept. I cant see that they could make any major changes to destinations etc, the routes have been same for 30 yrs poss longer with only changes to roads served etc. I thought cannocks routes sounded much better when they were 8xx. 838 to Stafford 870 to wolves 862 Lich etc
Do you have any link to this? As I couldn't see anything on Staffs CC website, nor on Arriva's.
No. There arent any yet. Its been said on forum previously thst itll take place sept time and arriva have confirmed on their fb
A 75 decker apparently broke down between cannock and penkridge, seem to break down a fair bit these B9s! Not that old either
What do Arriva use on 35 from Walsall?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 07, 2015, 06:02:58 PM
What do Arriva use on 35 from Walsall?
Cadets, and the 35/A/X35 are Wednesfield garage, not Cannock
SN03 ESG was on it today with barely any passengers as usual. Not a very in demand service is it?
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2015, 08:35:48 PM
SN03 ESG was on it today with barely any passengers as usual. Not a very in demand service is it?
Gets packed out in the peaks. I do love your ideology that buses have to be rammed all day every day. Thats what it sounds like anyway.
If its packed in the peaks, why is it funded by the council ( mornkng and/or later journeys)& why is that funding being withdraw due to lack of patronage? I see the 7.55 am ish one near muckley corner daily and its lucky if its got a single passenger on. And once it hits Rushall etc i cant imagine the demand being huge....
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on July 07, 2015, 08:39:46 PM
Gets packed out in the peaks. I do love your ideology that buses have to be rammed all day every day. Thats what it sounds like anyway.
what is your ideology then on what makes a successful bus route? Bear in mind that almost every arriva wednesfield commercial route launched has flopped, from that id deduce theyre not particularly good at what theyre doing there unless its council subsidised /centro subsidised....
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2015, 08:58:32 PM
If its packed in the peaks, why is it funded by the council ( mornkng and/or later journeys)& why is that funding being withdraw due to lack of patronage? I see the 7.55 am ish one near muckley corner daily and its lucky if its got a single passenger on. And once it hits Rushall etc i cant imagine the demand being huge....
Various schools in Walsall, an industrial estate near Aldridge. When the Centros were on it, you'd get standing loads even on those most days.
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2015, 09:20:32 PM
what is your ideology then on what makes a successful bus route? Bear in mind that almost every arriva wednesfield commercial route launched has flopped, from that id deduce theyre not particularly good at what theyre doing there unless its council subsidised /centro subsidised....
To put it simply, if the service only just broke even then it wouldn't run if it was commercially run especially when every penny counts these days. I don't believe a bus has to be rammed all the time to make money, something Tony explained a while ago.
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2015, 08:58:32 PM
If its packed in the peaks, why is it funded by the council ( mornkng and/or later journeys)& why is that funding being withdraw due to lack of patronage? I see the 7.55 am ish one near muckley corner daily and its lucky if its got a single passenger on. And once it hits Rushall etc i cant imagine the demand being huge....
No AM Peak journeys funded by SCC on the 35/X35. Maybe by Centro, but not SCC.
Several X35 trips are being withdrawn due to funding cuts.
@Ashley if it needed full size buses why replace them with cadets??
Two commanders on the 74/75 today. Are the volvo deckers off the road half the bloody time or what lol?
Apparently patronage on the 110 is up ten percent since upgrading to Sapphire...be interesting to see what the figures say for cannocks sapphire routes...particularly the 2/2A
Are the two remaining 61 plate pulsars staying? If not whats to replace them...
Does the evening 68's come off Pye Greens now? I've seen the late night 68 every night this week and it has been a Pye Green branded Pulsar.
There wont be any more late 68s shortly. Isnt it more likely theres just several spare PG buses at night and theyre the newest general single deckers?
Quote from: Nathan on July 10, 2015, 09:00:12 PM
Does the evening 68's come off Pye Greens now? I've seen the late night 68 every night this week and it has been a Pye Green branded Pulsar.
I don't think late 68's are off PG's. Think its just random selection of what's in the yard. But could have changed again as not long back it was an MX61 Pulsar every night which had been on the X60 earlier that day.
I wonder if the Sept network review will tie in with the further cuts being imposed by Staffs CC from the same month. They were on the front page of this weeks chronicle. 2/2a 67 68 70 23 amongst those listed. Must be the daytime 2/2A affected as the evening is run for free by Arriva
Quote from: Bob on July 16, 2015, 06:51:47 AM
I wonder if the Sept network review will tie in with the further cuts being imposed by Staffs CC from the same month. They were on the front page of this weeks chronicle. 2/2a 67 68 70 23 amongst those listed. Must be the daytime 2/2A affected as the evening is run for free by Arriva
The evening 2 in Cannock is not run for free by Arriva, subsidised by SCC.
Since when??? After Arriva had a breakdown when NX won the 2, they ran it without subsidy did they not?
Quote from: Bob on July 16, 2015, 01:40:27 PM
Since when??? After Arriva had a breakdown when NX won the 2, they ran it without subsidy did they not?
From at least the 1st Sept 2013...
Quote from: Cheese on July 16, 2015, 01:52:07 PM
From at least the 1st Sept 2013...
so they ran it for free then said they wouldnt? After kicking up a fuss? They shouldnt have been given the contract if thats the case
Quote from: Bob on July 16, 2015, 03:55:11 PM
so they ran it for free then said they wouldnt? After kicking up a fuss? They shouldnt have been given the contract if thats the case
Yes because it works that way Bob...
Citaro 3003 has arrived here from Tamworth.
For the X60 presumably? Least 3004 wont be an odd man out now. Nice buses too. Do the X60 on a commander or pulsar and do it on a merc. The Merc is 100X better.
Quote from: 2200 Bus on July 17, 2015, 11:14:47 PM
Citaro 3003 has arrived here from Tamworth.
2735 will be leaving in place of it.
Quote from: Bob on July 18, 2015, 12:06:04 AM
For the X60 presumably? Least 3004 wont be an odd man out now. Nice buses too. Do the X60 on a commander or pulsar and do it on a merc. The Merc is 100X better.
Saw it on the X60 yesterday afternoon
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on July 11, 2015, 06:42:50 AM
I don't think late 68's are off PG's. Think its just random selection of what's in the yard. But could have changed again as not long back it was an MX61 Pulsar every night which had been on the X60 earlier that day.
PG branded pulsar regularly on the 2114 60 Lichfield-Cannock last week much to my relief :-)
Why was it much to your relief? Lol
PG banded are always on late 60s fo some reason, I saw a few nights back, PG branded on 68, pg branded late 74 and a 3d pg branded on late 33
When are 3808/9 leaving?
FD52 GGO on 'Sapphire' route 1 today adding extra sparkle...
Fj55 bvu on the 75. Has this transferred to cannock?
id sooner of took 3701 to Walsall than a streetlite, I noticed 2379 on 74 in stafford tonight but this morning was on 8/10
A dart on the Staffords though...it was on a peaktime journey as well
2379 is Stafford, iot appears staffed do an evening 74 to Cannock, leaves about 15 mins behind the 75
The dart was on a 75. The 74 was in front of me when i got on the main road and was a decker
Quote from: Bob on July 22, 2015, 07:56:11 PM
Fj55 bvu on the 75. Has this transferred to cannock?
No Bob, probably just a loan or MOT prep etc.
FJ06 ZTM now at cannock. Is ZTL here as well? The last two 61 plates left?
3809 was still on 60 last night
Busman Jamie correct Stafford do a 74 to cannock and a 75 to penkridge.
Quote from: Bob on July 25, 2015, 11:57:58 AM
FJ06 ZTM now at cannock. Is ZTL here as well? The last two 61 plates left?
3724 and 3725 are now at cannock and 3808 and 3809 have gone
3724 was on x60 this afternoon
3808 3809 now at Thurmaston
anyone know if the review will result in any vehicle transfers in or out?
Yes it will Bob, both in and out.
Are the deckers staying?
or any clues as to whatll be leaving?
Seen some of the changes on NWM ( before arriva can even be arsed to announce them lol), safe to say that Sapphires been a failure then?.....
Surprised nobody on here mentioned 2989 being on loan to Cannock earlier in the week, currently on loan at Telford.
Quote from: Bob on August 08, 2015, 08:47:02 PM
Seen some of the changes on NWM ( before arriva can even be arsed to announce them lol), safe to say that Sapphires been a failure then?.....
How do you draw that conclusion?
Well the fact its being reduced to half hourly ( the 1), isnt Saphhire designed to increase ridership etc. If your reducing the frequency after YEARS of being every 20 mins then Id say its not been a success? If custom had increased youdbe increasing it surely?
Quote from: Bob on August 08, 2015, 02:36:46 PM
Are the deckers staying?
Due to the loadings yes they will.
@BN any hints as to whatll be coming in & going out?
So the 1 is reduced to every 30 mins and diverted around turnberry estate & the 2 is diverted around Wyrley then goes round cheslyn hay. Great way to make a route successful reduce frequency of the direct one ( which was part of its appeal, being a reasonably fast link) & make the 2 even longer? Great idea im sure passengers will love it. Maybe theres an opening for another operator to reinstate a direct service...
The new route the 62 is taking is the same as it did years ago travelling down huntington terrace but why run it past the hospital, possibly the worst road in cannock to get up and down?
Itll be interesting to see how the 19 & 20 perform & how long they last
The X70 though, havent they virtually handed the Cheslyn Hay passengers to the 154 on a plate? As the 71 would be a pretty long, protracted option in comparison. Good for Cannock to Wolves passengers though.
No Brum route though sadly
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/updates/All-Change-Cannock-Stafford/
@BN do you think cannock will have any enviros from wednesfield??
Quote from: busman99 on August 16, 2015, 09:36:01 AM
@BN do you think cannock will have any enviros from wednesfield??
No mate, what makes you think that?
Well they talking about smaller buses coming to cannock and swapping cadets I just thought it maybe enviros
Quote from: busman99 on August 16, 2015, 10:11:30 AM
Well they talking about smaller buses coming to cannock and swapping cadets I just thought it maybe enviros
There will be some MPD's arriving for the new town services.
Ironically all the hype about Wednesfield being sold they do acctually have some routes that warrant newer vehicles.
Its MPDs....been stated by BN earlier mate
Quote from: BN on August 16, 2015, 10:14:48 AM
There will be some MPD's arriving for the new town services.
Ironically all the hype about Wednesfield being sold they do acctually have some routes that warrant newer vehicles.
Personally I hope wesnesfield does well. It would be good to see it remain for the long haul
Can you see them ever having a successful commercial route? If they cant even manage to successfully compete against a firm like Banga theyre screwed with taking on major corridors surely?
I'm surprised Arriva didn't think about extending the 1 or the 2 down the Walsall road (using the same calling patterns as the X51) when they did the Cannock review...then we could have had Platinum v Sapphire
After they got their fingers burned with the X31 i cant see them ever venturing into brum from cannock again lol
2722 on the 1315 60 from Cannock. This has made me smile!
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on August 16, 2015, 01:22:58 PM
2722 on the 1315 60 from Cannock. This has made me smile!
Why?
Quote from: BN on August 16, 2015, 01:48:18 PM
Good bus thats why.
The Y-UON's are just beasts. That's why.
Theyre pretty much a Dart.....
Quote from: Bob on August 16, 2015, 02:25:17 PM
Theyre pretty much a Dart.....
Nothing like a Dart.
No just same engines, gearbox, they sound virtually the same. Most websites have them down as 'very similar'....
Quote from: Bob on August 17, 2015, 08:47:17 PM
No just same engines, gearbox, they sound virtually the same. Most websites have them down as 'very similar'....
Only similarities are the Urban 90 seats and ""scream if you wanna go faster"" Allison gearboxes. Part from that, different.
oh yea..the horrible urban 90 seats as well..
Quote from: Bob on August 17, 2015, 08:47:17 PM
No just same engines, gearbox, they sound virtually the same. Most websites have them down as 'very similar'....
I've worked on darts and SB120s and apart from gearbox and engine they are nothing alike.
any news on whats transferring in/out?
KWJ could have been on one of staffords 74/75 peak trips? Hope so anyway its a shed
Quote from: S I on August 26, 2015, 02:00:32 PM
Saw BU51 KWJ Cannock bus station last night so seems its transferred back - Cannock
Nope.
2276 now at Cannock.
other than mpds is anything else transferring to Cannock?
Quote from: Bob on August 28, 2015, 07:03:18 PM
other than mpds is anything else transferring to Cannock?
No
whatll be leaving?
Also the 68 can generate quite decent loads at times. Commanders/ Pulsars have been the standard vehicles on there for a long time. Considering Wednesfield will be running the 71 & have no full sized buses.....( Cadets are not fullsized buses in the same way that B6s arent and B7s are etc)
Quote from: S I on August 29, 2015, 07:10:28 PM
What CK vehicles are currently withdrawn ? what CK vehicles are leaving fleet Sept ?
There is no Cannock vehicles withdrawn.
Quote from: S I on August 31, 2015, 07:10:19 PM
What buses at CK do you think it makes sense transferring CK - Wednesfield ?
Probably the ones he decides to transfer!
Quote from: S I on September 01, 2015, 12:25:14 PM
Still none the wiser as to what vehicles transferring in to CK + whats going
You could just wait until they actually move
id say if anything was leaving cannock, it would be sb120s
Wouldn't that mean a shortage for the 33 though? As for moving 52 plates S I, they'll be needed for X60/X70/62 & for 74/5 when the deckers are off road
Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2015, 01:16:50 PM
You could just wait until they actually move
There is only one more vehicle to transfer in and that will be this week. Everything else is transferring out.
What is expected to go?
2277 now at Cannock.
Seeing the new look 1 & 2 have started today, how they havent found time to remove the 2a from the branding!
So first day off new changes I see route 19/20 have been running late most of the day and with not very many passengers lets hope it picks up and also do the 74/75 now need 5 buses if so is there another decker ?
Quote from: Ck on September 05, 2015, 03:14:09 PM
So first day off new changes I see route 19/20 have been running late most of the day and with not very many passengers lets hope it picks up and also do the 74/75 now need 5 buses if so is there another decker ?
Don't be daft they can't manage to keep the ones they've got on the road half the time lol.
So what buses are being used on the 74/75
Anything. Mixture of deckers and commanders usually or occasionally unbranded pulsars in the daytime and more often than not a pye green branded pulsar of an evening. Now there's 4 or so mpds maybe they'll be shoved on some evening services
Let alone the 2A branding 2703 has still got its 4a 9 19 & 530 fare sticker on it & whoever re programmed the sapphire blinds forgot you can put the destination on the rear as they're all just showing 1 or 2.
Quote from: Steveminor on September 05, 2015, 05:35:10 PM
Let alone the 2A branding 2703 has still got its 4a 9 19 & 530 fare sticker on it & whoever re programmed the sapphire blinds forgot you can put the destination on the rear as they're all just showing 1 or 2.
One of those four routes left now so they've done pretty well at retaining routes, one of which, the 9, Midland spent ages building up!
Good luck to Social and everyone else competing I say...
Are they losing sapphire buses as they now only need 7 to run the route on and I take it Wednesfield are running the 71/71A
Question: Is the 71/71A replacing the 68 or is it additional?
Quote from: Ck on September 05, 2015, 06:06:43 PM
Are they losing sapphire buses as they now only need 7 to run the route on and I take it Wednesfield are running the 71/71A
2 Streetlites have been placed in reserve from today.
Are they going to stay as spares or go to another garage
Quote from: Liam on September 05, 2015, 06:11:08 PM
Question: Is the 71/71A replacing the 68 or is it additional?
Replaced it. Now run by cadets
i noticed that with the streetshites about the rear blind
Does the 2/2e no longer go down Walsall rd in Cannock? Waiting for the 154 tonight & the only arriva timetable there for for the circular 20 the two or three 70 a day and the half hourly 1!
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2015, 05:48:09 PM
One of those four routes left now so they've done pretty well at retaining routes, one of which, the 9, Midland spent ages building up!
Good luck to Social and everyone else competing I say...
Thats the second time theyve withdrawn that Bentley route.
Anyone would think they have something against Bentley!
It would be interesting to know why with 2 companies running from the same premises, only one appeared to make that route pay.
Other than the inherited 10/19 Arriva Wednesfield are so pants they can't seem to make any commercial service pay!
Well with the fact arriva have retimed almost all their services behind us. I can see why they're having such a hard time competing with anyone. Apparently they use a computer system that tells them the optimum performance pvr & groups routes together & then generates times, it doesn't take into account other operators times. Well that's what one of their inspectors told me.
Quote from: Bob on September 06, 2015, 12:56:58 AM
Other than the inherited 10/19 Arriva Wednesfield are so pants they can't seem to make any commercial service pay!
Quite a few routes not doing to badly i believe. Not quite "pants".
Quote from: Ck on September 05, 2015, 06:20:40 PM
Are they going to stay as spares or go to another garage
They will be re-instated soon at another depot.
Quote from: BN on September 06, 2015, 09:42:59 AM
Quite a few routes not doing to badly i believe. Not quite "pants".
Which of those are commercial? They couldn't even manage to topple Banga! Lol, The 326,9,334,4, 19 to Wolves. ...ahem....
Quote from: Bob on September 06, 2015, 10:38:52 AM
Which of those are commercial? They couldn't even manage to topple Banga! Lol, The 326,9,334,4, 19 to Wolves. ...ahem....
Its not all about commercial work you know, but hey its anything with an Arriva badge on with you isnt it.
No it isn't. But if you want wednesfield to be a success wouldn't you want a significant portion of it to be commercial routes? Cause if you lost the tenders would the garage not be in a vulnerable position? Why have almost all their commercial routes/launches failed so badly? Surely the question must have been asked at some point?
I'm sure the question has been asked, why they haven't done well on recent tender rounds, have lost market share hand over fist to Banga and Thandi and Sandwell. In the age of cuts a depot based on supported work is a terrible idea, especially with WMSNT gaining market share. Granted Arriva have the pick of the Black Country tendered work which is sure to stay but even so much was won in 2012 at stupid prices even Diamond could nowhere near match.
I'm sure with the restructure going on questions are being asked over its future. Lose the tenders in 2017 and it's curtains, everyone involved with Arriva, especially anyone managerial, will be looking over their shoulder, why is it that they've looked at the same model of remote management First reversed and gone yep, good idea. I'm a glass half person but an op with that many failed routes with routes taken from Cannock and Stafford dumped in to keep it ticking over.... ::)
Yep, & the route they took over from stafford seems to be losing passengers left right and centre to nx 54
Quote from: Steveminor on September 06, 2015, 07:38:38 AM
Well with the fact arriva have retimed almost all their services behind us. I can see why they're having such a hard time competing with anyone. Apparently they use a computer system that tells them the optimum performance pvr & groups routes together & then generates times, it doesn't take into account other operators times. Well that's what one of their inspectors told me.
That would be drivel.
Quote from: Westy on September 06, 2015, 12:52:13 AM
Thats the second time theyve withdrawn that Bentley route.
Anyone would think they have something against Bentley!
It would be interesting to know why with 2 companies running from the same premises, only one appeared to make that route pay.
That would be the dubious tactics employed by a competing operator on the route.
Quote from: 646 on September 06, 2015, 03:26:17 PM
That would be the dubious tactics employed by a competing operator on the route.
Well lets hope that the competing operator doesnt lose its licence for any reason.
Quote from: BN on September 06, 2015, 09:48:47 AM
They will be re-instated soon at another depot.
Why cant Cannock keep them? Any decent vehicle Cannock & Wednesfield have, they always get moved out elsewhere.
Bet the next time they'll get seen in the West Midlands is when they're on their last legs!
Quote from: Bob on September 06, 2015, 11:56:39 AM
Yep, & the route they took over from stafford seems to be losing passengers left right and centre to nx 54
Once the year is up with the i54 contact, lets see if NX stick round.
Quote from: Westy on September 06, 2015, 04:52:25 PM
Why cant Cannock keep them? Any decent vehicle Cannock & Wednesfield have, they always get moved out elsewhere.
Bet the next time they'll get seen in the West Midlands is when they're on their last legs!
Decent? Streetlites are rubbish! Painfully slow, incredibly noisy, and naff gears. Not to mention hard riding. The Commanders were better, and that's saying something considering the rotten condition they were in whilst working the 1s. Theyre better now they've had a re trim
Quote from: Bob on September 06, 2015, 05:07:26 PM
Decent? Streetlites are rubbish! Painfully slow, incredibly noisy, and naff gears. Not to mention hard riding. The Commanders were better, and that's saying something considering the rotten condition they were in whilst working the 1s. Theyre better now they've had a re trim
On the Facebook 'Firstgroup' enthusiast group a lot of First drivers are now singing the praises of StreetLites now they have settled in saying they are a pleasure to drive, which wasn't the response when they first had them, Looks like First have got theirs set correctly now
Quote from: Tony on September 06, 2015, 05:12:11 PM
On the Facebook 'Firstgroup' enthusiast group a lot of First drivers are now singing the praises of StreetLites now they have settled in saying they are a pleasure to drive, which wasn't the response when they first had them, Looks like First have got theirs set correctly now
The ones at Olive Grove in Sheffield are super!! In other words I love a bus with a gearbox that screams (I know I'm a veg). Potteries and Wyvern haven't got theirs fine tuned yet.
As for Arriva Midlands. I haven't had one since the spring but Telford's from day one had potential to be good.
Quote from: Westy on September 06, 2015, 04:52:25 PM
Why cant Cannock keep them? Any decent vehicle Cannock & Wednesfield have, they always get moved out elsewhere.
Bet the next time they'll get seen in the West Midlands is when they're on their last legs!
Westy, yes its a shame Cannock can't keep them unfortunately they need to be on a Sapphire route. If it helps, they are sticking to the Midlands and will be back out soon with new branding.
Quote from: BN on September 06, 2015, 06:12:20 PM
Westy, yes its a shame Cannock can't keep them unfortunately they need to be on a Sapphire route. If it helps, they are sticking to the Midlands and will be back out soon with new branding.
Bearing in mind there was issues when they first arrived, surely keeping them as spares should have been a priority?
3706 and 3707 have left for Burton.
Quote from: BN on September 06, 2015, 06:12:20 PM
Westy, yes its a shame Cannock can't keep them unfortunately they need to be on a Sapphire route. If it helps, they are sticking to the Midlands and will be back out soon with new branding.
Why am I getting the feeling that they've left/leaving for Tamworth...
Quote from: williamposh on August 10, 2015, 06:42:44 PM
There may be Streetlites on the 110 sooner than you think
Quote from: BN on September 05, 2015, 06:16:12 PM
2 Streetlites have been placed in reserve from today.
I take it just these two are leaving Cannock?
2 stafford mpds running extra services on 74 today
Is that a permanent thing or just due to the road works
Well they're leaving just in front of our buses with the normal service bus right behind so I don't think it's due to roadworks.
Quote from: Steveminor on September 08, 2015, 03:50:59 PM
Well they're leaving just in front of our buses with the normal service bus right behind so I don't think it's due to roadworks.
Have their tactics had much effect of Social's loadings? I assume they haven't matched your fares
i noticed bu51kwn on 74 yesterday with cannocks decker leaving about 30 mins after
Well at one point today they had 3 74s leave cannock within 15 mins of each other. What a stupid company arriva are cause most passengers can see what they're upto & are still waiting for us so all arriva are doing is wasting fuel & wages & if the tc spots them, well isn't that one of the factors in why travel express & grs lost their licences purposely blocking & running in front of another operator to deprive them of passengers.
Arriva aren't only doing that but their extra buses aren't even registered.
Desperate measures lol.....looking at the Facebook page the changes to the 1 & 2, increased journey time and reduction in frequency are pretty much universally hated. Nice one
Quote from: Steveminor on September 10, 2015, 02:45:25 PM
Well at one point today they had 3 74s leave cannock within 15 mins of each other. What a stupid company arriva are cause most passengers can see what they're upto & are still waiting for us so all arriva are doing is wasting fuel & wages & if the tc spots them, well isn't that one of the factors in why travel express & grs lost their licences purposely blocking & running in front of another operator to deprive them of passengers.
Arriva aren't only doing that but their extra buses aren't even registered.
Report them...
Second day running 3004 has been on the 61
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3004.html
I hope it does something more productive elsewhere in the duty, because a Citaro on here is a bit of a waste
Saw Fk52 MML leaving Walsall on a peak time journey on the new 3 route half empty , on a trip that used to be prettybusy in 33 days, I tthought the amount of passengers was one of the reasons mpds were ditched in favour of cadets. Obviously not required anymore. ...
Thinking about the Sapphire 1 & 2 services, and the changes. The original idea was to improve standards of quality and comfort and Increase ridership & cusfrequenciesaction? Right?
Then let's look at the changes, and reasons.
The two conclusions I came to were either..
The above really worked & to p## passengers off ( which according to many fab page comments & on board remarks they've managed, royally) theyve reduced the frequency and made both routes slower with a longer running time
Or
It didn't work, ridership didn't increase and they reduced frequency. ..
Which ever way you look at it there were three direct buses and two slow ones per hour previously between Cannock and Walsall, now there are four slow ones...
A success?
Or could it be a simple as Arriva wanted the 2 extra Sapphire buses to be able to add extra journeys to the 110 which is growing passenger numbers & the Sapphire 1 & 2 frequency was sacrificed pvr reduced to provide them?
That scenario wouldn't make sense why sacrifice one route to provide for another unless the first round was failing anyway & if it was failing then why not look at the reasons why & try to fix it rather than make things worse.
As the 1 & 2 don't appear to be making the returns / achieving the growth that Arriva had hoped, where as the 110 is. Therefore, the asetts are being re-deployed on that service or additionally the 110 could be being enhanced to compete with NX Sutton's Lines over similar lines of route?
Why make the routes longer and such a ball ache for passengers though? Caught the 2 home today it had one paying passenger! It takes for bloody ever now going down roads in Wysupp where nobody boarded or alighted then back onto the a34 then back on itself round cheslyn hay one way loop. Sure about three stops between the essential garage and hilt on lane now have a 15 minute frequency but who the hell would want the 2.
The exterior and interior branding still lists the 2a & says the 2 serves Longford. Looks really unprofessional. the 1 ran for like 6 years at a 20 min frequency sapphire was supposed to build on that, you could argue that upgrading it f### it up. Certainly hasn't improved it has it? Lol.
Only arriva could be this crap. Time for some competition I think, arriva would probably lose out at the present!
That should say Wyrley
29 min frequency. When chase & twm were there it was more frequent than that & carried more passengers
But you have to admit back then the trains weren't the level they are now through Cannock.
Not trying to excuse Arriva, mind, I agree it doesn't look good on their part
Are the trains hourly or half hourly?
2290 on x70 is this back on Cannocks fleet or loaned?
The post below appeared on another forum regarding the future of Arriva UK Bus, I think it sums the current situation in some subsidaries quite well:
You have summed it up a treat. They reduce or withdraw services that are profitable or non loss making, just not profitable enough for their margin. This in turn drives bus users in the area away resulting in lower ridership on other services too, and as you correctly say reduces the usability and demand for multi journey tickets.
In turn it allows other players who don't require the same margin of profit to get a shoe in where they previously had no chance. Then suddenly Arriva end up fighting mini battles everywhere, which in itself has a cost. It is an express route to decline, as proved by First in many areas, particularly the former Midland Red West which they totally destroyed using this business model. I really hope Arriva realise the error of their ways before it is too late.
Quote from: 2206 on September 12, 2015, 06:58:34 PM
half hourly @Bob
Hourly most of the time, only half hourly Saturdays & peak
Thanks Tony I had a feeling it was hourly at least some of the time. Pity nx haven't expanded more Cannock yo Walsall could be a decent opportunity!
Had to explain the change to the 1 & 2 to someone in the bus queue at Bloxwich Saturday lunchtime.
'Basically the 1 & 2 have swopped routes between Bloxwich & Walsall & the Turnberry now has the 1 & the 2 runs up & down Stafford Road!'
(For the record I had to go to Bloxwich with Mother & while she can use her OAP pass, I had to pay the 60p extra to use my NX pass! She's 80 & can't walk far thesedays!)
Quote from: Busman Jamie on September 12, 2015, 07:11:31 PM
2290 on x70 is this back on Cannocks fleet or loaned?
Just a loan Jamie.
Quote from: Bob on September 06, 2015, 05:07:26 PM
Decent? Streetlites are rubbish! Painfully slow, incredibly noisy, and naff gears. Not to mention hard riding. The Commanders were better, and that's saying something considering the rotten condition they were in whilst working the 1s. Theyre better now they've had a re trim
Hate to say: As
@Alex will tell you, I only like new buses... I really don't like the old Cadets/Commanders... But the Streetlights are new and I hate those as well... If I don't like a new bus, there is something VERY wrong... They just need to give the older buses a good going over and a clean up and they will be as good as new (and fit for purpose again... Except the darts: Nothing can save them)
Quote from: Liam on September 13, 2015, 11:27:35 AM
Hate to say: As @Alex will tell you, I only like new buses... I really don't like the old Cadets/Commanders... But the Streetlights are new and I hate those as well... If I don't like a new bus, there is something VERY wrong... They just need to give the older buses a good going over and a clean up and they will be as good as new (and fit for purpose again... Except the darts: Nothing can save them)
What is it about the Streetlites that you don't like?
Quote from: Liam on September 13, 2015, 11:27:35 AM
Hate to say: As @Alex will tell you, I only like new buses... I really don't like the old Cadets/Commanders... But the Streetlights are new and I hate those as well... If I don't like a new bus, there is something VERY wrong... They just need to give the older buses a good going over and a clean up and they will be as good as new (and fit for purpose again... Except the darts: Nothing can save them)
To be honest a lot of Arriva's fleet is mechanically sound, yes a few buses are a bit off but that comes with age , I don't personally think anything needs to be done to them as they are fit for purpose as they are used every day, Just putting my opinion in.
Quote from: Dom on September 13, 2015, 02:48:33 PM
To be honest a lot of Arriva's fleet is mechanically sound, yes a few buses are a bit off but that comes with age , I don't personally think anything needs to be done to them as they are fit for purpose as they are used every day, Just putting my opinion in.
Most of the Cadets/Commanders supposedly old vehicles have been repainted/refurbished and wouldn't be on the road if they weren't noteworthy. Nice that somebody actually agrees with me
@Dom .
Quote from: Bob on September 13, 2015, 11:51:10 AM
What is it about the Streetlites that you don't like?
@Bob they just dont seem to be up to standard... Compared with other Wright buses in arrivas fleet (Pulsars/B7s) they are just so uncomfortable... Every time I go on one I regret it because my arse is numb and I am half deaf when I get off!
I was on 3306 & found it juddery & noisy yesterday
Quote from: Liam on September 13, 2015, 08:57:02 PM
@Bob they just dont seem to be up to standard... Compared with other Wright buses in arrivas fleet (Pulsars/B7s) they are just so uncomfortable... Every time I go on one I regret it because my arse is numb and I am half deaf when I get off!
So you don't like Arriva's premium seats as they make your arse numb? presumably you don't like the E400s on the 110 as they have the same seats?
Theyre not that premium or that comfortable neither are the platinum ones. Why can't buses have coach seats? Or at least coach style. Stagecoach manage it with their Gold brand don't they
Quote from: Bob on September 13, 2015, 09:50:53 PM
Theyre not that premium or that comfortable neither are the platinum ones. Why can't buses have coach seats? Or at least coach style. Stagecoach manage it with their Gold brand don't they
They also have comfortable high back seats on standard spec buses eg e300's on 85/685 to Carlisle.
I think esteban V3's are pretty comfortable though
Quote from: Bob on September 13, 2015, 09:50:53 PM
Theyre not that premium or that comfortable neither are the platinum ones. Why can't buses have coach seats? Or at least coach style. Stagecoach manage it with their Gold brand don't they
Yes stagecoch gold dose have them
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2015, 09:30:15 PM
So you don't like Arriva's premium seats as they make your arse numb? presumably you don't like the E400s on the 110 as they have the same seats?
@Tony The Seats are just bearable... I find the vehicles to be a bit shaky/juddery (streetlights)
Number 2 goes back to its old daytime route in Landywood & Cheslyn Hay from this Saturday due to popular demand.
2E stays as is, as does the 1.
(Does this mean they'll actually get round to producing the leaflet now? Interesting to note that the NWM leaflet for the Brownhills to Aldridge & Birmingham corridor hasnt appeared either & the 56 is being withdrawn soon. Conspirancy or what?)
Not a conspiracy just that centro would have probably known for some time diamond were thinking of withdrawing the 56 so waited until they knew for certain
Quote from: Steveminor on September 16, 2015, 11:25:01 AM
Not a conspiracy just that centro would have probably known for some time diamond were thinking of withdrawing the 56 so waited until they knew for certain
And to see if any other operator puts in a short notice registration to replace it
Does that mean the 936 has won then?
From the Arriva website:
"Please note this service is changing from the 19 September 2015. Customer feedback has highlighted the need to reinstate service 2 along Landywood Lane between Cheslyn Hay & Great Wyrley."
Maybe they can replace the old 2/2a & 68 timetables that are still up !!!
Still no leaflets in Walsall Bus Station though.
More changes in November x70 running Cannock to wolvo and 3 running rugeley brownhills
3 no longer serving Walsall ?
Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2015, 03:50:55 PM
Still no leaflets in Walsall Bus Station though.
There is plenty at their depot at cannock as I have been and asked for one
Quote from: LG on September 23, 2015, 03:06:13 PM
There is plenty at their depot at cannock as I have been and asked for one
No good in there, are they?
How about slingling a few down Walsall & Bloxwich for starters!
3489 in Brownhills @ 17.00 hrs tonight, not sure what garage it's working from or why it was there.
Anyone any idea?
Quote from: 888DUK on September 23, 2015, 05:41:19 PM
3489 in Brownhills @ 17.00 hrs tonight, not sure what garage it's working from or why it was there.
Anyone any idea?
It is based at Wednesfield for a college contract
How often does this contract run?
LF02 PLZ on the 1 & 2 earlier. Obviously allocated to make your journey sparkle. ..It certainly made mine and the other passengers waiting in Bloxwich when it turned up nearly 20 minutes late, with the driver thundering through great Wyrley and cheslyn hay at what seemed like breakneck speed. Still least it could shift more than a Streetlite!
Quote from: Nathan on September 23, 2015, 05:42:39 PM
It is based at Wednesfield for a college contract
Thanks Nathan
No Sapphire bus on the 2 again tonight. ...that's the problem when you don't even have spares. ..can't run the standard of service you advertise. That said a Pulsar is far more comfortable than a Streetlite
Then they send the 'spares' to Tamworth!
2988 now at Cannock.
People have been complaining about the 1/2 on the Facebook page. Apparently they're nearly always late, & the long journey duration is unpopular. Sort it out Arriva! 'If it aint broken....' & all that!
anybody now which bus caught fire at burntwood? can only think of 2743
Today?
couple of nights ago, 3 fire engines were called out to it
Lol oh dear
Never understood why Arriva messed with the 1 Bob, this was a,route that worked well for them, I would have thought that would up the frequency not cut it, they have reinstated the early buses on the 76 but I thing that is only because of the competition with NXWM. Thing they need some competition on the 1 that would sort them out.
Quote from: Busman Jamie on September 26, 2015, 02:27:47 PM
anybody now which bus caught fire at burntwood? can only think of 2743
No bus caught fire, just because Fire engines attended doesn't mean there was a fire.
Quote from: woody38 on September 27, 2015, 09:35:59 AM
Never understood why Arriva messed with the 1 Bob, this was a,route that worked well for them, I would have thought that would up the freqjourneytot cut it, they have reinstated thbasicallyuses on the 76 but I thing that is only because of the competition with NXWM. Thing they need some competition on the 1 that would sort them out.
I reckon there will be competition on the Walsall corridor before too long. The 1 & 2, particularly the 2 are now frequently late, often not sapphire vehicles, a lot of passengers aren't happy with the increased journey duration and frequent late buses, basically they've gone to s##t. It would be interesting to know how many of the other Sapphire routes launched by Arriva nationwide have seen the frequencies reduced and journeys made convoluted and less popular. Answers on a postcard
Quote from: Bob on September 27, 2015, 11:06:30 AM
I reckon there will be competition on the Walsall corridor before too long. The 1 & 2, particularly the 2 are now frequently late, often not sapphire vehicles, a lot of passengers aren't happy with the increased journey duration and frequent late buses, basically they've gone to s##t. It would be interesting to know how many of the other Sapphire routes launched by Arriva nationwide have seen the frequencies reduced and journeys made convoluted and less popular. Answers on a postcard
They have moved 2 of the sapphire buses to Tamworth never understood why Tamworth gets all the new buses and well get all the old tat. They have but the buses from Cannock on the 110 somebody from arriiva must love this service, still don't now how they make any money on this route, can't believe many people travel from Brum to Tamworth it takes to long.
I'm surprised they sent Streetlites to be fair, given that the 110 is supposed to require deckers due to its busyness. Unless they're being used at quieter times. Saw one yesterday, in brum, if you look at the back you can still see the 1/2/2a under the 110 branding.
Quote from: Bob on September 27, 2015, 11:32:14 AM
I'm surprised they sent Streetlites to be fair, given that the 110 is supposed to require deckers due to its busyness. Unless they're being used at quieter times. Saw one yesterday, in brum, if you look at the back you can still see the 1/2/2a under the 110 branding.
Bob from what I See it does not need double deckers, a few years ago on the phone in on Radio WM, the phone in was about public transport somebody rang in asking why there was all these blue double deckers running around Birmingham empty, they could not answer the question.
Quote from: woody38 on September 27, 2015, 11:51:59 AM
Bob from what I See it does not need double deckers, a few years ago on the phone in on Radio WM, the phone in was about public transport somebody rang in asking why there was all these blue double deckers running around Birmingham empty, they could not answer the question.
Oh dear not this again. The 110 provides journeys for many people who are not travelling to Birmingham. It more than pays its way hence its survival and the investment in it over the years. It has always had deckers and probably always will. Deal with it!
There are plenty of problems that the drivelling no marks who phone up Radio WM will never solve, I didn't realise anybody still listended to it anyway.
It hasn't always had deckers all of the time Andy to be fair. In the 80 / 90s at least there were just as many Marshall DP Leopards, leopard coaches, Nationals, Duple bus bodied Tigers, Duple coach bodied Tigers, ( and possibly N type Tiger buses but not sure on that one) as there were D13s, DMSs Olympians on there etc
Quote from: andy41 on September 27, 2015, 01:19:07 PM
Oh dear not this again. The 110 provides journeys for many people who are not travelling to Birmingham. It more than pays its way hence its survival and the investment in it over the years. It has always had deckers and probably always will. Deal with it!
There are plenty of problems that the drivelling no marks who phone up Radio WM will never solve, I didn't realise anybody still listended to it anyway.
Yes here we go again Andy there was no need to relocate the two sapphire buses from Cannock to Tamworth, the 1 is probably more busier than the 110 will ever be, but for some reason somebody in arriva things that Tamworth is the cat's b.....k,s when in reality its no better than anywhere else & sure doesn't warrant the amount of money they spend on new buses. arriva are starting to get some competition in the Stafford, Cannock area which I thing is good .
Quote from: woody38 on September 27, 2015, 02:40:18 PM
Yes here we go again Andy there was no need to relocate the two sapphire buses from Cannock to Tamworth, the 1 is probably more busier than the 110 will ever be, but for some reason somebody in arriva things that Tamworth is the cat's b.....k,s when in reality its no better than anywhere else & sure doesn't warrant the amount of money they spend on new buses. arriva are starting to get some competition in the Stafford, Cannock area which I thing is good .
Of course, armchair accountants know where Arriva make money better than Arriva themselves. While Arriva might have their faults I am sure they know where they are making money and where they are not better than someone seeing buses go past them occasionally
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2015, 02:52:26 PM
Of course, armchair accountants know where Arriva make money better than Arriva themselves. While Arriva might have their faults I am sure they know where they are making money and where they are not better than someone seeing buses go past them occasionally
You now more about the buses than I will ever now Tony but it does seem unfair when they transfer buses out of one area to another area when everything was fine before.
Quote from: woody38 on September 27, 2015, 03:14:50 PM
You now more about the buses than I will not ever now Tony but it does seem unfair when they transfer buses out of one area to another area when everything was fine before.
There are several big costs in bus operation, The obvious two Wages & fuel, but another is depreciation of the assetts. Arriva will have moved those two Streetlites to Tamworth because the 110 will cover more of the costs than the 1 will
Fair point Tony. Does beg the question though why purchase them for the 1 &2 in the first place then?
Quote from: woody38 on September 27, 2015, 02:40:18 PM
Yes here we go again Andy there was no need to relocate the two sapphire buses from Cannock to Tamworth, the 1 is probably more busier than the 110 will ever be, but for some reason somebody in arriva things that Tamworth is the cat's b.....k,s when in reality its no better than anywhere else & sure doesn't warrant the amount of money they spend on new buses. arriva are starting to get some competition in the Stafford, Cannock area which I thing is good .
Please,please tell us your qualification for making absurd remarks about route loadings...........s
Tell us the days,times and duration of your studies,and what other routes and times were involved.
Have you had any actual experience of transport operation?
Have you had secret access to the finances at Tamworth or Cannock............thought not.
Until you do,then your opinion is based on biased guesswork.
PLEASE REMEMBER most posters to this forum are interested enthusiasts,they should act as such,not presume to know better than the professionals.
Look at the 1. For at least 10 years plus it operated as a direct service at a 20 min frequency. Cue Sapphire conversion to build on that. Less than a year on it gets reduced to a convoluted half hourly route that now frequently runs late. Something f####d up somewhere! And no I'm not a businessman or a bus operator but common sense would suggest that if something was a success you would not reduce the product offering and make it worse?
Quote from: arrifirststage on September 27, 2015, 04:47:54 PM
Please,please tell us your qualification for making absurd remarks about route loadings...........s
Tell us the days,times and duration of your studies,and what other routes and times were involved.
Have you had any actual experience of transport operation?
Have you had secret access to the finances at Tamworth or Cannock............thought not.
Until you do,then your opinion is based on biased guesswork.
PLEASE REMEMBER most posters to this forum are interested enthusiasts,they should act as such,not presume to know better than the professionals.
Or fill the pages up with ever more boring drivel. To anybody whos a spotter or not, if the bus isn't good enough, stop whinging and use alternative means and leave the bus for those who are more grateful.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on September 27, 2015, 05:14:39 PM
Or fill the pages up with ever more boring drivel. To anybody whos a spotter or not, if the bus isn't good enough, stop whinging and use alternative means and leave the bus for those who are more grateful.
The forum is here for us to make comments about buses, some of the topics you right about might bore me, if they don't interest you then don't read them.
But don't come on here moaning about what other people but on here.
Quote from: arrifirststage on September 27, 2015, 04:47:54 PM
Please,please tell us your qualification for making absurd remarks about route loadings...........s
Tell us the days,times and duration of your studies,and what other routes and times were involved.
Have you had any actual experience of transport operation?
Have you had secret access to the finances at Tamworth or Cannock............thought not.
Until you do,then your opinion is based on biased guesswork.
PLEASE REMEMBER most posters to this forum are interested enthusiasts,they should act as such,not presume to know better than the professionals.
Sometimes we do now more than the professionals,I might not now Tamworth area but I do now my local area. The 1 is popular route always has been people use it not just to get to Walsall but all over the West Midlands from the Cannock area, as Bob will back me up. The professional's do make mistakes as you will see from the complaints on arriva midlands,faces book page. there has been a lot of arriva changing services back to what they where before
Quote from: woody38 on September 27, 2015, 05:36:02 PM
Sometimes we do now more than the professionals,I might not now Tamworth area but I do now my local area. The 1 is popular route always has been people use it not just to get to Walsall but all over the West Midlands from the Cannock area, as Bob will back me up. The professional's do make mistakes as you will see from the complaints on arriva midlands,faces book page. there has been a lot of arriva changing services back to what they where before
Sometimes an operator will have a bit of a lemon of a route that doesn't make any money, or even makes a loss, but they don't want to just cancel it because it will leave people without a bus service or they know people on the route will make a big fuss if it goes and will try lots of things to get that route into making a profit, changing frequency, changing vehicle types, using older buses, adding on a diversion to get a few more people on, hence all the messing about you see on some routes while other stay constant for years on end.
There are other reasons for tampering with a route as well, so just because you see lots of changes also doesn't mean a route is doing badly, it may just be being changed to meet changing demand (Watch out for some NX changes coming soon which fall into this category) or it may be a gap in a market that has been spotted.
I don't know the finances of the 1 & 2, only Arriva Staff know those, certainly people bus watching don't, so that may not be the case with these, but just because you see some buses with decent loads on doesn't always mean they are doing well.
A route that takes two hours to do a round trip where a lot of the passenger travel long distances (eg Diamonds 56) will need a lot more passengers on each bus to break even than a route like NX's 335 where the bus can do 4 round trips in the same time. There are lots of other factors which decide whether a route is profitable including the ratio of pass holders to cash payers
Fair enough Tony but the changes they've made to the one and two certainly haven't benefitted Cannock to Walsall passengers, at all. I dont think itll be long before there are other operators on the walsall corridor Did you get my PM this afternoon earlier by the way?
Quote from: Bob on September 27, 2015, 06:01:31 PM
Fair enough Tony but the changes they've made to the one and two certainly haven't benefitted Cannock to Walsall passengers, at all. I dont think itll be long before there are other operators on the walsall corridor.
It'll be interesting to see who else besides NX might consider the Cannock to Walsall corridor?
By the way, anyone remember the 5 that Midland operated between Walsall & Turnberry?
No, ok!
The 5.05 from Bloxwich was late again today, not only that but was displaying '1 Cannock via Bloxwich and Great Wyrley '. ! The passenger in front of me pointed it out to the driver who just said 'I dunno'....Jesus christ. People could have missed it not thinking it was a 2, or conversely got on it thinking it was a 1....If they didn't catch it they'd have been waiting another 30 ( or probably more given the recent poor timekeeping ). Not very good is it
The destination says cannock then Huntington via great Wyrley. Don't know why they done it that way they used to do that in the 90s on the 110 with Sutton Coldfield then tamworth. Confusing at times but I expect since a lot of people in Walsall wouldn't know that Huntington is just outside cannock by putting cannock more prevalent it would help advertise there is a bus from walsall to cannock.
Yea but the point bbeing though that the bus was on a route 2 & displaying route 1. So passengers could and probably did miss their bus home. The 2 was running late in the afternoon yesterday as well apparently. Maybe they'll changeit back to how it was you never know cos the changes are really unpopular!
Ive heard from a driver that things in sapphire will be changing back??
Anyone else heard this??
How they gonna do that? They don't have enough buses now
It's been a total balls up
Have they done some modifications to the Streetlites? They make a sort of faring noise when pulling up/slowing down very much like what volvo citybuses used t . In fact very much like that
Been to Tamworth today, with sister & came back via Cannock.
Certainly an education with the little darlings from Great Wryley High!
The 5.08 pm 1 was late by nearly 15 min from walsall earlier, the number 2 that should be after it was late and christ knows how late the next 2 will be as it should leave walsall at 5.53, was only just turning into turnberry a minute ago! They've seriously trashed the cannock walsall services. Massively. There really needs to be some competition because people will vote with their feet. Everyone in the bus stop at Walsall was moaning about it. Late last week almost every day. It used to pretty much always run on time, plus being every 20 mins was a much better service.
Message to anyone from arriva that may read this. From me personally nothing to do with social travel ltd.
I do not like being intimidated threatened or have your vehicles try to force me off the road. Every case has been documented & the police have been informed.
If it doesn't stop I will personally information dvsa & other regulatory bodies.
Totally disgusting behaviour from some of your staff.
oh dear... considering there a professional company
Quote from: Busman Jamie on October 08, 2015, 01:22:29 PM
oh dear... considering there a professional company
@Busman Jamie not in any way saying what
@Steveminor is saying a lie but can be possibly slightly e exaggerated
If I was exaggerating why do I have a crime reference number.
Those who know me will know I don't run to the police unless it is extremely serious & earlier I honestly feared for my own safety. I have witnesses too.
What would happen to arriva if the above is proved? If it is, talk about desperate
Quote from: Steveminor on October 08, 2015, 03:44:34 PM
If I was exaggerating why do I have a crime reference number.
Those who know me will know I don't run to the police unless it is extremely serious & earlier I honestly feared for my own safety. I have witnesses too.
How did they force you off the road?
Bus in right lane, me in left lane the bus then moved over into my lane forcing me to either take to the pavement or crash into his bus. Couldn't emergency brake as I had another bus literally about 2 ft behind me.
Quote from: Steveminor on October 08, 2015, 07:17:14 PM
Bus in right lane, me in left lane the bus then moved over into my lane forcing me to either take to the pavement or crash into his bus. Couldn't emergency brake as I had another bus literally about 2 ft behind me.
Wouldn't that damage their buses as well, why would they damage their own buses on purpose?
they think they own Cannock bus station! obviously they are threatened by other operators moving in "their" territory.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 08, 2015, 07:44:14 PM
Wouldn't that damage their buses as well, why would they damage their own buses on purpose?
Probably counted on me not wanting a crash.
I don't want this to go on & on. I only posted so that those from arriva management that are on here know what's going on. I'm not blaming arriva as a company just a select few members of staff. If it is dealt with fair enough but if not, well let's just say if anything happens to me then a lot of people now know what has been going on.
Quote from: Steveminor on October 09, 2015, 12:25:45 AM
Probably counted on me not wanting a crash.
I don't want this to go on & on. I only posted so that those from arriva management that are on here know what's going on. I'm not blaming arriva as a company just a select few members of staff. If it is dealt with fair enough but if not, well let's just say if anything happens to me then a lot of people now know what has been going on.
The most senior manager left after you sent him some PMs
Quote from: Tony on October 09, 2015, 08:18:59 AM
The most senior manager left after you sent him some PMs
[url[/url]
Do you mean
@BN
Quote from: RS on October 09, 2015, 08:31:36 AM
[url[/url]
Do you mean @BN
Well no because his account is still active.
Surely there will be CCTV from both vehicles to prove or disprove what did or didnt happen.
Quote from: RS on October 09, 2015, 08:31:36 AM
[url[/url]
Do you mean @BN
Don't bring me into this lot!
When are the Nov changes going to be publicised? Is the X70 still being cut to Cannock & the 3 being curtailed at Brownhills?
Do you mean the 3 is not continuing to Walsall?
Either NX will have to create / divert another route or Centro will have to tender another route for Clayhanger!
(Actually could the 23 be diverted through Clayhanger instead?)
Quote from: Bob on October 10, 2015, 11:42:30 AM
When are the Nov changes going to be publicised? Is the X70 still being cut to Cannock & the 3 being curtailed at Brownhills?
I'd be astonished if 3 was cutailed at Brownhills, Arriva have just won the 3 to run specifically between Walsall and Brownhills evenings and Sundays
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 10, 2015, 10:40:48 PM
I'd be astonished if 3 was cutailed at Brownhills, Arriva have just won the 3 to run specifically between Walsall and Brownhills evenings and Sundays
Yeah, but they don't run evening buses north of Brownhills now do they on the 3, so they've got to run dead back to Cannock?
(Wednesfield wouldn't run the evening & Sundays would they?)
Quote from: Westy on October 10, 2015, 10:53:37 PM
Yeah, but they don't run evening buses north of Brownhills now do they on the 3, so they've got to run dead back to Cannock?
(Wednesfield wouldn't run the evening & Sundays would they?)
No, as Diamond currently hold the tender. From November, Arriva will be operating it.
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 10, 2015, 11:06:11 PM
No, as Diamond currently hold the tender. From November, Arriva will be operating it.
Well unless Wednesfield operate, it will be a little disconnected from the rest of the evening & Sunday network.
I've probably said this before, but why don't Centro & Staffs get together & run that Walsall to Brownhills West evening & Sunday service at least to Norton Canes?
Quote from: Westy on October 10, 2015, 10:53:37 PM
Yeah, but they don't run evening buses north of Brownhills now do they on the 3, so they've got to run dead back to Cannock?
(Wednesfield wouldn't run the evening & Sundays would they?)
Cannock.
Is the general day time service being cut to Brownhills ?
Broken down Gemini decker in Lichfield bus station about 4.20pm today. Not sure if it was one if Cannocks or a Burton example
All 4 of cannock s were running so must have been a burton one.
Quote from: Bob on October 12, 2015, 08:03:19 PM
Broken down Gemini decker in Lichfield bus station about 4.20pm today. Not sure if it was one if Cannocks or a Burton example
It was 4212 and it was causing havoc. It broke down at about 10.00 and only got recovered between 4 and 5pm. Having had 3 visits from Burton's mechanics. Arriva should really never have dispensed with their recovery vehicles. They could have had that recovered back to depot, fixed and back on the road by the end of the day. Now it will probably lose another day.
To be fair Cannocks Gemini's break down an awful lot which is odd what with them being only 7 hrs old and B9s generally not being known for being particularly unreliable
Quote from: Bob on October 12, 2015, 09:41:19 PM
To be fair Cannocks Gemini's break down an awful lot which is odd what with them being only 7 hrs old and B9s generally not being known for being particularly unreliable
On the contrary. They have had constant issues with transmission more or less since new. I speak from personal experience of sitting outside Star City for over an hour with no gears when they were only just over a year old.
Not good then considering the 74/5 are Cannocks busy services. Maybe replacement with something more reliable would be an idea
More complaints about how rubbish the review has made Cannock services again in this week's chronicle
We went past cannock depot today and saw a red hinckley solo. I think there was another one parked next to it too. Didn't see the registration, can anyone identify them?
There's a Cadet out on PG/75/9 tonight.
Quote from: saiwah007 on October 17, 2015, 07:50:53 PM
We went past cannock depot today and saw a red hinckley solo. I think there was another one parked next to it too. Didn't see the registration, can anyone identify them?
There is 2 in the yard, 2543 and 2557.
2543 FJZ 4196 & 2557 W299 EYG Are these Permanent Moves to Cannock
Quote from: leepenfold30 on October 18, 2015, 03:59:29 PM
2543 FJZ 4196 & 2557 W299 EYG Are these Permanent Moves to Cannock
No these are the same 2 that have been there for months and months. Nothing changed and not on fleet, never have been.
I cant imagine cannock using them for much
@CK - SI any transfers to any arriva garage will be posted by
@BN when they have happened. Latest updates September 2015 moves are on the main site
The versa is just an engineering spare isn't it? Moves about
2988 now on loan to Cannock
FJ06 ZTL sounds in an awful condition , similar to FD52 GGV. vibrates so badly in top gear the poles and interior panels above the bloody seats are rattling
And what's then supposed to operate the routes than Cannocks darts are used on now then???
I'd ask why would stafford need to replace mpds with full size buses?
On screen advertising on the s#######es says "go direct up to every 20 mins between cannock and Walsall "...and the interior panels display 1 &2 &2 a, shouldn't they be done by trading standards lol? Bloody direct? Are they havinga ggiraffe lol?
Streetlites
Can't see that happening. Can you? ??? Streetlites are crap. Noisy, worst gearboxas ever ( at least how they're set up),jerky. Just pants and not good enough for premium routes. The advertised plug ssockets rarely work either. My fave buses are the Mercs. The deckers although pretty pants reliability wise are smooth to travel on also. The newest SB200 are a fair bit better than the older ones.
Quote from: Bob on October 30, 2015, 04:29:19 PM
Can't see that happening. Can you? ??? Streetlites are crap. Noisy, worst gearboxas ever ( at least how they're set up),jerky. Just pants and not good enough for premium routes. The advertised plug ssockets rarely work either. My fave buses are the Mercs. The deckers although pretty pants reliability wise are smooth to travel on also. The newest SB200 are a fair bit better than the older ones.
All in your opinion.
As an engineer the streetlites are a pleasure to work on, the Voith box is one of the best on the market after the ZF, what other midi buses would you recommend then?
I wouldnt recommend any midi bus for a premium service for starters. Why do they never ever pull up smoothly? Why are they jerky? And why so noisy? At least three drivers have told me their the worst buss in the garage to drive.
3003 Citaro on rail rep from Walsall
Driver on the 1 this evening said that it might be going back to original direct route. Any truth in that? Changes have been hugely unpopular. Caught a peak time trip from Walsall. No more than six passengers on board all the way through. Only two left when we got to Wyrley!
Quote from: Bob on November 03, 2015, 07:55:21 PM
Driver on the 1 this evening said that it might be going back to original direct route. Any truth in that? Changes have been hugely unpopular. Caught a peak time trip from Walsall. No more than six passengers on board all the way through. Only two left when we got to Wyrley!
What about the Turnberry & Somerfield Road?
Don't know. Maybe the 2 will serve it. To be fair it's better to have one direct route and one long one. Instead of two circuitous ones
Whats the point in the 74B? theyve put a bus on 10 mins infront of them selves, wheres the logic
Quote from: Busman Jamie on November 05, 2015, 12:37:32 PM
Whats the point in the 74B? theyve put a bus on 10 mins infront of them selves, wheres the logic
They are targeting the Social Travel journeys which operate 5 minutes infront of them
so its to do with the recent changes social have made?
74B won't last judging by every other route they launch lol
Quote from: CK / SI on November 05, 2015, 07:45:45 PM
Which is your favourite CK vehicle and least fave CK vehicle out of interest ?
All the Commanders/Pulsars are hellfire!
Quote from: 3Q on November 05, 2015, 01:20:33 PM
They are targeting the Social Travel journeys which operate 5 minutes infront of them
Same as the 8b & 9b in Stafford against select
when they actusly run on time and not when they feel like it lol
Pulsar FL63 DWX on 1/2
DWY also on 1/2. See this is what happens when you don't have spares you can't provide the service you advertise.....
Quote from: Bob on November 06, 2015, 05:43:18 PM
DWY also on 1/2. See this is what happens when you don't have spares you can't provide the service you advertise.....
Service still ran though, surely that's better.
Well that's more than could be said for the 8b today. Not run since 12.00
its Arriva
@Steveminor they seem to think laws dont apply to them but i was too told the 8B hadnt run this afternoon, guessing the same source told you lol
Yeah lol.
Couldn't of been short of buses cause they found one to run the 74b which doesn't (officially) start till Monday lol
same as 9B running last friday when it didnt officaly start till monday
Are there enough bus users in Stafford for all this to pay off?
good question but tbh i think its a ploy just to try and force Social/Select off 'their' route if you will
They would have stood half a chance of it working had they not p $#@@d off so many passengers.
Thats true.... they dont seem to care about the passengèrs that spend lots of money using their service, all they care about is getting infront of the competitor ... All gaol square needs is Bradley Walsh to stand there and say 'The Chase is on' and VOSA the other end to say 'Areiva you have been caught and for you, the chase is over' lol
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 06, 2015, 08:48:03 PM
Service still ran though, surely that's better.
Better? No farrivaling vosa requirements surely as a days worth of two buses short would break some rule?
Just pointing out that as the service is advertised as leather seats extra legroom ( christ knows where on the Streetlites ) wifi and power sockets, arriva are regularly not giving the advertised product. It's crazy not to have a spare why not refurbish a bus up to sapphire spec at least? There'd be something to fall back on then
## fulfilling ## that should say
Quote from: Steveminor on November 06, 2015, 10:07:48 PM
They would have stood half a chance of it working had they not p $#@@d off so many passengers.
Well Anne Robinson already said "dan flanagan you are the weakest link goodbye" lol
pmsl and i agree bob other arriva regions have refurbed buses to sapphire standard although not in sapphire liverey.
well
@Steveminor Jezzas got those all important lie detector results
we asked Arriva since choosing to operate all these 'b' routes, have you rsn them prior to the start date?
They said no
this test says you lied lol
Cannocks on the 61 plate Pulsars decline again if you think about it.
1 & 2...Wrecked by the ridiculous changes in the review, no spares, all Streetlites rarely on ( that's about the only good thing )
74/75..Supposed to be a deckered service. Now requires 5 buses, only 4 deckers all of which are rarely out. Frequently 52 plate commanders on it. The route was upgraded in 2007 with new branded Pulsars...
60/X60..had new 61 plate Pulsars. These moved to stafford. Replaced with slightly inferior ex Liverpool 61 plate pulsars. Even these got moved on. Now run with a mix of 52/06 plate Commanders. With the odd citron.
71...68 previously used full size single deckers. Now run by 13 year old cadets with frequent time keeping issues do to stupidly interworking with the 76 during prolonged roadworks causing Chaos in Stafford, plus there have been some breakdown issues...
Not looking brilliant tbf
Cannocks on the decline that should say! Don't know where the 61 plate Pulsars bit come from!
Any news on the further alleged NX new routes in Staffordshire yet?
Quote from: Westy on November 07, 2015, 04:44:16 PM
Any news on the further alleged NX new routes in Staffordshire yet?
If there were to be any expansion of NX services in to Staffs, it's unlikely to happen until the New Year now as there are very few spare buses available + the 4 Mercs at WB & 3 Mercs at PN all need to be removed from service by the end of the year.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 06, 2015, 09:55:04 PM
Yeah lol.
Couldn't of been short of buses cause they found one to run the 74b which doesn't (officially) start till Monday lol
PD0000478/434 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Cannock Bus Station
Finish Point: Stafford, Technology Park
Via: Huntington, Brocton, Queensville, Stafford Town Centre, Stafford County Hospital
Service Number: 74B
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 07-NOV-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, daytimes.
Yep that's the one. So why run it on Friday afternoon?
It officially started today
It was probably the same as the drivers who keep gling to stafford with 75a on the blinds. They dont check it properly
but why run a bus infront of themselves?
Good question i dont know
That's Ok Jamie cause we carried more passengers than both the 74b in front and the 74 behind, so arriva can keep doing it if they want the only company that is suffering from it is them.
Hello I'm Chris tarrant & welcome to who doesn't want to be a milionaire this week's contestants arriva
Quote from: Steveminor on November 08, 2015, 08:55:17 AM
Hello I'm Chris tarrant & welcome to who doesn't want to be a milionaire this week's contestants arriva
Tee heeeee!
(Very bad CT impersonation!)
Is Cannock or Stafford running the 74B?
im suprised you havent got a decker
@Steveminor afterall they are highly reqired on 74 lol
Quote from: Steveminor on November 08, 2015, 08:55:17 AM
Hello I'm Chris tarrant & welcome to who doesn't want to be a milionaire this week's contestants arriva
To be fair I dont think Social Travel are going to become millionaires either. I mean at the end of the day Arriva bring a multinational company can easily afford to run a service with very few passengers. No disrespect intended but Social Travel being a small independant company will not be able to run forever with less and less passengers.
At some point a time will come where outgoings are more than incomings, it might not be right away but at somepoint
Quote from: Bob on November 08, 2015, 10:12:50 AM
Is Cannock or Stafford running the 74B?
Bob i think its cannock as I saw a cannock driver I know driving it
Wonder what they'll use on it. Although to be fair Cannock drivers have been doing shifts at stafford. A lady driver I know was driving X25s during the Last week of operation. Can't see the 74B lasting long. Look at the 74A and just about every other commercial service Arriva have done in the Midlands during the last few years. 19, 9, X31, the merry hill one the 4, 530, 334, they've all been absolute disasters. Even Cannocks Sapphire services were reduced and made crap. I still wonder if it's the only Sapphire service in the UK to have received that treatment. If it is Cannocks an embarrassment lol
Well i think there are some route changes to the 74b in december so it could be here to stay for a while anyway
Quote from: CK / SI on November 08, 2015, 05:05:40 PM
1 things for sure certainly no shortage of buses CK to SD these days
What are you talking about?? The stafford services are supposed to be deckered and they haven't even got enough of them to cover the pvr!
One of them is supposed to be a single decker due to it does a 75a on its last trip out of stafford
If there's no shortage of buses why did the inspector tell the 8b driver on Friday afternoon "just wait here we don't have a bus at the moment"
He then sat there doing nothing till the end of the day.
2739 on x70s
Not a full compliment of deckers on the staffords today! Fj06 ZTL And another Commander I've seen so far. FD52 GGV On 74B sounding awful. Still got a dodgy sounding diff. Decker on pye greens another was broken down on Cannock earlier about 12 o'clock and one came in saying not in service looking like it was from the direction of the garage. Seen one on 75. Are they planning to dispense with the deckers off the route? Surely womt be needed now with the ridiculous number of buses to stafford
Fj06 ZTE also on 74/75 today! Passengers would be screwed on a busy trip
Pulsar on 1 also
i think its pointless CK having deckers there never all out
Supposed to be a requirement for the staffords which like you say is pointless cos they're either broken down or never all in service. Maybe the one on pye greens had issues and was being kept local. What I don't understand is if deckers are needed then why haven't they got at least one bloody spare???
The one on pye greens the rear panel kept opening which could be why they kept it local.
But they don't need the deckers on the staffords any more as they don't have anywhere near the loads they once had xx
always 2 or 3 commanders n 2 deckers knackered
3724 is a recent repaint into latest livery noted on the 74 this morning
3724 has been painted a while
Cannock needs to sort out the allocation on the Staffords. My mum caught the 75 ( would have left the hospital around 430 ) from stafford town tonight and a rammed single decker turned up, she stood all the bloody way to Huntington! She would drive most places but decided to give the bus a try today. She has advised shed never go near it again. Hint : Deckers were put on for a reason so could they be used at peak times at least?????
She should have waited for our 74 bob. It was still busy but she would have got a seat.
Quote from: Bob on November 11, 2015, 09:45:40 PM
Cannock needs to sort out the allocation on the Staffords. My mum caught the 75 ( would have left the hospital around 430 ) from stafford town tonight and a rammed single decker turned up, she stood all the bloody way to Huntington! She would drive most places but decided to give the bus a try today. She has advised shed never go near it again. Hint : Deckers were put on for a reason so could they be used at peak times at least?????
It seems arriva still carry better loads than social then
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 12, 2015, 03:59:06 PM
It seems arriva still carry better loads than social then
From what ive seen Arriva have always still had good loadings
the loadings are that good they dont require deckers now.....
Quote from: Busman Jamie on November 12, 2015, 06:51:03 PM
the loadings are that good they dont require deckers now.....
that's the problem though a fair few journeys do
Arriva dont seem to think so lol there more needed on Pye Greens lol
They only stay on pye greens so it's less distance for the mechanics to travel to fix them lol
thats prob because the vans on its way out lol
Why doesn't that suprise me
Both unbranded pulsars on the 1 & 2 again today. Why bother branding it a sapphire service it's so rare that all the sh######s are out
Maybe two streetlite are recieving engineering (MOT?) or a fault has occured on them not allowing them into service hence the pulsars are appearing. It maybe a Sapphire service but i would rather have a normal bus appear rather than no bus.
(I am not having a go, i am just saying there must be a reason for them not appearing)
I agree Chris but shouldn't they have kept at least 1 spare sapphire bus instead of transferring them to tamworth. I mean nxwm keep spare platinum buses.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 14, 2015, 05:09:47 PM
I agree Chris but shouldn't they have kept at least 1 spare sapphire bus instead of transferring them to tamworth. I mean nxwm keep spare platinum buses.
Didn't 110 increase in frequency so 2 streetlites were needed? I would of thought arriva would at least ordered actual buses need plus 10% as cover like NX did for platinum like you said? To be honest i wouldn't be surprised if 1/2 change to Arriva Max services?
I wonder what Cannocks take on a Max spec bus would be? Re trimming a Cadet in E leather lol?
MPD on pye greens, pg branded on 75A and cadet bob? dont be daft theyve got darts lol
An X-NWX Cadet operating Cannock to Lichfield services today either the 61 or 2.whys it at Cannock? Vehicle shortage?
Because of the 74b needed two extra veichles
What's the other bus they're using then
They have 2738 and 2739
One of those was working from Stafford last week? Are they permanently at Cannock or to be replaced with something else
Quote from: Bob on November 16, 2015, 09:44:07 PM
One of those was working from Stafford last week? Are they permanently at Cannock or to be replaced with something else
They are just reserve vehicles so go where they're needed. One was at Telford last week too.
3004 was on 74bs this morning and was then swapped for 3720
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 16, 2015, 10:01:56 PM
They are just reserve vehicles so go where they're needed. One was at Telford last week too.
yea thats what I mean if cannock now has a need for two more vehicles will they be replaced with two more permanent ones. Shocked they dont have two spares in the first place though tbf
On my way home saw a social 74 spd dart pretty full followed by 2736 arguably Cannocks shittest bus with about 4 passengers on a 74. Coming in the social MPD had around 15 on followed by an Arriva decker 74 completely EMPTY!!!
Weirdly followed by another decker displaying 74 a bit further down the road at wildwood. With about 7 on. Are arriva losing badly? Imagine if another operator stepped in on the walsall corridor where Arriva have annoyed a lot of passengers!
Coming out of the leisure centre in Cannock and saw another 74 decker cannock bound completely passenger less! I'm pretty surprised to be fair
Surely it's the first bus that turns up people go on?
If that's the case Arriva are losing badly. The almost empty cadet was actually a 74B
It's not down to which bus comes first. It seems a lot of passengers are voting with their feet & walking away from arriva buses. It was strange this evening counting how many buses arriva had on the 74 definitely more than there should have been but all of the carrying fresh air. What a waste of diesel.
I disagree. Its down to which bus comes first.
Until social travel changed their times in front of the 74b. Passenger numbers must of dropped drastically as most social travel buses I saw only had 2 or 3 people on. Now social travel are running in front of thr 74b they are carrying a few passengers so yes it is which bus comes first.
As
@Tony has told me. The quality of the bus does not matter unless you're a bus enthusiast you are not going to wait for another bus, you get on the first one to arrive.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 24, 2015, 06:10:49 PM
As @Tony has told me. The quality of the bus does not matter unless you're a bus enthusiast you are not going to wait for another bus, you get on the first one to arrive.
Exactly my point. Its just pot luck. The first bus to arrive takes passengers buses behind will run emptier cause people wont wait. Sadly there is no commitment from passengers they just want to get from A to B
Figures were down yes but not drastically. The first 2 days well I can't hide the fact as was seen 95% caught the 74b as it came first. But towards the end of the week our passenger figures were almost as if the 74b wasn't there.
What we found was by Wednesday some passengers that were about to board the 74b spotted our bus coming behind then changed ttheir minds & caught our bus.
We even have a few passengers who have arriva annual passes that are happy to pay the extra £1 to catch our bus than catch the arriva bus that they've already paid for. You don't see that with nxwm so that tells a story in itself.
It would be interesting to see if competition from different operators on other Cannock interurban services had an effect on Arriva. ....
Arriva have the power and money to flood the route with buses if necessary though, which sadly small companies cannot continue to compete with. National express do this often on their routes as they can afford to as Arriva can. It then leaves very little passengers for smaller operators and eventually results in withdrawal from the route
Makes a mockery of the Choice from privatisation and deregulation promised by the Thatcher govt doesn't it? Although of course they knew that all along
Quote from: LG on November 24, 2015, 07:28:39 PM
Arriva have the power and money to flood the route with buses if necessary though, which sadly small companies cannot continue to compete with. National express do this often on their routes as they can afford to as Arriva can. It then leaves very little passengers for smaller operators and eventually results in withdrawal from the route
Well they can try but with all respect they've tried that against central buses & he's still there.
Bob is right but the new bus bill seems like it's a way forward giving authorities more powers as long as they don't abuse the power then operators and authorities should be able to work hand in hand &ensure the correct frequencies are kept per route & no operator tries to use their money & power to dominate another one.
But that's a whole different debate.
Yes will be interesting if this bus bill comes about or not
I can see social putting all buses on 74 and failing miserably
Quote from: LG on November 24, 2015, 07:28:39 PM
Arriva have the power and money to flood the route with buses if necessary though, which sadly small companies cannot continue to compete with. National express do this often on their routes as they can afford to as Arriva can. It then leaves very little passengers for smaller operators and eventually results in withdrawal from the route
If Arriva can afford to flood all these routes to get rid of the competition quickly, why haven't they? Arriva didn't manage to remove Central Buses off the xpre55, since then they've gained extra competition from Banga, Social, Select & NXWM in a fashion. Arriva have put some extra buses on the 74, but it doesn't sound as though it's having the desired effect and only increased Arriva's costs further. Other than that, they appear to be playing by small operators rules of running 5 mins in front......
The trouble with the 74 route is that the main passengers are students and in the college breaks there are very few passengers around.
Quote from: Winston on November 24, 2015, 07:47:50 PM
If Arriva can afford to flood all these routes to get rid of the competition quickly, why haven't they? Arriva didn't manage to remove Central Buses off the xpre55, since then they've gained extra competition from Banga, Social, Select & NXWM in a fashion. Arriva have put some extra buses on the 74, but it doesn't sound as though it's having the desired effect and only increased Arriva's costs further. Other than that, they appear to be playing by small operators rules of running 5 mins in front......
Good point i dont know the answer.
Quote from: LG on November 24, 2015, 07:28:39 PM
Arriva have the power and money to flood the route with buses if necessary though, which sadly small companies cannot continue to compete with. National express do this often on their routes as they can afford to as Arriva can. It then leaves very little passengers for smaller operators and eventually results in withdrawal from the route
Do they?
Name the last route NX put extra buses on to push a small operator off
The 71/72
Look at how the Arriva 74 / 75 have declined in standards over the last couple of years, from branded buses bought new ( & subsequently neglected to the point where the rear end of at least one had turned turquoise! & the seats stank) to upgrading to ex tamworth deckers that break down now more than they're on the road to scabby ex route 1 commanders & even cadets...talk about a premium offer...lol
If Nx managed to 'get rid' of the other operator by flooding the route with extra buses as mentioned, is there any guarantee Nx will keep the extra buses on there?
Former Chase services in Walsall 363,364 & 365 spring to mind, where Twm competed, Chase withdrew & Twm followed not long after, if memory serves.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 24, 2015, 08:14:52 PM
The 71/72
No extra buses on route, just the two journeys an hour that were numbered 70 now numbered as a 72
Quote from: Westy on November 25, 2015, 06:31:28 AM
If Nx managed to 'get rid' of the other operator by flooding the route with extra buses as mentioned, is there any guarantee Nx will keep the extra buses on there?
Former Chase services in Walsall 363,364 & 365 spring to mind, where Twm competed, Chase withdrew & Twm followed not long after, if memory serves.
No they don't. They withdraw mainly and things go back to what they were. So passengers don't win. Cheers Mrs T!
Quote from: Tony on November 25, 2015, 07:17:02 AM
No extra buses on route, just the two journeys an hour that were numbered 70 now numbered as a 72
Sundays?
At least two commanders on the 74 /75 today. Decker on pye greens last two days. Commander o pye greens also today. Are the deckers definitely intended to stay on the staffords long term?
Well from 3rd jan the 74/75 will have a pvr of 6 & they only have 4 deckers so I think we'll see a lot more dafs on the route then
They might transfer a couple more deckers in?
dont be daft bob, they dont use the 4 they have now lol
Probably cause they csnt fix the 4 they have fast enough
It's ridiculous for a deckered service not to even have no spare!
Maybe they should swap them for deckers that aren't unreliable sheds lol
They weren't sheds till cannock got them.
Tamworth depot seem far more capable engineering wise.
Their reliability was allegedly not exactly sparkling at Tamworth too
It's a shame because in comparison to a Commander ( especially the older examples )screaming and struggling on the fast sections of the routes they're actually nice buses to be on.i caught 3704 on the X70 today still sounds awful even now sat near the back you could barely hear yourself think
4204/6 were the worse and were kept off 110
To be honest the best thing arriva could do is sell the midlands operation. Poor maintenance poor timekeeping/reliability poor customer service a we can do whatever we like & who's going to stop us attitude. They're a complete joke the lot of them.
Quote from: Steveminor on December 07, 2015, 06:46:51 PM
To be honest the best thing arriva could do is sell the midlands operation. Poor maintenance poor timekeeping/reliability poor customer service a we can do whatever we like & who's going to stop us attitude. They're a complete joke the lot of them.
But who could buy them without upseting the Monopolies people?
Even Arriva had a problem when they bought Midland.
Stagecoach
Split it up into different sections then first take tamworth stagecoach take cannock & nx take stafford that should keep monopoly commission happy as there would be separation between the groups.
Quote from: Steveminor on December 07, 2015, 06:46:51 PM
To be honest the best thing arriva could do is sell the midlands operation. Poor maintenance poor timekeeping/reliability poor customer service a we can do whatever we like & who's going to stop us attitude. They're a complete joke the lot of them.
To be honest its not all that bad.
Quote from: Steveminor on December 07, 2015, 08:16:31 PM
Split it up into different sections then first take tamworth stagecoach take cannock & nx take stafford that should keep monopoly commission happy as there would be separation between the groups.
It will never happen.
Why would nx want to go anywhere near stafford? It must be a basket case judging by the fleet and even more so if they lost the 825. Wouldn't Cannock be a more fitting option?
Quote from: Steveminor on December 07, 2015, 08:16:31 PM
Split it up into different sections then first take tamworth stagecoach take cannock & nx take stafford that should keep monopoly commission happy as there would be separation between the groups.
Utterly deranged....
When did First last acquire anything?
Why would Stagecoach acquire a single depot on its own over 30 miles away from anywhere it currently operates?
Why would Arriva just give NX a profitable operation?
When have NX ever shown creditable interest in non WM core operations?
However bad a job Arriva have been doing recently, you could at least try to apply some logic to your ramblings. Stick to your World of Warcraft.
Well what else would you do allow arriva to continue as if the world owed them a living & as if no ones opinion mattered until things get sooo bad that the public lose all faith in public transport.
Oh & as for stafford being profitable, if that's the case why are they cutting back & even planning closing the depot.
Quote from: andy41 on December 08, 2015, 05:08:01 PM
Utterly deranged....
Why would Stagecoach acquire a single depot on its own over 30 miles away from anywhere it currently operates?
Why did Stagecoach by part of First Operations down south then?
Why are they CONSTANTLY messing with the routes in Cannock? Why do a network review then revert back? Obviously didn't require changing! If they can't get the network to work ( which they evidently cant) why not just sell up & f##k off? Pretty sure they won't be missed
Quote from: andy41 on December 08, 2015, 05:08:01 PM
Utterly deranged....
When did First last acquire anything?
Why would Stagecoach acquire a single depot on its own over 30 miles away from anywhere it currently operates?
Why would Arriva just give NX a profitable operation?
When have NX ever shown creditable interest in non WM core operations?
However bad a job Arriva have been doing recently, you could at least try to apply some logic to your ramblings. Stick to your World of Warcraft.
First did buy Finglands, but have disposed of more than they've sold.
Can't sell Arriva selling off any of the following: Telford / Tamworth / Derby or Leicester unless they got an offer too good to refuse.
Stafford doesn't see much invest & doesn't appear to be doing too well, I would have though if that was ever sold it would be more up D&G's street.
Cannock appears to be on the slide again with newer buses moving out & service reductions / combinations, Wednesfield I would think would only make marginal profits
Quote from: Adam 404 on December 08, 2015, 09:07:39 PM
Why did Stagecoach by part of First Operations down south then?
I you are referring to Plymouth, because Stagecoach already have operations in adjacent parts of Devon & Plymouth depot also makes a good base for Megabus routes to the South West
Cannock appears to be on the slide again with newer buses moving out & service reductions / combinations, Wednesfield I would think would only make marginal profits
So far only the two Streets###es have gone haven't they unless they're planning on moving more out ( hopefully! ), & yea theyve screwed up the network big style
Wednesfield recently swapped several E200s for old darts and Stafford. ..well isn't that just a dumping ground now other than the pulsars?
Quote from: Winston on December 08, 2015, 09:17:49 PM
I you are referring to Plymouth, because Stagecoach already have operations in adjacent parts of Devon & Plymouth depot also makes a good base for Megabus routes to the South West
Andy claimed it is not good having a depot 30 miles away from another, Exeter to Plymouth is 45 miles according to Google Maps if I am correct.
Quote from: andy41 on December 08, 2015, 05:08:01 PM
Why would Stagecoach acquire a single depot on its own over 30 miles away from anywhere it currently operates?
Quote from: Adam 404 on December 08, 2015, 09:28:08 PM
Andy claimed it is not good having a depot 30 miles away from another, Exeter to Plymouth is 45 miles according to Google Maps if I am correct.
Going further off topic:
I think you're forgetting Torquay & Paignton where Stagecoach already had routes that operate in to Plymouth these are approx 30-33 miles away and so of Plymouth's, the Totnes & adjacent Dartmouth routes are closer still
Quote from: Bob on December 08, 2015, 09:24:14 PM
Cannock appears to be on the slide again with newer buses moving out & service reductions / combinations, Wednesfield I would think would only make marginal profits
So far only the two Streets###es have gone haven't they unless they're planning on moving more out ( hopefully! ), & yea theyve screwed up the network big style
Wednesfield recently swapped several E200s for old darts and Stafford. ..well isn't that just a dumping ground now other than the pulsars?
And they wonder why they have problems if they transfer newer buses out & older buses in!
Well look at the streetlites, they don't seem to have any luck with new buses let alone older ones.
As for stagecoach they will & have gone wherever they think they can make a profit.
Quote from: Westy on December 08, 2015, 09:35:17 PM
And they wonder why they have problems if they transfer newer buses out & older buses in!
If the bus turns up then why should it matter?. Cannock's breakdown figures aren't what they were earlier in this thread so they're doing something right. Ok, the service changes aren't popular but Cannock aren't the only place in the country doing it. But any excuse to have a dig at them.
Quote from: Bob on December 08, 2015, 09:24:14 PM
Cannock appears to be on the slide again with newer buses moving out & service reductions / combinations, Wednesfield I would think would only make marginal profits
So far only the two Streets###es have gone haven't they unless they're planning on moving more out ( hopefully! ), & yea theyve screwed up the network big style
Wednesfield recently swapped several E200s for old darts and Stafford. ..well isn't that just a dumping ground now other than the pulsars?
Yea but the Streetlites are pants. Their introduction was so successful they reduced the frequency of the service :-p
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 08, 2015, 09:42:09 PM
If the bus turns up then why should it matter?. Cannock's breakdown figures aren't what they were earlier in this thread so they're doing something right. Ok, the service changes aren't popular but Cannock aren't the only place in the country doing it. But any excuse to have a dig at them.
So basically any old s##t will do? Great way to improve customer satisfaction and increase ridership lol
And doing something right? Mate they can't even manage to get all their 7 y.o. deckers to run on their deckered route most of the time and don't have a single spare....
Quote from: Steveminor on December 08, 2015, 08:57:10 PM
Well what else would you do allow arriva to continue as if the world owed them a living & as if no ones opinion mattered until things get sooo bad that the public lose all faith in public transport.
Oh & as for stafford being profitable, if that's the case why are they cutting back & even planning closing the depot.
Stafford isn't closing.
Quote from: Steveminor on December 07, 2015, 06:46:51 PM
To be honest the best thing arriva could do is sell the midlands operation. Poor maintenance poor timekeeping/reliability poor customer service a we can do whatever we like & who's going to stop us attitude. They're a complete joke the lot of them.
I don't like that last sentence at all Steve. I don't see my team and I as a joke and as you haven' a clue who I am I don't believe you should be saying things like that.
Quote from: BN on December 08, 2015, 10:23:55 PM
I don't like that last sentence at all Steve. I don't see my team and I as a joke and as you haven' a clue who I am I don't believe you should be saying things like that.
Just out of curiosity who are you
@BN
Quote from: BN on December 08, 2015, 10:23:55 PM
I don't like that last sentence at all Steve. I don't see my team and I as a joke and as you haven' a clue who I am I don't believe you should be saying things like that.
Let's take things back to basics, Steve. You're competing with an incumbent operator on a long-established service and have quickly become very bitter, presumably because the incumbent operator has responded formally in terms of varying the service. You aren't providing anything hugely innovative by duplicating a service using anonymous, elderly vehicles or with some of the earlier tactics employing a moped. Furthermore if some of your previous guises are anything to go by, bankruptcy and revocation seem to be the order of the day. Are Arriva really so much of a joke?
Quote from: 646 on December 08, 2015, 10:47:54 PM
Let's take things back to basics, Steve. You're competing with an incumbent operator on a long-established service and have quickly become very bitter, presumably because the incumbent operator has responded formally in terms of varying the service. You aren't providing anything hugely innovative by duplicating a service using anonymous, elderly vehicles or with some of the earlier tactics employing a moped. Furthermore if some of your previous guises are anything to go by, bankruptcy and revocation seem to be the order of the day. Are Arriva really so much of a joke?
Much appreciated 646.
Quote from: BN on December 08, 2015, 10:54:00 PM
Much appreciated 646.
You didn't answer my question BN
@RS That is because he doesn't have to & probably doesn't want everyone knowing who he is/what he does, Winston
646 I am not scared or bitter of competitors as long as they run legally what I don't appreciate is a competitor who blatantly breaks the terms of their o licence, who lies to passengers & who threatens & verbally abuses other companies staff or even physically throws things at competitors buses (yes it's backed up by police before anyone says I'm just saying stuff because I'm bitter). I also do not appreciate when staff from a competitor launch a personal verbal attack on me about my late mother on what would have been her birthday.
So as you can see I have every reason to be a little annoyed even just on that last point.
Oh & 646 whatever happened to any previous operators I worked for has no bearing on my current employment but what about claribels they're still around petes travel & bcc morphed into diamond, they're still here. Bharat may no longer run buses but they're still here. Zaks also morphed into diamond. So what exactly is the point you're making with that statement 646.
BN in my opinion the company you work for are z joke a complete bunch of cowboys that do not care one bit about their passengers as long as they're getting their money. Everyone is entitled to their opinion & that's mine, but congratulations in confirming mine & others opinions that you were arriva staff.
i love reading this... Who needs jeremey kyle :p lol
its clear arriva are worried about social hence the introduction of 74B, as for abuse off Arriva, its not just happened to Social as
@Steveminor knows
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 09, 2015, 10:41:08 AM
i love reading this... Who needs jeremey kyle :p lol
its clear arriva are worried about social hence the introduction of 74B, as for abuse off Arriva, its not just happened to Social as @Steveminor knows
Hmmm, the sudden change or heart from Select to withdraw the competing Stafford 8 service
well look what happened when select withdrew off the 8, Arrivas 8B ran to a 'well turn up if we want' timetable and Arrivas 9B chopping route to get infront of Select 9 then hogging the stand at gaol square and deliberatley running late, does the laws not apply to Arriva Stafford?
Does the laws not apply to arriva full stop.
Quote from: Winston on December 08, 2015, 09:34:14 PM
Going further off topic:
I think you're forgetting Torquay & Paignton where Stagecoach already had routes that operate in to Plymouth these are approx 30-33 miles away and so of Plymouth's, the Totnes & adjacent Dartmouth routes are closer still
Precisely, Stagecoach already had a network to amalgamate into. What use would a stand alone depot in Cannock be? Can't believe we're even having the discussion.
Quote from: Steveminor on December 08, 2015, 11:58:04 PM
but congratulations in confirming mine & others opinions that you were arriva staff.
I'm pretty sure that was common knowledge a long time ago?
Plenty of smaller operators engage in healthy competition with Arriva without having to get involved in this sort of nonsense.
Quote from: andy41 on December 09, 2015, 06:57:36 PM
I'm pretty sure that was common knowledge a long time ago?
Plenty of smaller operators engage in healthy competition with Arriva without having to get involved in this sort of nonsense.
I am also pretty sure this was obvious a long time ago. Personally I would much sooner wait for an Arriva bus than get onto a Social Travel bus which looks like its been painted with Dulux matt paint and liable to break down. People moan about arriva but ive never had a problem and my bus always turns up when I expect it
3 deckers on Staffords today.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 12, 2015, 09:22:48 AM
3 deckers on Staffords today.
All 4 deckers on stafford today
Quote from: LG on December 12, 2015, 12:38:24 PM
All 4 deckers on stafford today
I was trying to make a point to other members lol.
Well that's a rarety to be fair. Still haven't got enough for the pvr and even less so if it's going up to 6! 5.08 74 left Cannock with 2 passengers last night the preceding 74B had one whilst the select 74 that left before the 74B had at least ten passengers on board. How sustainable is this in reality?
Select 74? do you mean Social lol
Ooops Yea lol. Select should have a bash on the 1 lol
4204 was taken out of service today in stafford seen coming from direction of hospital turning into riverway
Any fleet changes this week to coincide with the revised routes/services?
Quote from: Bob on December 29, 2015, 05:23:10 PM
Any fleet changes this week to coincide with the revised routes/services?
A bit like Tony, I don't feel it feasable to post transfers before they've happened but 2739 will be leaving for Wednesfield tomorrow.
.is the 825 returning to cannock or are stafford keeping it? It's a pity they don't shift a couple of spare deckers in,you might have enough to cover the pvr for the 74/75 & the breakdowns/regularity the current deckers arr off the road
Quote from: Bob on December 29, 2015, 06:16:28 PM
.is the 825 returning to cannock or are stafford keeping it? It's a pity they don't shift a couple of spare deckers in,you might have enough to cover the pvr for the 74/75 & the breakdowns/regularity the current deckers arr off the road
Cannock are having the 825 back along with all the 61 plate pulsars
That'll be great then loads of late 60s cos of stafford traffic on the 825...staffords gonna have a decent fleet now then lmfao
Ive heard that the 825 will be interworked with the 60, 61 and 62 instead of just 60
Quote from: LG on December 30, 2015, 08:44:41 PM
Ive heard that the 825 will be interworked with the 60, 61 and 62 instead of just 60
Thats right
Presumably more cost cutting reducing Stafford to an outstation, anyone reckon ultimately Stafford will be closed or vehicles based there reduced in number and then buses work in from Cannock?
No leaflets for the revised 1 & 2 in Walsall today, only the old ones!
BU03 HRK still never been refurbished two years after the rest were done. Got the pleasure of it now on the X70. Threadbare throughout and stinks inside, vibrating...Uuuuuuurgh pile of crap
Quote from: Westy on January 02, 2016, 02:56:40 PM
No leaflets for the revised 1 & 2 in Walsall today, only the old ones!
Last time they changed the services the leaflets were in Birmingham travel shop, not Walsall one. But the Dudley travel shop had leaflets for the 110 that the Birmingham one didn't have ::)
The drivers have some on the buses in the 1 and 2 just ask, I managed to get one
Considering loads of stuff is going back to largely what it used to be begs the question what we're they thinking of when they thought up the network review? Just noticed the 75 is terminated at gaol square from Monday is it still interworking with the 74?
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 02, 2016, 02:45:31 PM
Presumably more cost cutting reducing Stafford to an outstation, anyone reckon ultimately Stafford will be closed or vehicles based there reduced in number and then buses work in from Cannock?
Stafford already is an outstation.
Are any of staffords darts moving to Cannock or are they staying put
Quote from: Bob on January 03, 2016, 11:45:43 AM
Are any of staffords darts moving to Cannock or are they staying put
P12 transfers on the mainpage.
Quote from: Bob on January 02, 2016, 09:06:10 PM
Considering loads of stuff is going back to largely what it used to be begs the question what we're they thinking of when they thought up the network review? Just noticed the 75 is terminated at gaol square from Monday is it still interworking with the 74?
Nope there running alone now
Are the deckers for 74 & 75 singles? Well according to the transfers, if everything on there has gone to Cannock what's left at Stafford? It says all the pulsars and looking at it almost all darts or all of them even have transferred?
oh ffs not 2289 back on cannocks streets.... what a nail!!
Quote from: Bob on January 03, 2016, 05:16:55 PM
Are the deckers for 74 & 75 singles? Well according to the transfers, if everything on there has gone to Cannock what's left at Stafford? It says all the pulsars and looking at it almost all darts or all of them even have transferred?
Cannock are only having the pulsars back
well there was a fj55 dart on layby at cannock today
Quote from: ntw456 on January 03, 2016, 11:31:41 PM
Cannock are only having the pulsars back
Cannock and Stafford now have a single fleet.
Single Fleet?
Does that mean there's the possibility of some of the darts being used in cannock?
Bobs favourite 2736 BU03HRK was on Pye Green today
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 04, 2016, 08:59:22 PM
Bobs favourite 2736 BU03HRK was on Pye Green today
best route for I, fit in with the surroundings looool
Optare Versa on route 19/20/21 today what a waste also running late
Just walking through Penkridge as you do and clocked 3726, now the side and rear blind showed '75E' however the front was slightly unusual as it had 'VCODE375E Cannock via Penkridge & Huntington'
Is this a programming fault?
2274 noted on 70 this morning and 3797 on 62
If 2704 is a Cannock vehicle, Ive spotted it broken down opposite the redevelopment of Bloxwich Leisure Centre about half an hour ago!
Quote from: Westy on January 13, 2016, 06:16:05 PM
If 2704 is a Cannock vehicle, Ive spotted it broken down opposite the redevelopment of Bloxwich Leisure Centre about half an hour ago!
Wednesfield Vehicle
not far from home, could be the 8A?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 13, 2016, 08:07:23 PM
not far from home, could be the 8A?
What does the 8a vehicle come off from?
35A i think
Are the 61 plate pulsars no longer exclusively for the Lichfield services? Seem to be all over the place, 70s, that outer cannock circular ( I'd put money on that being their next flop failure ), 75. ....
@Bob the outer cannock circulars are the next routes to go sapphire lol
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 16, 2016, 09:42:58 PM
@Bob the outer cannock circulars are the next routes to go sapphire lol
A Sapphire MPD would look good to be fair.
A sapphire MPD? A non threadbare example at cannock or Stafford would be a start have you seen FK52 MML ' interior? ??
Yes I have seen all these threadbare interiors. But I do and don't see the issue as even these slightly worn seats are still comfortable enough. But was it not mentioned that BN and his team would be sorting out a few repaints/refurbs this year. First and NX do have some examples that are worse though.
I know its a Centro contract, but I cannot see the point of the 2 coming down Somerfield Road then turning left into Leamore Lane to go onto Bloxwich Road when there is no bus stops on Leamore Lane(in fact due to the positioning of the bus stops in that area, you actually lose 2 stops on the 2 anyway!) plus there is normally a queue at the traffic lights to turn right from Leamore Lane to Bloxwich Road.
Surely they should come down Somerfield Road, turn right at Kfc onto the other Leamore Lane & go into Walsall via Beechdale?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 17, 2016, 10:55:51 AM
Yes I hrefurbishingaveese threadbare interiors. But I do and don't see the issue as even these slightly worn seats are still comfortable enough. But was it not mentioned that BN and his team would be sorting out a few repaints/refurbs this year. First and NX do have some examples that are worse though.
Have Have you seen BU03HRK Interior? Much worse than anything nx have...also nx are refurbishing 56/57 plates etc...Arriva are running 14 year old threadbare heaps. One of the Stafford darts ( I'd say KWJ) Was so repugnant inside that a passenger put a pic of the seat on their fb page!
Quote from: Bob on January 17, 2016, 01:43:25 PM
Have Have you seen BU03HRK Interior? Much worse than anything nx have...also nx are refurbishing 56/57 plates etc...Arriva are running 14 year old threadbare heaps. One of the Stafford darts ( I'd say KWJ) Was so repugnant inside that a passenger put a pic of the seat on their fb page!
Like I said I've used all these Darts and DAF's you refer to. I think its all abit over the top. Some are flat yes but most as I said are comfortable enough. The only one that I wasn't impressed with was 3706 at Burton. NX may have an ongoing refurb programme but many of the ALX's in Birmingham are cold, rock hard and crusty and this is the same opinion I had of many deckers prior to being refurbed.
BU03 HRK is not only threadbare mate but stinking....All the others were refurbished a couple if years ago but it's telling that the only one that stayed at cannock weren't!
Quote from: Bob on January 17, 2016, 03:31:15 PM
BU03 HRK is not only threadbare mate but stinking....All the others were refurbished a couple if years ago but it's telling that the only one that stayed at cannock weren't!
I cant say I've ever smelt a seat squab before. But its a bus, it carries passengers so it will smell abit fusty.
Neither have I. ..The smell is apparent when you walk on the bus
Just saw that 3793 has been de branded anyone know why?
Maybe they need a spare pulsar for Lixhfields/825
@Bob just heard they are been transfered elswhere
Maybe they're getting new buses for the pye greens then
There getting some 57 plate not sure what type though
If its from another garage it'll either be the knackered ex Stafford ones or the Centros. ..nice upgrade lol
Hopefully it'll be Centros!
There from derby i think
Quote from: ntw456 on January 23, 2016, 07:01:29 PM
There from derby i think
Derby don't have any 57 plate single deckers.
Possibly some of the Omnilinks from there?
Quote from: 2206 on January 23, 2016, 07:06:18 PM
Derby don't have any 57 plate single deckers.
Possibly some of the Omnilinks from there?
They're K230UB/CN94UB OmniCities that Derby have. Wouldn't mind the older ones if this talk is true.
Quote from: Bob on January 23, 2016, 06:35:12 PM
If its from another garage it'll either be the knackered ex Stafford ones or the Centros. ..nice upgrade lol
Those 57 plates are hardly knackered. They're abit untidy is the reply I'm expecting from you. In which case, wowew. Dont knock good buses!
I hope it is true i wouldnt mind driving them tbh
Quote from: ntw456 on January 23, 2016, 04:06:21 PM
Just saw that 3793 has been de branded anyone know why?
All the pye greens are being debranded.
Are they staying on at CK?
Just surprising and interesting that newer investment seems to be going out of Cannock and Wednesfield, Cannock is crying out for MAX upgrades on some of the longer interurban routes, if it was in the North East/Yorkshire division there would be several routes already branded and promoted as such, 70, 60 and others, Sapphire is good for routes already paying well as per the 110 but for less successful routes like the 1/2 (notable Arriva have never published figures /celebrated the anniversary of the upgrade like the 110 which would suggest it hasn't been particularly successful).
Potentially the Sapphire conversion increasing costs not matched by revenue increases then forced them to slash back/redeploy assets. So then any benefit from the new buses is eroded by the slashed frequencies so not a lot of growth.
MAX on the other hand incorporates less high tech but still very noticeable improvements for the passenger for routes that could never, although profitable, make Sapphire pay. Then perhaps when patronage increases, as it has hugely on some NE routes, they can subsequently be upgraded to Sapphire!
I'm not slating Arriva or Arriva Midlands before anyone suggests that I am, Arriva across the board are at the cutting edge of the industry in too many initiatives to name, App, Live Tracker, M Tickets, route upgrades etc etc. I just think they should use initiatives from other divisions, share ideas to improve the overall business and also be cautious about excessive route changing, keep your strength of an established network passengers understand, then when any competition starts hold your ground and passengers will appreciate you are the established choice and create some brand loyalty.
I agree with you
@DiamondDart, the midlands is crying out for max. I have been on these max services in west yorkshire and it shows that when Arriva invests in an area it works out i.e. 110 from Wakefield to Leeds 2014 they were operated by Geminis, always busy and now its sapphire e400s and its better than ever. I rode on a max 261 wakey to dewsbury and it was comfortable and nice buses.
Quote from: ntw456 on January 23, 2016, 07:18:38 PM
I hope it is true i wouldnt mind driving them tbh
If not the Scanias then the only other one I can think of is transferring Leicesters B7RLE's. These wouldn't have issues on the 825 whereas a Scania might.
I think the only 57 plate buses in the midlands are the centros unless they plan to cascade some in from the shires
Quote from: LG on January 24, 2016, 12:30:18 AM
I think the only 57 plate buses in the midlands are the centros unless they plan to cascade some in from the shires
3727-3731 are also 57 plates and are at Oswestry, so still in the Midlands fleet.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 23, 2016, 08:06:57 PM
Just surprising and interesting that newer investment seems to be going out of Cannock and Wednesfield, Cannock is crying out for MAX upgrades on some of the longer interurban routes, if it was in the North East/Yorkshire division there would be several routes already branded and promoted as such, 70, 60 and others, Sapphire is good for routes already paying well as per the 110 but for less successful routes like the 1/2 (notable Arriva have never published figures /celebrated the anniversary of the upgrade like the 110 which would suggest it hasn't been particularly successful).
Potentially the Sapphire conversion increasing costs not matched by revenue increases then forced them to slash back/redeploy assets. So then any benefit from the new buses is eroded by the slashed frequencies so not a lot of growth.
MAX on the other hand incorporates less high tech but still very noticeable improvements for the passenger for routes that could never, although profitable, make Sapphire pay. Then perhaps when patronage increases, as it has hugely on some NE routes, they can subsequently be upgraded to Sapphire!
One idea would be to give the 06 plate Commanders at Cannock a good refurb, leather seat covers and something similar to the MAX livery, and promotes the MAX brand in the Midlands. Just my thoughts
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 23, 2016, 07:10:11 PM
They're K230UB/CN94UB OmniCities that Derby have. Wouldn't mind the older ones if this talk is true.
Those 57 plates are hardly knackered. They're abit untidy is the reply I'm expecting from you. In which case, wowew. Dont knock good buses!
Theyre not good buses. Theyre cheap lightweight vehicle's and after years of hard work on the staffords look and sound knackered! Compare them to nx's 56 plate B7RLE. .still smooth..smart etc..These have never even had a repaint or re trim!
Quote from: Alex on January 24, 2016, 10:11:09 AM
3727-3731 are also 57 plates and are at Oswestry, so still in the Midlands fleet.
One idea would be to give the 06 plate Commanders at Cannock a good refurb, leather seat covers and something similar to the MAX livery, and promotes the MAX brand in the Midlands. Just my thoughts
For use on which routes?
If this is true about the 7 63 plate pulsars transferring out, why would they be moving some of Cannocks newer /better buses away?
Quote from: Alex on January 24, 2016, 10:11:09 AM
3727-3731 are also 57 plates and are at Oswestry, so still in the Midlands fleet.
One idea would be to give the 06 plate Commanders at Cannock a good refurb, leather seat covers and something similar to the MAX livery, and promotes the MAX brand in the Midlands. Just my thoughts
Those Pulsars at Oswestry are mint now!
Pulsar 2 3797 is on the Tame Bridge Parkway-Rugeley Trent Valley Rail Replacement today.
Quote from: BN on January 24, 2016, 11:04:10 AM
Those Pulsars at Oswestry are mint now!
Mint? what have they had done to them then?
Quote from: Bob on January 24, 2016, 10:57:55 AM
Theyre not good buses. Theyre cheap lightweight vehicle's and after years of hard work on the staffords look and sound knackered! Compare them to nx's 56 plate B7RLE. .still smooth..smart etc..These have never even had a repaint or re trim!
Some of those are threadbare and caped in etching. So no comparison when every OS bus is immaculate, rapid, comfy and worth the trek now and again.
Immaculate? ? Have they been repainted and refurbished then? Cos when they left Cannock the seats stank a d one was so bad it had turned turquoise!
Quote from: Bob on January 24, 2016, 11:38:59 AM
Immaculate? ? Have they been repainted and refurbished then? Cos when they left Cannock the seats stank a d one was so bad it had turned turquoise!
What is your obsession with sniffing seats?
Quote from: 646 on January 24, 2016, 12:55:45 PM
What is your obsession with sniffing seats?
Oswestry seem to put a lot of heart into there vehicles, there buch of 63 reg's still look showroom.
Quote from: Bob on January 24, 2016, 10:59:56 AM
For use on which routes?
Possibly the 70, or the 60 (if it doesn't interwork with anything)
Quote from: BN on January 24, 2016, 01:04:14 PM
Oswestry seem to put a lot of heart into there vehicles, there buch of 63 reg's still look showroom.
They do. Given the terrain of the area, it's impressive. Like I said, worth the trek!
Another idea I've had is that maybe Cannock are losing all their Pulsars to Burton and Leicester in exchange for more Commanders and a new vehicle type. Either that or the Pulsars are just being shuffled around. But I'll leave that for you to reveal at the time BN.
Quote from: 646 on January 24, 2016, 12:55:45 PM
What is your obsession with sniffing seats?
Sniffing em? I haven't lol you could smell the musty Ness when you sat down
Quote from: BN on January 24, 2016, 01:04:14 PM
Oswestry seem to put a lot of heart into there vehicles, there buch of 63 reg's still look showroom.
It's a pity Cannock obviously don't. ..
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 24, 2016, 01:10:46 PM
They do. Given the terrain of the area, it's impressive. Like I said, worth the trek!
Another idea I've had is that maybe Cannock are losing all their Pulsars to Burton and Leicester in exchange for more Commanders and a new vehicle type. Either that or the Pulsars are just being shuffled around. But I'll leave that for you to reveal at the time BN.
Do we know they're definitely leaving though? Maybe they're just being De branded so they can be used on anything.
Ive heard all the 63 plate pulsars are going and also heard a whisper the 4 deckers are off to Thurmaston
Quote from: LG on January 24, 2016, 08:47:47 PM
Ive heard all the 63 plate pulsars are going and also heard a whisper the 4 deckers are off to Thurmaston
Are newer buses being moved out of Cannock & replaced with older vehicles to cut costs?
Quote from: Winston on January 24, 2016, 08:52:18 PM
Are newer buses being moved out of Cannock & replaced with older vehicles to cut costs?
A friend of mine who works there says its something to do with depreciation value of the buses
Does it basically mean Cannock is an unprofitable basket case????
Quote from: LG on January 24, 2016, 09:16:38 PM
A friend of mine who works there says its something to do with depreciation value of the buses
That's where I was coming from, switching newer vehicles with older ones to reduce depreciation costs.
Operations that make lower profit margins can generally only support the operation of older buses to maintain profitability, to cover the depreciation on newer buses profit levels would need to be much higher.
Quote from: Winston on January 24, 2016, 09:26:06 PM
That's where I was coming from, switching newer vehicles with older ones to reduce depreciation costs.
Operations that make lower profit margins can generally only support the operation of older buses to maintain profitability, to cover the depreciation on newer buses profit levels would need to be much higher.
I obviously dont know anything about profits etc but its what I have heard. I can see them making a loss at Cannock but if its to do with bus value I can see the reasons for moving then around
The problem is though Cannock absolutely can't maintain their vehicles properly...The deckers break down all the time it's crazy. Also the constant messing with the network. ..Who on earth does a total network review that's so badly thought out as Cannocks was then changes it back? The constant failure of any new routes etc....Why don't they just get rid?
I'm sure there are good, sound business reasons for moving buses around. For example, now there's 3 bph between Stafford and Cannock, I'd doubt there's a need for any deckers on there now, although I'd expect the corridor will revert to 2 bph now Social are withdrawing. It removes a type at Cannock and provides further replacements for DAF deckers in Leicester that are approaching/have approached Withdrawal.
The SB200's could be swapped for older refurbed examples if high depreciation costings are damaging Cannock's viability/margin. If it's a case of do that and bring in refurbished older buses that from a passenger's point of view are largely the same, as opposed to chopping the less viable routes then I know which option most people would prefer.
Unless it's similar to when newer buses were latterly taken out of Wardles prior to sale?
As I say Cannock can't maintain their buses. remember what happened last time they had old buses as the main stayof the ffleet? Breakdown after breakdown after breakdown. Also if the staffords go back to two per hour the deckers are most definitely needed! That's what they were put on there for, loadings issues...unless even those lucrative routes have suffered a drop in patronage as well. It's a very unstable network though, if you were a Cannock to Wolves passenger for example you wouldn't know where you were from one month to the next!
Quote from: Bob on January 24, 2016, 10:02:16 PM
As I say Cannock can't maintain their buses. remember what happened last time they had old buses as the main stayof the ffleet? Breakdown after breakdown after breakdown. Also if the staffords go back to two per hour the deckers are most definitely needed! That's what they were put on there for, loadings issues...unless even those lucrative routes have suffered a drop in patronage as well. It's a very unstable network though, if you were a Cannock to Wolves passenger for example you wouldn't know where you were from one month to the next!
Hopefully there'll be a period of stability now, a lot of the controversial and unpopular changes have gone now!
I doubt it. Lol. I wonder if the Streetlites would be next on the list to go....
So if 7 pulsars leave, 4 deckers wonder what's coming in? Maybe the 58 plate volvox from Thurmaston?
That'd be alright they'd beat a Pulsar up Bradbury lane without much effort lol
4 B9TL's swapped for 4 B7TL's
7 Pulsars for 7 B7RLE's.
Or you could go the whole hog and swap the 61 plate Pulsars with all of Burtons Commanders. Again BN I'm sure will reveal all.
Thing to remember with Staffordshire, places like Cannock, Lichfield, Stafford. Most people have cars, everybody passes their test in their teens and your passenger base is the old and young with fewer and fewer in between. Which is why the route network is half of what it was even only two years ago.
I totally disagree with coments about breakdowns, Cannocks come leaps and bounds on that front and Bob's most hated Darts just tootle around Stafford. Miss the B10BLE's though.
Leaps and bounds? That's my point....They had a decent sized injection of new buses..lost two Streetlites already... ( not necessarily a bad thing ) & now they are losing all of their 63 plates. I stand by what I said about the deckers they're forever breaking down and are only 8 years old! But imagine what it'll be like with a fleet of older buses...and you say leaps and bounds well it should never have been allowed to degenerate into that in the first place. As for everyone in cannock owning a car etc? Are you aware that Cannock is the most deprived area in the whole county of Staffordshire? its pretty much in line with Walsall etc for poverty levels and so on, it's a completely different kettle of fish to Stafford & Lichfield!
Can't see Cannock getting B7TLs either. I think if deckers go they won't be replaced and the 74 will just go back to overcrowded single deckers at peak times again. Wouldn't make that much difference really cos they can't get it together to get the deckers on there all the time and stupidly have no spares for a deckered route. ...
I agree
@Bob about the deckers, it's a rarity to see all 4 out on 74, I have a theory,
3717/18-Burton
3792-97-Thurmaston
4201-4- Thurmaston
3900-3913-Cannock
Just s thought, could be wrong but as
@Ashley 60171 said, BN will reveal all as and when
Were getting the 39** from thurmaston and loosing the deckers
When?
3900-3913 will be transferring to Cannock.
Quote from: BN on January 25, 2016, 07:09:26 PM
3900-3913 will be transferring to Cannock.
Keep Bob happy, proper heavyweight buses at Cannock
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2016, 07:22:38 PM
Keep Bob happy, proper heavyweight buses at Cannock
Nice buses. I would sooner have these than the pulsars
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2016, 07:22:38 PM
Keep Bob happy, proper heavyweight buses at Cannock
As long as the seats don't smell and are retrimmed, not threadbare :P
As all 14 Volvo's are transferring into Cannock, and there are only 7 '63' plate VDLs leaving, what other 7 buses would replace the B7RLEs in Leicester? (Are the deckers still leaving also?)
Quote from: John on January 25, 2016, 08:34:36 PM
As all 14 Volvo's are transferring into Cannock, and there are only 7 '63' plate VDLs leaving, what other 7 buses would replace the B7RLEs in Leicester? (Are the deckers still leaving also?)
Yes the deckers are leaving aswell
certainly better than any pulsar, what will they use on the staffords though? Has it been deemed that deckers are not needed?
Are 7 streetlites from Thurmaston heading for Cannock aswell
Quote from: leepenfold30 on January 25, 2016, 09:25:54 PM
Are 7 streetlites from Thurmaston heading for Cannock aswell
I hope not
Quote from: ntw456 on January 25, 2016, 09:58:08 PM
I hope not
Seconded! Why would they be transferred to Cannock
Quote from: leepenfold30 on January 25, 2016, 09:25:54 PM
Are 7 streetlites from Thurmaston heading for Cannock aswell
Would have thought Telford if they were going anywhere for Pulsar's.
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2016, 07:22:38 PM
Keep Bob happy, proper heavyweight buses at Cannock
Keep?!
To be fair I'm surprised those weren't grouped at Cannock in the first place. They are probably quite high mileage now and need a rest.
Anyone know when the transfer will take place? I wonder if Cannock will be able to look after them or allow them to turn into unreliable sheds like the deckers and B10s were
Worked it out
6 on PG
6 on 74/75
2 spare
That's assuming they allocate them that way. They could just be mixed around the routes. anything and everything goes on staffords/wolves etc and they're transferring out buses bought specifically for the pye greens so it'll prob just go back to what it was before. Tbf mpds and cadets have enough seats for pye greens
If I remember they are in old livery, used to be on 158 before the streetlites came
Yea we got 1 to Leicester n you hated em lol
I suppose those buses, we'll see again when they're old & knackered?
Why cant Cannock keep some decent buses for a change?
It's obviously not makin enough money to justify even a few pulsars lol
All B9's will be leaving Cannock for Wigston within the next fortnight.
Happy overcrowding at peak times on the 74 then...especially if they cut it back to hourly
SG i thought 4201-4204 were going to Thurmaston now they going to Wigston instead
When do you think Vovlo eclipses will arrive at Cannock from Thurmaston
Quote from: leepenfold30 on January 27, 2016, 04:56:55 PM
SG i thought 4201-4204 were going to Thurmaston now they going to Wigston instead
When do you think Vovlo eclipses will arrive at Cannock from Thurmaston
4201-4 are going to Wigston aswell as 4200 from Tamworth to replace the remaining Lowlanders
Is Cannock likely to get any more deckers in future?
Quote from: SG on January 27, 2016, 06:01:52 PM
4201-4 are going to Wigston aswell as 4200 from Tamworth to replace the remaining Lowlanders
They may be able to replace some Lowlanders but there are significantly more than 5 left at Wigston?!
Fingers crossed Arriva bring in some B7TL/Geminis from London as is happening at other divisions, they really look the part when refurbished and passengers would certainly not guess they've a hard career in London behind them!
Surely the lowlanders could replace older alx409's dafs?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 26, 2016, 06:21:49 PM
If I remember they are in old livery, used to be on 158 before the streetlites came
There is one, 3910, in the new livery
Quote from: leepenfold30 on January 25, 2016, 09:25:54 PM
Are 7 streetlites from Thurmaston heading for Cannock aswell
No.
Quote from: SG on January 27, 2016, 06:01:52 PM
4201-4 are going to Wigston aswell as 4200 from Tamworth to replace the remaining Lowlanders
4201-4 are due at Thurmaston.
Considering they were transferred for a reason can cannock expect any more deckers?
Have the deckers left yet?
Quote from: Bob on January 30, 2016, 11:54:32 AM
Have the deckers left yet?
Not yet mate, 1 on loan at Tamworth and 1 for MOT.
Quote from: Bob on January 29, 2016, 07:05:22 AM
Considering they were transferred for a reason can cannock expect any more deckers?
Sorry Bob, havent got that answer.
Quote from: andyallen4014 on January 28, 2016, 03:13:51 PM
There is one, 3910, in the new livery
They will all be repainted before entering service at Cannock I believe.
Quote from: BN on January 30, 2016, 02:51:17 PM
They will all be repainted before entering service at Cannock I believe.
Branded maybe
FL63 DWV Now also deranged. Have all the deckers gone now or are any still in use? Anyone got any idea how long it will be before Cannocks fleet gets drastically improved with the B7RLE?
Quote from: Bob on February 02, 2016, 05:45:37 PM
FL63 DWV Now also deranged. Have all the deckers gone now or are any still in use? Anyone got any idea how long it will be before Cannocks fleet gets drastically improved with the B7RLE?
2 deckers seen at lunchtime in Stafford, 4203 one of them.
That should say De branded lol
BU51 KWL was on 21 today. Back in Cannock permanent?
Quote from: Cheese on February 02, 2016, 05:48:05 PM
2 deckers seen at lunchtime in Stafford, 4203 one of them.
And 4201 still on the Pye Greens
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/4201.html
Saw two deckers today the pye greens one and 74. Both in Cannock bus station. The 75 leaves not long before a 74 now and always seems very lightly loaded. Can't imagine them keeping to the existing timetables once social have finished and if they cut it to one 74 & one 75 again there'll be the loading problems they had before with no deckers! Crazy
And if they don't have the loading problems then it'll be cos ridership has declined. Doesn't bode well that Cannock can't even afford to keep 7 specifically purchased for a route 63 plates on the road at the garage they were purchasedfor does it?
I wonder what they'll dispose of next?
You do know that the decision to move buses out of a depot is not down to local managers. This matter is dealt with my more senior managers.
Yea of course but presumably they've got facts and figures to work with?
Quote from: LG on February 05, 2016, 10:15:25 PM
You do know that the decision to move buses out of a depot is not down to local managers. This matter is dealt with my more senior managers.
Isn't it?
I didn't see the decker on there, I noted 2743 cadet and 37** commander
decker on both 74/75 today. Both left Cannock with about 4 passengers. Must be the rain!
feel sorry for route 61 passengers this afternoon, the 2.03 from lichfield either didn't run or was over 30 mins late andthe 3.03 has broken down. .....aaccording to driver
Quote from: Bob on February 06, 2016, 03:22:21 PM
feel sorry for route 61 passengers this afternoon, the 2.03 from lichfield either didn't run or was over 30 mins late andthe 3.03 has broken down. .....aaccording to driver
I've just been hanging around Rugeley Trent Valley because the 15:15 rail replacement bus didn't run after an Arriva Cadet decided to make the car park nice and slippy by depositing its diesel all over the car park. Lovely multi coloured oil patterns everywhere now!
At least the 15:33 was a nice reliable 15 plate E200 from Central Buses
Quote from: Tony on February 06, 2016, 04:40:48 PM
I've just been hanging around Rugeley Trent Valley because the 15:15 rail replacement bus didn't run after an Arriva Cadet decided to make the car park nice and slippy by depositing its diesel all over the car park. Lovely multi coloured oil patterns everywhere now!
At least the 15:33 was a nice reliable 15 plate E200 from Central Buses
I can see why London Midland continually use Central Buses, quality, quality, quality summarises everything they put their name to...
I caught the rail bus the other sat on way in it was a smart leather seated midland classic e200 coming back it was Wednesfield garages Commander, threadbare and also filthy inside, wasn't really a good image for arriva
PD0000478/194 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Variation Accepted: Operating between CANNOCK BUS STATION and STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY given service number 75/74/75E effective from 02-Apr-2016. To amend Route and Start & Finish Point.
So looks like they will keep the half hour timetable when Social Travel dissapear
Yea for now....They tried it with the 74A a couple of years ago. Soon reverted back to hourly. Atm you've got 75 leaving almost empty....and I wouldnt imagine the Penkridge market is that busy....
has 3704 transferred to Stafford? Was operating on the 8 today could hear it a mile off
Quote from: Bob on February 12, 2016, 09:39:19 PM
has 3704 transferred to Stafford? Was operating on the 8 today could hear it a mile off
No, Cannock and Stafford are now one with no fleet separation.
Ok is this particular bus operating from the Stafford outstation?
Stands a chance if you heard it a mile off on service 8.
I 3720 was there last week on the 9
Anyone know when the volvos will arrive yet?
The first one should be with you now, 3902 left Thurmaston this morning, 4201 now in service there as replacement.
4202 has also arrived at Thurmaston with 3912 going to Cannock in exchange.
Hopefully the pulsars will leave as soon as then
3902 was on the 1/2 this morning
Seen it parked in bus stn about 1.30. Maybe the Sapphire buses will go who knows
Cannock waiting on 3900 3901 3903 3904 3905 3906 3907 3908 3909 3910 3911 3913 to arrive
2 arrived 11 to come
Is 4203 4204 left Cannock for Thurmaston
It looks like 13 in & 13 out
The pulsars and deckers only add up to 11
Quote from: ntw456 on February 13, 2016, 01:33:42 PM
3902 was on the 1/2 this morning
Must have been the one I saw in Bloxwich this morning.
If it wasn't for the Sapphires, I'd would've said put a permanent allocation of these on the 1 & 2, to match Nx & Diamond on the Bloxwich to Walsall corridor.
(Before anyone says, I know NX & Diamond are not permanent B7LRE on that particular corridor!)
Quote from: Bob on February 13, 2016, 05:32:18 PM
The pulsars and deckers only add up to 11
and there are 14 B7RLE 3900 - 3913
4 Double Deckers & 7 Pulsers for Thurmaston works out total of 11 is that correct
Is 4200 going to Thurmaston to Join 4201-4204
errm yea?....
Quote from: Bob on February 13, 2016, 05:32:18 PM
The pulsars and deckers only add up to 11
No they add up to 14.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on February 13, 2016, 07:43:12 PM
4 Double Deckers & 7 Pulsers for Thurmaston works out total of 11 is that correct
Is 4200 going to Thurmaston to Join 4201-4204
Its 4 DD's and 10 Pulsars.
Quote from: BN on February 13, 2016, 08:37:08 PM
Its 4 DD's and 10 Pulsars.
Are some of 3756 - 3766 going to Thurmaston?
Quote from: leepenfold30 on February 13, 2016, 07:43:12 PM
Is 4200 going to Thurmaston to Join 4201-4204
4200 will be leaving the Tamworth fleet at some point for either Thurmaston or Wigston, I was told it would be Wigston, but seeing as the Cannock B9's are going to Thurmaston I'm not so sure what's happening now. When 4200 does leave Tamworth it'll be replaced by Omnicity 3552 from Derby.
If 3756-3766 go to Thurmaston these Pulsers have free wifi on them
Quote from: BN on February 13, 2016, 08:35:57 PM
No they add up to 14.
Apologies I meant the 63 plates plus the deckers, it wasn't originally mentioned that any other pulsars were Leicester bound
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2016, 02:25:48 AM
Apologies I meant the 63 plates plus the deckers, it wasn't originally mentioned that any other pulsars were Leicester bound
Thats ok mate, there are 3 61 reg Pulsars to make up the 14.
Wonder if the Volvo will venture on to the 60/825. Well suited I reckon
Maybe the remaining pulsars will be swapped for something else at some point
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2016, 10:12:24 AM
Maybe the remaining pulsars will be swapped for something else at some point
I don't fancy Versas at Cannock just yet mate.
Why Versa's? Could be swapped with Commanders as has been said before. Cannock has a large number of them. So for standardisation could make sense? Or for the Centros at Telford if transfer is based on age etc
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2016, 11:17:28 AM
Why Versa's? Could be swapped with Commanders as has been said before. Cannock has a large number of them. So for standardisation could make sense? Or for the Centros at Telford if transfer is based on age etc
Burton have more Commanders than Cannock will soon have in Pulsars. That would be a nicer thing. The Versa thing was a joke.
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2016, 10:10:55 AM
Wonder if the Volvo will venture on to the 60/825. Well suited I reckon
They cant as there too high for the brige by lamb and flag
3902 will be on late rail if anyones interested
Quote from: ntw456 on February 14, 2016, 01:32:18 PM
They cant as there too high for the brige by lamb and flag
looks like we'll see commanders & cadets on there regular then
https://youtu.be/0YVc2nET7s remember when I got slated for suggesting Streetlites were crap noisy jerky piles of crap? ...
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2016, 02:20:03 PM
looks like we'll see commanders & cadets on there regular then
Bus is a bus if it turns up no matter how crap, crusty, dirty, smelly, jerky, busy, empty, dopey, sleepy, sneezy, mick or titch or fun it may be.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on February 14, 2016, 04:37:22 PM
Bus is a bus if it turns up no matter how crap, crusty, dirty, smelly, jerky, busy, empty, dopey, sleepy, sneezy, mick or titch or fun it may be.
Didn't say it wasn't. I said we are likely to see Commanders and Cadets on there. Point being if the Volvos are too tall for the bridge........
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on February 14, 2016, 04:37:22 PM
Bus is a bus if it turns up no matter how crap, crusty, dirty, smelly, jerky, busy, empty, dopey, sleepy, sneezy, mick or titch or fun it may be.
yeah but if bus operaters want to get more people out of there cars & start useing public transport again they have to accept that people will not travel on old smelly buses when they can drive in there own car, I don't really understand why Arriva Cannock & Wednesfield have so much old tat. Arriva midlands operated service 62\A in Wolverhampton with old time expired darts belching our black smoke, NXWM have now got the contract & loadings on the buses I see are getting a bit better, if NXWM can do it why not Arriva. Have seen a enviro 400 plattenum parked up in the layby outside Cannock bus station wouldn't it be good if NXWM decided to show Arriva how its really done.
platinum run three times AM & Twice PM from & to cannock
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2016, 07:08:55 PM
platinum run three times AM & Twice PM from & to cannock
What i think he is trying to say is if the X51 was extended every hour to cannock would that make an impact on passengers numbers. Put a nice vehicle on a route and passengers will start using them more
Oh yea definitely. I meant the platinum parked up might have been on of the cannock trips. Yes hopefully they might run it more often
just what I meant Chris & Bob it was about 1.00pm on a weekday so not one of the peak journeys, as somebody has stated on the NXWM page. NXWM plan to extend plattenum services this year so never say never
Anybody looking, 3912 is on 74 today
4203 now at Thurmaston, i think 3909 is the one for Cannock but confirmation would be useful.
Quote from: woody38 on February 14, 2016, 06:28:18 PM
yeah but if bus operaters want to get more people out of there cars & start useing public transport again they have to accept that people will not travel on old smelly buses when they can drive in there own car, I don't really understand why Arriva Cannock & Wednesfield have so much old tat. Arriva midlands operated service 62\A in Wolverhampton with old time expired darts belching our black smoke, NXWM have now got the contract & loadings on the buses I see are getting a bit better, if NXWM can do it why not Arriva. Have seen a enviro 400 plattenum parked up in the layby outside Cannock bus station wouldn't it be good if NXWM decided to show Arriva how its really done.
I wouldn't get too carried away when it comes to NX. They still have copious amounts of tat, it just depends where you're unfortunate enough to be positioned. If you live along the 67 route they have downgraded the allocation twice in the last 2 years and you are now treated to never refurbished since day one 51 plate ALX Volvos that most independent operators would be ashamed of. I bet they wouldn't park one of those outside Cannock Bus Station.
Quote from: andy41 on February 16, 2016, 10:22:13 AM
I wouldn't get too carried away when it comes to NX. They still have copious amounts of tat, it just depends where you're unfortunate enough to be positioned. If you live along the 67 route they have downgraded the allocation twice in the last 2 years and you are now treated to never refurbished since day one 51 plate ALX Volvos that most independent operators would be ashamed of. I bet they wouldn't park one of those outside Cannock Bus Station.
Only been downgraded once!
Irony is the bendy buses had to come off because of SQPS (Q=Quality) rules in the city centre which they don't meet, but the 42xx do at the moment!
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2016, 10:28:34 AM
Only been downgraded once!
Irony is the bendy buses had to come off because of SQPS (Q=Quality) rules in the city centre which they don't meet, but the 42xx do at the moment!
Tony I think that says more about the rules than the buses. The second downgrade I refer to is that originally when the bendys came off they were replaced mainly by refurbished 03 plate Geminis but now it's all 42xx junk as most of the refurbished 42xx appear to have found their way to WB. I know I'm never going to get you to slate your own employer, that's a given. But I know you get out and about so you must know what a decrepit state the likes of 4279 are truly in. I think a company of the stature of NX should be past this crap by now don't you? The 67 is a busy route with paying passengers that deserve better. It is a scandal that hundreds of thousands of public money was spent years ago to upgrade the service and infrastructure and now we have this.
If the Centro love in with their kerbside publicity tax wasn't in operation, competition would have arrived by now. But they have been very careful to ensure nobody can afford to compete in these parts anymore and so the status quo will continue while other operators have to look elsewhere.
Quote from: andy41 on February 16, 2016, 10:37:39 AM
Tony I think that says more about the rules than the buses. The second downgrade I refer to is that originally when the bendys came off they were replaced mainly by refurbished 03 plate Geminis but now it's all 42xx junk as most of the refurbished 42xx appear to have found their way to WB. I know I'm never going to get you to slate your own employer, that's a given. But I know you get out and about so you must know what a decrepit state the likes of 4279 are truly in. I think a company of the stature of NX should be past this crap by now don't you? The 67 is a busy route with paying passengers that deserve better. It is a scandal that hundreds of thousands of public money was spent years ago to upgrade the service and infrastructure and now we have this.
If the Centro love in with their kerbside publicity tax wasn't in operation, competition would have arrived by now. But they have been very careful to ensure nobody can afford to compete in these parts anymore and so the status quo will continue while other operators have to look elsewhere.
You say that, but an operator well known on here is just about to return to the 11A which will cost a lot more because of the number of the bus stops on the 11A compared to the 67
I quite like the alx400 Volvos, I think they look decent given their age
Quote from: Busman Jamie on February 16, 2016, 02:34:52 PM
I quite like the alx400 Volvos, I think they look decent given their age
They do, but there are about a dozen of them with tatty paintwork and worn interiors which is what Andy was referring to, they are not specific to the 67 and will turn up on any PB route that uses them, but they do not give a good impression
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2016, 02:40:42 PM
They do, but there are about a dozen of them with tatty paintwork and worn interiors which is what Andy was referring to, they are not specific to the 67 and will turn up on any PB route that uses them, but they do not give a good impression
4237 is by far the worse. It was the first (or second) B7TL repaint, and is now pink rather than red
Could say the same for Arriva Cannock, 74/75 upgraded with branded 57 plate buses bought specifically then a period with deckers has now been reduced to an anything goes route with 52 plate Commanders the 60/825 upgrades with 61 plate pulsars now often shitty cadets or commanders the 25/6 about to be downgraded from branded 63 plates to christ knows what. ..cadets already on there today ( a threadbare one)....
Quote from: Bob on February 16, 2016, 05:20:38 PM
Could say the same for Arriva Cannock, 74/75 upgraded with branded 57 plate buses bought specifically then a period with deckers has now been reduced to an anything goes route with 52 plate Commanders the 60/825 upgrades with 61 plate pulsars now often shitty cadets or commanders the 25/6 about to be downgraded from branded 63 plates to christ knows what. ..cadets already on there today ( a threadbare one)....
You do say the same, every few days.
04 plate cadet on Pg today, 3912 on 61 along with a couple of 61 plate pulsars and an LF02 cadet
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on February 16, 2016, 05:57:18 PM
You do say the same, every few days.
Yea and it's a fair point. I know you don't care what heap of junk turns up and yea you got a point about "a bus is only there to get you from A to B" & sure that's true and fine if you want to run a low rent tatty looking budget operator style network but it looks poor on the quality stakes and wouldn't really entice any new passengers. But absolutely fine if you want to 'manage the decline ' which it looks like what is happening. ..
Quote from: Busman Jamie on February 16, 2016, 06:14:05 PM
04 plate cadet on Pg today, 3912 on 61 along with a couple of 61 plate pulsars and an LF02 cadet
3912 was on the 74 1st thing this morning in Stafford
https://youtu.be/l8GzxD8IPbo
another example of the horrid jolt of these heaps that I repeatedly got told "doesn't happen" lol
Could of been 3902 I saw then or 3909
4204 arrived at Thurmaston yesterday.
3766 seen on A5 near Hinckley this morning heading for Leicester so presumably on its way to Thurmaston.
3906 at Ck today on 74
3905 now at Cannock.
3906 on 74 yesterday:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/81543024@N06/25019479411/
3902 and 3912 on 825s today
Quote from: ntw456 on February 19, 2016, 11:08:33 AM
3902 and 3912 on 825s today
Bridge not a problem then.
3798 is another transfer to Thurmaston.
At least 3 more should be moving tomorrow morning.
Well cannock looks awash with Volvos today...on one on the 74 now. Nice. About 100 times smoother and a lot quieter than any pulsar/commander. Sound similar to nx later examples. Are they intended for particular routes?
One of the 57 plate commanders was towed off by coach aid last night
Which one?
The repainted one. Was back out today on 74. Also FJ55 BWG is working from Cannock last couple of days. Transferred in or here for mot etc?
3741 and not too sure will try and find out in the morning
There was one of the 54 plate Stafford spd darts in cannock garage as well
That was more than likely 2370 that i brought back from stafford yesterday in exchange for 2379
Short term then at cannock?
Mot i think could be wrong, because its one fleet now they will be used at stafford or cannock just depends where there needed but all the engineering is done at cannock so they get ised if were desperate if that makes sense lol
Well BU51 KWL was on shoal hill circular last week so they must be desperate lol
Let's hope they look after the B7RLES cos Cannock and Volvo is usually a disaster. The Ex Leicester ALX300 & later Wright bodied B10BLE & the dockers became unreliable sheds although they shouldn't have been. Lol
3792,3794,3797 all arrived at Thurmaston yesterday.
3795 on its way to thurmaston
2748 just had to be towed from walsall
3796 still hanging on to the Pye Greens tonight!
3759 broke down in Stafford today by sainsbury with the hazards on for at least a couple of hours
Had to be towed back it lost all its air or something
That'd explain why the front end was drooped down
2988 was in Cannock today, loan?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on February 24, 2016, 09:34:32 PM
2988 was in Cannock today, loan?
2988 and 2989 are on loan to cover 3900-13 repaints.
Quote from: ntw456 on February 21, 2016, 08:51:28 AM
3795 on its way to thurmaston
Still at Cannock yesterday.
If any one is looking for 2988 it on the 70 seen in wolverhampton @ 8.50
Quote from: BN on February 24, 2016, 09:38:08 PM
2988 and 2989 are on loan to cover 3900-13 repaints.
Are they to be branded at all?
Cadet CX04 EHY broken down by wildwood in Stafford towards cannock at half 2.. .
The 74 is doing really well these days, 14 year old Commanders & 12 year old cadets which are nowhere near big enough. ...has it had an upgrade? Lol
3901 should be moving to Cannock today leaving 3903 as the last outstanding
Cannock now waiting on 3903 to come
2746 involved in an accident on Cannock Rd this morning.
Are any of the Volvos going to be retrimmed when sprayed up?
Quote from: Bob on March 06, 2016, 07:22:44 PM
Are any of the Volvos going to be retrimmed when sprayed up?
Sorry Bob, not sure but repaints are now underway.
All remaining Volvos are here now with 3903 here with 3764 going the other way.
Are they for any particular routes? There were at least two 61 plate pulsars on the pye Greens today so obviously the Volvos were elsewhere. Stafford Dart FJ55 BWD On the 70 today also
Quote from: Bob on March 09, 2016, 07:36:40 PM
Are they for any particular routes? There were at least two 61 plate pulsars on the pye Greens today so obviously the Volvos were elsewhere. Stafford Dart FJ55 BWD On the 70 today also
Bob, the PG was all Pulsar on Tuesday. Your old favourite 2290 was on the new nightmare to figure out 60 etc circuit too.
2290 great choice of bus for a route like that!?
Quote from: Bob on March 09, 2016, 08:49:02 PM
2290 great choice of bus for a route like that!?
I stood back. It's been nearly a year since they were on the 76 lates so I miss them a little.
They're a bit past it now mate. Much worse nick than Wednesfield 51 plates
2290 isn't that bad, only 1 to be painted and refurbished
Yea every other one in the batch is horrendous now
Worse 1 is 2289 BU51KWJ
BU51 KWL is in use on outer cannock circulars today uuuuuuuuurrrgh
3726 looks like another recent repaint noted in Stafford this morning
Quote from: tphi12000 on March 10, 2016, 10:29:55 AM
3726 looks like another recent repaint noted in Stafford this morning
There all being repainted
Anybody noticed the black bits round windows are only being done green abit
Quote from: ntw456 on March 10, 2016, 11:10:34 AM
There all being repainted
yes , that statement could also be used for the 39xx but still helps to have sightings recorded
Quote from: Busman Jamie on March 10, 2016, 12:01:45 PM
Anybody noticed the black bits round windows are only being done green abit
noted this morning that 3912 is in a hybrid livery with the skirts painted dark blue as per new livery , but the rest of the bus in old corporate.
3911 freshly painted on 1&2
Must be short of Streetshites lol. They should sack them off to elsewhere and use the Volvos on them permanently
Is there any hard copies of the January 2016 1 & 2 timetable leaflet in existance anywhere, as none have appeared in Walsall yet?
Quote from: Westy on March 10, 2016, 07:14:20 PM
Is there any hard copies of the January 2016 1 & 2 timetable leaflet in existance anywhere, as none have appeared in Walsall yet?
Picked one up in Cannock library on Saturday, was the last one though.
I thought Arriva came to some agreement with NWM Centro over stocking their own versions of certain timetable leaflets instead of NWM producing their own?
Doesn't seem to be working, does it?
2151 on Pg guessing it's a loan from Wednesfield
Quote from: Busman Jamie on March 11, 2016, 02:22:25 PM
2151 on Pg guessing it's a loan from Wednesfield
3704 is at wednesfield
Nice upgrade from the pulsars for pye Greens lol
2277 is also on Pg
Quote from: Busman Jamie on March 11, 2016, 04:08:34 PM
2277 is also on Pg
I mean I know that not even new pulsars could make them pay but MPDs? Lol
Quote from: ntw456 on March 11, 2016, 02:55:27 PM
3704 is at wednesfield
Should be swapped back tomorrow.
BU51 KWL on the 70.. the ideal choice for a long inter urban route..said no one ever
Quote from: Bob on March 12, 2016, 06:54:57 PM
BU51 KWL on the 70.. the ideal choice for a long inter urban route..said no one ever
Whatever people think about an E200, surely an NX example on the 154 is a lot better than what Arriva put on the 70?
It was Bf52 OAE on way back with gaps round rear emergency exit so bad that you could see outside and a weird hissing noise everytime it tried to accelerate and a knackered diff. Still it had a refurbished interior though so not totally awful. 57 plate sb200 onwards are a lot better 52 plates are far noisier and rough
Quote from: tphi12000 on March 10, 2016, 01:05:01 PM
noted this morning that 3912 is in a hybrid livery with the skirts painted dark blue as per new livery , but the rest of the bus in old corporate.
There were a few treated like this, 3901,3913 being others.
There was a newly repainted volvo in the bus station yesterday. Looked good
3910 or 11 unless more have been done
Quote from: Busman Jamie on March 13, 2016, 02:24:23 PM
3910 or 11 unless more have been done
There are 3 in paint at any one time until they are all done.
Are they going to get branding do you know?
Quote from: Bob on March 13, 2016, 04:28:06 PM
Are they going to get branding do you know?
Sorry Bob don't know.
Ah no problem. They seem to appear on most routes regularly apart from the 70. Where they're rare. Looks like the 70 must have had a decline in passenger numbers as it was always full sized businesses for years and now it's darts, mpd darts, versa and cadet in the main with the odd commander thrown in
The volys mainly appear on 74, 61/62/60/825
An old cadets and a Versa belching out black smoke on pye Greens today. Doing their bit for improving Arriva's image. They had a fanfare in Cannock when the new pulsars were launched, investment, improvement etc were the buzzwords. Maybe they should do a downgrade fanfare using " This is how s##t we really are" lol
Arriva Optare Versa YJ09OTW on rt3 dep 10:44 Walsall to Cannock
3909 is another repaint noted on the 825 this morning
YJ09MKC on rt3 left Walsall 9:44
Found a few photos of the former Pye Green buses 3792/3/4 working at their new home in Luton
3792: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lgeeography/25025872493/
3793: https://www.flickr.com/photos/134490856@N08/25178006560
3794: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebestintown/25912814305/
Tesco free bus broke down twice today
Quote from: Wright liberator on March 30, 2016, 09:54:18 AM
YJ09MKC on rt3 left Walsall 9:44
Was in front of me earlier spewing out loads of black smoke. A well maintained bus.
Quote from: ntw456 on March 30, 2016, 10:19:49 PM
Tesco free bus broke down twice today
What bus was it
2377 and 2274
Nice to see they've detailed forthcoming service changes ( end of this week?) On their Facebook so passengers are aware. ..not....
Quote from: ntw456 on March 31, 2016, 08:44:05 AM
2377 and 2274
2274 was still parked just up from Wolsley Bridges with the bonnet up at 630 this evening.
Its been on
Quote from: tphi12000 on March 31, 2016, 09:14:28 PM
2274 was still parked just up from Wolsley Bridges with the bonnet up at 630 this evening.
It's been on outer cannocks today and I've broke anther on in the form of 3719
Reliability slipping again lol....just when it was less s##t at cannock
Quote from: ntw456 on March 31, 2016, 09:17:43 PM
Its been on
It's been on outer cannocks today and I've broke anther on in the form of 3719
FJ06 ZTE? Why does that one permanently seem to be screaming and sound a lot more knackered than all the other ones from the batch
Quote from: Bob on April 02, 2016, 01:21:24 PM
FJ06 ZTE? Why does that one permanently seem to be screaming and sound a lot more knackered than all the other ones from the batch
Sounds better than the others. It broke down, it happens.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on April 02, 2016, 10:26:20 PM
Sounds better than the others. It broke down, it happens.
Sounds better? Are you insane lol?
Quote from: Bob on April 03, 2016, 01:20:51 AM
Sounds better? Are you insane lol?
Nope, louder the better.
It doesn't sound better though it sounds f####d. It was at Cannock for at least a year maybe more before the rest of the batch and has been by far the most unreliable. Rumour was that Cannock only got it cos it was knackered
2721 is reported transferred here in place of 3756.
Thats correct
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on April 06, 2016, 09:37:07 PM
2721 is reported transferred here in place of 3756.
Has that gone in addition to the other 61 plates?
Maybe they could convert the Cannock entire fleet to MPD darts and it would break even? Lol
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on April 06, 2016, 09:37:07 PM
2721 is reported transferred here in place of 3756.
Not quite, 3756 has gone to Telford due to a pvr decrease and 2721 is on loan to Cannock to help with Volvo repaints.
Why didnt we just keep 3756 then?
3908 is on the 1/2/2E today.
3912 broken down in Cannock bus station with engine flap up. Just out of interest what type of gearbox to these Volvos have fitted
Quote from: Bob on April 08, 2016, 11:56:29 AM
3912 broken down in Cannock bus station with engine flap up. Just out of interest what type of gearbox to these Volvos have fitted
I believe its a voith gearbox
Thought so although you can barely tell, almost silent compared to the ones on old B10BLE etc.
Dart from Stafford FJ55 BWD is running from Cannock again was on 74s yesterday and the 70 today
Quote from: Bob on April 08, 2016, 02:16:24 PM
Thought so although you can barely tell, almost silent compared to the ones on old B10BLE etc.
Dart from Stafford FJ55 BWD is running from Cannock again was on 74s yesterday and the 70 today
Just saw 2370 on tescos
BWD isn't too bad considering how hard it's been worked over 11 years
Looks like 3906 might be knackered too. Parked on delta way with hazards on with two arriva guys at it.
Quote from: Bob on April 08, 2016, 03:41:36 PM
2374 is also here
That should say 2376! I was on 2374 lol! 2378 is also here on 70.
Thought there was a pvr decrease? So unless four buses are in use elsewhere?
@Bob - What's wrong with 'Modifying' & 'Editing' your original post rather than quoting your own post?
Quote from: Bob on April 08, 2016, 04:07:33 PM
That should say 2376! I was on 2374 lol! 2378 is also here on 70.
Thought there was a pvr decrease? So unless four buses are in use elsewhere?
@Bob - What's wrong with 'Modifying' & 'Editing' your original post rather than quoting your own post?
Nothing is actually 'here' please remember Stafford don't have a fleet of buses anymore only Cannock does so anything can turn up anywhere.
Yes but those Darts normally run from the operating Base in Stafford and only on Stafford services
Are the 1 & 2/2E turning a profit now or will the Streetlites be the next vehicles Cannock can't afford to run....Lol
Quote from: Bob on April 10, 2016, 09:44:07 AM
Are the 1 & 2/2E turning a profit now or will the Streetlites be the next vehicles Cannock can't afford to run....Lol
As I've said to Arriva on their Facebook, why can't Cannock keep the newer vehicles, as the older ones will need replacing eventually.
National Express don't swop vehicles round for financial reasons, do they?
Maybe NX don't have garages that are as much of a basket case lol
The comparison between NX and Arriva rumbles on.
To put it simply, what groups of people use Cannock services mostly? What groups of people use NXWM buses? You answer that and you'll get why the pound signs don't flash as bright as they could do in these small towns. Doesn't matter who runs the buses, the demographic I doubt would change. So quit kicking Arriva for serving a high car ownership region.
Erm Cannock is the most deprived borough in Staffordshire so you'd expect bus usage to be reasonably high. They don't help by constantly messing with the services. What they did with the 1 & 2 was shocking . Almost everything from the network review last year was reversed after a couple of months. Not really a good way to run things. I would class it as an embarrassment that they launch new buses on pye greens with roadshows and councillors present etc then change them for knackered sheds 2 years later.
Are we allowed to do 'What if's ' on here still, because I bet some of us wouldn't mind doing a 'Nx takes over Arriva Cannock & Wednesfield operations' & have a crack at a fantasy network?
Even if we did it as a separate thread, to save messing up the existing threads?
@Westy - No problem with you devising your own Cannock Network, can you please create a seperate new thread, it you're going doing the fantasy NX takes over...... route place the thread in 'The Muster Room'
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?board=17.0
or if your proposing to re-design the Cannock / Wednesfield network without any fantasy takeovers put the thread in 'The General Discussions, Questions & Route Suggestions'
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?board=5.0
Winston
Quote from: Westy on April 11, 2016, 10:42:08 AM
Are we allowed to do 'What if's ' on here still, because I bet some of us wouldn't mind doing a 'Nx takes over Arriva Cannock & Wednesfield operations' & have a crack at a fantasy network?
Even if we did it as a separate thread, to save messing up the existing threads?
There is no problem with separate 'what if' threads. only thing I don't like is fantasy 'posted as fact' in the main threads
Fair enough.
I'll get my old route maps & timetables & have a think.
I very much doubt that any 'fantasy network' that anyone comes up with (based on their deep seated and never to be satisfied personal need for National Express to operate every bus in the UK) is anything that seasoned and experienced commercial teams throughout the industry would have already considered or tried if they thought there was any chance atall of it being viable.
Unfortunately the climate we are all in is that the current politicians don't care about local public transport, the local authorities (and more than anyone else Staffordshire) have less money to spend on it than ever, the demographic of bus users in the majority of the operating territory of the UK is not sufficiently profitable, and concessionary schemes and payments are being gradually reversed.
Coupled with the fact we are at the mercy of 4 or 5 heavyweight players with high profit margin requirements and the need to service their shareholders being paramount, you might as well get used to this mess.
As for NX conquering the world and starting its quest in a small market and former mining town in the middle of a forest, I'm pretty sure they'd have made their move by now so dream on.....
We can dream :)
Well Arriva don't seem to be able to make the depot pay so maybe someone else could?
following on from Tony's picture of 3904 re-painted , 3903 has also been so-treated noted this morning in Stafford
2373 FJ55BWC on 1/2 this afternoon
Fj55 bwc on the 1/2. Must be a s###elite short. Upgrade anyhow lol
Must of been typing at same time lol
Is that the thing with the curves?
Didnt they operate from Telford garage?
With the curves?
The old 825 darts, they did operate our of Telford before moving to Leicester
Quote from: Busman Jamie on April 13, 2016, 08:00:32 PM
The old 825 darts, they did operate our of Telford before moving to Leicester
A very shiny 3901 was on the 60 this morning, photo on the main site later
Despite the age difference these trounce pulsars on every level
Quote from: Tony on April 14, 2016, 08:38:17 PM
A very shiny 3901 was on the 60 this morning, photo on the main site later
I noticed on 3904's photo page it is listed as new to Thurmaston in 7/09, it was actually new to Southgates in 2008.
One of the 54 plate darts on the 3 yesterday. OTN I think. Although Stafford and Cannock are "one" now they're still separate sites in separate towns ten miles apart. What do they gain from constantly swapping buses between garages although Cannock would always lose out as Staffords ahem "fleet" is a lot older. Would hate to think what it's average vehicle age is. Would imagine Wednesfields is even worse
Considering what Wednesfield had in the Midland era, its an improvement, especially the A2Z vehicles!
Still more or less all over 14 years old lol
3902 is another repaint notes on A38 this morning at Lichfield
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 21, 2016, 06:59:04 AM
3902 is another repaint notes on A38 this morning at Lichfield
And out on the Pye Greens this afternoon looking very shiney
see
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3902.html
Makes a change from the usual tat allocated now
Nice threadbare not repainted since 2007 BU51 Kwm on pye greens wearing the long discontinued Chase Linx brand...classy
One of the very worst Darts in the fleet ( or anywhere in the UK lol) BU51 KWJ running from Cannock today. Surely it doesn't have long left?
3703 has had the advert taken off the back it's currently sat in the garage in the middle of being resprayed also there's 3 ex London decker sat in the yard for scrap
3718 blew it's engine earlier today as it pulled into Cannock bus station
Wasn't that one of the less s#####d examples too?
Yeah it was the nicest out of the 6 52 plate commanders
3704 still worst??
Seems almost all of the 54/55 plate darts are at cannock today at least 3 DP seat 55s one bus seated one and there's at least two 54 plates on 70
Not saw many ex London cadets about.....
Quote from: Bob on May 18, 2016, 03:48:51 PM
Seems almost all of the 54/55 plate darts are at cannock today at least 3 DP seat 55s one bus seated one and there's at least two 54 plates on 70
Never been on one of the 55 plate ones, are they nice vehicles?
They're ok. Bit rough. Had refurbished interiors though. 54 plates are a bit better. Sound completely different
Different as in most post 2002 darts sound the same as they've got isbe engines but the 54 plates sound like a slightly pumped up B series
FJ54 OTR which I'm currently coming back from wolves on after the preceding bus left six minutes early and drove past the stop in wolves (!!!) has a faulty flickering interior light above the doors....be a issue on a later trip!
Quote from: Bob on May 18, 2016, 03:48:51 PM
Seems almost all of the 54/55 plate darts are at cannock today at least 3 DP seat 55s one bus seated one and there's at least two 54 plates on 70
Dp?
With headrests then lol
Ohhh lol the 55 plates haha, I much prefer the 54 plates tbh
Why are they at cannock so much I know it's one garage with Stafford but why keep swapping buses...dead mileage etc
If a Stafford bus breaksdown then we have to send one of outlets so then we end up with Stafford motors for a few days
Yea but the number of 54 and 55 plates in cannock Wednesday Stafford would of been 7 buses down so you'd have to of sent similar number???
Yeah
A lovely absolutely knackered sounding 3721 on late 74
Can anyone help with the identity of the 2 DLP's parked in the yard please ?
All of the 39xx volvo are now re-painted.
Quote from: tphi12000 on June 14, 2016, 11:36:30 PM
Can anyone help with the identity of the 2 DLP's parked in the yard please ?
There are 3 in the yard
Dlp 81,84,87
Hope this helps
Are the Streetlites leaving by the end of the summer?
Quote from: Bob on June 18, 2016, 12:51:53 PM
Are the Streetlites leaving by the end of the summer?
What makes you say that??
Just a rumour. By August I heard
Not heard anything but were usually the last to know
Wonder how old & what condition the cascades will be, if that is correct?
Quote from: ntw456 on June 18, 2016, 08:44:10 PM
Not heard anything but were usually the last to know
Lol
3703 is now sounding as awful as 3704 😕
Quote from: Bob on June 18, 2016, 12:51:53 PM
Are the Streetlites leaving by the end of the summer?
No. Not Cannock's.
Another garages? Bugger, was hoping to see the back of the things. Any idea where Burtons vehicles will be going to?
Quote from: Bob on June 19, 2016, 10:45:41 AM
Another garages? Bugger, was hoping to see the back of the things. Any idea where Burtons vehicles will be going to?
Aylesbury, Thurmaston, Derby, Coalville, the buyer.
2293 now withdrawn
Presumably the rest of that batch are going too? All in poor internal condition. Are the ex London 51 plates coming to the end of their life also? Being same age
Where can I find cannocks remaining VDL Pulsars?
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on July 05, 2016, 08:33:02 AM
Where can I find cannocks remaining VDL Pulsars?
25/26, 60/61/62/824, 74/75
2293 now withdrawn.
Quote from: BN on July 06, 2016, 06:38:05 PM
2293 now withdrawn.
Mentioned on previous page
Is there a reason that no Streets###e is ever able to pull up smoothly? Something mechanical? Also why has the plug sockets feature never ever worked??
probably got the same voith box as nx e200s. the retarders are very unpredictable at times
E200s aren't brilliant but nowhere near as jerky as the Streetshites lol
Not just me who thinks Arriva are pretty chappy in Cannock lol. Google Cannock council disappointed at downgrade of buses in the district. Apparently several complaints about the state of the pye greens now. The councillor points out all of the speel arriva came out with at the launch of the pye greens upgrade which he attended....
Doesnt the local council have any powers to force Arriva to put decent buses on?
I wouldn't think so. Plus if you've a monopoly you can do what you want
Deckers back at Cannock from this weekend?
For what route???
Quote from: Bob on July 22, 2016, 06:08:49 PM
For what route???
Don't know, Just been told 4 Lowlanders are coming to replace 4 single decks which would go to Telford for GHA replacement services, It is not from my normal impeccable source, so don't know if it is 100% correct yet hemce the ?
Ah fair enough
I'm going to wigs ton on Sunday to pick a bus up not sure what until I get there but 4809 got picked up today I think
Presuming this is just a temporary thing
No idea
Quote from: ntw456 on July 22, 2016, 09:58:11 PM
I'm going to wigs ton on Sunday to pick a bus up not sure what until I get there but 4809 got picked up today I think
4707/09/11/21 I expect
Five deckers then ....ooooh
Is BU03 HRK going to be left to rot in its current decrepit state until it's withdrawal? Considering the rest of the batch were refurbished years ago, Cannocks before transfer to Wednesfield and Telford examples were done prior to that.
Quote from: Bob on July 23, 2016, 02:15:15 PM
Five deckers then ....ooooh
4 I would think , 4809 being a typo for 4709 as 4809 left the fleet a while back.
I bet they'll just be stuck on pye greens
4707/9/11/21 all now at Cannock
What they sending to telford
No idea
The main bus stop by Landywood station still has timetables for the 68 and the old 2....nice to know passengers are kept well informed lol jesus
And no X51 I suppose either?
No never has been one lol
Seen a decker predictably on Pye Greens. Anyone know which buses have gone to telford?
Quote from: Bob on July 26, 2016, 07:44:01 PM
Seen a decker predictably on Pye Greens. Anyone know which buses have gone to telford?
4707 and 4721 were on PG's today but the former was swapped for an RLE I believe.
I doubt any of them will see much useful work
Quote from: Bob on July 27, 2016, 01:04:39 AM
I doubt any of them will see much useful work
Well its still nice to have deckers at Cannock again all the same so
So? I'm just making a point that despite there being several routes where they'd be useful in peak times they're just wasted on locals....
Quote from: A R R I V A : S I on July 27, 2016, 07:35:40 PM
Bob i have been informed by publicity staff at Arriva , all deckers at CK only here for couple of weeks
Why do they bother for a couple of weeks?
I'm surprised they can afford to run em lol
Why on 74/75? It's been proves the service doesn't warrant a decker and for years when CK have had loan deckers for a week or 2 they get allocated to PG
Just look when theybgo the 2 wardle olympian and the 2 wardle tridents they were just pit on PG
74 and 75 must have declined like every other route Cannock have managed to mess up lol. When the deckers were transferred in for them they were definitely needed. Then cannock rarely managed to have a full allocation on most of the time cos they couldn't keep em on the road long enough lol
According to the driver earlier the 3 is going hourly from September
Quote from: Bob on July 30, 2016, 01:30:48 PM
According to the driver earlier the 3 is going hourly from September
Wouldn't be surprised if this was the case as the 3's don't really do much work outside of Norton Canes, they've re-routed it so many times in the past 18 months some passengers are unsure of which side of the roads going where!
On another note as stated yesterday with an issue of drivers running early. The last 70 to Rugeley ran 3 minutes early from Hednesford with the doors open! This is why IMO interlocking doors is a good idea for all companies.
On a side note how many of the deckers have actually been used? I've only seen one in service the others are in the yard.
All four were parked up in the yard along with several red deckers . Didn't look like they'd be moving anywhere any time soon. I think the frequency of the 1 & 2 might get reduced as well to maybe one an hour each. I wouldn't be surprised if the sapphire brand and buses went also, given that like everything else cannock touch, it's been an abject failure
Quote from: A R R I V A : S I on August 01, 2016, 11:45:48 AM
Still only seen Y707 XJF decker and FD02 UKG decker out + not seen Y709 XJF / FE51 YWJ decker out
4711 out on PG's I'm told
Heard rumours of a new route from Cannock to Rugeley with the service number 63... any ideas folks?
I'm sure it'll be long lasting lol
Quote from: The King on August 03, 2016, 08:18:28 PM
Heard rumours of a new route from Cannock to Rugeley with the service number 63... any ideas folks?
Replacing the 70 between Cannock and Rugeley. Can't remember if it's the same route or not between Cannock and Hednesford.
So the 70 is just hourly Cannock to Wolverhampton?
Yepp, the 154 is doing a lot better than the 70.
Also as I stated on another thread the 76 is being cancelled well it's ended up split so no service between Penkridge and Wolverhampton other than a sunday nothing said about the 76B though.
The Norton Loop has been removed from the 3 and I believe Select will be covering that part of the route.
The 74 and 825 will only be running to Stafford town centre and won't be serving the hospital.
The Stafford number 1 will only be running every hour.
So they're cutting back further and further...
Quote from: The King on August 04, 2016, 09:35:55 AM
Yepp, the 154 is doing a lot better than the 70.
Also as I stated on another thread the 76 is being cancelled well it's ended up split so no service between Penkridge and Wolverhampton other than a sunday nothing said about the 76B though.
The Norton Loop has been removed from the 3 and I believe Select will be covering that part of the route.
The 74 and 825 will only be running to Stafford town centre and won't be serving the hospital.
The Stafford number 1 will only be running every hour.
So they're cutting back further and further...
The 74 and 825 are going up the hospital
Come on National Express & jump in Cannock!
Quote from: ntw456 on August 04, 2016, 11:15:40 AM
The 74 and 825 are going up the hospital
Not according to the Express & Star.
Quote from: Westy on August 04, 2016, 01:00:46 PM
Come on National Express & jump in Cannock!
The £4 daysaver would bring passenger numbers back up and would run Arriva out of Cannock
PD0000478/431 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Cannock Bus Station and Cannock Bus Station given service number 19/20 effective from 08-Oct-2016.
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 04, 2016, 02:47:55 PM
PD0000478/431 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Cannock Bus Station and Cannock Bus Station given service number 19/20 effective from 08-Oct-2016.
Hardly a surprise! Rumors are that Select will be taking them on.
Doing great in Cannock then.....
Quote from: The King on August 04, 2016, 01:49:47 PM
Not according to the Express & Star.
The £4 daysaver would bring passenger numbers back up and would run Arriva out of Cannock
They definitely are don't believe everything in the paper
Still massive cuts to the network though which will undoubtedly come with a worsening state of a fleet
Quote from: The King on August 04, 2016, 09:35:55 AM
Yepp, the 154 is doing a lot better than the 70.
Also as I stated on another thread the 76 is being cancelled well it's ended up split so no service between Penkridge and Wolverhampton other than a sunday nothing said about the 76B though.
The Norton Loop has been removed from the 3 and I believe Select will be covering that part of the route.
The 74 and 825 will only be running to Stafford town centre and won't be serving the hospital.
The Stafford number 1 will only be running every hour.
So they're cutting back further and further...
Select have registered a 3, but nowhere near Norton Canes... Talking of 3's, Stafford to Wildwood also withdrawn.
It seems asif they are just cherry picking the best routes
No it should be scrapped
I wonder where Cannock Double Deckers be going to
The scrap man?
Quote from: A R R I V A : S I on August 05, 2016, 07:20:42 PM
This questions mainly for BOB what would you say is Cannocks best vehicle , what would you say is their worst
Worst: 2745 all the ex londons are shocking
Quote from: A R R I V A : S I on August 05, 2016, 07:20:42 PM
This questions mainly for BOB what would you say is Cannocks best vehicle , what would you say is their worst
From a passenger perspective easily BU03 HRK it's absolutely disgusting inside. Also f####d sounding. As for best, there's so many poor buses there it's hard. Probably one of the Volvos fast smooth and can actually make it up a hill
Interestingly an elderly couple were moaning at the bus station about how their service had gone downhill, and that the bus they caught the other day was old and rattling and that another one had got all threadbare seats. So rather than being grateful that a bus turns up however much of a state it us, as some people think they should be, people actually do notice poor standards when they see them, and tell other people etc. I'd imagine Cannock is a case of managing the decline now
2159 was apparently such a bad bus it barely saw service at Stafford and was used as staff bus. How fitting that Cannock use it in service full time ...
@Ashley 60171 The comment about 2159 came from a driver. Also Cannock Chase Council have had meetings about the poor state of buses /downgrading of services. Minutes are publicly available etc. So maybe you should look into things like that before having a breakdown at every criticism of Arriva 😊
4707 was out on the Pye Greens yesterday and my word it sounded awful probably effected by the heat.
Quote from: The King on August 07, 2016, 12:33:25 PM
4707 was out on the Pye Greens yesterday and my word it sounded awful probably effected by the heat.
Most of the pye greens allocation sounded a state yesterday
Quote from: Bob on August 07, 2016, 11:33:14 AM
@Ashley 60171 The comment about 2159 came from a driver. Also Cannock Chase Council have had meetings about the poor state of buses /downgrading of services. Minutes are publicly available etc. So maybe you should look into things like that before having a breakdown at every criticism of Arriva 😊
And check the Facebook page as well!
2736 has been re upholstered
Yea only about 3 years after the others!
I gather 4740 is another Lowlander transferred to Cannock now Wigston are Lowlander free.
4744 also here
They'll be barely used...
4721 on 74 leaving cannock 6.20pm ish
4740/4744 are both showing on the Arriva Yorkshire allocation awaiting transfare from Midlands new fleet numbers been 1623 & 1627,
Presumably they're at Cannock to release vehicles for the Shrewsbury Flower Show.
Anyone notice that most darts 52 plate upwards sound different from earlier ones due to the isbe engine compared with the b series bit the 54 plate examples at Stafford and Cannock sound like the old B series? Strange
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2016, 04:44:50 PM
Anyone notice that most darts 52 plate upwards sound different from earlier ones due to the isbe engine compared with the b series bit the 54 plate examples at Stafford and Cannock sound like the old B series? Strange
Hi Bob, thats because they are Super Pointer Darts with the 6 pot isbe engine.
Sounds very much like the B series don't they in comparison to the 4 cylinder
3702 was on the 2E this evening certainly an upgrade on the Sapphires for the driver not for the passengers.
Also as a general question anyone know what ever happened to former Chase 2380 after withdrawal?
FD52 GGP was on 1s today and a volvo yesterday. Definitely an upgrade on Streetshites
Don't know how long they're staying but can't see them getting much use lol
Yea they're shocking. Pity they weren't got rid of when the other newer buses were. The 1 & 2 must be one of the better performing services considering they face no cuts ( although the 1 already has been cut previously so sapphire didn't work ). I can't see how they make money off the 2
Twirly's simple as that :D
Twirly's? ?? Lol
Pensioners Bob. In the centro area they can't use their passes till 9:30 so they're the twirly's (too early's)
Lol I doubt that would put the 2 into profit though. The 70E does it follow a different route in Cannock? As in down the a34 to Bridgetown like the old 70 rather than Longford road
Quote from: Bob on August 14, 2016, 12:38:28 PM
Lol I doubt that would put the 2 into profit though. The 70E does it follow a different route in Cannock? As in down the a34 to Bridgetown like the old 70 rather than Longford road
Honestly not a lot does make a profit anymore in Cannock anymore which is a shame.
I don't get it. Cannock is the most deprived district in the entire Staffordshire County, it's more aligned with Walsall/Wolves/Brownhills than anywhere in Staffs, ( it was intended to be in the west midlands county in the 70s but Coventry got included instead at the last minute ), how can the bus service decline like it has? Cannock bus station is still a busy place. Could some of it be the CONSTANT meddling and cutting and changing of services? I mean a whole network review got virtually reversed last year. Have they are clue what they're doing?
Quote from: Bob on August 14, 2016, 02:13:14 PM
I don't get it. Cannock is the most deprived district in the entire Staffordshire County, it's more aligned with Walsall/Wolves/Brownhills than anywhere in Staffs, ( it was intended to be in the west midlands county in the 70s but Coventry got included instead at the last minute ), how can the bus service decline like it has? Cannock bus station is still a busy place. Could some of it be the CONSTANT meddling and cutting and changing of services? I mean a whole network review got virtually reversed last year. Have they are clue what they're doing?
I would say no, they haven't got a clue what they're doing!
Quote from: Bob on August 14, 2016, 02:13:14 PM
I don't get it. Cannock is the most deprived district in the entire Staffordshire County, it's more aligned with Walsall/Wolves/Brownhills than anywhere in Staffs, ( it was intended to be in the west midlands county in the 70s but Coventry got included instead at the last minute ), how can the bus service decline like it has? Cannock bus station is still a busy place. Could some of it be the CONSTANT meddling and cutting and changing of services? I mean a whole network review got virtually reversed last year. Have they are clue what they're doing?
In my opinion people don't want to pay the prices! If NX introduced the £4 daysaver to the Cannock Area or the DD travelcards the passenger numbers would rise.
Quote from: The King on August 14, 2016, 03:34:13 PM
In my opinion people don't want to pay the prices! If NX introduced the £4 daysaver to the Cannock Area or the DD travelcards the passenger numbers would rise.
Or Nbus so you could travel seamlessly...if I needed to go to a suburb of walsall or wolves or say to West Bromwich etc from Cannock I'd have to pay an arriva daysaver plus an nx one...ridiculous considering how many Cannock services enter the WM. Personally I think arriva in cannock are gonna die a long time coming and well deserved death
Apart from the Stafford fleet coming in ( any of them simply going to be withdrawn? Bu51 remaining darts etc?) Are any vehicles imminently entering /leaving Cannock with the September changes?
Quote from: Bob on August 14, 2016, 03:54:53 PM
Or Nbus so you could travel seamlessly...if I needed to go to a suburb of walsall or wolves or say to West Bromwich etc from Cannock I'd have to pay an arriva daysaver plus an nx one...ridiculous considering how many Cannock services enter the WM. Personally I think arriva in cannock are gonna die a long time coming and well deserved death
Not this again.
Cannock is not in the West Midlands, therefore Centro will not pay operators to carry people to Cannock.
National Express are not interested in Cannock as they would not make any money there.
Even if they were they would not be giving people travel to Cannock for a £4 Daysaver.
I'm pretty sure we've discussed this time upon time upon time upon time before?
Yea that's why they issue daysaver tickets on the 154?
Codsall, Wombourne and Parton aren't in the West Midlands either, they're in Staffordshire but Nbus is allowed there...
Oh and Centro subsidise the rail service to Cannock and Hednesford also!
Quote from: Bob on August 14, 2016, 05:18:22 PM
Oh and Centro subsidise the rail service to Cannock and Hednesford also!
By charging for add on tickets.....
And NX issue Daysavers on the 154 as that is subsidised by all sorts of 3rd parties. NX don't do stuff for nothing and they wouldn't extend a £4 Daysaver to cover Cannock. That is a fact.
Quote from: andy41 on August 14, 2016, 09:59:49 PM
By charging for add on tickets.....
And NX issue Daysavers on the 154 as that is subsidised by all sorts of 3rd parties. NX don't do stuff for nothing and they wouldn't extend a £4 Daysaver to cover Cannock. That is a fact.
Wrong.
154 is not subsidised by all sorts of third parties. Just one on a reducing scale.
As the £4 Daysaver is valid on the commercial X51 journies to Cannock it does already
Quote from: Tony on August 14, 2016, 10:11:49 PM
Wrong.
154 is not subsidised by all sorts of third parties. Just one on a reducing scale.
As the £4 Daysaver is valid on the commercial X51 journies to Cannock it does already
Tony, you know as well as I do that if NX ran a full network into and around Cannock they would not do so with this Daysaver and pricing structure, 2 peak time trips is one thing but the equivalent of Arriva's network run from a distant depot is quite something else.
The point I was making on the 154 is that they can afford to overlook revenue as it is still at this point quite generously subsidised.
If Arriva pulled out of Cannock, like they have done in Burton, surely Nx would have to consider coming back in there?
Do the likes of Diamond possess enough vehicles from elsewhere within their group to take over there?
Be surprised if the smaller operators like Select Bus had enough buses!
Quote from: Westy on August 14, 2016, 10:42:42 PM
Do the likes of Diamond possess enough vehicles from elsewhere within their group to take over there?
Diamond don't need to have vehicles available within group, they could just buy extra vehicles on the second-hand market and/or take new dealer stock that's available if required. There's a number of B7RLE's available on the used market at present.
Just been on the 70 to rugeley and there's just been me and the driver on it since hednesford
Quote from: andy41 on August 14, 2016, 10:20:56 PM
Tony, you know as well as I do that if NX ran a full network into and around Cannock they would not do so with this Daysaver and pricing structure, 2 peak time trips is one thing but the equivalent of Arriva's network run from a distant depot is quite something else.
The point I was making on the 154 is that they can afford to overlook revenue as it is still at this point quite generously subsidised.
They cannot overlook revenue on the 154. It is no longer heavily subsidised, there was at massive reduction in subsidy at the end of year 1.
I see no reason why a Cannock operation would not include current pricing including the daysaver. Most journies in Cannock are already priced at the £2 approx level by Arriva including all fares on the Pye Greens so no revenue loss there and when WMT last ran into Cannock in the early 1990s (around 11 journies an hour at one point between all the different routes)not only were regional travelacards and daysavers valid, but also the cheaper Black Country area products which were excluded from the 991 and a couple of other route extensions were also valid.
There is already a more frequent service than the X51 into the area as well, the 10 to Burntwood, no different to running to running into Cannock, again all day tickets and Black Country only products are also available along the route.
Quote from: Tony on August 15, 2016, 01:18:49 PM
They cannot overlook revenue on the 154. It is no longer heavily subsidised, there was at massive reduction in subsidy at the end of year 1.
I see no reason why a Cannock operation would not include current pricing including the daysaver. Most journies in Cannock are already priced at the £2 approx level by Arriva including all fares on the Pye Greens so no revenue loss there and when WMT last ran into Cannock in the early 1990s (around 11 journies an hour at one point between all the different routes)not only were regional travelacards and daysavers valid, but also the cheaper Black Country area products which were excluded from the 991 and a couple of other route extensions were also valid.
There is already a more frequent service than the X51 into the area as well, the 10 to Burntwood, no different to running to running into Cannock, again all day tickets and Black Country only products are also available along the route.
I remember the WMT network well. But the fact they ditched the lot and left it to Arriva under very little commercial pressure would suggest they weren't making any money on it, and that is my point.
3306 has got a orange front blind temporarily
Probably looks better? They look like a low rent cheap affair with white at the front and orange back and side a right mess
Quote from: andy41 on August 15, 2016, 10:59:49 PM
I remember the WMT network well. But the fact they ditched the lot and left it to Arriva under very little commercial pressure would suggest they weren't making any money on it, and that is my point.
More a case of a management decision at the time to concentrate on 'core high frequency ' routes and anything that went outside the county was frowned on. All private hires outside the West Midlands were stopped as were a lot of low frequency routes inside the West Midlands.
Current management seem to want to do anything anywhere as longs as it shows a profit.
Any Lowlander's out today?
4721 and 11
Quote from: Tony on August 16, 2016, 08:05:30 AM
More a case of a management decision at the time to concentrate on 'core high frequency ' routes and anything that went outside the county was frowned on. All private hires outside the West Midlands were stopped as were a lot of low frequency routes inside the West Midlands.
Current management seem to want to do anything anywhere as longs as it shows a profit.
Let's hope 'current management' are keeping an eye on Cannock then!
If NX management did find it expensive to run Cannock services from Walsall & Wolves, then why don't they put an offer in for Delta Way, even if they ran it as an outstation, with support from Walsall & Wolves?
Volvos have regularly been on the 1 & 2 all week including today. ..shape of things to come lol? Far superior to the Streetshites any day
Commander was broken down in the bus station earlier with the van in attendance. Currently on the 70 on a God awful ex Oswestry cadet that's been here over a year and still has Oswestry faded route 2 branding....
Quote from: Bob on August 20, 2016, 11:54:34 AM
Volvos have regularly been on the 1 & 2 all week including today. ..shape of things to come lol? Far superior to the Streetshites any day
So why issue the September timetable as Sapphire branded then?
3307 has been off the road for a while now not sure what's up with it
Quote from: Westy on August 20, 2016, 11:59:59 AM
So why issue the September timetable as Sapphire branded then?
Dunno, maybe they're planning to do up some darts lol
Quote from: ntw456 on August 20, 2016, 12:03:55 PM
3307 has been off the road for a while now not sure what's up with it
Maybe it's slightly more of a shed than the others lol
Just a thought. Does anyone think that the recent downgrading of vehicles ( particularly pye greens and 60/825) and upcoming cuts and reductions will be enough to put Cannock garage in a better position or will it just add to the decline and have the opposite effect?
From what I've read on here & the Facebook page over the years, they need a miracle!
Quote from: Westy on August 20, 2016, 09:31:16 PM
From what I've read on here & the Facebook page over the years, they need a miracle!
Yes but you've reached that verdict based on no factual evidence. Just people who need to stop moaning and find a new hobby. Society can dish it out all day long but nobodys git the balls to face facts.
Note to anyone, go to Cannock or Stafford or Tamworth or Telford. Then try and tell me that Arriva don't have they're small nuggets of positives.
What small positive small nuggets do they have in Stafford and Cannock Ashley? A downgraded fleet and closure of one depot? Services about to be cut to the bone? An outdated fleet? What could you find that's positive? The fact they've replaced a modern bus with a threadbare s##t heap and it's managed to complete a route without breaking down? Lol
The factual evidence to indicate that it is a failing operation would be constant meddling with, followed by massive cuts to services, and the fact that specifically bought new buses are transferred to profitable garages and replaced with elderly vehicles in an attempt to stem the decline
Not having a go btw Ashley just saying 😊 apparently CCDC & our awful MP aren't happy with them either
Quote from: Bob on August 21, 2016, 01:09:36 AM
Not having a go btw Ashley just saying 😊 apparently CCDC & our awful MP aren't happy with them either
Well it was her party that brought in deregulation in the first place.
(And before anyone says, the other lot did have ten years to reverse but didn't! )
Yea and look at the "choice" & improvement and innovation it's brought us in Cannock. ...
Quote from: Bob on August 21, 2016, 01:09:36 AM
Not having a go btw Ashley just saying 😊 apparently CCDC & our awful MP aren't happy with them either
I'd say Amanda is trying her hardest to help the people affected by the cuts and the downgrades of routes. She can only work with what Arriva, the council and Rob Chevaux give her, she's in a no win situation.
I'd say she's a publicity hungry a## hole. Off subject but she's voted for every single cut on record including and especially to disabled people, but has the nerve to appear for disability charities and have photos took at foodbanks. Awful awful piece of work. And as had been said it was her vile party that deregulated and privatised the industry
Quote from: Bob on August 21, 2016, 08:03:58 PM
I'd say she's a publicity hungry a## hole. Off subject but she's voted for every single cut on record including and especially to disabled people, but has the nerve to appear for disability charities and have photos took at foodbanks. Awful awful piece of work. And as had been said it was her vile party that deregulated and privatised the industry
Look on the bright side.
At least she is a bit more tactful about what parties she goes to, unlike her predecessor!
Lol she doesn't look like someone who goes to any parties tbf
Bendy bus 5000 is sat in the yard, it has been since Friday I believe
Quote from: ntw456 on August 22, 2016, 08:14:43 PM
Bendy bus 5000 is sat in the yard, it has been since Friday I believe
Needs to go on the Pye Greens might stop the locals moaning about the downgrade
Just seen this pic of 3910 in Shrewsbury. What's it doing there?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/66453358@N06/28914683160/
It was there for the flower show
3912 was also there
Do Cannock still use the Deckers
At the moment yes, they have Lowlanders on loan for not much longer.
4788's apparently at Delta Way. Is this coming out to play or just withdrawn?
If I had to guess I'd say withdrawn unless it's got a future with the shires?
What buses are generally being used on Stafford services? As most of the 54/55 plate darts seem to be on pye greens/other Cannock services
I'd imagine mpd 2159,2209,2274/76/77/89/91/92/96
Quote from: Busman Jamie on September 06, 2016, 04:49:31 PM
I'd imagine mpd 2159,2209,2274/76/77/89/91/92/96
Mostly seeing MPDs going past the office so looks like it is. SB200s on the 6 of course though being run by TF. Still some of the longer Darts being used on the 9 at least though.
They tend to put the cadets over there
Best place for them if they're as bad as has been said on here previously lol. Christ knows where Cannocks pulsars were today, as they're normally on the 74/75, there were three Volvos plus a Commander ( Volvos usually on Lichfield services and 825)
The 74 interwork with the 825 and the 75 interworks with the 1b,12 and the 21 over Cannock
Is that a recent thing?
They like their interworking, dont they!
Quote from: Westy on September 06, 2016, 08:07:24 PM
They like their interworking, dont they!
From what I noticed earlier, I think the only route that doesn't interwork with anything is the 15 in Lichfield!
3's now interwork with 61/62's and 70's now interwork with 60's & 71's...
Quote from: Alex on September 06, 2016, 08:09:30 PM
From what I noticed earlier, I think the only route that doesn't interwork with anything is the 15 in Lichfield!
3's now interwork with 61/62's and 70's now interwork with 60's & 71's...
The 15s are now run by wednesfield
Quote from: ntw456 on September 06, 2016, 08:14:12 PM
The 15s are now run by wednesfield
Guessing 2296 is now a Wednesfield bus, then? As it was on the 15 earlier?
Not 100% sure but it must have done
Wouldnt the 15 interwork with the 35, as they're both Wednesfield?
Quote from: Westy on September 07, 2016, 06:34:10 AM
Wouldnt the 15 interwork with the 35, as they're both Wednesfield?
Why? The 35 is hourly and the 15 is an irregular frequency.
To fit round drivers breaks?
I thought 2296 was a Cannock bus ?
Yes it was and its being run by wednesfield till it finishes
The bus or the garage? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
The route lol
Ohhhh lol
On the 71 to wolves and driver does not know the route we ended up lost in wood end going through Ashmore park, and the driver had to ask the passengers directions. Have completely missed out new invention so anyone waiting there's buggered lol. Felt sorry for the driver. Must be first time doing the route. Can't see it lasting I was the only fare paying passenger the whole route and there were about 10 passengers on and off who were all OAPs
Quote from: Bob on September 10, 2016, 11:55:38 AM
On the 71 to wolves and driver does not know the route we ended up lost in wood end going through Ashmore park, and the driver had to ask the passengers directions. Have completely missed out new invention so anyone waiting there's buggered lol. Felt sorry for the driver. Must be first time doing the route. Can't see it lasting I was the only fare paying passenger the whole route and there were about 10 passengers on and off who were all OAPs
Nice to see route learning is working then!
Driver said Wednesfield is going and reckoned cannock won't be far behind
Quote from: Bob on September 10, 2016, 01:44:26 PM
Driver said Wednesfield is going and reckoned cannock won't be far behind
Going as in just wound down & shut or sold on?
Didn't say. But also said the nx 154 is going from November
Quote from: Bob on September 10, 2016, 01:44:26 PM
Driver said Wednesfield is going and reckoned cannock won't be far behind
Yes of course, drivers are in board meetings aren't they.
Quote from: BN on September 10, 2016, 02:41:40 PM
Yes of course, drivers are in board meetings aren't they.
board meetings for other companies as well
theres a lot of stories flying around at the moment, in particular regarding wednesfield and cannock. funny how nx 154/54 is allegedly finishing too.
Quote from: mranon on September 10, 2016, 04:16:57 PM
theres a lot of stories flying around at the moment, in particular regarding wednesfield and cannock. funny how nx 154/54 is allegedly finishing too.
Care to elaborate?
It's obvious allspice not well though BN? Downgrading of fleets, and what's the point of Wednesfield? Surely it already is or ain't far off an albatross
Quote from: Winston on September 10, 2016, 05:07:57 PM
Care to elaborate?
Has that subsidy finished then?
Wondered how long Nx would stay on the routes!
Should say all isn't well not allspice lol
Quote from: Winston on September 10, 2016, 05:07:57 PM
Care to elaborate?
it would seem that according to people travelling on those services or waiting in Cannock etc are all asking nx drivers if the buses will run after November, as there is a rumour going around that they are being pulled. was told this by former and current arriva staff myself too. really hope theres no truth in this, as myself and a few others who rely on this service will be up the creek so to speak.
Quote from: mranon on September 11, 2016, 09:13:57 AM
it would seem that according to people travelling on those services or waiting in Cannock etc are all asking nx drivers if the buses will run after November, as there is a rumour going around that they are being pulled. was told this by former and current arriva staff myself too. really hope theres no truth in this, as myself and a few others who rely on this service will be up the creek so to speak.
Cheers for that, what's the latest on the future of Wednesfield & Cannock?
Quote from: Winston on September 11, 2016, 10:43:48 AM
Cheers for that, what's the latest on the future of Wednesfield & Cannock?
the general hunch is that drivers are jumping ship from wednesfield in numbers. seen a few at nx already, and at least 1 ex wednesfield, and 2 ex Stafford have gone to select etc. rumour has it that arriva will shut wednesfield and transfer whats left to Cannock.
Winston do you know whether there is any truth in the rumour about the nx services please?
Quote from: mranon on September 11, 2016, 04:53:18 PM
Winston do you know whether there is any truth in the rumour about the nx services please?
No sorry, I probably know less than you
I wouldn't imagine there'd be much to transfer to cannock in the way of routes they'd want to keep?
I wonder if bob has noticed that 2736 has been refurbished interior.... Lol
@Busman Jamie don't be daft!! That's a positive about arriva midlands!!!
Quote from: Busman Jamie on September 12, 2016, 04:49:37 PM
I wonder if bob has noticed that 2736 has been refurbished interior.... Lol
Maybe he's got a cold.
Yea I did. Only about 3 years after the others in the batch lol
Lol give it 3 years and it might get a paint
Yea it looks a mess tbf lol
October bus changes on Staffordshire website shows 19/20 withdrawn from 8th October without comment, but the 15 replaced by a Lichfield and Rugeley demand responsive service.
I said ages ago the 19 and 20 would be like most things arriva are involved with locally, another failure
Does this mean no service onto the Orbital shops now?
Could get off the 1 & walk up
Quote from: Bob on September 30, 2016, 08:19:19 AM
Could get off the 1 & walk up
Must admit I did go up Cannock on a 1 last Saturday & the nearest stop I think is just after the bridge plus unless there is a cut through, you would have to walk back to the roundabout & walk that way instead.
Unless you think differently
@Bob (I'd say divert the 1 via Orbital & have it come into Cannock along the Lichfield Road, but that would leave a whole section of Walsall Road unserved surely?)
Not if they diverted the 2 or 2 a down walsall road? And had it turn off at Bridgetown only missing one stop then I think. Could run one 2 down walsall road and a 2a down Avon road and both could still serve delta way
There's no 2a anymore
They could change it
Don't any of the Wolverhampton services go down there, like the 71?
Nope
Citaro parked in cannock bus station at 430
Was there for a special reason
What reason?
A funeral of a very respected member of staff
From cannock garage
She worked at many garages the bus has been named after her aswell that's why it came
Quote from: ntw456 on October 12, 2016, 07:19:59 PM
She worked at many garages the bus has been named after her aswell that's why it came
Is that why the two 110s I saw today had black ribbons under the windscreen?
Yeah all of Cannock had them on
When's Cannock getting it's Solos and extra b7rles? What route are the Solo's intended for?
This week I believe for solos and there for tescos and 1b's and 12s from what I've been told
Stafford must really be doing well then lol
3870 now here
To join the fleet 3866 has now arrived fresh from the paintshop to replace one of the old Sb200's.
Is 3870 being done as it looks awful and which sb200 has left?
What the old sb200 that are headed to telford to give em a 14 year old down grade?
Quote from: ntw456 on October 26, 2016, 05:16:17 PM
Is 3870 being done as it looks awful and which sb200 has left?
Yes it will but will be going back to Tamworth, 3867 is due at Cannock freshly painted. Nothing has transferred out yet.
Quote from: Bob on October 26, 2016, 05:17:08 PM
What the old sb200 that are headed to telford to give em a 14 year old down grade?
Yes that's correct, 6 due at Telford.
Didn't you previously say refurbished and repainted BN previously? The repainted one in cannock didn't look like the seats had been touched....
Quote from: Bob on October 26, 2016, 06:53:52 PM
Didn't you previously say refurbished and repainted BN previously? The repainted one in cannock didn't look like the seats had been touched....
3866 delivered today has had new e-leather trim.
@BN what garage is that for?
Quote from: BN on October 26, 2016, 09:06:50 PM
3866 delivered today has had new e-leather trim.
Cannock.
When are we getting the solos
63 plate Pulsars now down to Solo's my oh my Cannock has fallen quite a bit in 12 months. I wonder how long it will be before 58 plate volvo is needed on the 21's and the solo's end up on the staffords at College o'clock.
If anyone is looking for 3870 today it is on the 12, just seen it coming along South Walls.
3866 turned up this morning looks smart
The solos have turned up this morning
2401 yj58 pkf
2402 yj58 pkk
2403 yj58 pkn
2404 yj58 pko
Quality lol
Hopefully they'll be banished off to Stafford locals then lol
Should be tescos and 75/1B/12/21s
The 75? Crikey trade must of dropped off on there then!
I'm guessing 75 because of the other 100 routes it interworks with
Correct lol
Are the solos not for 75 12 1B 21
No they've changed their mind there for the 3/62/61/63 and rugeley locals
They need a lot more then 4 to cover all that
They use them on the running cards that are known to be quieter
In the case of the 61 and 63 I'd imagine that to be most lol
Quote from: Bob on November 06, 2016, 09:20:19 PM
In the case of the 61 and 63 I'd imagine that to be most lol
Lol
Caught it yesterday daytime the 63 only 4 passengers in total and that weren't end to end lol. Dunno why they insist on a half hour service hourly would be fine. The 2 from walsall at 435 had 6 passengers none of who were paying and the one coming into walsall was empty
And the 2 that does a short to cheslyn hay from Cannock was completely empty but the 154 a couple minutes later had around 15 on
Looks like one of FJ06 buses has caught fire on route 3
Quote from: Ck on November 08, 2016, 10:13:09 AM
Looks like one of FJ06 buses has caught fire on route 3
3724
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/emergency-services/2016/11/08/woman-users/#BXFrUyDHGxheh2ok.01
Is it 3607 all over again or will it be repaired
It doesn't look as bad as that so guess it will be repaired will try and find out tomorrow
That lady is one of my work colleagues 👍
Quote from: ntw456 on November 08, 2016, 06:19:09 PM
It doesn't look as bad as that so guess it will be repaired will try and find out tomorrow
Its not too bad, new engine required though. Con-rod through the side of the engine.
Quote from: BN on November 08, 2016, 07:46:12 PM
Its not too bad, new engine required though. Con-rod through the side of the engine.
Do they know what started it?
3867 on its way back from the paintshop, 3720 now in for paint.
Cannock still only having two of the b7rles ?
Quote from: Bob on November 12, 2016, 01:30:48 PM
Cannock still only having two of the b7rles ?
Yes.
Which ones
3866/67
Also Tesco free bus finishes on 4th December
Why when the commanders get painted is the green not all round the windows and just towards the rear? Its quite annoying lol
I've no idea but I agree it's annoying and looks stupid loo
Remember seeing it on 3725 when first painted which still hasn't had 'arriva' put back on above drivers window/entry doors then noticed the other FJ06 getting the same treatment excluding 3722, then 3701/2/3/4 were done the same
The only reason I'm guessing with 3722 is it was already done before we had it
Oh yes forgot it came from Thurmaston already painted
Quote from: Busman Jamie on November 12, 2016, 08:54:55 PM
Why when the commanders get painted is the green not all round the windows and just towards the rear? Its quite annoying
Maybe Cannocks falling profits can't justify the paint lol
like the logic bob but they haven't painted 2737 the same, they've done all round the windows lol
Maybe they're gonna transfer it to a garage that makes a profit lol
Heard a rumour today that in October next year Cannock will be national express Staffordshire
Don't know how true it is
Quote from: ntw456 on November 13, 2016, 09:57:37 PM
Heard a rumour today that in October next year Cannock will be national express Staffordshire
Don't know how true it is
If true, there's no reason for Wednesfield to exist anymore either.
Quote from: ntw456 on November 13, 2016, 09:57:37 PM
Heard a rumour today that in October next year Cannock will be national express Staffordshire
Don't know how true it is
If that was on the cards, why wait until next October?? Why not dispose of the op now?
Doubt it'll ever happen. Was rumoured before and never did
Quote from: Winston on November 13, 2016, 11:32:54 PM
If that was on the cards, why wait until next October?? Why not dispose of the op now?
Word on the street is NX are placing a larger order than this year (circa 200 buses) and then allow for cascades etc so the new look Cannock fleet is standard. Plus I would also assume a public consultation on how to improve the network would take place. Just waiting on Arriva to agree to a sale of the depot. Obviously this isn't fact just yet but heard it a few times in recent weeks.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 14, 2016, 08:19:36 AM
Word on the street is NX are placing a larger order than this year (circa 200 buses) and then allow for cascades etc so the new look Cannock fleet is standard. Plus I would also assume a public consultation on how to improve the network would take place. Just waiting on Arriva to agree to a sale of the depot. Obviously this isn't fact just yet but heard it a few times in recent weeks.
A larger NX order could also be down to Birmingham SQPS from May 2017. I've never heard of a public consultation before a business has changed ownership, normally a new owner would come in with some initial improvements i.e. partial fleet replacement, then assess the business & look a the potential for improvements over the course of the next couple of months.
It would things interesting if it did happen.
The CMA would almost certainly have something to say about it, especially with the 54 and 154 having already driven Arriva off the 76.
Quote from: Winston on November 14, 2016, 08:59:32 AM
A larger NX order could also be down to Birmingham SQPS from May 2017. I've never heard of a public consultation before a business has changed ownership, normally a new owner would come in with some initial improvements i.e. partial fleet replacement, then assess the business & look a the potential for improvements over the course of the next couple of months.
It would things interesting if it did happen.
I've heard the NX Staffordshire rumour a lot within the last week and a half and that they want to lease the Arriva garage.
Quote from: Dom on November 14, 2016, 09:54:11 AM
I've heard the NX Staffordshire rumour a lot within the last week and a half and that they want to lease the Arriva garage.
Tbf there were strong rumours of Wednesfield closing for some time, that hasn't materialized
Quote from: Winston on November 14, 2016, 10:12:23 AM
Tbf there were strong rumours of Wednesfield closing for some time, that hasn't materialized
Heard that the drivers have been told and it will be closed in July next year apparently
Quote from: Dom on November 14, 2016, 01:13:47 PM
Heard that the drivers have been told and it will be closed in July next year apparently
Why July?
I believe a large number of Centro tenders that Arriva Hill Top won on a 5 year term in 2012 will expire April 2017 & be up for re-tender
Anyone believe it about Cannock then?
Quote from: mikestone on November 14, 2016, 09:30:51 AM
The CMA would almost certainly have something to say about it, especially with the 54 and 154 having already driven Arriva off the 76.
Why would the 154 have an effect on the 76. It would more likely effect the 70
I'm surprised they'd want the depot . Woulda thought they'd manage it from wolves and walsall
Quote from: Bob on November 14, 2016, 02:59:18 PM
I'm surprised they'd want the depot . Woulda thought they'd manage it from wolves and walsall
Why have all the dead running when you can reduce it by using something that's already there. Apparently it'll be a new branch for NX. Similar to Coventry.
If it's true and happens which I doubt
Quote from: Dom on November 14, 2016, 03:06:20 PM
Why have all the dead running when you can reduce it by using something that's already there. Apparently it'll be a new branch for NX. Similar to Coventry.
If there's spare capacity at both WN & WA they are only 11 & 10 miles from Cannock respectively, it may well be cheaper to operate from existing bases with dead mileage, than have a seperate depot with it's own costs. It could still be run a seperate unit from one of those garages, eg WA.
Anyone seriously think this will happen lol?
Quote from: Dom on November 14, 2016, 03:06:20 PM
Why have all the dead running when you can reduce it by using something that's already there. Apparently it'll be a new branch for NX. Similar to Coventry.
They run to Blackheath from Walsall private so I think dead running isn't something that concerns NX.
Heard a rumour of £66 million being on the table for Arriva's operations from NX.
Quote from: The King on November 14, 2016, 08:32:34 PM
They run to Blackheath from Walsall private so I think dead running isn't something that concerns NX.
Heard a rumour of £66 million being on the table for Arriva's operations from NX.
Does that figure include all of Arriva Midlands Ops?
Quote from: Winston on November 14, 2016, 08:34:02 PM
Does that figure include all of Arriva Midlands Ops?
I dunno Winston it was a rumour from an NX driver. He mentioned Cannock definitely nothing about Wednesfield or Tamworth. I'd imagine if they took Tamworth they'd have too much of the monopoly so it would be blocked.
Quote from: The King on November 14, 2016, 08:39:19 PM
I dunno Winston it was a rumour from an NX driver. He mentioned Cannock definitely nothing about Wednesfield or Tamworth. I'd imagine if they took Tamworth they'd have too much of the monopoly so it would be blocked.
I think that driver must have got confused with where to put the decimal place for the suggested NX offer for only Cannock. Just had a look at latest accounts for entire Arriva Midlands 31st Dec 2015, turnover was £39.7 Million, pretax profit of £2.2 million
Quote from: The King on November 14, 2016, 08:39:19 PM
I dunno Winston it was a rumour from an NX driver. He mentioned Cannock definitely nothing about Wednesfield or Tamworth. I'd imagine if they took Tamworth they'd have too much of the monopoly so it would be blocked.
Yes because major NX business decisions are always shared with the drivers aren't they before being told to the stock market, HO staff, managers etc!
Would nx be able to turn cannock around though?Presumably with Cannock would come Staffords basket case operation?
Quote from: mikestone on November 14, 2016, 09:30:51 AM
The CMA would almost certainly have something to say about it, especially with the 54 and 154 having already driven Arriva off the 76.
I'd rather have a decent operator in the area,irrespective of who it is.
This CMA' s priority ought to be sorting out a reliable bus service for the punters, instead of worrying about monopolies & what have you.
I would say nx toppled Arriva on the 76 because of the cheap fares brand new buses in comparison with shitty unreliable often threadbare cadets lol
3796 on the X8 in Oxford this afternoon - it would appear that a new single deck Monday to Friday Oxford-Thame has been superimposed on the existing 280.
Quote from: mikestone on November 15, 2016, 09:02:50 PM
3796 on the X8 in Oxford this afternoon - it would appear that a new single deck Monday to Friday Oxford-Thame has been superimposed on the existing 280.
Saw 3797 on their X60 on Saturday and one on the 280
A notice has been put in Cannock garage saying and I quote:
Quote
You may be aware that there are rumours circulating indicating that the Cannock garage is going to be sold to National Express
I confirm that there is no truth whatsoever in these rumours.
Arriva have no intention of selling Cannock garage either to National Express or any other company.
That is from David Brent the general manager.
David Brent. . ...Lol someone's having a laugh
Quote from: Bob on November 15, 2016, 09:45:05 PM
David Brent. . ...Lol someone's having a laugh
http://www.irteworkshop.org.uk/irte-workshop-accreditation-register/workshop/24
Have a look there
They must have faith in the old basket case then. Despite its continual and seemingly irreversible declining performance
SN03 LGE on pye greens odd allocation
On loan from wednesfield
I wonder where the nx rumours started and what was the foundation of em
Daf decker coming out of Hednesford this morning showing Arriva midlands on destination blind????
Took a wrong turn for the breakers yard lol
Quote from: Bob on November 16, 2016, 07:52:50 PM
I wonder where the nx rumours started and what was the foundation of em
It's been a rumour for a couple of years Bob and the fact theirs so much politicking in the bus business rumours spread ridiculously fast.
Quote from: Bob on November 21, 2016, 07:44:05 AM
Daf decker coming out of Hednesford this morning showing Arriva midlands on destination blind????
It's 4795 on loan
Adding a nice touch of quality 😂
😂
Decker on PG, looks a right mess tbh, meanwhile earlier today a rammed 240# solo on 70
Sensible allocations eh. I bet the decker coulda gone on the 70 or is it one of the stupid interworkings. Saw 71 earlier ztn daf completely empty lol and a inbound 70 one of the 54 plate darts with 1 passenger on
They all interwork, 70/71/60
Is that why the buses on the 60 have declined so much
Saw the mess of a decker on pye greens tonight at Hednesford. Why do cannock need it?
Possibly covering for 3724
So of all the vehicles Wednesfield could've loaned em they loan a decker to a garage that don't need em lol
Where's the best place to find 3866/67?
Quote from: Bob on November 28, 2016, 08:10:50 PM
So of all the vehicles Wednesfield could've loaned em they loan a decker to a garage that don't need em lol
It was a Leicester bus not wednesfield
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 29, 2016, 06:09:19 PM
Where's the best place to find 3866/67?
They can turn up anywhere there's not really a route they don't go on
Or stand by arriva gate and wait for coach aid ro bring them lol
Speaking of missing buses, where is 2736 hiding these days
Lol 67 is the best Volvo I've driven and it's in the garage spotted it this morning
It's a pity older Volvos are the best buses Cannock now has....
Cadets...Don't even bother
Streetshites. ...a joke
Multitude of ex Stafford darts. ..not the best
Solos....hahaha
Remaining SB200S. ...Some slightly less crappy than others
2736 was 1 of the better cadets
was, does need a paint though
Quote from: Bob on November 29, 2016, 10:00:37 PM
It's a pity older Volvos are the best buses Cannock now has....
Cadets...Don't even bother
Streetshites. ...a joke
Multitude of ex Stafford darts. ..not the best
Solos....hahaha
Remaining SB200S. ...Some slightly less crappy than others
Remind me how good your fleet is then Bob?
I haven't got one but if I did it'd be better than that 😜
3719 FJ06ZTE been pottering around Stafford missing it's front panel
Commander on the 21 today
Happens often mate due to the 21 interworks with the 75
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 01, 2016, 11:51:55 PM
Happens often mate due to the 21 interworks with the 75
Ohhh. Just thought it seemed a bit over the top.
To be fair,I agree it is Iver the top, can't imagine them commanders, pulsars and Volvos are easy to get round shoal hill
Just been told 3737 is back on cannock grounds, is it a loan or transfer?
On loan I think
3867 in cannock bus station doesn't sound healthy at all. You can hear it all across station. The voith are loads more pronounced on these 05 platers
Quote from: Bob on November 30, 2016, 07:24:09 PM
I haven't got one but if I did it'd be better than that 😜
Well then. The fact that all you can do is judge the company's fleet in a bad way and criticise them all the while is a bit rich from someone who doesn't even work in the industry.
Maybe you should change your name to "Boring bob", keep going on about the same thing all the time.
So would you, in your opinion, say that investing in two lots of vehicles, pulsars for pye greens and sapphire vehicles then removing one little and replacing with old tat and reducing allocations and vehicles for the latter and reducing the timetable of a route upgraded to increase patronage was a sign of a successful operation? I don't work in the industry but can advise you that it isn't 😊
Quote from: Bob on December 03, 2016, 09:40:18 PM
So would you, in your opinion, say that investing in two lots of vehicles, pulsars for pye greens and sapphire vehicles then removing one little and replacing with old tat and reducing allocations and vehicles for the latter and reducing the timetable of a route upgraded to increase patronage was a sign of a successful operation? I don't work in the industry but can advise you that it isn't 😊
But as an area of course you're going to put your more modern vehicles in the more profitable areas, obviously a depot or two will pay the consequences for it but that's just the way it goes.
The consequences being that Cannock and it's sapphire upgrade were a complete failure.....same goes for the much publicised pye greens flopgrade
Quote from: Bob on December 04, 2016, 01:08:18 AM
The consequences being that Cannock and it's sapphire upgrade were a complete failure.....same goes for the much publicised pye greens flopgrade
Better to try and fail than not try at all
Wasn't it 2.2 million across the operation? I wouldn't imagine cannock made that figure
2741 now in interurban liverey, leaving just 2740 to be done, also it has been painted stupidly like the commanders
2736 now in interurban livery
About time too
Dunno why it's not in Wednesfield instead with rest of batch
Quote from: Bob on December 23, 2016, 11:17:48 PM
Dunno why it's not in Wednesfield instead with rest of batch
Half of which aren't at wednesfield anymore anyway so your point is?
Wonder if it will move over to the shires with some of the batch?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 23, 2016, 11:24:06 PM
Half of which aren't at wednesfield anymore anyway so your point is?
Someone's snappier than a rice krispie 😂😂😂😂
I don't follow Wednesfield allocations with an obsession....crikey their allocation of buses must have reduced a lot then....
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 24, 2016, 10:09:55 AM
Wonder if it will move over to the shires with some of the batch?
They're welcome to the whole lot! Just not the Y reg ones. So long as they send some hellfire in return.
Not many of the beasty Y reg left sadly now :(
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 24, 2016, 10:54:13 PM
Not many of the beasty Y reg left sadly now :(
I saw 2714 in Rugby on Friday. If it weren't for some dippy bints there would have been a photo.
How about some of the scouse or Medway Towns Voith B7TL's next year or more Euro 3/4 B7RLE's?
How about some more Solo's for Cannocks busier routes 😂😂😂😂
2377 FJ55BWG on sapphire routes 1&2 today
An upgrade to be fair
10:45 Cadet 2737 'dead' on side of A34 outside 'The Littleton' at Huntington. At a guess it was probably on the 75A 21:38 service from Stafford.
7/1/16 - Dart 2370 FJ54OTR on Sapphire route 1
Fj06 ztk currently blocking the dual carriageway in cannock being put on to a recovery truck. .Couldn't even make the 50 yards to the bus station lol
Isn't that the 1 that recently had the engine fire whilst on service 3?
No think that was ZTL
Are Cannocks 2 05 plate Volvos off the road?
1 was in Pye Greens the other day but did not last the day
Not sure which one but one of the 05 plate Volvos was on the Pye Green Circular this morning.
3741 appeard to be broken down at the rising sun this evening
Lol looks like it's back to daily breakdowns with the crap fleet they've got. Problem is when they stupidly do so much interworking of routes it can cause real issues
Sapphire seen on pye greens this morning very odd allocation
Must be the first time they've strayed since cannock had them
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 09, 2017, 10:15:15 PM
1 was in Pye Greens the other day but did not last the day
It was 3867 I had it for one trip and it broke down on its next trip
Saw the both today in stafford, 1 still has Greenline branding on the rear window
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 11, 2017, 02:57:06 PM
Must be the first time they've strayed since cannock had them
3307 was on 8's the other day
Pulsars on 1 and 2 yesterday and today. Maybe they're gonna downgrade em
Pulsar on 2 this morning at Landywood
B7RLE 1 & 2 today. .are they short on shitelites?
3741 is also on 1, just passed it on way home, nice to see commander back on there, better than streetlites
Wonder if the Streetshites are on the way out....
We could always hope
Think I saw at least one pass my house earlier on the 2!
No shortage of Streetlites on the 1 and 2 today. 3303, 3304, 3306 and 3309 all running mid afternoon.
3763 was on the 1 this afternoon along with a volvo
Been on the unrepainted 55 plate dart on 75a tonight. Rattly and vile but it can shift
Which 1? There's 3, 2377/78/79
Not 100% bit BWE maybe?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 14, 2017, 08:14:24 PM
3763 was on the 1 this afternoon along with a volvo
3763 is going to derby today and we're getting 2738 as replacement 😂
Quote from: ntw456 on January 15, 2017, 03:00:34 PM
3763 is going to derby today and we're getting 2738 as replacement 😂
Reliability gonna improve no end lol 😂
Leaving just 6 pulsars at Cannock lol and 2738 gotta be on borrowed time lol
Quote from: ntw456 on January 15, 2017, 03:00:34 PM
3763 is going to derby today and we're getting 2738 as replacement 😂
Derby will be needing additional vehicles to fend off Yourbus on the 1 / 1A from 6th march when they introduce a new service 'F1'
Any more vehicle changes coming up at Cannock? Hopefully we'll eventually see the back of the Streetshites
Quote from: Bob on January 15, 2017, 07:24:47 PM
Any more vehicle changes coming up at Cannock? Hopefully we'll eventually see the back of the Streetshites
The rate things are going at Cannock if they are replaced it'll be with Olympians & Lynxes! A shame, I have always believed a little bit of perseverance at Cannock would pay dividends.
Quote from: Pete50492 on January 15, 2017, 07:38:48 PM
The rate things are going at Cannock if they are replaced it'll be with Olympians & Lynxes! A shame, I have always believed a little bit of perseverance at Cannock would pay dividends.
It's evidently on the slide again
2738 quckly into service on the 74 today
And on 825
On the 74? Will it last the day? Pulsar on 2 again his morning
Solo on the 1 & 2 apparently today...oh dear
Solo 2403 on the 74 today
X781 NWX on 70 /71 sounding rotten and stinking of damp inside. Solo on 74...and a lovey threadbare 04 plate knackered sounding cadet on the 70 back. Wouldn't imagine NX have got anything to worry about on the 154 lol
Quote from: Bob on January 21, 2017, 02:30:01 PM
X781 NWX on 70 /71 sounding rotten and stinking of damp inside. Solo on 74...and a lovey threadbare 04 plate knackered sounding cadet on the 70 back. Wouldn't imagine NX have got anything to worry about on the 154 lol
Hardly surprising....wasn't X781NWX a reserve for some time? presumably that meant sitting in a yard somewhere... With regard to the rest of this post and the recent ones it seems to me that Arriva have abandoned any positive corporate image in Cannock and are merely managing decline......No wonder we had the recent NatEx rumours then
X781nwx was in use with Tamworth not so long ago
B7RLE on the 2e last night
Saw a couple of buses in stafford today displaying "celebrating 40 years of serving Cannock"
Anyone really sure they're proud of that?
Lmaooooo
Arriva haven't serves cannock for 40 years.....
Quote from: Busman Jamie on February 04, 2017, 11:50:34 PM
Arriva haven't serves cannock for 40 years.....
It's Cannock depot the 40 years refers to, which has been open for 40 years now
I'm surprised they haven't got buses saying RIP Cannock garage lol
Quote from: Tony on February 05, 2017, 08:46:16 AM
It's Cannock depot the 40 years refers to, which has been open for 40 years now
Here's Delta Way shortly before opening (January 1977):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/4738891364/
It replaced old Midland Red garage at Cradley Heath and ex Harper Brothers garage at Heath Hayes.
Midland Red had been operating in Cannock for many decades before 1977.
Fair whack of dead mileage between Cradley & Cannock then?
Or was Cradley only handling southern routes by this point, with Heath Hayes handling northern routes?
Bearing in mind the Dudley area had 4 Midland Red garages, plus one in Wolverhampton, , Oldbury, Bearwood & Digbeth, was there that many MR routes or was it that the garage space for each depot wasnt very big?
Quote from: Westy on February 05, 2017, 10:17:19 PM
Fair whack of dead mileage between Cradley & Cannock then?
Or was Cradley only handling southern routes by this point, with Heath Hayes handling northern routes?
Bearing in mind the Dudley area had 4 Midland Red garages, plus one in Wolverhampton, , Oldbury, Bearwood & Digbeth, was there that many MR routes or was it that the garage space for each depot wasnt very big?
Cradley Heath reopened with 36 vehicles to takeover the 16 cross boundary routes in Wolverhampton transferred from WMPTE to MROC on 3 Dec 1973. Midland Red would have liked to reopen the Wolverhampton depot but the new tenant refused to leave!
When MROC tookover Harpers of Heath Hayes in September 1974 it included their decrepit depot! MROC quickly looked for a site to replace both of these depots which led to Cannock opening in Feb 1977.
The MROC cross border routes to the south west of the West Midlands, operated from Bearwood, moved to a reopened Bromsgrove depot (17 vehicles) in December 1973.
Bromsgrove, Cradley Heath and Wolverhampton had originally closed following service reductions in 1971.
None of the Midland Red garages in the West Midlands were that large. Maximum allocation was less than 55 at each of them.
Quote from: Westy on February 05, 2017, 10:17:19 PM
Fair whack of dead mileage between Cradley & Cannock then?
Or was Cradley only handling southern routes by this point, with Heath Hayes handling northern routes?
Bearing in mind the Dudley area had 4 Midland Red garages, plus one in Wolverhampton, , Oldbury, Bearwood & Digbeth, was there that many MR routes or was it that the garage space for each depot wasnt very big?
The significant dead mileage that I regularly saw was for service 865 (Walsall - Stafford), which had a three vehicle allocation, one of which was supplied by Cradley Heath (the other two vehicles supplied by Stafford).
Here is a driver changeover taking place at Walsall (dead mileage to/from Cradley Heath):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/4738384414/
Most of Cradley Heath's work was on former WMPTE services operating from Wolverhampton, the 865 being the only Midland Red service left serving Walsall.
Up to the early 1970s Midland Red's only regular services to Cannock were the 836 Stafford - Cannock, 838/839 Cannock - Lime Pit Lane Circular and 865 Stafford - Dudley. 838/9 and 865 were joint with West Midlands PTE.
In November 1973 Midland Red purchased Green Bus Co of Rugeley, which (among several other routes) brought Rugeley - Cannock services to the company, becoming 830/831. I think most if not all ex-Green Bus services were operated by Tamworth garage at first.
In December 1973, as already said, while Midland Red sold its operations in the West Midlands County to West Midlands PTE, a few services went the other way. Most of these were based on Wolverhampton (including Wolverhampton - Cannock), but also the 865 was cut back to Walsall - Stafford and WMPTE no longer participated in it.
In April 1974 Midland Red purchased Harper Bros of Heath Hayes, although Harpers continued to operate as a separate entity until the September. Cannock area services taken over included Cannock - Aldridge - Birmingham (853/854), Cannock - Longford Estate - Calf Heath - Four Crosses (834/835) and Hednesford - Cannock - M6 - Birmingham (X98). The X98 and 830/831 were combined in 1978, through journeys becoming X30/X31.
Midland Red's domination in Cannock arrived in August 1980, when as part of the Chaserider MAP (Market Analysis Project) MR purchased most of WMPTE's Cannock area services.
Wmpte/wm travel etc monopoly on Walsall services continues way into the 90s though. It wasn't until Chase stepped in with the 1 that they lost it. Even then Arriva dint bother till 2006 when they introduced a handful of time expired L reg Darts onto the 1.
Quote from: Tony on February 05, 2017, 08:46:16 AM
It's Cannock depot the 40 years refers to, which has been open for 40 years now
also a feature in the the local free paper "Cannock & Rugeley Chronicle" this week with some nice photographs & plug for the café
I know they get a hard time on here (sometimes justified,perhaps sometimes not) but its a nice addition to add some interest locally & cushion the blow of further revisions in February
anybody up for an open day ?
Maybe they should paint a bus in chaserider/midland red livery
Quote from: cannockanorak on February 12, 2017, 10:05:38 AM
also a feature in the the local free paper "Cannock & Rugeley Chronicle" this week with some nice photographs & plug for the café
I know they get a hard time on here (sometimes justified,perhaps sometimes not) but its a nice addition to add some interest locally & cushion the blow of further revisions in February
anybody up for an open day ?
Article is available here (page 7):
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?PBID=413a726f-c0c3-4359-85e3-0083eb93a96c
(http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?PBID=413a726f-c0c3-4359-85e3-0083eb93a96c)
Quote from: Bob on February 12, 2017, 10:14:19 AM
Maybe they should paint a bus in chaserider/midland red livery
Would be an excellent idea and highly appropriate. Also like cannockanorak's idea of an open day
Nice idea but I can't see them spending money on painting one in the old Chaserider livery when they still have around 9 still in old Arriva schemes.
2266 at Cannock, currently in bus station on 62
Quote from: Pete50492 on February 14, 2017, 09:34:30 AM
Would be an excellent idea and highly appropriate. Also like cannockanorak's idea of an open day
Have mailed Arriva regarding both & waiting for a response ! Have also posted out letters.
Keep you posted
What bus would look in Chaserider livery? I think a Pulsar or a B7RLE personally
Quote from: cannockanorak on February 19, 2017, 03:13:42 PM
Have mailed Arriva regarding both & waiting for a response ! Have also posted out letters.
Keep you posted
Nice one mate, thanks
Quote from: Bob on February 19, 2017, 03:37:03 PM
What bus would look in Chaserider livery? I think a Pulsar or a B7RLE personally
Couldn't agree more Bob. The Chaserider livery would suit either type brilliantly.
2744 on sapphire 1/2
Scutphire 1 & 2 lol
If you had to use another bus on an allegedly premium route why would you use arguably one of the very worst lol
I'll say 1 thing for the cadets thougj, there out more often than them ex shires heaps 3866/67
Break down a bit tho. But your right them 2 Volvos can barely do a few hours in use and even then they're kept on pye greens
The same one has been on Pye Greens majority of this week nit sounding good at all
It'll be even worse with Cannocks maintenence lol they couldn't even keep 08 plate deckers on the road
3309 currently on pye greens driven by me :)
Dear God lol meaning a quality dart or pulsar on sapphire
3304 has joined me lol
Maybe the Streetshites are next to go so they're sticking em anywhere? For a supposedly premium route the 1 and 2 don't exactly get treated like it lol.
We were very short this morning
Well you obviously either didn't run two buses on the sapphires and missed journeys or put two non sapphire vehicles that could of gone on pye greens on there?
Not surprised you were short tho given Cannocks inability to maintain a fleet. 05 plate Volvos barely on the road ffs lol
Quote from: Bob on February 24, 2017, 07:52:20 PM
Not surprised you were short tho given Cannocks inability to maintain a fleet. 05 plate Volvos barely on the road ffs lol
3867 was on Pye Greens when I got back to Cannock last night
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/3867.html
Yes Tony but they rarely both make it out lol. One of them sounds really unhealthy 😕
meanwhile old 2738 continues to pound the roads lol
Promoting Arriva's quality image lol
Dunno. It'll make it even less reliable if they do. Cadets break down a lot
Not been on them but by all accounts they're not supposed to be very reliable
Doubt BU03HRJ will return when that went to Luton/Aylesbury or high Wycombe, main site qill tell you which is at, sn53esg is at Hinckley ams has been for a while too
Nothing in Cannock needs deckers anymore the routes are so poor performing. Solos Darts and Cadets get put on 74 now lol
How come your post come out strangely formatted by the way?
BU03 HRD running from Cannock with farebox covered over. Waiting for the 9.52 62 from Cannock, Driver comes strolling over at 9.55 proceeds to chat to the driver of the 63 which is double parked cos he can't get to the stand as 62 is still sat there, woman says to driver you were supposed to have left minutes ago and he says "I'm not bothered I've lost all interest since yesterday " & proceeds to tell us how the bus he was on broke down 3 times yesterday in service and he got stuck each time cos they can't be bothered to fix them properly. Oooohah. 3867 doesn't sound to healthy bit risky sticking it on 62 lol
So already late driver decides to jump off bus in Hednesford and chat to driver of bus in front leaving engine running doors open and passengers waiting
2731
Temporary road works in to Lichfield are going to make this journey into an hour and 15 mins. All the more reason not to p**s about standing chatting in bus stations and leave 8 mins late. No wonder they don't make any money in Cannock. Provide a rubbish service that's declining more and more = lose even more customers
Missed my connecting bus. S##t company vehicles and driver!!!!
It's not a shires bus it's from wednesfield
Is cannock likely to get Wednesfield cast offs? Bloody hell their image is already s##t as it is lol
Does OCD make you write like that then? What would happen if you were to write it like a normal paragraph and that?
I think it's quite cool my mates got it especially round his cd collection has to be in order and that. I got autism my self it's good cos I can remember little details and facts that other people cant
3759 on the 1 & 2 today sounds really really tired. Whole bus/windows vibrate when it's at lights/stops and sounds like the diff is knackered in same way 3704 did. That's not good for a 61 plate 😕
Ah fair enough. Is that fear of height? Where you from I'm from Cannock. Longford area
Ellesmere no way literally round corner from me ahaha. Small world. Hope we don't get crap buses from Wednesfield lol
S.V.B., I can appreciate that you have OCD and vertigo and I don't have a problem with that (and I hope other members here don't either). I suffer with vertigo myself, and am probably a little OCD too. ;)
However, you must understand that while your posts look neat and tidy on your phone screen, they do look a little 'odd' to those of us who view this forum in a regular desktop browser (see attached image)
They do but as long as it doesn't bother anyone it's all good
Bob was you on the 62 (ex shires volvo) about 3 in Cannock today?
Na was this morning tho 😊I'd just got off the knackered pulsar on the 1 bout that time 😊
Quote from: Stu on March 04, 2017, 05:09:38 PM
S.V.B., I can appreciate that you have OCD and vertigo and I don't have a problem with that (and I hope other members here don't either). I suffer with vertigo myself, and am probably a little OCD too. ;)
However, you must understand that while your posts look neat and tidy on your phone screen, they do look a little 'odd' to those of us who view this forum in a regular desktop browser (see attached image)
What happened to SVB's posts?
Quote from: Pete50492 on March 04, 2017, 11:52:34 PM
What happened to SVB's posts?
@Pete50492 - He's deleted them, I assume because of the comments on format.
Quote from: Winston on March 05, 2017, 12:03:37 AM
@Pete50492 - He's deleted them, I assume because of the comments on format.
I don't understand why he would of deleted em tho?
Yeah. No one slagged him off.
(Which makes a change on here!)
Quote from: Bob on March 04, 2017, 02:23:25 PM
I think it's quite cool my mates got it especially round his cd collection has to be in order and that. I got autism my self it's good cos I can remember little details and facts that other people cant
I've got autism myself I like things neatly organised I also remember things from years ago that no one else like my Girlfriend Remebers
The 04 cadets are badly in need of retrim as are BVU /BVT darts
Quote from: SI on March 09, 2017, 08:31:15 PM
Does anyone know the
amount of buses thats
allocted to the Cannock
depot please ? I would
say between 65 - 70 ?
Check the fleetlist on the main site
Quote from: SI on March 09, 2017, 08:31:15 PM
Does anyone know the amount of buses that allocted to the Cannock depot please ? I would say between 65 - 70 ?
65 plus 2 trainers on last fleet list
Quote from: SI on March 10, 2017, 06:35:48 AM
Thank you for that : )
spot on guess by me ,
said between 65 - 70
But i do wonder if all
that will change 2017
wether there could be
an increase : decrease
in amount of CK buses
allocated some point .
I'd guess that at least in the short term we'll see a modest increase at CK if they take on some extra work upon the closure of Wednesfield as expected
There are only 2 drivers moving to CK from WD so can't see many buses moving.
Quote from: Grinder on March 10, 2017, 11:21:52 AM
There are only 2 drivers moving to CK from WD so can't see many buses moving.
From recent comments on the forum, it suggests no routes are moving in to Cannock, only Telford & Tamworth with all the Centro tendered stuff going to Diamond
Any idea about the 76A Wolves-Stafford Sunday only service run from Wednesfield, I would have thought that might move back to Cannock.
Just noted at the depot 2379 FJ55 BVU sporting a new coat of paint.
Quote from: SI on March 10, 2017, 02:50:29 PM
What do you think are
CK least profitable bus
routes + do you reckon
any services about the
Cannock area are likely
to face the axe due to
low passenger number
this year . Also whats
their most profitable .
Probably barely any now the way they constantly change things
2379 freshly repainted, left unrefurbed and already broken down in Cannock bus station with engineer van there and the engine flap up. They may as well have a permanent van on the bus station really, save on fuel given the state of the fleet 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Quote from: Grinder on March 10, 2017, 12:29:53 PM
Any idea about the 76A Wolves-Stafford Sunday only service run from Wednesfield, I would have thought that might move back to Cannock.
It's been back at Cannock for ages
Thanks for that, just shows how long it is since I went into Stafford on a Sunday, last time the bus was one of the BU02 Cadets and that was the reason for my comment.
Are you serious other than the 55 plate pair the Volvos are probably the best buses Cannock have got.
Pulsars are noisier and some of Cannocks are in a right bad state.
My limited experience of the two gives me the impression that the Volvos don't rattle as much as the Pulsars and they are 3 years and god knows how many miles older.
I think Cannock would just get whatever knackered old buses are knocking about
As they seem to now. I can't see the 1 and 2 staying Sapphire either. The idea of Sapphire was to improve a route and grow patronage. It failed on both counts. They messed with the routes afterwards then changed them back then reduced the frequency and got rid of two of the vehicles! Plus half the time they stick anything on there anyway. An utter failure lol
Or Arriva is getting rid of non profitable areas. For example the 76 which did not have too much competition until the NX 54 came along and the 76 is withdrawn some time after. Has the 154 impacted much on the 70? Arriva moved decent buses from Cannock and sent them to Telford or the Shores and replaced them with run down buses soon to expire. In some respects I am glad Wednesfield is closing, their drivers were rude and they drove like maniacs. I just feel with Arriva there is not much heart in their services now and want to withdraw from the West Midlands/Staffordshire keeping Telford, Tamworth, Shrewsbury, Leicester and Derby.
Enter Stagecoach (Seem to do well with rural areas) or some operator that can turn around the Staffordshire operations because I feel Arriva doesn't know what to do with it anymore
Presumbly if they did that, they might further reorganise & put Shrewsbury & Telford as part of Arriva Wales!
I suspect NX might get involved further with the routes from Cannock & Hednesford south back into WM county as they'd be the next nearest to run without too much messing about setting up new operatng bases, unless Cannock was retained as an out station?
According to the Driver training guy who was watching the driver of the X51 Wednesday morning the X51 might be coming into Cannock hourly! That was he said they were hoping to be doing
Quote from: Bob on March 12, 2017, 03:53:25 PM
According to the Driver training guy who was watching the driver of the X51 Wednesday morning the X51 might be coming into Cannock hourly! That was he said they were hoping to be doing
If thats the case, they will be slightly short of Platinums at Walsall surely if the PVR increases unless any can be nicked from elsewhere?
Quote from: Westy on March 12, 2017, 03:48:28 PM
Presumbly if they did that, they might further reorganise & put Shrewsbury & Telford as part of Arriva Wales!
I suspect NX might get involved further with the routes from Cannock & Hednesford south back into WM county as they'd be the next nearest to run without too much messing about setting up new operatng bases, unless Cannock was retained as an out station?
Doubt Cannock would be retained. It's the one serious tangible asset that Arriva have got round here. They will want to maximise their returns so my guess is that will be sold to a developer as it's a prime site. Given Cannock's marginal profitability the most logical outcome as I see it is for NXWM to take a chunk of it by recasting services from Walsall/Brownhills & Wolverhampton. someone like D & G perhaps might end up with Stafford & Rugeley with perhaps Midland Classic or Central Buses taking on some of the Lichfield corridor. I doubt Arriva will remain in Cannock much longer
Cannock
How long dya reckon before they do one? Stafford services are dwindling away and a lot of Cannocks routes must just about break even. I can see more cuts coming. Where else but Cannock would a route get cut after being sapphired?
61 maybe...71...75...or cut 74 back to hourly or the 2 they're all pretty dead
Quote from: Bob on March 13, 2017, 09:43:40 PM
How long dya reckon before they do one? Stafford services are dwindling away and a lot of Cannocks routes must just about break even. I can see more cuts coming. Where else but Cannock would a route get cut after being sapphired?
Dunno Bob, but I don't imagine it'll be too long. Arriva's German parent company clearly want them to maximise profitability hence their current tendency to gravitate resources towards their most profitable areas. Cannock's gradual downgrades are clear evidence of this, add to that the rumours that appear to abound and the significant financial asset that is Cannock garage then it will I'm sure be sooner rather than later. Wouldn't surprise me to learn that some sort of negotiations are going on in the background somewhere though I hasten to add that's just my opinion.
What are the "main" routes in Cannock then? The Ines that wouldn't get axed?
Jesus if you didn't post so much stuff repeating yourself on 5 different threads and asking questions that don't need asking it wouldn't be an issue
He's got OCD mate its a mental illness 😊
Quote from: SI on March 14, 2017, 02:35:42 AM
I am now bowing out
of postings on forum
for good as have now
posted 100 post here
which was my limit....
.......
am now bowing out
and deleting account
i wont be back again
with a new account
that is a guarantee
.....
Bye to all the fellow
Cannock enthusiasts
Bye Tony : Winston
TONY / WINSTON
CAN YOU DELETE
ACCOUNT PLEASE
THANK YOU
Are you sure this will be your very last account? In the past, I seem to recall you coming back on the forum under a different alias couple of times. ::)
Quote from: SI on March 14, 2017, 02:35:42 AM
I am now bowing out
of postings on forum
for good as have now
posted 100 post here
which was my limit ,
have exhausted post
about Arriva Cannock
Arriva Tamworth & i
have exhausted post
Arriva Wednesfield :
am now bowing out
and deleting account
i wont be back again
with a new account
that is a guarantee ,
as have had enough !
time to move on so
my OCD can improve
it wont improve on
while on forum , so
no more post by me
Bye to all the fellow
Cannock enthusiasts
Bye Tony : Winston
TONY / WINSTON
CAN YOU DELETE
ACCOUNT PLEASE
THANK YOU
Could you not of just created a new thread instead of changing another one?!
Pulsars coming back to Cannock.
Quote from: BN on March 16, 2017, 05:37:50 PM
Pulsars coming back to Cannock.
What will they be replacing?
The 57 plate ones that went to Oswestry??
Quote from: BN on March 16, 2017, 05:37:50 PM
Pulsars coming back to Cannock.
I'm assuming we're on about 3792-95, the ones currently at Derby?
Quote from: Alex on March 17, 2017, 12:14:54 PM
I'm assuming we're on about 3792-95, the ones currently at Derby?
They are not at Derby, only 3795 is.
Are 3792-3794 at Cannock
Quote from: BN on March 16, 2017, 05:37:50 PM
Pulsars coming back to Cannock.
Nice that we're getting some newer buses at Cannock for a change....do we know which ones? I'm assuming they'll be from the YJ61 batch.
Possibly 3763/64/65/66? Or some of the 59 plates at Telford?
Quote from: andy41 on March 16, 2017, 07:29:46 PM
Cue Bob
Well they can't be any more unreliable than the cadets. Which cadets are going just the ex London sheds?
Pity they aren't getting rid of the Streetshites first though. Considering the Sapphire thing failed miserably
Quote from: Westy on March 12, 2017, 10:08:25 PM
If thats the case, they will be slightly short of Platinums at Walsall surely if the PVR increases unless any can be nicked from elsewhere?
Seems to be extra Nx employees on the x51's on the Cannock south section everyday so far this week, based on journey 2.
There was when I caught it 2 weeks ago too
Do we know which Pulsars are coming and when?
SN03 LGD at cannock
Guessing just a loan?
Wonder where the cadets are going when cannock gets the pulsars
Quote from: SI on March 28, 2017, 09:35:26 AM
FJ55 BWE : on route 26
And that ones worth mentioning when it happens every day because?
Does anyone know which pulsars are coming?
Could be. Where are they now?
I don't think 3764/65/66 will return they're branded up for a Leicester service??
When are we getting these pulsars then? And is it all the cadets going and if not which?
Last night I had to get back from Pensnett to home in Cannock, so walked down to Wall Heath and caught the 18:24 255 to Wolverhampton and the 19:26 70 on to Cannock.
Both journeys were made on 13 year old buses (NX 4549 & Arriva 2737)
Both had good drivers running on time driving well
Both buses were slightly tired looking outside and in, but perfectly acceptable
Both buses were litter free despite being out all day
Both buses were quite lightly loaded, I think the 255 carried a total of around 25 people overall, the 70 7 passengers.
So why did the Arriva journey drive me mad?
The lady driver who has been at Cannock since 2000 and is a lovely lady and a good driver pulled up in Stafford Street at 1922, but didn't leave until 19:29 which baffled me at first, but despite getting stuck behind a number 2 under Cannock Road bridge for a couple of minutes and driving steadily still had to wait time at Underhill, then had to wait time again at three other points along the journey including outside Cannock garage by which time I was the only passenger, and every time the bus was stationary you had a vibro massage from its vibrating. It seemed to me a lesson in how to drive passengers away, no reliability problem, no driver problem, but still an annoying journey when you just want to get home waiting and getting vibrated 4 times.
It was on the late 75a on Friday. Shed
Quote from: Tony on April 04, 2017, 01:29:15 PM
Last night I had to get back from Pensnett to home in Cannock, so walked down to Wall Heath and caught the 18:24 255 to Wolverhampton and the 19:26 70 on to Cannock.
Both journeys were made on 13 year old buses (NX 4549 & Arriva 2737)
Both had good drivers running on time driving well
Both buses were slightly tired looking outside and in, but perfectly acceptable
Both buses were litter free despite being out all day
Both buses were quite lightly loaded, I think the 255 carried a total of around 25 people overall, the 70 7 passengers.
So why did the Arriva journey drive me mad?
The lady driver who has been at Cannock since 2000 and is a lovely lady and a good driver pulled up in Stafford Street at 1922, but didn't leave until 19:29 which baffled me at first, but despite getting stuck behind a number 2 under Cannock Road bridge for a couple of minutes and driving steadily still had to wait time at Underhill, then had to wait time again at three other points along the journey including outside Cannock garage by which time I was the only passenger, and every time the bus was stationary you had a vibro massage from its vibrating. It seemed to me a lesson in how to drive passengers away, no reliability problem, no driver problem, but still an annoying journey when you just want to get home waiting and getting vibrated 4 times.
Was your problem the timetable or the bus?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 04, 2017, 05:04:06 PM
Was your problem the timetable or the bus?
Both, too much running time, and then getting a vibro massage while it waits time. Neither of which are things that will attract people onto buses
Quote from: Tony on April 04, 2017, 05:33:24 PM
Both, too much running time, and then getting a vibro massage while it waits time. Neither of which are things that will attract people onto buses
Difficult to find a happy medium with running time though, it's either you've got too long in it so it's constantly waiting or it's not got enough so you're constantly late.
Quote from: Tony on April 04, 2017, 05:33:24 PM
Both, too much running time, and then getting a vibro massage while it waits time. Neither of which are things that will attract people onto buses
Unfortunately there is always a divide.
Extra running time allows less delays for services.
Less running time means people to get destinations quicker.
Both of these cause satisfaction for customers.
When a bus has loads of running time but still runs late is not acceptable though.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 04, 2017, 06:31:48 PM
Unfortunately there is always a divide.
Extra running time allows less delays for services.
Less running time means people to get destinations quicker.
Both of these cause satisfaction for customers.
When a bus has loads of running time but still runs late is not acceptable though.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 04, 2017, 06:31:48 PM
Unfortunately there is always a divide.
Extra running time allows less delays for services.
Less running time means people to get destinations quicker.
Both of these cause satisfaction for customers.
When a bus has loads of running time but still runs late is not acceptable though.
You know how to run a bus company. Arriva looks to don't care and seems like Cannock it will go the way of Wednesfield... they used to be good and now NX has pushed them off the 76 with the 54, the 1 & 2 could fall to an extended X51 (IF that happen). Would not be surprised if Diamond or Stagecoach try their luck with Cannock and maybe a few NX ran services. To get profit and passengers investment is needed and it can be turned around!
Quote from: Chris on April 04, 2017, 06:55:59 PM
Would not be surprised if Diamond or Stagecoach try their luck with Cannock and maybe a few NX ran services.
Stagecoach currently don't have any garage/service in that area for miles though, so that does seem unlikely. Can't see why they'd want a stand alone garage. 30+ miles away from the nearest garage in Nuneaton. So can't see it happening.
Midland Classic maybe? Or just Midland Classic on the Lichfield routes.
Quote from: 2206 on April 04, 2017, 07:00:26 PM
Stagecoach currently don't have any garage/service in that area for miles though, so that does seem unlikely.
Midland Classic maybe? Or just Midland Classic on the Lichfield routes.
I know that... Stagecoach would buy Cannock Garage... But in all fairness we knew wednesfield was going before it was announced so Cannock should not be far off 2018 maybe.
Has MPD 2210 SN 03 LGD been transferred to Cannock already ? It has been on Stafford service 9 all day.
Quote from: 2206 on April 04, 2017, 07:00:26 PM
Stagecoach currently don't have any garage/service in that area for miles though, so that does seem unlikely. Can't see why they'd want a stand alone garage. 30+ miles away from the nearest garage in Nuneaton. So can't see it happening.
Midland Classic maybe? Or just Midland Classic on the Lichfield routes.
I'd imagine nx would be interested in the walsall/wolves routes ( but probably not the 71) maybe the 1 2 and 3 and to be fair they could probably dispense with the 70 given the number of passengers between the scotlands island and m54 junction. Cheslyn hay and Featherstone would still be covered by 154. Can't imagine anyone wanting the 61 62 or 75
Quote from: Chris on April 04, 2017, 06:55:59 PM
You know how to run a bus company. Arriva looks to don't care and seems like Cannock it will go the way of Wednesfield... they used to be good and now NX has pushed them off the 76 with the 54, the 1 & 2 could fall to an extended X51 (IF that happen). Would not be surprised if Diamond or Stagecoach try their luck with Cannock and maybe a few NX ran services. To get profit and passengers investment is needed and it can be turned around!
How would you turn cannock around? What would you do with the routes etc? Seems to be in terminal decline 😕😕😕
Anyone seen Arriva's schedule for Easter Good Friday?
It doesn't make sense.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets/documents/midlands-service-documents/easter-2017/cannock-stafford-2017.pdf
Why can't they run a Saturday service like NX & Diamond?
It looks like some areas are cut off on Good Friday, unless I'm misreading the information!
Quote from: Westy on April 06, 2017, 10:58:07 PM
Anyone seen Arriva's schedule for Easter Good Friday?
It doesn't make sense.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets/documents/midlands-service-documents/easter-2017/cannock-stafford-2017.pdf
Why can't they run a Saturday service like NX & Diamond?
It looks like some areas are cut off on Good Friday, unless I'm misreading the information!
Hahaha!!!! They've managed to mix up the words Stafford and Cannock. Jesus how bad are their staff?
About right
Still no sign of any more SB200s.......
Shame you can't have these Scania contraptions instead of Oswestry having them>:(
Would gladly keep the pulsars.
Quote from: Bob on April 19, 2017, 10:40:09 AM
Still no sign of any more SB200s.......
Should be two at the weekend.....
Any idea which?
Should be 3805 and 3806
Oh the knackered ex scouse ones that they had before?
Same batch but these two are better!
Nice broken down Solo in cannock this morning blocking the stand with the engine flap up.
3900 being towed through Cannock by CoachAid at approx. 1915hrs this evening
What looked like a broken down Streetlite in the bus stn layby earlier displaying not in service with an engineer at the wheel
For anybody interested, but 3806 is on the 75/1B/12 today
3731 and another unidentified Pulsar seen heading 'out of service' through Bloxwich 07.00 this morning, bound for Cannock maybe?
Quote from: 888DUK on April 24, 2017, 09:35:49 PM
3731 and another unidentified Pulsar seen heading 'out of service' through Bloxwich 07.00 this morning, bound for Cannock maybe?
Ah just answered my own question, seen on the Tamworth thread it was heading there. :-[
Sorry Bob bet I got your hopes up there :)
Glad they're not . Most of that batch were knackered sheds by the time they left Cannock. What with their great standard of maintenance lol
Unidentified Solo on the 1 out of Huntington at 2:00 this afternoon.
What like the crappest bus substitute ever for a sapphire route lol. They really do give a flying s##t 😂😂😂😂😂
Quote from: Bob on May 04, 2017, 05:39:55 PM
What like the crappest bus substitute ever for a sapphire route lol. They really do give a flying s##t 😂😂😂😂😂
I would rather have that than no bus at all
Yea but there's pulsars and Volvos almost empty on pye greens could easily have been swapped. What a choice of vehicle
Like the bad old days of the Twm Solos on the 351!
Don't recall them breaking down on much like Arriva's do tho
3805 on the 825 this evening. Presumably this has now joined 3806 at Cannock
They came at the same time
Is 3740 still at Cannock or is it moved to another Depot
Yes it's been repainted
Saw 3740 tonight in Cannock, nice to see it's not painted the way the 06 plate ones have
Sapphire enviro 400 4415 is on the 60x today
A decker?????
Extras for the Lichfield Bower
Yeah it did 4 trips in and out
3303 on 21/75/1B/12 not programmed on blind just abit of paper in the window
Rumour was posted on Facebook Page that Rotala want to buy Arriva Cannock
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 12, 2017, 04:09:39 PM
Rumour was posted on Facebook Page that Rotala want to buy Arriva Cannock
Some idiot on Facebook has posted that he expects Diamond to buy NXWM because they're bigger as they operate in more places in the UK.
PLCs don't announce intentions or purchases until signed
Can't imagine even Diamond wanting it to be fair
Rumoured that Cannock is going to lose its Sapphire Streetshites any truth in it?
Got on the 61 at boney hay today the driver said the bus was empty all the way from cannock the bus was 2210
Maybe it'll be next for the axe
I think the 23 and the 15 was alright on there own it didn't really needed to be made into a cannock to lichfield route
So are the sapphire sheds staying or going?
MX 61 AWP on the 1 &2 today....
Both mx61*** pulsars were on there today
Reckon they deffo are gonna lose the sapphires? They obviously ain't been bothered about the routes/image for ages any tat can end up on there
The streetlite on the 1 this morning at about 740 from Cannock was filthy inside absolutely riffy
How bad has the Cannock operation got to get before they'd consider pulling out?
The majority of that operation is commercial isnt it?
I believe so
Fj06 zig sounds absolutely terrible
Sounded awful when I passed it in wolves
Yea sounds proper well maintained lol
MX61 AWP sounds terrible as well it vibrates somethin rotten
2168 2273 at Cannock
Adding a touch of quality lol
Unless it's changed from when I was there the other week there just in the scrap pile again
Cannocks solos are pretty shocking ain't they
Solo on the 75
A sign of how much it's declined lol. Same as 60 that gets any tat on it now
Solo 2404 on 74/825 today
Is the council actually taking any notice thesedays, or are they of the opinion, 'It's a bus, so what!'
Back in the day, I, living in Bloxwich(as I still do!), used to consider the Midland Red as the 'posh buses', bearing in mind it was WMPTE Fleetlines, VR's & Metrobuses otherwise.
On the occasional trip over Cannock / Norton Canes way, to visit relatives etc, you tended to see the red & white single deckers & plus we had a trip on the old 838 to Stafford once, which was one of the older double deckers(It was pre Olympian I know!)
If you lived in Brownhills post 1980, you got a rare Midland Red service to Brum as well!
Staffordshire County Council?? They're one of the most disinterested councils when it comes to public transport
Here's the link to the Staffordshire Bus Review, preferred option seems to be to maintain as many supported local bus services as possible but scrap the local dial-a-ride services. Seems to make good sense to ensure best use of existing resource.
https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/transport/publictransport/buses/Bus-review/Bus-review.aspx
Commander broke down blocking road near wardles lane Landywood on 71A this evening
Can anyone remember what Cannocks full size single deck fleet consisted of in the late 90s say from 97 to 99? There were loads of Mercedes minis and ecw olympians/volvo city bus but I can't for the life of me remember the full size singles. I know the Nationals had been banished to telford and Shrewsbury by that point and Cannock certainly had no falcons around that time. The rebodied tigers were almost all moved elsewhere in 94. I'm pretty sure they'd lost the Alexander belfasts by 97/98 too
Quote from: Bob on August 06, 2017, 11:42:25 AM
Can anyone remember what Cannocks full size single deck fleet consisted of in the late 90s say from 97 to 99? There were loads of Mercedes minis and ecw olympians/volvo city bus but I can't for the life of me remember the full size singles. I know the Nationals had been banished to telford and Shrewsbury by that point and Cannock certainly had no falcons around that time. The rebodied tigers were almost all moved elsewhere in 94. I'm pretty sure they'd lost the Alexander belfasts by 97/98 too
In 2000 there were still several Alexander bodied Tigers, East Lancs rebodied Tigers, then in addition there were some of the Plaxton bodied Scanias. Smaller single decks were the via East Lancs bodied Darts, along with some more normal Plaxton bodied ones
I think the tigers especially the rebodied ( weirdly there was a TPC-X one that had really old coach seats that looked straight out of a Plaxton supreme retrofitted in place of the original ex ecw recovered ones) returned after a period away. I'm referring to 1998/99
Same as the east lancs darts cannock had some when new but they were quickly moved elsewhere. In fact I remember about 1994/5 cannock running some B series nationals for a brief period on pye greens and belt road circulars that had replaced the new darts
wasn't there still a few Leyland lynx about, and east lancs rebodied b10ms too h xyt batch?
Not running from Cannock garage at that time
1713 was the East lancs tiger with the plaxton seats, they were trimmed in a light brown moquette too, it appeared in Shrewsbury in late 2002 at worked mostly from Abermule outstation. 1726 and 1740 were also at Cannock and Bosnian Tiger 1759 in about 2002.
I remember Cannock having the B series Nationals from Shrewsbury 1062/1079/1080 in exchange for Dart's 516/522/523 in September 1994 as the new mercs on order for new contracts hadn't arrived.
The darts went back when 451/2/3 arrived at Shrewsbury and the Nationals went to Black Prince of Morley.
A journalist friend has had two phone calls today to say Cannock garage would be sold by the end of the month, one of them saying the buyer was Chase Bus!
Hmm - I have my doubts they were from someone in the industry.
Lol I can see Chase bus affording that....
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2017, 07:54:31 PM
A journalist friend has had two phone calls today to say Cannock garage would be sold by the end of the month, one of them saying the buyer was Chase Bus!
Hmm - I have my doubts they were from someone in the industry.
lol! and if that were to be the case, why is there a big banner advertising the fact that arriva are recruiting drivers and engineers! although being a bit cynical, recruiting drivers so soon after they closed wednesfield and gave staff little opportunity to stay within the company
They were recruiting almost till the end at Wednesfield weren't they
Wonder where journalists have got the story from
Quote from: Bob on August 07, 2017, 09:29:56 PM
Wonder where journalists have got the story from
The journalist just had two calls from random people
Probably rubbish then
Funnily enough we had a meeting today internally, saying that a Sunday national newspaper had published a story about our company, despite someone at our company telling said journo the story was rubbish!
***Press Release***
I can also confirm that the story is absurd... Unless we were suddenly able to magic £10 million out of somewhere...
However we have no intentions of ever buying or attempting to buy Cannock depot as it is too far gone to be saved and will instead try to provide a quality service that has been missing for some time.
Isn't it this month Chase bus starts as published elsewhere?
2736 out on the 1/2 today.... Still better than a streetlite
ChaseBus was supposed to be starting in September BUT as of the middle of July the only bus that they have, as far as all comments on here and other forums suggest, was still in the same tatty state it was when bought 12 months ago. How do I know? cause I saw it at Coach Aid in Stafford on the 14th July.
Quote from: Grinder on August 09, 2017, 04:54:15 PM
ChaseBus was supposed to be starting in September BUT as of the middle of July the only bus that they have, as far as all comments on here and other forums suggest, was still in the same tatty state it was when bought 12 months ago. How do I know? cause I saw it at Coach Aid in Stafford on the 14th July.
We actually have 3 vehicles, and we haven't even owned it 12 months so please please please, before you start mentioning things that are going on, make sure they are right :)
My apologies, should have said 6 months. The bus was at Coach Aid mid July, you confirmed that and it was in the same condition as bought again you confirmed that. Suggest you update your Facebook pages if you want to avoid adverse comments.
Quote from: Grinder on August 09, 2017, 08:41:59 PM
My apologies, should have said 6 months. The bus was at Coach Aid mid July, you confirmed that and it was in the same condition as bought again you confirmed that. Suggest you update your Facebook pages if you want to avoid adverse comments.
I did, yes as I was getting a new footbrake valve installed, I have been meaning to make a post actually regarding Showbus this year
On the 1, it still beats me how anyone could consider a streetlite anywhere near a decent bus. Jerky, overrevving underpowered extremely noisy can't pull up anywhere smoothly.
Oh and the engines sound like a frigging tractor and what's with the weird getting noises when they pull up/inch forward
Driver last night reckons the streetshites are shortly heading south.....
Thats interesting bearing in mind they've reissued the timetable in Sapphire format!
Thing is, surely if all the Sapphires went, they'd have to reissue the leaflet as it would be false advertising?
Sure you could get away with one or two being off the road but not all of them?
Why dont Head Office put Cannock out of its misery & flog it?
B7s and Pulsars are regularly on there anyway. There were one of each one day last week.
Maybe its staying Sapphire. 3796/7/8 are Sapphire spec at Aylesbury carrying fresh air on the X8 which follows the 280 all the way from Oxford to Thame. And there's also some Sapphire spec 58 plate citaro things lurking in the shires to isn't there???
So maybe some truth in it somewhere??
Maybe but the conversion can't have been a success....they reduced the frequency of the 1...😂😂😂😂😂😂 was that the growth element?
LF02 PMO sounds like the engine is going to drop out of it! What a shed lol
FJ 55 BWC sounding horrendous on pye greens....rattling engine and fan permanently on ....
Do you actually have anything nice to say? Your always whinging
Sort the scrap fleet out and stop running knackered unreliable filthy buses...?
But realistically what is positive about Cannock? New buses moved on...After fanfare and launch of 63 plate pulsars for pye greens we've now got 55 plate darts and 02 cadets...( the crap state of the vehicles particularly pye green routes has been raised in council cabinet by the way), services cut, knackered buses....breakdowns regularly again...yea it's great...
Caught the 2E rather than the train tonight....sapphire...filthy seats...filthy bus..even the headrests were covered in grease 😂😂😂😂
Quote from: ntw456 on September 21, 2017, 10:49:48 PM
Do you actually have anything nice to say? Your always whinging
Perhaps if Arriva actually did something about the Cannock operation, then Bob wouldn't need to whinge about it!
You read the Facebook page & see all the complaints.
Minor matter, one of the Sapphires still has a reference to the 2a on its offside, despite the route being withdrawn a few yearsback.
I wonder if the sapphires are still on the way out? Timetables are now just ordinary arriva ones
Hello everyone can anyone confirm the fleet number of this vehicle which was parked up outside cannock depot this evening i have checked on the fleet list web site the only two cannock have got are 9509/9526 but both of them are single deckers this one was a coach
Thank you
Mark
9500 is the coach
Thank you so much Busman Jamie for the info
Mark
Fj55 bvu sounds absolutely terrible..nice faded threadbare interior too...couldnt they afford a retrim when they painted it? Obviously been well looked after at Cannock 😂😂😂😂😂
2379 not improved since been allocated to Oswestry then, apart from the lick of paint! 2367-70 were much finer examples.
Someone on Facebook is going to write a letter to Arriva about introducing a Brownhills to Lichfield service.
All I'm gonna say is 'Best Of British' to them, as Arriva like cutting services at the drop of a hat I've noticed.
Has Arriva ever improved a route?
Driver Sat reckoned the Sapphires are leaving...fingers crossed!
The Sapphires are begining to look very scruffy outside, not sure what the interiors are like as not been on one for over 12 months. May be a little trip on one on day off tommorow ! Just seems to have the feel of a garage that's given up and needs putting out of its misery.
Streetlites arent really the best sorta bus for an allegedly premium route lol. Ive been on one that was riffy a couple of sats ago. Caught the late from cannock sat just gone was clean inside but thats about it
can anyone confirm regarding 2379 is still working out of Cannock or as i have just seen on a post on here is it is working out of Oswestry
Thank you
Quote from: mark114 on October 17, 2017, 11:35:29 PM
can anyone confirm regarding 2379 is still working out of Cannock or as i have just seen on a post on here is it is working out of Oswestry
Thank you
Its still at Cannock I drove it yesterday
Its a shed lol like most of the fleet
Thank you so much Bob for the info regarding 2379 as a earlier post suggested it was working out of Oswentry
Quote from: mark114 on October 18, 2017, 10:09:02 AM
Thank you so much Bob for the info regarding 2379 as a earlier post suggested it was working out of Oswentry
All bob said was it's a shed? Which I don't think it is personall, yeah it don't look the nicest inside but it's not a bad motor to drive
If its BVU it sounds like a knackered diff. Surely they couldve stretched to a retrim..
No body said it was back at Oswestry, the comment was stating it wasn't the best of buses when at Oswestry
@ntw456 it's doomed if you've had it then 😂
Cheeky f*cker 😂😂 I looked after it
Quote from: Busman Jamie on October 18, 2017, 07:21:46 PM
No body said it was back at Oswestry, the comment was stating it wasn't the best of buses when at Oswestry
@ntw456 it's doomed if you've had it then 😂
Knackered 02 plate cadet out of service by Cannock rail stn. Sounded like gears, crawled up hill under bridge at about 10mph causing a queue....showing off arriva quality image 😂😂😂
I cant believe newer vehicles like the E200's & maybe the Sapphires if the story's correct, are moved out & older stuff is moved in instead.
Were the Cadets new at Cannock or a transfer in?
Maybe this is the German's revenge for 2 World Wars & 1 World Cup.
Knacker up the English transport system!
The cadets are transfers
2744/45/46 Ex London
2736 came from the late Stafford depot
2740/41/42 in from Oswestry
The only cadets new to cannock were the 'twins' 2701/2 which 2701 is scrapped and 2702 is working out of Telford or Shrewsbury
Most of Cannocks fleet are nails lol. If its true im glad the sapphires are going
Careful what you wish for Bob
Why theyre the crappest in the fleet
Still newer than some members of the fleet.
Yes but truly dismal buses. A knackered Dart or threadbare Cadet or clapped out Commander with a dodgy diff or even a 05 plate Volvo that probably wouldnt manage it further than Bridgtown would all be more pleasant vehicles to travel on than a Streets***e 😀😀😀
Hi,
Trying to make a list of routes operated from Cannock depot, and their subsequent PVRs.
From what I'm getting on the Arriva website, the total PVR seems to be around 38. There are 65 buses allocated to Cannock according to Tony's fleet list, so either I'm missing something, they operate services that don't serve Cannock, or operate a pretty big spare fleet ratio. It's probably all of them. Anyway, here's a list of routes that I've got as operating out of Cannock Garage. If I've missed anything, I'd appreciate it if you guys could let me know.
1 / 2 / 2E - Walsall to Cannock (and then Huntington & Hednesford)
3 - Walsall to Cannock
21 - Cannock to Longford Circular
25 - Cannock to Pye Green/Hednesford Circular
26 - Cannock to Hednesford/Pye Green Circular
60 / 61 / 62 - Cannock to Lichfield
63 - Cannock to Rugeley
70 / 71A - Cannock to Wolverhampton
74 / 75 / 75A - Cannock to Stafford
835 - Burntwood to Stafford (School Service)
837 - Churchbridge to Stafford (School Service)
Total PVR I'm getting for all this is 38.
What am I missing?
Quote from: MW on October 23, 2017, 02:39:39 PM
Hi,
Trying to make a list of routes operated from Cannock depot, and their subsequent PVRs.
What am I missing?
Stafford
Quote from: MW on October 23, 2017, 02:39:39 PM
Hi,
Trying to make a list of routes operated from Cannock depot, and their subsequent PVRs.
From what I'm getting on the Arriva website, the total PVR seems to be around 38. There are 65 buses allocated to Cannock according to Tony's fleet list, so either I'm missing something, they operate services that don't serve Cannock, or operate a pretty big spare fleet ratio. It's probably all of them. Anyway, here's a list of routes that I've got as operating out of Cannock Garage. If I've missed anything, I'd appreciate it if you guys could let me know.
1 / 2 / 2E - Walsall to Cannock (and then Huntington & Hednesford)
3 - Walsall to Cannock
21 - Cannock to Longford Circular
25 - Cannock to Pye Green/Hednesford Circular
26 - Cannock to Hednesford/Pye Green Circular
60 / 61 / 62 - Cannock to Lichfield
63 - Cannock to Rugeley
70 / 71A - Cannock to Wolverhampton
74 / 75 / 75A - Cannock to Stafford
835 - Burntwood to Stafford (School Service)
837 - Churchbridge to Stafford (School Service)
Total PVR I'm getting for all this is 38.
What am I missing?
Are the Stafford services the following?
825 - Stafford Hospital to Lichfield.
826 - Stafford to Ruegley.
827 - Stafford to Breteton.
76A - Stafford to Wolverhampton.
12 - Stafford to Doxey.
11 - Stafford to Weston Road Academy.
9 - Stafford to Highfields.
8A - Mosspit to Parkside.
8 - Mosspit to Parkside.
6 - Stafford to Rickerscote.
1C - Stafford to Colwich.
1B - Stafford to Baswich.
With Telford having the 5?
11 is operated by Select, and 6 is operated by Telford vehicles which interwork with the 5 Telford - Stafford service.
At one time Stafford was quite an important garage and id imagine profitable. Its an absolutely dying network now and would probably be better served by independents etc . I dont know how the Arriva services survive. Theres certainly been no fleet investment in over 10 years
Quote from: Hector on October 23, 2017, 03:19:27 PM
11 is operated by Select, and 6 is operated by Telford vehicles which interwork with the 5 Telford - Stafford service.
Thanks for the info.
Quote from: Bob on October 23, 2017, 03:20:43 PM
At one time Stafford was quite an important garage and id imagine profitable. Its an absolutely dying network now and would probably be better served by independents etc . I dont know how the Arriva services survive. Theres certainly been no fleet investment in over 10 years
Or lasting service investment either!
Quote from: Westy on October 23, 2017, 06:15:37 PM
Or lasting service investment either!
Cue Rotala. They'd probably do alright up there, what with all the ground breaking cost cutting methods within the company.
They seem to do well where larger companies don't though, probably due to the lower costs.
select are also doing the 12 in competition
Staffords network is dying to be fair
Quote from: Westy on October 17, 2017, 01:16:22 PM
Someone on Facebook is going to write a letter to Arriva about introducing a Brownhills to Lichfield service.
All I'm gonna say is 'Best Of British' to them, as Arriva like cutting services at the drop of a hat I've noticed.
Has Arriva ever improved a route?
https://m.facebook.com/groups/1189444884454753?view=permalink&id=1454987327900506
Basically someone has organised a meeting with local Arriva management.
Regarding the potential for a Lichfield - Brownhills link this has been tried on several occasions and found to be non-viable, some examples from memory being:
In the 1960's WCT service number 62 (Brownhills-Lichfield) peak hours only
In the 1960's WCT service number 960 [Beeching rail relacement] (Lichfield - Brownhills - Wolverhampton) peak hours only
In the pre deregulation era MRN 813 (Brownhills-Lichield) market day service
Around 1985 or 1986 short-lived exension of WMPTE Walsall - Burntwood service 394 to Lichfield
In more recent years Arriva, around 2007, combining Chase 94 with their own 861 to provide an extended service 861 (Walsall - Burntwood - Lichfield)
In the wake of WMT withdrawing from 991, a service 95 was introduced by a company that either already was or soon became part of Rotala (Zaks?)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/12999825374/
So history shows a lack of commercial success for bus links between Brownhills and Lichfield.
So this leaves the options of subsidy (unlikely as it looks like Staffordshire currently would like to stop subsidising bus services) or commercial sponsorship (again unlikely - in the good old days of Brownhills Market the Spook company would have been a likely candidate - they sponsored a Bloxwich service for a while).
Now, if WMT (NXWM) were to cutback service 10 to Brownhills (ie. abandon the outside Walsall MBC section of the route) then perhaps some opportunity might arise.
Quote from: Walsall1955 on October 25, 2017, 01:35:18 PM
Regarding the potential for a Lichfield - Brownhills link this has been tried on several occasions and found to be non-viable, some examples from memory being:
In the 1960's WCT service number 62 (Brownhills-Lichfield) peak hours only
In the 1960's WCT service number 960 [Beeching rail relacement] (Lichfield - Brownhills - Wolverhampton) peak hours only
In the pre deregulation era MRN 813 (Brownhills-Lichield) market day service
Around 1985 or 1986 short-lived exension of WMPTE Walsall - Burntwood service 394 to Lichfield
In more recent years Arriva, around 2007, combining Chase 94 with their own 861 to provide an extended service 861 (Walsall - Burntwood - Lichfield)
In the wake of WMT withdrawing from 991, a service 95 was introduced by a company that either already was or soon became part of Rotala (Zaks?)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/12999825374/
So history shows a lack of commercial success for bus links between Brownhills and Lichfield.
So this leaves the options of subsidy (unlikely as it looks like Staffordshire currently would like to stop subsidising bus services) or commercial sponsorship (again unlikely - in the good old days of Brownhills Market the Spook company would have been a likely candidate - they sponsored a Bloxwich service for a while).
Now, if WMT (NXWM) were to cutback service 10 to Brownhills (ie. abandon the outside Walsall MBC section of the route) then perhaps some opportunity might arise.
Think you find the combined Arriva 861 & Chase 94 became Arriva 61.
Will have to check my old timetables, but while the 394 to Lichfield was cut back prederegulation, I thought that and its predecessors always ran to Lichfield, unless I'm confusing it with the Walsall /early Wmpte version of the later Midland Red (now Arriva) Cannock to Lichfield service.
It was Zaks that ran the 95 service, but who knew about it? My elder brother & sis in law lived in the Pelsall / Brownhills area at the area(Sis in law worked in Lichfield at the time!) & bro knew nothing of the route, when I asked him about it, as he thought he could have caught it to meet the sis in law for lunch! The only routes known about would have been the 61 & the 991!
Im sure it would be a roaring success, like Wednesfield and Cannocks services....
To be fair, what's wrong with the 35 from Shire Oak?
Quote from: Westy on October 25, 2017, 10:49:30 PM
Think you find the combined Arriva 861 & Chase 94 became Arriva 61.
Will have to check my old timetables, but while the 394 to Lichfield was cut back prederegulation, I thought that and its predecessors always ran to Lichfield, unless I'm confusing it with the Walsall /early Wmpte version of the later Midland Red (now Arriva) Cannock to Lichfield service.
It was Zaks that ran the 95 service, but who knew about it? My elder brother & sis in law lived in the Pelsall / Brownhills area at the area(Sis in law worked in Lichfield at the time!) & bro knew nothing of the route, when I asked him about it, as he thought he could have caught it to meet the sis in law for lunch! The only routes known about would have been the 61 & the 991!
AGREED re 61 (rather than 861).
The WMPTE 394 extension from Burntwood to Lichield was prederegulation and shortlived (at the time I got the impression that it was introduced as part of a negotiating ploy in connection with other services that were overlapped by MRN / WMPTE).
Burntwood to Lichfield was once WMPTE (WCT) territory but provided by 390 (47) from Cannock and 398 (44) from Boney Hay, both services passing to MRN in 1980 under WMPTE's retreat from Staffordshire policy.
Quote from: Walsall1955 on October 26, 2017, 01:57:54 PM
AGREED re 61 (rather than 861).
The WMPTE 394 extension from Burntwood to Lichield was prederegulation and shortlived (at the time I got the impression that it was introduced as part of a negotiating ploy in connection with other services that were overlapped by MRN / WMPTE).
Burntwood to Lichfield was once WMPTE (WCT) territory but provided by 390 (47) from Cannock and 398 (44) from Boney Hay, both services passing to MRN in 1980 under WMPTE's retreat from Staffordshire policy.
Looking at the old timetables, the 394 would have been Walsall to Lichfield as early as 1980(the Chaserider revisions!) & ceased at some point before October 1985, as that Wmpte North Division timetable book shows it running Walsall to Burntwood by then.
Prior to 1980, the 394 was running Walsall to Hednesford via Brownhills, Chase Terrace & Heath Hayes.(according to Wmpte area map of December 1974, it had started as the 294, being renumbered to 394 around the time of the Walsall area timetable dated 6th Feb 1977. I don't have anything for 1976 sorry!)
If this proposed route succeeds could there be a possibility of it going through Hammerwich due to the 61 taking over from the 15's
Wonder how much longer itll be before they get rid of the Streets####s?
Quote from: Westy on October 26, 2017, 10:00:40 PM
Looking at the old timetables, the 394 would have been Walsall to Lichfield as early as 1980(the Chaserider revisions!) & ceased at some point before October 1985, as that Wmpte North Division timetable book shows it running Walsall to Burntwood by then.
Prior to 1980, the 394 was running Walsall to Hednesford via Brownhills, Chase Terrace & Heath Hayes.(according to Wmpte area map of December 1974, it had started as the 294, being renumbered to 394 around the time of the Walsall area timetable dated 6th Feb 1977. I don't have anything for 1976 sorry!)
Fares list dated 1 May 1975 shows
285 (Walsall -Brownhills-Chasetown-BoneyHay) hourly
294 (Walsall -Brownhills-Chasetown-Burntwood-Hednesford) hourly
Burntwood & Boney Hay to Lichfield were service numbers 44 + 47 at this time
Map dated November 1976 shows:
385 (Walsall -Brownhills-Chasetown-BoneyHay)
394 (Walsall -Brownhills-Chasetown-Burntwood-Hednesford)
Burntwood & Boney Hay to Lichfield were service numbers 390/1/8/9 at this time
August 1980 saw the transfer of services to Arriva, a last day photo being:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/4590284006/in/photolist-H8AM9T-bz8AYs-aAfkjj-aAfkj5-9TNWB1-9ARdR2-9ARdRc-94fiXP-8dLnWc-85U1LZ-85vDhD-7ZCpvG-7Zz2px
So was there a Wmpte Walsall area timetable dated 1976?
Quote from: Westy on October 28, 2017, 05:12:49 PM
So was there a Wmpte Walsall area timetable dated 1976?
I don't believe so, but WMPTE issued a booklet for Staffordshire revisions (reductions) to Walsall garage services that took place in September/October 1976. If I recall correctly this included the final renumbering of services from the old Walsall Corporation series and the 200 series into the 300 series. I think this included the 285 and 294 becoming 385 and 394. Until 1973 the 294 was numbered 5 - the old Walsall Corporation used from when the service started in 1920 (initially as Walsall Wood tram terminus - Hednesford; it was extended to Walsall in 1927).
Other changes of note at that time included the splitting of the 1 (Walsall - Cannock - Hednesford - Rugeley) in two - the 301/2 Dudley - Walsall - Hednesford and the 303 Cannock - Rugeley, and the disappearance of the 28 (Rugeley town service) and 45/46 (Lichfield market day services).
WMPTE also made other major changes to services operated by Walsall garage in 1976 (e.g. around Willenhall and the Walsall - Bloxwich services) for which booklets were also produced.
For anyone who's interested 3795 is back at Cannock
Permanent transfer?
Yeah I think so along with 3763
Replacing what?
3866/67
What the 2 volvos that were so unreliable they barely moved from pye greens if they were out at all? Rumour the streetlites going by end of nov..
Quote from: Bob on October 30, 2017, 07:58:11 PM
What the 2 volvos that were so unreliable they barely moved from pye greens if they were out at all? Rumour the streetlites going by end of nov..
You and your moaning of streetlites
Well they are pretty rubbish....
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 30, 2017, 08:07:29 PM
You and your moaning of streetlites
You can talk! You moan about 4H and 9 being late! ::) #hypocrite
Quote from: Bob on October 30, 2017, 08:23:34 PM
Well they are pretty rubbish....
They can't be that rubbish otherwise First and Arriva wouldn't have brought the number they have nationwide
Well erm First arent exactly known for being a quality operation....
I have always assumed Wright were able to offer competetive prices because they made their real profit from TfL for the Borismaster.
Well over 150 Streetlites a year have been supplied to all of the groups except Stagecoach from 2013 on. The only group not buying are Stagecoach who don't buy Wright products of any type. Seems strange to me that so many companies have been conned into buying crap if Bob's frequent posts about how bad they are correct.
Quote from: Grinder on October 31, 2017, 09:16:58 AM
Well over 150 Streetlites a year have been supplied to all of the groups except Stagecoach from 2013 on. The only group not buying are Stagecoach who don't buy Wright products of any type. Seems strange to me that so many companies have been conned into buying crap if Bob's frequent posts about how bad they are correct.
Stagecoach have got streetlites, bought Gemini3 this year, and have got Streetlites on order for South Yorkshire
Thanks Tony for the correction. When I was looking through the 'Bus Lists on the Web' website I missed the Streetlites and the list I looked at was buses delivered my error.
Quote from: Grinder on October 31, 2017, 09:16:58 AM
Well over 150 Streetlites a year have been supplied to all of the groups except Stagecoach from 2013 on. The only group not buying are Stagecoach who don't buy Wright products of any type. Seems strange to me that so many companies have been conned into buying crap if Bob's frequent posts about how bad they are correct.
I think you are both right in a way about the Streetlites particularly. I drive them regularly and think they are shocking buses to drive and our 2 year old examples seem like they are pushing 15, I'd much rather have an Enviro or even a Solo. However, it does seem when speaking to people on the engineering side that they are reliable buses with good fuel economy so for that they will be popular with bus companies. Equally, the related StreetDecks are lovely buses to drive so I would not say that Wright products were any less well built than previously, it just seems the Streetlite is better for companies than they are for bus drivers!
Theyre crap to ride on...slow...noisy...jerky...seemingly impossible to pull up smoothly
Hello can anyone confirm that 3866/3867 are still at Cannock I know 3763/3795 came from derby am not sure if the above vehicles are going the other way on a transfer information would be very helpful
Thank you
Mark
A Facebook post suggests they have gone to Milton Keynes
Wonder if they were towed there lol
Thank you for the reply Bob I have been to Cannock today I have seen both 3763/3795 in service I am only after 2740 to Clear my Cannock list cannot find it anywhere well in service that is can anyone confirm
Thank you
Mark
I think 2740 is at Hinckley, there is only 2741/42 from that batch in service at Cannock
Thank you so much Busman Jamie for the info on 2740 the people who I have spoken to have not seen it and to make matters worse on the bus web site its still down for Cannock but thank you again for the info
Mark
Quote from: mark114 on November 05, 2017, 01:55:37 PM
Thank you so much Busman Jamie for the info on 2740 the people who I have spoken to have not seen it and to make matters worse on the bus web site its still down for Cannock but thank you again for the info
Mark
Arriva say it is at Cannock for engine rebuild which is why you don't see it.
Certainly not at Hinckley
Why would they bother rebuilding an engine on a bus so knackered and time expired?
I'd not realised it was at CK, apologies for the misleading information
Thank you so much Bob for the info at least now I will just have to wait a little longer to see it well hopefully
Thank you again
No worries Busman Jamie you was not to know 2740 was still at Cannock no harm done but thank you again for your quick reply
Mark
So sorry Tony I believe my post said Bob lol
Looks like the Streetlites are starting to be debranded.....
Packed MPD dart on the 74 yesterday while full size buses wasted on pye greens and 61 etc...give whoever allocated that a cigar 😂
Hello Tony can you confirm if 2740 is out yet I believe when I spoke to you around a couple of weeks ago you did say it was having a new engine fitted info would be appreciated thank you
Mark
From what I've seen it's being painted in to the new livery
Whats it gonna say "Arriva- Breaking down in Cannock"...Seriously if a clapped out 13 year old cadet is the first bus in new livery that says it all 😂😂😂😂😉😂
Well first of all thank you so much ntw456 and also Bob on my question regarding 2740 greatly appreciated
Mark
FJ55 BWA and 2740 are the first Cannock buses in the new colour scheme. A clapped out cadet and an old dart are what Cannock have chosen to show off the new livery...really?
Hi Bob regarding your post on 2740 can you confirm if this vehicle is back on the road info would be greatly appreciated
Mark
No i cant sorry or the dart as yet . Cadet likely is though
Hi Bob OK no problem but thank you anyway for the reply
Mark
2740 at Cannock noted on the 61 today with 2371 been on the 63
Saw a repainted vehicle in Walsall around 5 tonight.
By the way, who said the Sapphires were being debranded, as Im still seeing branded ones?
Busman Jamie seen a debranded one in leamore
Saw the repainted Cadet...they cant even put 'connecting Cannock' on it in case it has to work from Stafford presumably. Says it all that other garages repaints are better more modern vehicles and Cannocks first two are a pair of 12 and 13 year old knackered midibuses....
The dart is the same age as some of Tamworths solos lol and not all of Tamworths repaint have 'connecting Tamworth', it's only the pulsars that have it
Bob your comments about the age of the Cannock fleet are correct. Just for the record the % of buses for each of the old AMN garages that are 10 years old or older are as follows, the number in brackets is the number allocated. Cannock 34% (68), Telford 23% (66), Tamworth 13% (45), Oswestry 10% and Shrewsbury 10% (51). If you take all the Midlands garages into account only Hinckley with 11 out of just 22 buses has a higher % of older than 10 year ones at 50%. The numbers should be about correct because they are from the current fleet list. On the question of repaints, the 2 repainted at Cannock were the last in the non-interurban scheme and looking at what has been painted at other garages the policy seems pretty much the same with older buses in original colour schemes usually being painted first.
I dont think the Dart was? It was BVT or BVU that was the one in the old colour scheme
A lot of the vehicles Cannock use on longer interurban duties are embarrassments. Its not uncommon for Cadets to be on 60/825 along with Darts. It must be such a profitable operation lol
Couldn't the buses say 'Connecting Staffordshire' at Cannock?
2371 (FJ55 BWA) was new in interurban livery. The 55 reg Dart in non interurban livery is 2378 (FJ55 BVT).
2378 is the only 1 at Cannock In the old liverey
The 60 sees anything as it doesn't interwork with the 825
Remember when the 61 plates were new for the 60...how things have declined
FJO6 ZTL sounds absolutely terrible today
Am not sure if 2210 is back at Cannock seen it this afternoon I believe it was working a service to Lichfield
2210 has been at Cannock for some time
Hi Busman Jamie that was my first thought the web site says it is at Luton
I have just checked the up dates for the changes for November it says that 3866/3867 have been transferred to High Wycombe can anyone confirm
Thank you
Also I have just checked the arrival Facebook page it says 2746 as gone to Derby can anyone confirm
Thank you
3866/67 went to High Wycombe and 3763/95 came to cannock in their place
2210 is at Cannock, 2211 went to Luton from Tamworth, not sure what the story is with 2746 but I've not seen it around cannock so it could be working out of Derby
Hi Busman Jamie thank you for the up dates on 3866/3867 also on the up date on 2210 as for 2746 you are right I've not seen it around Cannock for a while so the info may Be correct it have gone to Derby but thank you again much appreciated
Mark
I just noticed the 70 in featherstone over 30 mins late not the first time I've seen this in the past 2 weeks
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 08, 2017, 06:16:35 PM
I just noticed the 70 in featherstone over 30 mins late not the first time I've seen this in the past 2 weeks
On this occasion have you looked outside at the weather conditions?
I know that but what I'm saying is that this has happened a few times in the past 2 weeks when the weather conditions was not so bad
Does it stupidly interwork? An hourly interworked service is a crap idea reliability wise
Arriva love to interwork dont they.
And they wonder why they get complaints!
What routes interwork?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 08, 2017, 10:35:30 PM
What routes interwork?
Well the Cannock to Lichfield & Lichfield to Stafford do as far as I know, along with the 2 Wolves to Cannock routes, if Im correct.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 08, 2017, 10:35:30 PM
What routes interwork?
60 (Cannock to Lichfield), 70 (Wolverhampton to Cannock via Featherstone) and 71 (Wolverhampton to Cannock via Wednesfield).
74 (Cannock to Stafford Hospital) and 825 (Stafford Hospital to Lichfield) interwork
All of the 3, 61, 62, 63 and Rugeley locals interwork together as well, i believe.
In simple terms, most of Cannock's routes interwork, somehow.
If I could change anything I would let the 61 and 62 inter work, the number 3 stays on its own or maybe interwork with the 21 and interwork the 60 and the 825 again
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 09, 2017, 10:56:37 AM
If I could change anything I would let the 61 and 62 inter work, the number 3 stays on its own or maybe interwork with the 21 and interwork the 60 and the 825 again
Work out the times, see if it works. If they don't now then they won't again unless bits of the routes are chopped. 60 and 825 were terrible when inter worked, reliability on the 825 went downhill. If operationally it makes sense, then fine. Just doing it for the sake of doing it is not a reason.
Yes I agree
60 and 825 is a bad idea cos of the often horrendous stafford traffic. Worked badly last time!
What buses are allocated on which routes in Cannock?
Any bus to any route apart from sapphires
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 10, 2017, 08:09:53 PM
Any bus to any route apart from sapphires
Which are missing off the Sapphires a lot lol
Did any of Cannock's services work today, as I havent seen any social media posts from Arriva, apart from one late afternoon / early evening saying they were suspending services for the day?
Certainly not like Nx on social media today, you couldn't fault them or Network Wm for info.
They did update Facebook and Twitter, none of cannocks services ran today where as Tamworth's did until late afternoon with local services using main roads only and the 110 was suspended
There interworking system is ridiculous. They don't get no layover time either. No wonder they are unreliable. The 765 and 35 also interwork though I know that operates from Tamworth.
does there need to be the 60/61/62 between Cannock and Lichfield?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 19, 2017, 07:24:01 PM
There interworking system is ridiculous. They don't get no layover time either. No wonder they are unreliable. The 765 and 35 also interwork though I know that operates from Tamworth.
does there need to be the 60/61/62 between Cannock and Lichfield?
So how do you propose serving Boney Hay, Cannock Wood, Prospect Village, Hazelslade and Rawnsley then?
Quote from: Cheese on December 20, 2017, 06:47:38 AM
So how do you propose serving Boney Hay, Cannock Wood, Prospect Village, Hazelslade and Rawnsley then?
I'm not familiar with the area, however even the solo on the 60 yesterday carried the loads with ease
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 20, 2017, 10:03:32 AM
I'm not familiar with the area, however even the solo on the 60 yesterday carried the loads with ease
And as the 60 doesn't serve any of the locations listed but the 61/62 do then my question is again, how would you propose to serve them if the 60/61/62 are not all needed?
When I went to Tamworth I didn't see any of 237*-238* darts. Anyone know where these are likely to be located?
That's because 2370 - 2379 are at Cannock not sure what 228* is
And most of them darts are now s*****d....the one still in old livery seen in Hednesford last night...sounds absolutely knackered
Quote from: ntw456 on December 22, 2017, 08:10:25 PM
That's because 2370 - 2379 are at Cannock not sure what 228* is
I went to Lichfield and Cannock too and didn't see one
There normally on Stafford services 8/9
Quote from: ntw456 on December 22, 2017, 09:55:58 PM
There normally on Stafford services 8/9
Ok thanks for the info
Theyre on cannock services regularly also along with 54 plates
Not sure of the story regarding 2743 have been told it's been scrapped have checked the fleet web site no sign of it so possibility true
2743 is long gone, only 2745 of the batch left at Cannock now
Quote from: mark114 on January 02, 2018, 11:10:01 AM
Not sure of the story regarding 2743 have been told it's been scrapped have checked the fleet web site no sign of it so possibility true
If you just go to the Arriva fleetchanges page on the main site and search for 2743 you will easily find it was sold in August.
That's why a spend a few hours each month typing all this up for people to use as reference.
Thank you so much Tony for the up date on 2743 that's the only page on this web site that I don't visit that often and really I should but thank you again greatly appreciated
Thank you so much Busman Jamie for the up date on 2743 greatly appreciated
Hi Tony I have looked on the fleet changes as you requested for up dates there is one vehicle in question which is 3508 Oswestry - Tamworth not in use is this vehicle a transfer or possible loan or neither
Thank you
3508 is still at Oswestry as it stands, had it back from work yesterday on the 70 from Shrewsbury. I doubt Oswestry could spare it as it stands as they are already short with 2987 been on loan at Shrewsbury for the last few weeks unless something else of course is expected.
Thank you so much for the info Depotosw on clearing this up like I put in my post when I saw on the fleet changes out of use at Tamworth I thought it might of been a transfer but thank you again much appreciated
Is
Quote from: Depotosw on January 03, 2018, 07:08:57 AM
3508 is still at Oswestry as it stands, had it back from work yesterday on the 70 from Shrewsbury. I doubt Oswestry could spare it as it stands as they are already short with 2987 been on loan at Shrewsbury for the last few weeks unless something else of course is expected.
With the competition in Tamworth settling down soon, hopefully Tamworth can have its Scania's back, 3727-31 can return to Oswestry and 3742/3 could go to Shrewsbury for the 436.
I'm not entirely sure why reference to a Oswestry - Tamworth transfer is on the Cannock thread, but 3508 was parked up in the Oswestry depot yard on New Years day (Monday) with all of the rest of the Oswestry allocation except 2986 2987 and 6005.
So sorry Hector that was down to me regarding which I thought was a transfer for 3508 which turned out to be false anyway I did not change the thread at the top of the page so again this was down to me
Is 2740 out on 3 walsall.to.cannock if so what times is it tuning from Walsall.
2740 doesn't just go on the 3, it was on the 60/70/71 a couple of days ago
Was on the 62 yesterday
I got 2740 today On the 3 service only my waited 30 mins was lucky
Has 2740 had a low rent refurb inside? Doubt the repainted dart even had a retrim
2703 noted at Longford Island this morning... Transger to Cannock,?
Fleet upgrade lol
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 13, 2018, 09:27:39 PM
2703 noted at Longford Island this morning... Transger to Cannock,?
Was in a rtc last week went to Cannock for repairs
So not a Cannock bus then
Nope
FJ06 ZTM on the 2E tonight.. on a Sapphire service, so out of the SEVEN sapphire vehicles in operation, they resort to putting a 12 yr old knacker on..smooth...😂😂😂
Therevwas a sapphire on Pye Greens yesterday
Theres at least one non Sapphire vehicle on the 1 & 2 today.
Loads of 55 plate darts in cannock today, on pye greens , 74 ( how downhill has that gone?!?) Etc. Thought these were normally confined to Stafford locals.
Hello as anyone seen 2740 out and about info would be greatly appreciated
3761 was on the 2e last Sunday lol
Quote from: ntw456 on January 27, 2018, 08:21:50 PM
3761 was on the 2e last Sunday lol
Should be done by trading standards considering they advertise it as a premium route with plug sockets ( that have never worked on any occasion ive been on there lol) leather seats extra legroom and making your everyday journey sparkle....half the time theyre not on there which is understandable in the week but on an evening...and sunday?
Hello as anyone seen 2740 out and about info would be greatly appreciated
Can be anywhere, was on the 3 earlier this week
Thank you so much Busman Jamie for the info greatly appreciated
2740 put on 60/70/71
Thank you so much Busman Jamie on the info for 2740 greatly appreciated I'm going to Cannock tomorrow so hopefully I will see it thank you again
I seen 2494 on the number 1 in Huntington today
3761 on 2E today, a volvo on there yday, have they just given up with Sapphire now?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 03, 2018, 04:44:09 PM
I seen 2494 on the number 1 in Huntington today
Don't think you did cannock don't have a 2494?
How come Cannock has inherited more crappy even older Solos? Werent the 2008 reg ones unreliable enough lol? Got a 55 plate cadet now too apparently. What they replacing?
Arriva.
Just sell the Cannock operation.
You are really taking the mick now!
Quote from: Westy on February 04, 2018, 09:29:25 PM
Arriva.
Just sell the Cannock operation.
You are really taking the mick now!
Careful what you wish for! See Redditch...
Weirdly a taxi driver said hed heard depot was gonna be sold off ( not sure about the operation though)
The 55 plate cadet is a training bus
Quote from: ntw456 on February 05, 2018, 12:25:32 PM
The 55 plate cadet is a training bus
Yet older examples still in service lol?
One of the solos that Tamworth had was on the 3 in Walsall
earlier wonder if any more have moved unless its a loan
All the solos from tamworth 2447/2448/2450/2497 have transferred to Cannock
Looks like arriva have lost the 71
PD1098350/12 Registered
B P BROWN TRAVEL LTD
Route: CANNOCK, BUS STATION to WOLVERHAMPTON, STAFFORD STREET via CHESLYN HAY ESSINGTON
Service number: 71
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
Are 2491 & 2496 both at cannock as well as the other 4 solos
from tamworth
Quote from: ntw456 on February 05, 2018, 08:11:36 PM
All the solos from tamworth 2447/2448/2450/2497 have transferred to Cannock
Are they replacing anything?
What service are the ex Tamworth solos used on
Anything in Cannock
Well as Cannock gets all the nails maybe some newer buses are on the way out...
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 05, 2018, 08:27:37 PM
Looks like arriva have lost the 71
PD1098350/12 Registered
B P BROWN TRAVEL LTD
Route: CANNOCK, BUS STATION to WOLVERHAMPTON, STAFFORD STREET via CHESLYN HAY ESSINGTON
Service number: 71
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
Never heard of them!
Quote from: 2206 on February 05, 2018, 09:50:21 PM
Its select.
Looks like the Select service is commercial so the 71 contract isn't required. Many other contract withdrawals from Arriva and other operators also registered, these aren't being replaced.
Any other cannock routes axed?
Seen some comments on Arriva Midland West FB page that the 70 is going to a 30 minute service 'from Tuesday 3 April, the 70 will be increased to every 30 minutes' but 'unfortunately the Sunday service will not operate from 1st April due to the withdrawal of funding by Staffordshire County Council'. Also suggestions the 70 changes are due to NXWM stopping the 154?
Quote from: Depotosw on February 06, 2018, 08:33:57 PM
Seen some comments on Arriva Midland West FB page that the 70 is going to a 30 minute service 'from Tuesday 3 April, the 70 will be increased to every 30 minutes' but 'unfortunately the Sunday service will not operate from 1st April due to the withdrawal of funding by Staffordshire County Council'. Also suggestions the 70 changes are due to NXWM stopping the 154?
Yes, the 70 is being increased to every 30 minutes but the Sunday service is withdrawn due to withdrawal of funding having seen the registration. Not the only evening/Sunday service being withdrawn due to removal of subsidy.
Appalling Staffordshire County Council! How are people supposed to get to work
Quote from: Cheese on February 07, 2018, 07:31:32 AM
Yes, the 70 is being increased to every 30 minutes but the Sunday service is withdrawn due to withdrawal of funding having seen the registration. Not the only evening/Sunday service being withdrawn due to removal of subsidy.
What about the 2E?
Quote from: Westy on February 07, 2018, 10:33:10 AM
What about the 2E?
PD0000478/216 Cancelled
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Holder Drive to Walsall, Hatherton Road via Cannock Bus Station & Bloxwich
Service number: 21 (2A, 2E)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/106 Cancelled
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Stafford, Gaoll Square to Wolverhampton bus station
Service number: 76 (76A, 76B)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/302 Cancelled
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Cannock to Wolverhampton
Service number: 71
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/4 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Cannock, Bus Station to Lichfield Bus Station
Service number: 60 (X60)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/201 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Dog-in Tree Estate to Walsall, Hatherton Road
Service number: 1 (2, 2E)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/110 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Stafford, Parkside Avenue to Stafford, Moss Pit, Garth Hotel via Hawksmoor road
Service number: 8 (8A)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/109 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Stafford, Gaol Square to Stafford, Gaol Square via Highfields Farm, Barnes Road
Service number: 9
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/7 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Cannock, Bus Station to Cannock, Bus Station
Service number: 25 (26)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/352 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Cannock to Lichfield
Service number: 62 (61, 61A, 61S, 62S)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/6 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Wolverhampton, Lichfield Street to Cannock Bus Stain
Service number: 70 (70E)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/194 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: CANNOCK BUS STATION to STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY via STAFFORD, GAOL SQUARE
Service number: 75 (74, 75E)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/2 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Staffordshire University to Lichfield Bus Station via Rugeley
Service number: 825 (824, 829)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/445 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Stafford Town Centre, Gaol Square to Doxey, Greensome Crescent
Service number: 12
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Apr 2018
PD0000478/319 Registered
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Gorge park & Ride Site/Coalbrookdale Museum Of Iron to Much Wenlock/Gorge/Madeley
Service number: WC1 (GC1, P & R)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 31 Mar 2018
Why have the 1, 60 etc been registered for? They already exist? Whys it got X60 in brackets same as the cancelled 21 having 2, 2E in brackets?
Quote from: Bob on February 07, 2018, 03:42:15 PMWhys it got X60 in brackets same as the cancelled 21 having 2, 2E in brackets?
I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) they share a common route/corridor and therefore can be classed for that registration for that section as variants (so long as less than 50% of the route is a variation), similar to how the 255/256/257 is on one registration.
Sometimes though, the data isn't cleaned up from when changes have happened, and then reverted back.
Quote from: Bob on February 07, 2018, 03:42:15 PM
Why have the 1, 60 etc been registered for?
Where it says registered on a registration means it's either a new route, or a change to the existing service.
Quote from: Bob on February 07, 2018, 03:42:15 PM
Why have the 1, 60 etc been registered for? They already exist? Whys it got X60 in brackets same as the cancelled 21 having 2, 2E in brackets?
It'll just be a variation to the current route, or timetable.
How long has the 3C been running and what is the purpose of it?
3C only runs certain times of the day and serves Norton Green Lane I believe where as the 3 doesn't
The 3C is probably yet another attempt to run a service to an area, which despite the residents saying otherwise, where there's no demand, according to Arriva!
Itll prob get axed. My money would be on 61 going or severely cut. Why they need 4 buses an hour to lichfield i dont know! The 21 is definetely going so Longford Estate will have barely any service apart from the Select 67 which is no good if your a farepayer and need on ward connections. Bus transport in Cannock is dying, badly
Well if people won't use the buses....
It's like the night buses in Brum, thousands of people would love them, me especially on the 51, but no one is using them so the 50 is becoming weekend only - so no real prospect of other night buses being introduced
Anyone in Cannock seen the Express & Star today?
Quote from: Westy on February 15, 2018, 05:07:11 PM
Anyone in Cannock seen the Express & Star today?
why what s in there about arriva
Quote from: Solo1 on February 15, 2018, 05:17:18 PM
why what s in there about arriva
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/staffordshire/cannock/2018/02/15/arriva-scraps-sunday-bus-services-in-stafford-and-cannock/
Staffordshire Tory Scum County Council how out of touch are they? Do people not need to get to work on Sundays? Jesus wept. Its appalling to be fair
Quote from: Bob on February 15, 2018, 05:39:00 PM
Staffordshire Tory Scum County Council how out of touch are they? Do people not need to get to work on Sundays? Jesus wept. Its appalling to be fair
But have you considered that taxpayers money is being wasted on frivolitys that are not being used and costing the taxpayer money to run.
It's good to see that they have considered strongly on what taxpayers are paying for and removing non essential services.
Quote from: Bob on February 15, 2018, 05:39:00 PM
Staffordshire Tory Scum County Council how out of touch are they? Do people not need to get to work on Sundays? Jesus wept. Its appalling to be fair
Sorry to get political here but you think that labour would keep funding buses that weren't being used?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2018, 06:26:39 PM
Sorry to get political here but you think that labour would keep funding buses that weren't being used?
Yes! They never axed entire Sunday networks!
And Trainbasher people use them just not enough to generate a profit, but it provides a service and a lifeline to people! But as i believe youre a tory or have stated before you probably wouldnt understand that. Id hate to think what your non transpirt views are 😜
Staffordshire is obviously not the place to live if you rely on public transport!
Quote from: Bob on February 15, 2018, 07:22:00 PM
Yes! They never axed entire Sunday networks!
And Trainbasher people use them just not enough to generate a profit, but it provides a service and a lifeline to people! But as i believe youre a tory or have stated before you probably wouldnt understand that. Id hate to think what your non transpirt views are 😜
If the taxpayer is subsidising a route which is costing more than the average fare for that area, it should be scrapped. Move it to demand responsive transport instead.
What's the betting Arriva wont retender for the 3a?
Or even win it?
Quote from: Westy on February 15, 2018, 10:38:56 PM
What's the betting Arriva wont retender for the 3a?
Or even win it?
The FOI I did shows that they are getting £28,838.68/year subsidy, with 21,515 passengers in the last year for that service.
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 15, 2018, 07:57:39 PM
If the taxpayer is subsidising a route which is costing more than the average fare for that area, it should be scrapped. Move it to demand responsive transport instead.
That depends on whether you see public transport as a public service which benefits peiple or as a commercial commodity! I cant imagine many passengers will be praising the council for cutting services that they rely on.....
Hi all does anyone know if 2740 is in service tomorrow please info would be greatly appreciated
As stated before, 2740 can be found anywhere on Cannock routes or Stafford routes
Once again thank you for your post Busman Jamie yes I seen it a couple of weeks ago on the 3 service as a friend asked me as he wanted to see it that's why I posted this on here just wanted to ask if it was out again but again thank you for you post
Whats hilarious is Cannocks vile Tory scum MP who slaughtered Arriva all over the press when they withdrew ONE commercial route is absolutely nowhere to be seen re the upcoming cuts prompted by the Tory county council....vile
Quote from: Bob on February 17, 2018, 10:32:33 AM
Whats hilarious is Cannocks vile Tory scum MP who slaughtered Arriva all over the press when they withdrew ONE commercial route is absolutely nowhere to be seen re the upcoming cuts prompted by the Tory county council....vile
Ours seems like trying to get a front seat at PMQs every week, & photo opportunities at a couple of local cafes.
There's no way of replacing that 3a without cutting off Pelsall Lane & Clayhanger, is there?
Could 3 buses an hour between Walsall & Brownhills West survive, if they're cutting the Brownhills to Burntwood section of the 10 after hours? (Cant see the point of terminating at Brownhills Parade, when the Rising Sun Island is 5 mins up the road, unless the 10 Walsall to Brownhills Parade can be done comfortably in half an hour, bearing in mind it interworks with other evening services I believe?)
I suspect there will be a further cut somewhere later on, if not immediate!
06 plate Commander on the evening 2E tonight, awesome allocation again 😂😂😂😂
Quote from: Westy on February 19, 2018, 10:49:09 PM
There's no way of replacing that 3a without cutting off Pelsall Lane & Clayhanger, is there?
Could 3 buses an hour between Walsall & Brownhills West survive, if they're cutting the Brownhills to Burntwood section of the 10 after hours? (Cant see the point of terminating at Brownhills Parade, when the Rising Sun Island is 5 mins up the road, unless the 10 Walsall to Brownhills Parade can be done comfortably in half an hour, bearing in mind it interworks with other evening services I believe?)
I suspect there will be a further cut somewhere later on, if not immediate!
Tamworth depot could do the 3 until tender is up then maybe it'll pass to Diamond or withdrawn. As Tamworth is straight up the A5 from Brownhills.
With the 10 being cut off from Burntwood in evenings I would if thought it'll be better to run a 10A instead of 10 terminating at A5. The 10A should be comfortable done in 55 minutes a trip.
Cannock's absolute scum of a Tory MP all over her facebook stating her disappointment and dismay at Arriva for cutting Sunday services without failing to mention that its down to TORY council cuts. And her supporters commenting how great she is for fighting arriva blah blah blah. I dont know whats worse, the low rent lying publicity whore she is or the lack of intelligence of her supporters 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/Latest/cannock--stafford-routes-to-be-withdrawn-on-evenings--sundays-from-1-april-2018/
3723 was seen missing one of the front panels on the route 70 near the holybush garden centre
I was on it! Coming back from Wolves. It stayed in service though afterwards. Going to wolves was on the repainted cadet ( why theyre repainting these 14 year old heaps of crap is beyond me, is that what theyve come to?) Which was faulty and we had to get off in depot to be transferred to 2745 ( which had already earlier been taken off from bus station as faulty this morning), this bus couldnt get out of firat gear or do more than about 20mph even on the clear roads. It cant have lasted long as it had broke down in cannock bus stn when i got back with engineers there
Just seen a streetlite on the route 70 towards cannock
There was one on a Stafford route on Wednesday. They get about
Anyone noted with the reissue of the online timetables, that the 1 & 2 are no longer flagged as Sapphire?
Probably worried theyd get done by trading standards lol
Quote from: Bob on March 16, 2018, 08:39:04 PM
Probably worried theyd get done by trading standards lol
Here we go again...
Scroll past if you dont like it...thats what i do with your clueless nonsensical posts about subsidised services now 😀
Noted Solo 2404 painted in the latest livery in Lichfield this morning.
Quote from: Bob on March 16, 2018, 08:39:04 PM
Probably worried theyd get done by trading standards lol
They've taken off the timetable links since I posted!
Passed new trainer 9553 KE55CKO on the A5 just outside Cannock this morning
Crazy that the trainer is a 55 plate yet knackered 02 and 03 plates are in passenger service
Quote from: Bob on March 19, 2018, 09:40:30 PM
Crazy that the trainer is a 55 plate yet knackered 02 and 03 plates are in passenger service
Not really, NX doing the same, the company is just looking to the future and having a vehicle in the training fleet that's likely to a) stay there for a fair length of time and b) is at least similar to buses the drivers will be driving when they're trained
Meanwhile they still even have Y-reg Tridents in service
True they do but a Trident is a heavyweight bus built for interurban work. Arriva use knackered midibuses not designed for that on that. 2745 is shocking. Christ even some of the 06 plate commanders sound absolutely knackered now and the 55 plate volvos they recently sent down south could barely last a day on pye greens they were so unreliable!
2401 YJ58 PKF turned up operating at Telford, it appeared in Shrewsbury today on service 96. Loan or transfer?
Is it next Sunday that is Cannock's final Sunday operating day?
New timetables with axed evening and Sunday services are dated to commence 1 April, Westy - next Sunday, Easter Day - so there will be no service from Cannock on that day nor indeed on the following day, bank holiday Monday. Today's would appear to be the last Sunday outing for the affected routes.
Also note that according to Arriva's website, services appear to be greatly reduced on Good Friday this year.
Will Cannock be losing any buses with its reduced commitments? Cant see the point in the 1 and 2 staying Sapphire? Upgrading them obviously didnt increase patronage and the buses used are crap, plus not on it half the time anyway?
Quote from: Smethwickian on March 25, 2018, 11:45:25 AM
New timetables with axed evening and Sunday services are dated to commence 1 April, Westy - next Sunday, Easter Day - so there will be no service from Cannock on that day nor indeed on the following day, bank holiday Monday. Today's would appear to be the last Sunday outing for the affected routes.
Also note that according to Arriva's website, services appear to be greatly reduced on Good Friday this year.
RIP Cannock & Stafford Sunday services , 2740 was on the penultimate 62S off Cannock leaving with "Sorry Not In Service" on the display, the world will be a smaller place on a Sunday for many people now
I never thought Arriva Cannock garage would be at this point. If this was the case back in December or January the route 154 might not have been axed. You ever know...
The 154 being axed was nothing to do with Arriva?
Intriging that the 70 was increased to half hourly from hourly, where the norm for Arriva is to reduce services.
By the way, is Tamworth just operating the 3a on Sundays only, because if Cannock is only operating their services till around 9 / 10pm on Monday to Saturdays, surely it would be easier for Cannock to run the 3a Monday to Saturdays, presumbly the daytime vehicle is used on the evening service?
Why dont they run the last bus from Walsall to Brownhills West & continue it in service to Cannock?
The 70 will have been increased due to 71 being run by select. You can guarantee itll be decreased again....Arriva constantly mess with Cannock routes. Remember the complete network review that got virtually totally reversed a couple of months later? Makes you wonder if they actually had a clue lol
Any idea when the 3a tender is up?
Would I be correct in thinking the only Sunday services in the Cannock & Stafford served areas, from next weekend will be the NX 10, which will be daytimes to Burntwood eventually & the Arriva Telford 5 & whatever that interworks with, in Stafford?
Quote from: Westy on March 26, 2018, 09:35:11 PM
Any idea when the 3a tender is up?
Would I be correct in thinking the only Sunday services in the Cannock & Stafford served areas, from next weekend will be the NX 10, which will be daytimes to Burntwood eventually & the Arriva Telford 5 & whatever that interworks with, in Stafford?
5 won't be interworking with anything. And you forgot the 101 in Stafford.
Keep an eye on Cannock Chase FM, as they've asked for opinions on their FaceBook about the loss of Arriva services.
Mainly slagging off Arriva but not mentioning the Tory council cuts
The majority of the buses on the route 70 today were optare solos. Also does it still interwork with the 60
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 03, 2018, 11:48:55 AM
The majority of the buses on the route 70 today were optare solos. Also does it still interwork with the 60
Ooooh an upgrade lol
Quote from: Bob on April 02, 2018, 09:43:55 PM
Mainly slagging off Arriva but not mentioning the Tory council cuts
I suppose from that, we have an idea of their political leanings?
Lol possibly
In other news 2745 on the 1 and 2 today. Cannocks most knackered nail, on their supposedly premier service....im sure it would make your journey sparkle lol
I bet your glad the former 3793 didn't come back to Cannock :) Reported on service 5 in Telford today.
Yea that was the bus used to promote Arriva's "Investment" in the Pye Greens and Cannock in 2014 with a load of fanfare in the town centre...errrm what a short lived joke that was 🤣🤣🤣🤣
They still have 3795 😂
Lol what is it the garages showpiece...
Quote from: Bob on April 03, 2018, 06:37:15 PM
Lol possibly
In other news 2745 on the 1 and 2 today. Cannocks most knackered nail, on their supposedly premier service....im sure it would make your journey sparkle lol
It might sparkle if it caught fire?
Haha yea 😀
It's not Diamond lol
Oh i dunno lol there was that commander in norton n thst burned out volvo in garage for yonks.
There was a streets##te on the 825 today with Arriva on dest blind and route num in window
Plenty of Solos on Pye Greens today...from brand new heavily promoted 63 plate Pulsars...to knackered 05 plate Solos...what a comedown. To be fair if the routes werent paying enough to cover the new buses why did they buy them in the first place?
They thought new buses would equal more passengers
Great business planning then. So it abjectly failed lol.
Anyone see the letters page in tonight's Star?
Kevin Chapman has hit the nail on the head.
Lets hope Arriva management reply.
Quote from: Westy on April 10, 2018, 07:44:06 PM
Anyone see the letters page in tonight's Star?
Kevin Chapman has hit the nail on the head.
Lets hope Arriva management reply.
Pray tell what was in said letter?
Quote from: Kevin on April 10, 2018, 08:27:26 PM
Pray tell what was in said letter?
If you go to Arriva Midlands West Facebook page visitors posts, I've posted it on there!
A new management structure has resulted in attention to Cannock and the aim will be to.....
· SB200 Pulsars allocated on 25/26
· Spare Pulsar (3795) to be dedicated spare bus for Sapphire routes and possibly refurbed to Sapphire spec.
· Refurbed Solos to be allocated to boards that work on the 75/12/1B (They have been tried on Pye Green but not enough pushchair space)
Any old crap for 74/60/70 etc then?
The fact that Solos have been tried on the Pye Greens suggests that full size buses arent required. So they then decide to use full sized buses?
So they get rid of a couple of Sapphires, then now consider refurbing another vehicle to Sapphire spec?
WTF?
74/825 get the volvos, 60 gets commanders /cadets
Commanders/Cadets again a comedown considering 60 and 825 had new pulsars purchased specifically for them. Some of which are now wasted on Pye Greens...seriously
Quote from: Bob on April 12, 2018, 10:52:07 PM
Commanders/Cadets again a comedown considering 60 and 825 had new pulsars purchased specifically for them. Some of which are now wasted on Pye Greens...seriously
You were the one moaning they were not on Pye Greens a couple of days ago
Moaning they werent on pye greens? Just stating that solos were on there and how it had declined as a route if thats whats allocated
FJ64 EVL (1/2/2E branded) is on the 3 Walsall - Cannock today.
Quote from: P419 EJW on April 13, 2018, 05:58:48 PM
FJ64 EVL (1/2/2E branded) is on the 3 Walsall - Cannock today.
While there was a 37xx on the 1 / 2 instead!
By the way, if they must put timetable leaflets on the buses themselves, at least put them on for the service the bus is operating that day!
The 25 / 26 is very useful for passengers on the 1 / 2 .... not!
There was also a 38xx Volvo on 1 and 2. Its insane. S##t allocating. Cant even use the "Sapphire was faulty so it had to be kept on locals" excuse when its put on a longer route!!!
Its hilarious theyre even thinking of refurbing their only 63 plate Pulsar, to a Sapohire. It'll end up on Stafford locals or something ! Plus why not just transfer a Sapphire branded bus from elsewhere? Than go to the expense of refurbishing a 5 yr old bus like that when theres buses that need refurbing far more!
There is no 38## volvos at Cannock? There all 39##?
Also refurbing a Pulsar sized bus to a higher standard which will operate on the 2? Hardly a route that needs it. A breadvan could take the loadings
Quote from: Busman Jamie on April 13, 2018, 09:54:09 PM
There is no 38## volvos at Cannock? There all 39##?
Ahhh yea lol
For some reason i thought pulsars were 39xx and forgot they was 37xx 😂
A sapphire on the 70 again
The usual excellent allocation. Why are they even bothering with Sapphire at Cannock anyway? It didnt increase patronage ? It didnt work? The depot's dying a death its just managed decline, possibly hence the complete lack of investment for 3 and a half years...
Just out of interest why are Cannock running a "Connecting Tamworth" Pulsar anyway? There for work and they were desperate for vehicles?
Quote from: Tony on April 12, 2018, 05:42:57 PM
A new management structure has resulted in attention to Cannock and the aim will be to.....
· SB200 Pulsars allocated on 25/26
· Spare Pulsar (3795) to be dedicated spare bus for Sapphire routes and possibly refurbed to Sapphire spec.
· Refurbed Solos to be allocated to boards that work on the 75/12/1B (They have been tried on Pye Green but not enough pushchair space)
Might as well just send 3796 up from Aylesbury as its been Sapphire'd, the X8 route seems to carry very little and seems to follow the 280 anyway!!
Quote from: Bob on April 14, 2018, 02:52:17 PM
Just out of interest why are Cannock running a "Connecting Tamworth" Pulsar anyway? There for work and they were desperate for vehicles?
3727, YJ57 BUA, is on loan to Cannock.
Quote from: P419 EJW on April 14, 2018, 08:15:06 PM
3727, YJ57 BUA, is on loan to Cannock.
Returning home then, this was originally one of the buses route branded for the 74/75
Quote from: Westy on April 10, 2018, 07:44:06 PM
Anyone see the letters page in tonight's Star?
Kevin Chapman has hit the nail on the head.
Lets hope Arriva management reply.
Don't do the Express & Star, or Facebook for that matter, however this was brought to my attention as Kevin's letter was reproduced in the Cannock Chronicle free paper. He makes some very interesting and salient points and is right on the money. I'd be most interested to know whether Arriva have graced us with a response though I doubt it, and given their apparent commitment to Cannock it wouldn't surprise me if they totally ignore it
Well I did post a copy on Arriva's Facebook so their customer service bods could pass onto senior management, but as you say, they could just ignore it!
Kevin Chapman has been invited to meet the managers personally, so yes, Arriva are taking notice, as I presume he will make his reply public
So what can they do to improve Cannock services then? Invest in the fleet? Wont happen.
New services? Highly unlikely. Network review again? Been there dobe that and they made such a balls up of it they had to virtually completely reverse it...
Quote from: Tony on April 15, 2018, 07:38:22 PM
Kevin Chapman has been invited to meet the managers personally, so yes, Arriva are taking notice, as I presume he will make his reply public
Has Staffs County Council also been invited as well, seeing they were partly responsible for the most recent change?
3727, YJ57 BUA, is on 60 today if anyone wants it.
A 14 year old Dart on 1 and 2 today. Classy
Why do Cannock need 3727 on loan for? Are they that short they cant manage a spare?
Quote from: Bob on April 17, 2018, 04:56:13 PM
Why do Cannock need 3727 on loan for? Are they that short they cant manage a spare?
The same reason as all garages borrow buses occasionally. Walsall's 4346 is currently at Pensnett. Smaller garages will always need to borrow occasionally. Most companies work on a percentage of fleet for the number of spares which means small garages have fewer spares so a couple of unexpected vehicles off the road can cause a requirement for a loan
Cannock will need regular ones then considering state of fleet
Solo on the 825 at about 415 today coming into Stafford, another great allocation when higher capacity buses are running on empty Stafford locals 🤣
It was on there due to a breakdown. I'd like to see you try and run a bus company
I couldnt do much worse than Arriva in Cannock. Its pretty s##t
'Refurbished Solos on the 75'...Considering theyre half the size of and generally ( if its not the 58 plate ones) older than the branded Pulsars bought to upgrade the services 11 years ago, is this not an example of how far the operation at Cannock has gone down the s#####r?
They probably put the solo's on the 75's because it inter-works with some of the Stafford locals which they are perfect for.
Still it looks like decline though...
Cannock has also had zero investment since 16 new vehicles in 2014...8 of which have since left
I can't see them investing anytime soon
I think the Sapphires should have been put on the 60/61/62's. Something like spires linx would have been good, similar to that of what was said on the 825 branded darts years ago
60 would of been ideal had it still interworked with the 825 but 61/62, no point, cadets are fine on those
60 825 maybe but 61 62 are pretty dead lol
Quote from: Busman Jamie on April 29, 2018, 07:56:36 PM
60 would of been ideal had it still interworked with the 825 but 61/62, no point, cadets are fine on those
They are but theyre old and unreliable now. Id have thought a 16 ssat transit would be enough for 61 lol
I agree about the 61 being dead. Also I am pretty sure they had more passengers on the 15's than they have on the 61's
Werent the 61 current route only created by Arriva to drive select off the wimblebury route so staffs cc didnt have to pay em? If so they deserve to haemorrage money on the 61
I don't think arriva approves of local bus routes like the 23's and the 15's. A driver told me that a few years ago, according to him they was thinking of the withdrawal of the 15's back in late 2013 when cannock first had it.
If they was to of sapphired the 825's would they of needed something bigger than a streetlite, converted some of the 61 plate pulsars maybe
Not really theres not that many less seats plus theres Darts and Cadets regularly used on 825 again a sign of how far things have declined
The streetlite's would have probably copped better around the great Haywood area. There again the pulsars don't do to bad
Any news re the Kevin Chapman situation yet?
I was looking at some videos on Youtube of various Streets####s, the general consensus seems to be theyre pretty dreadful. Slow noisy jerky screaming struggle to get up any inclines, all of which id agree with. Why are they so popular with bus companies??
Quote from: Bob on May 09, 2018, 06:26:03 PM
I was looking at some videos on Youtube of various Streets####s, the general consensus seems to be theyre pretty dreadful. Slow noisy jerky screaming struggle to get up any inclines, all of which id agree with. Why are they so popular with bus companies??
Because they are a lightweight bus that has a reasonable MPG?
The days of heavyweight single deckers appear to be over, at least for now...
Pretty horrible for passengers then, comfort out the window. Even a rattling National sounded better than these heaps!
Quote from: Westy on May 09, 2018, 04:39:53 PM
Any news re the Kevin Chapman situation yet?
Received an email from Kevin Chapman, re the Arriva Cannock situation :
The below can be published on the forum:
On Tuesday I attended an meeting with Simon Mathieson at the Cannock garage of Arriva, who is now the Area Managing Director for Arriva Midlands covering Shropshire, Staffordshire, TfWM (the West Midlands County) and Telford and Wrekin.
Simon was formally a manager with National Express West Midlands and has spent the last few years overseeing the Leicester operations for Arriva.
There was agreement that the services operated by Cannock garage needed improvement – however major changes like new buses cannot be made overnight. I also shared a report about a mystery shopping exercise about the Cannock routes which
did reveal some good things, but plenty of areas where the operation could be better. Simon has only recently come into the post and is getting to grips with the issues.
Some short term fixes that can be delivered are:
Put some effort into the Pye Greens – branding with dedicated vehicles and drivers, marketing, building a local connection. Some of the drivers were good and there was good banter (interaction in corporate
speak) with the passengers. (Simon has also said the Pulsars rather than the more ancient Darts and Solos should be the usual bus).Sort out Cannock Bus Station and put some better information in there.Change the terminus for the 70 in Wolverhampton so instead of terminating at the Uni it penetrates into the shopping centre.
Organising a bus users surgery in Cannock/Hednesford over June/July. Get the managers out of their offices talking to the public. Find out what they think of the network.
Some matters were discussed which I hope members will understand are sensitive and are not be shared on a public forum.
Also, some issues involving the county council were discussed around publicity of the bus network and the Staffs U16 Card and Simon will be taking these to the authority.
Simon and I have agreed to keep in liaison about the operation and I will be watching and monitoring the operation with close interest over the coming months, as I realise many members of this forum do. There is a commitment for a bus
users surgery and as soon as there is a date set it will be publicised.
If anyone wishes to discuss Arriva further with me (or indeed any other issues about the West Midlands bus network from a user perspective) they can message me via the contact form on
http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/west_midlands_local_group
Kevin Chapman
Chair, West Midlands Campaign for Better TransportMake of that what you will. Obviously there is some stuff he cannot share for confendeniality reasons.
At least Simon is known to us, from his days at NX & when he used to come on the forum.
I think they should concentrate on supplying bus services to area's with no form of public transport. Instead of being more concerned with the competition between other operators.
I cant see them upgrading the Pye Greens, tried and failed. Miserably. What could they do with the 1 and 2? Best thing could be to drop the Sapphire, get rid of the crappy Streets####s, which have never been up to the job and stick something like Solos on the 2. Full size bus wasted on a dead route.
Maybe getting rid of the joke of an operation ( whats left ) in Stafford might be an idea
Quote from: BusMan Greg on May 13, 2018, 08:11:46 PM
I think they should concentrate on supplying bus services to area's with no form of public transport. Instead of being more concerned with the competition between other operators.
Unless Staffs County Council, with or without central Government help, cough up more money, it's very doubtful that would happen.
The continual issue of how to serve the western part of Norton Canes, which as people remember, did have a decent service at one point, with the old Wmt 345, now down to one or two Arriva 3c's per day, is a good example.
If there's no passengers, you can see why services are withdrawn.
(Then again, throwing stacks of buses all down one road, doesnt always help! Service between Walsall, Leamore & Bloxwich anyone! Its all very well giving us a frequent service, but whats the point of empty buses? Ive suggested on a few occasions what to do with the one route, but no one seems to want to give me an answer why not!)
Not sure what is meant by the 'joke' of an operation in Stafford which provides 4 services an hour between the town centre and 3 of the main estates (Parkside, MossPit and Highfields), a half hourly to a third (Doxey), half hourly (from Telford garage) to Rickerscote and about 3 an hour to Baswich (1B + 825) plus the 2 Cannock services. If the 'joke' operation is the fact that the services don't run in the evenings and on a Sunday makes sense. Agreed that the services are nowhere near as prolific as in the good old days but neither is the numbers using the buses.
The Stafford operation cant be making any money? Zero investment in it for years. Apart from the telford operated services youve got at best 10 year old knackers rattling about half empty
Quote from: Westy on May 13, 2018, 10:46:22 PM
The continual issue of how to serve the western part of Norton Canes, which as people remember, did have a decent service at one point, with the old Wmt 345, now down to one or two Arriva 3c's per day, is a good example.
I am sure a faster service through to Walsall would be a success - run it down lime lane like the old 345 through Pelsall. Why would people in Norton want to travel through to Brownhills, Clayhanger - you could make that journey 10 to 15 mins quicker
Quote from: Bob on May 14, 2018, 10:12:34 AM
The Stafford operation cant be making any money? Zero investment in it for years. Apart from the telford operated services youve got at best 10 year old knackers rattling about half empty
The 59 route in Wolverhampton has got 15 year old buses 'rattling around it' and hasn't had any investment for years, even the branded vehicles weren't all refurbished before branding. It doesn't mean it doesn't make any money
Quote from: Tony on May 14, 2018, 10:26:23 AM
The 59 route in Wolverhampton has got 15 year old buses 'rattling around it' and hasn't had any investment for years, even the branded vehicles weren't all refurbished before branding. It doesn't mean it doesn't make any money
15 yr old heavyweight buses Tony not midibuses running way over their abilities. Theyre not running knackered Darts or Solos are they?
Also compare fleet wide the level of fleet investment between Arriva Cannock between say Walsall and Wolves garage, not just new buses but repaints/refurbs. Id imagine Cannock would fall pretty much way behind in comparison.
Quote from: Bob on May 14, 2018, 10:50:53 AM
15 yr old heavyweight buses Tony not midibuses running way over their abilities. Theyre not running knackered Darts or Solos are they?
Also compare fleet wide the level of fleet investment between Arriva Cannock between say Walsall and Wolves garage, not just new buses but repaints/refurbs. Id imagine Cannock would fall pretty much way behind in comparison.
Cannock updated there solos I believe with leather seating, and pulsars really aren't that bad
Slight diversion.
Wonder what the Nx area wouldve got if Stagecoach had taken over?
If its anything like the stuff A2Z Travel bought second hand still in Stagecoach livery, we'd have been in #### street by now!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 14, 2018, 11:28:43 AM
Cannock updated there solos I believe with leather seating, and pulsars really aren't that bad
They didnt. A handful had it already.the repainted 2008 plate remaining has its threadbare original interior.
Quote from: Bob on May 14, 2018, 10:12:34 AM
The Stafford operation cant be making any money? Zero investment in it for years. Apart from the telford operated services youve got at best 10 year old knackers rattling about half empty
The only thing wrong with Stafford is suffering one of those B7RLE devices there from Cannock, I actively avoid them and await any of the Darts, Cadets or and more preferably a Pulsar to get there :) Stafford is one of those towns in decline, sad really as I was there in Uni in the good old days, the R-TJW Darts were very youthful back then and the 9 was quite a money spinner, the Uni has closed the Stafford site now and that certainly knocked a prime town service into decline, the town isn't as buzzing either with shoppers as it was who used the buses.
Quote from: Depotosw on May 14, 2018, 09:10:53 PM
The only thing wrong with Stafford is suffering one of those B7RLE devices there from Cannock, I actively avoid them and await any of the Darts, Cadets or and more preferably a Pulsar to get there :) Stafford is one of those towns in decline, sad really as I was there in Uni in the good old days, the R-TJW Darts were very youthful back then and the 9 was quite a money spinner, the Uni has closed the Stafford site now and that certainly knocked a prime town service into decline, the town isn't as buzzing either with shoppers as it was who used the buses.
You reckon any SB200 is better than a B7RLE???
Quote from: Depotosw on May 14, 2018, 09:10:53 PM
The only thing wrong with Stafford is suffering one of those B7RLE devices there from Cannock, I actively avoid them and await any of the Darts, Cadets or and more preferably a Pulsar to get there :) Stafford is one of those towns in decline, sad really as I was there in Uni in the good old days, the R-TJW Darts were very youthful back then and the 9 was quite a money spinner, the Uni has closed the Stafford site now and that certainly knocked a prime town service into decline, the town isn't as buzzing either with shoppers as it was who used the buses.
I worked from Stafford Garage in late 2003 and its very sad to see the decline in the town since then, My last visit was earlier this year and the town has many boarded up and empty shops and to be fair with the said closure of the uni it can't be ideal bus territory for Arriva. I would say the main reason for the decline in the shopping district has to be the massive shopping development outside the town which can't help things and also lead to massive traffic problems which lead to an unreliable bus service.
I agree regards those nasty horrible Volvo B7RLE's, they're very stuffy in the back and you sit so high up you can't see out the windows, give me a nice light and airy Pulsar anyday they're much nicer than any Volvo.
Quote from: Bob on May 14, 2018, 09:23:33 PM
You reckon any SB200 is better than a B7RLE???
Defo! Arriva North West & Wales had the best idea with their batch of B7RLEs, convert them to Driver Training Vehicles :)
Quote from: TOF719S on May 14, 2018, 09:30:08 PM
I worked from Stafford Garage in late 2003 and its very sad to see the decline in the town since then, My last visit was earlier this year and the town has many boarded up and empty shops and to be fair with the said closure of the uni it can't be ideal bus territory for Arriva. I would say the main reason for the decline in the shopping district has to be the massive shopping development outside the town which can't help things and also lead to massive traffic problems which lead to an unreliable bus service.
I agree regards those nasty horrible Volvo B7RLE's, they're very stuffy in the back and you sit so high up you can't see out the windows, give me a nice light and airy Pulsar anyday they're much nicer than any Volvo.
Wright bodied B7RLEs are some of the most reliable buses made in the last few years.
Quote from: Bob on May 14, 2018, 09:23:33 PM
You reckon any SB200 is better than a B7RLE???
I would say 110% an SB200 is better
Quote from: Tony on May 14, 2018, 09:32:53 PM
Wright bodied B7RLEs are some of the most reliable buses made in the last few years.
If the Ex Shires ones at Cannock are anything to go by I will stick to VDL's
Also if they're so good why did Midland Classic sell all theirs off so quickly??
Quote from: TOF719S on May 14, 2018, 09:35:14 PM
If the Ex Shires ones at Cannock are anything to go by I will stick to VDL's
Also if they're so good why did Midland Classic sell all theirs off so quickly??
See Simon Dunn's comments as well.
Do you maintain them?
Do you operate them?
They are not cheap vehicles compared to others, but as I said really reliable and Volvo back up is better than a lot of manufacturersvwhen things do go wrong
Prefer Nx's B7Lre's to their Scanias.
More roomy.
I suppose the bodyworks now slightly dated compared to the E200/E400's, but still workable.
Quote from: TOF719S on May 14, 2018, 09:35:14 PM
If the Ex Shires ones at Cannock are anything to go by I will stick to VDL's
Also if they're so good why did Midland Classic sell all theirs off so quickly??
There arent any Ex Shires ones at Cannock anymore. They were pretty different beasts to the 2008 examples. At least they can pull off or indeed accelerate in any situation without over revving screaming etc like theyre going to explode
Quote from: TOF719S on May 14, 2018, 09:35:14 PM
If the Ex Shires ones at Cannock are anything to go by I will stick to VDL's
Also if they're so good why did Midland Classic sell all theirs off so quickly??
If theyre so bad why would they massively outnumber any SB200s? Also other than a couple of independents ( Claribels Fishwicks etc ) and Arriva why did nobody else want SB200S?
It's all down to sales techniques other manufacturers tend to be more aggressive in their sales than vdl. Plus vdl will only ship to the UK in batches of 50 now which is big stumbling block.
I must say we find them fantastic. In 2 & 1/2 years I've not had 1 vdl that's ever needed a tow & their reliability even though they are older is far far better than the e200s. Coach wise as well the vdl is far superior reliability wise to our volvos.
The older SB200s arent exactly pleasant to travel on, deafening with the amount overrevving. The newer ones are a bit quieter
Been on two pulsars today 3757 and 3762. 3757 was ok but vibrated idling badly, 3762 vibrated horrifically and has a knackered diff.....
Quote from: Tony on May 14, 2018, 09:50:46 PM
See Simon Dunn's comments as well.
Do you maintain them?
Do you operate them?
They are not cheap vehicles compared to others, but as I said really reliable and Volvo back up is better than a lot of manufacturersvwhen things do go wrong
I have had involvement in maintaining B7RLE's yes and I must say that Magirus Deutz engine they use is a pretty shocking piece of equipment. I have seen them throw engine oil out at fairly low mileages and witnessed several issues with low oil pressure and low fuel pressure. My present employer has one and the only reason it's retained is for a contract requiring 40 seatbelts, it's been to Volvo 3 times in 2 years for work to be carried out on the engine!! If there was an SB200 with belts out there I'm sure they would happily swap.
And no I don't operate them, if I had a choice I would opt for the tried and tested Cummins powered bus.
Quote from: TOF719S on May 16, 2018, 07:28:55 PM
I have had involvement in maintaining B7RLE's yes and I must say that Magirus Deutz engine they use is a pretty shocking piece of equipment. I have seen them throw engine oil out at fairly low mileages and witnessed several issues with low oil pressure and low fuel pressure. My present employer has one and the only reason it's retained is for a contract requiring 40 seatbelts, it's been to Volvo 3 times in 2 years for work to be carried out on the engine!! If there was an SB200 with belts out there I'm sure they would happily swap.
And no I don't operate them, if I had a choice I would opt for the tried and tested Cummins powered bus.
Perhaps yours have been badly maintained then, because Walsall tell me their 11 year old vehicles are still excellent motors, as do Dundee, and if you read Simon's comments you will find he regards B7RLEs with high regard as well
Quote from: Tony on May 16, 2018, 08:08:05 PM
Perhaps yours have been badly maintained then, because Walsall tell me their 11 year old vehicles are still excellent motors, as do Dundee, and if you read Simon's comments you will find he regards B7RLEs with high regard as well
I don't have any insight as to what goes on regarding maintenence and reliability, but as a passenger, Walsall's 56 plate B7RLE's seem to be kept clean and perform well. I can't think of anything bad to say about them, in all honesty.
Let's be honest. Everything NXWM owned is maintained well. Literally everything. I think that if anyone disagrees, they need to broaden their horizon.
Quote from: MW on May 16, 2018, 09:04:21 PM
Let's be honest. Everything NXWM owned is maintained well. Literally everything. I think that if anyone disagrees, they need to broaden their horizon.
Sadly the same can't be said for some of the other big operators within the region...
Considering theres supposed to be an alleged permanent allocation of Pulsars on the pye greens now, why does this never happen? I think theres maybe been one on them in the last two weeks. The allocation seems to be 06 plate Commanders, and Solos and older Darts. Whereas the 70 now seems to have a permanent allocation of Pulsars ( previously mainly Commanders)...
Noted Pulsar 3805 tonight painted in the new corporate livery.
3805 been on 70 all day
Has the permanent allocation of Pulsars to Pye Greens happened yet or will it ever?
Quote from: tphi12000 on May 30, 2018, 07:06:08 PM
Noted Pulsar 3805 tonight painted in the new corporate livery.
Just seen it...no retrim unfortunately
Quote from: Bob on May 30, 2018, 09:47:07 PM
Has the permanent allocation of Pulsars to Pye Greens happened yet or will it ever?
Change of plan now, with Commanders for the 25/26 with the Pulsars mainly for the 70
The every half hour 70 wont last according to yesterdays driver. Yesterdays peak time to wolves in the afternoon had a grand total of 4 passengers incl me
Quote from: Bob on June 01, 2018, 08:47:14 AM
The every half hour 70 wont last according to yesterdays driver. Yesterdays peak time to wolves in the afternoon had a grand total of 4 passengers incl me
Basically no one trusts Arriva!
It will as it's going to be inter working with a service in wolves soon...
What service?
Have they won a tender or is Simon trying a commercial route again?
Quote from: Westy on June 02, 2018, 07:26:22 AM
Have they won a tender or is Simon trying a commercial route again?
Crikey a commercial service?.. in the words of Brenda from Bristol "Not another one!" 😂😂😂😂
Why can't arriva just stick to things they have put in place and not keep changing things???
Quote from: BusMan Greg on June 02, 2018, 06:44:29 PM
Why can't arriva just stick to things they have put in place and not keep changing things???
I dunno, but they did a fabulous job of the Cannock network review, changing services making them worse ( the whole idea of the 1 was a direct link to walsall, so they had a great idea lets reduce the frequency, and make it go round housing estates 🤣🤣🤣), then changing things back to largely what they were before
Does anyone know what service the 70 is supposedly be going to interwork with
Quote from: BusMan Greg on June 02, 2018, 06:55:00 PM
Does anyone know what service the 70 is supposedly be going to interwork with
Can we perhaps assume route 10 to Perton now the Telford link to the service is to be discontinued?
Quote from: Depotosw on June 02, 2018, 07:51:18 PM
Can we perhaps assume route 10 to Perton now the Telford link to the service is to be discontinued?
The Telford link was always going to fail on that route.
Quote from: Depotosw on June 02, 2018, 07:51:18 PM
Can we perhaps assume route 10 to Perton now the Telford link to the service is to be discontinued?
When the Telford link going?
I wonder what arriva's response to this will be
https://brownhillsbob.com/2018/06/10/a-great-new-bus-service-to-lichfield-starts-this-summer/
Quote from: BusMan Greg on June 10, 2018, 06:19:44 PM
I wonder what arriva's response to this will be
https://brownhillsbob.com/2018/06/10/a-great-new-bus-service-to-lichfield-starts-this-summer/
Why would there be an Arriva response? It clearly says that Arriva were approached first in the blog.
My apologies Winston I did not read it right
Might have an effect on Burntwood to lichfield traffic though. Maybe theyll flood the 60 with refurbished Darts and Cadets...oh wait 😛😛😛😛😛😛
Sapphire Citaro on Pye Greens! Is it Tamworths solitary one? Couldnt see 110 branding at all
Quote from: Bob on June 20, 2018, 05:23:53 PM
Sapphire Citaro on Pye Greens! Is it Tamworths solitary one? Couldnt see 110 branding at all
It's never had 110 branding - it's only kept the Sapphire livery since leaving Luton. But yes it is indeed Tamworth's only Sapphire Citaro.
Whats it doing at Cannock
Quote from: Bob on June 20, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Whats it doing at Cannock
wonder if it will be going on the 1or 2 as a spare bus
Quote from: Bob on June 20, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Whats it doing at Cannock
Probably Tamworth having to loan again. Didn't one of the Tamworth Pulsar become a loan a few weeks ago or so?
Strangely cannocks 3763 & 3904 are at Tamworth
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 21, 2018, 09:17:53 PM
Strangely cannocks 3763 & 3904 are at Tamworth
3763 is now a tamworth motor....
3022 is having some work done to it whilst it's over in cannock
The Sapphire citaro is actually on the 2 today! Wow correct allocating for once. Pity the Streets####s cant be swapped for more of them. Despite being 6 yrs older it would be 10X better to travel on
Looks like I was right 3022 it's on the 1&2 service in cannock.-walsall
3022 still in cannock yesterday
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gardnergav/42934782242/in/dateposted-public/
is it now on loan or is it still at cannock for remedial work
A much better vehicle for the Sapphire routes than the embarrasing excuses for "premium quality' passengers currently have to suffer
What happened to the "Commanders for the pye greens ( instead of the pulsar upgrade)?"....Darts..cadets..anything but...
Sapphire Citaro 3022 on the Stafford local 1B today
Citaro still here. Wasted on pye greens today.
Quote from: Bob on July 03, 2018, 05:20:14 PM
Citaro still here. Wasted on pye greens today.
Hold on. I'm not familiar with this area but I've noticed your bitching on this forum.
So they removed Pulsars and replaced them with lesser quality vehicles (i.e. Darts, Commanders etc) and you threw a right bitch fit. Now, they've put a Citaro on there, and you're still bitching? You my friend, are full of shit.
Ciao
Theyve put a Sapphire branded Citaro that would be better utilised on a Sapphire route. Mixed in with the rest of the tat on the Pye Greens it just makes them look worse. Full of shit? What are you? Stupid enough to think its been put on there as an upgrade?????
Quote from: MW on July 03, 2018, 06:32:12 PM
Hold on. I'm not familiar with this area but I've noticed your bitching on this forum.
So they removed Pulsars and replaced them with lesser quality vehicles (i.e. Darts, Commanders etc) and you threw a right bitch fit. Now, they've put a Citaro on there, and you're still bitching? You my friend, are full of shit.
Ciao
Welcome to the Bob show, this is what this thread is filled of
Pye Greens don't deserve anything more than just "a bus". In fact most of Cannock likewise
Simon has already stated that the Pye Greens should be operated by buses with larger buggy areas, that should tell you all you need to know about the route, it's like the Streetlites specially bought for Redditch with extra space and still they moan
Quote from: Kevin on July 03, 2018, 07:31:32 PM
Welcome to the Bob show, this is what this thread is filled of
Pye Greens don't deserve anything more than just "a bus". In fact most of Cannock likewise
Simon has already stated that the Pye Greens should be operated by buses with larger buggy areas, that should tell you all you need to know about the route, it's like the Streetlites specially bought for Redditch with extra space and still they moan
WHY upgrade them with town centre displays and all that b######s then? Only for them to be taken off...is Arriva's business plan crap???
Litchfield city station close to litchfield bus station?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 03, 2018, 09:01:57 PM
Litchfield city station close to litchfield bus station?
Lichfield
Over the road from one another
Quote from: John on July 03, 2018, 09:03:34 PM
Lichfield
Over the road from one another
Cheers John apologies about the spelling
Why couldnt they do this Catch The Bus thing at Cannock tomorrow on a Saturday instead?
Quote from: Kevin on July 03, 2018, 07:31:32 PM
Simon has already stated that the Pye Greens should be operated by buses with larger buggy areas
Which is what 3022 has....but Bob will still moan.
Maybe this forum isn't for him?
Quote from: SG on July 04, 2018, 09:16:51 AM
Which is what 3022 has....but Bob will still moan.
Maybe this forum isn't for him?
So do most other Commanders etc that could have been used? The point being its a Sapphire bus? Could be used on Sapphire routes....
Whens 3022 heading back to Tamworth?
Quote from: Bob on July 06, 2018, 09:46:31 PM
Whens 3022 heading back to Tamworth?
It's not....
I thought it was only on loan to cannock
Quote from: ntw456 on July 06, 2018, 11:27:14 PM
It's not....
That's mean not riding it on the 110 anymore :(
Quote from: ntw456 on July 06, 2018, 11:27:14 PM
It's not....
Save the expense of refurbing a Pulsar?
The citaro was on the 60 today
I don't like that citaro
@ntw456 take it back to Tamworth 😂😂😂
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 07, 2018, 11:48:26 PM
I don't like that citaro
@ntw456 take it back to Tamworth 😂😂😂
Way better than any Streets##e though 😂
Keep it 😂😂
@ntw456 3005 would of been better ;)
Personally I would have thought that 3022 would have been better going to Aylesbury along with many others of its type there and send Sapphire SB200 3796 to Cannock.
I remember a couple of years ago there was a big push to standardise vehicle types at the depots which was a great idea, it seems this is now not the case??
Quote from: TOF719S on July 09, 2018, 10:08:20 AM
Personally I would have thought that 3022 would have been better going to Aylesbury along with many others of its type there and send Sapphire SB200 3796 to Cannock.
I remember a couple of years ago there was a big push to standardise vehicle types at the depots which was a great idea, it seems this is now not the case??
Didnt it come from that way? I just hope shires dont send one of the two ex cannock streetlites back lol.
Dunno about standardisation Cannocks got 2 types of darts, b7rles, old cadets, solos, commanders, pulsars, now a merc 🤣
Quote from: Bob on July 09, 2018, 10:39:31 AM
Dunno about standardisation Cannocks got 2 types of darts, b7rles, old cadets, solos, commanders, pulsars, now a merc <span class="emoji-outer emoji-sizer"><span class="emoji-inner" style="background: url(chrome-extension://immhpnclomdloikkpcefncmfgjbkojmh/emoji-data/sheet_apple_32.png);background-position:75.96944770857814% 77.96709753231492%;background-size:5418.75% 5418.75%" data-codepoints="1f923"></span></span>
Don't forget your favourite Streetlites ;)
I couldnt face them...too traumatic 😉
Cadets and commanders have been on the 70 today. It is a change from the 61 plate VDL Wright pulsar 2's we usually get
https://youtu.be/2Hr30TrG6eg
This guy is bang on the money about Streets####s. Listen to the goddam thing 🤣🤣🤣 How anyome can consider them decent is beyond me 🤣
Quote from: Bob on July 23, 2018, 09:51:12 PM
https://youtu.be/2Hr30TrG6eg
This guy is bang on the money about Streets####s. Listen to the goddam thing 🤣🤣🤣 How anyome can consider them decent is beyond me 🤣
Bob, I've driven them. You're right. Hallelujah, I actually agree with you about something. It's weird considering they basically have the same drive train as Enviro 200s. I've had one wheel spin of me. I even experienced the random downshifts and early upshifts and then subsequently down shifts again. I'm sure it's to do with the gearbox mapping on these things.
The Daimler ones are definitely a lot better, but they have the same irritating gearbox (or gearbox settings). I find that the problem is that these things change up to early. The Cummins ones seem to have most of the power/torque at the top end of the rev range and are never able to access it because the gearbox changes up. The Daimler ones on the other hand have more power at the bottom end, meaning they're faster.
They seem to hit 2nd before theyve left the bus stn lol. Absolutely horrific . The videos got it all the screams when it over revs the jerks etc. Worst piles of crap ever inflicted on Cannock. No wonder they reduced the frequency of the 1. The commanders on it were threadbare and filthy by the time they were replaced ( weirdly they were the last ones apart from 3705 i think ) to be refurbed but they were better thsn the streetlites. I wish theyd send them elsewhere
Dont the daimler ones sound like tractors though lol?
https://youtu.be/nHcvp0Cab3w
Heres another. They truly are piles of crap . How on earth the words Streetlite premium and Sapphire could be reconciled...
3867 back at cannock after a long spell off the road
Spent the day on Pye Greens
Quote from: Bob on July 23, 2018, 10:12:56 PM
Dont the daimler ones sound like tractors though lol?
The Daimler ones sound like a mixture between a washing machine and a food blender. They're quicker and drive better than the Cummins ones. They're still not exactly smooth though but they're better. Sound wise, I prefer the Cummins one, but ultimately the Daimler ones are better.
Quote from: MW on July 23, 2018, 11:01:05 PM
The Daimler ones sound like a mixture between a washing machine and a food blender. They're quicker and drive better than the Cummins ones. They're still not exactly smooth though but they're better. Sound wise, I prefer the Cummins one, but ultimately the Daimler ones are better.
[/quote
Maybe, but something else would be better than either of them on the 1 and 2? Well anything else to be fair. If you travelled regularly to walsall for work and had the choice between suffering them daily or the train......
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 23, 2018, 10:59:16 PM
3867 back at cannock after a long spell off the road
Spent the day on Pye Greens
The Volvo that they could never stop from breaking down? And rarely strayed from pye greens because of its terrible reliability ?
Quote from: Bob on July 23, 2018, 10:11:42 PM
They seem to hit 2nd before theyve left the bus stn lol. Absolutely horrific . The videos got it all the screams when it over revs the jerks etc. Worst piles of crap ever inflicted on Cannock. No wonder they reduced the frequency of the 1. The commanders on it were threadbare and filthy by the time they were replaced ( weirdly they were the last ones apart from 3705 i think ) to be refurbed but they were better thsn the streetlites. I wish theyd send them elsewhere
I was on Telford's 3311 the other day and it's suddenly decided to jolt into 2nd/3rd everytime for no apparent reason. My neck became considerably weaker after about 45 minutes of that 😂
Further to that, I was on 3323 yesterday and it struggled even more than an Enviro to go up Overdale hill.
@Bob yes that's the 1, on Pye Greens again this morning
BU03 HRC went past earlier on 61, paint all scratched above fan permanently on...if the other two are as good as this im sure theyll up the quality image and reliability figures 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 12:57:47 PM
BU03 HRC went past earlier on 61, paint all scratched above fan permanently on...if the other two are as good as this im sure theyll up the quality image and reliability figures 🤣🤣🤣🤣
There pretty nice buses actually, with nice comfy seats and very quick. Please stop morning. What buses do you actually like really?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 24, 2018, 01:01:30 PM
There pretty nice buses actually, with nice comfy seats and very quick. Please stop morning. What buses do you actually like really?
Theyre ok. Legrooms a joke though. From cannocks fleet? Well being so poor theres not much to like.
The 06 plate Commanders are now tatty inside mostly and in need of a refurb, the streetlites are an embarrassment.
The volvos are ok prob their best workhorses. I dont mind the 54/55 plate refurbed Darts but the 55 plate ones arent really suited anymore to arduous interurban work which they now seem to be used on
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 02:23:56 PM
Theyre ok. Legrooms a joke though. From cannocks fleet? Well being so poor theres not much to like.
The 06 plate Commanders are now tatty inside mostly and in need of a refurb, the streetlites are an embarrassment.
The volvos are ok prob their best workhorses. I dont mind the 54/55 plate refurbed Darts but the 55 plate ones arent really suited anymore to arduous interurban work which they now seem to be used on
I'm not a fan of their Volvos- the 39** series anyway , pulsars far superior
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 24, 2018, 02:33:01 PM
I'm not a fan of their Volvos- the 39** series anyway , pulsars far superior
Pulsars are far noisier though and slower to accelerate
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 12:57:47 PM
BU03 HRC went past earlier on 61, paint all scratched above fan permanently on...if the other two are as good as this im sure theyll up the quality image and reliability figures 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Well it was fine when it left Telford :/
Quote from: PointerDart on July 24, 2018, 04:20:14 PM
Well it was fine when it left Telford :/
Paint scraped off above windows on door side all along the bus to be fair. Give it 3 months at Cannock itll be knackered 🤣
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 04:22:45 PM
Paint scraped off above windows on door side all along the bus to be fair. Give it 3 months at Cannock itll be knackered
Clearly haven't had to give it 3 months. As I say, they were fine when they left Telford; no paint issues at all. The fans were coming on at times because it's been hot, but it was intermittently. Other than that, they're cracking buses and it's a shame they'll meet their demise at Cannock. I'm assuming the short 54-plate has gone back to Cannock as well?
Quote from: PointerDart on July 24, 2018, 04:36:35 PM
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 04:22:45 PM
Paint scraped off above windows on door side all along the bus to be fair. Give it 3 months at Cannock itll be knackered
Clearly haven't had to give it 3 months. As I say, they were fine when they left Telford; no paint issues at all. The fans were coming on at times because it's been hot, but it was intermittently. Other than that, they're cracking buses and it's a shame they'll meet their demise at Cannock. I'm assuming the short 54-plate has gone back to Cannock as well?
15 year old midibuses though. Theyre suited maybe for pye greens and thats about it. Not for the long interurban routes Cannock are using them on.
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 04:47:21 PM
15 year old midibuses though. Theyre suited maybe for pye greens and thats about it. Not for the long interurban routes Cannock are using them on.
For 15 year old buses they're better than the Streetlites. And, dare I say, any SB200.
Quote from: PointerDart on July 24, 2018, 05:42:15 PM
For 15 year old buses they're better than the Streetlites. And, dare I say, any SB200.
Definetely better than Streetlites. Rubbish legroom though. Really rubbish. Crap for long journeys if the facing each other seats at back arent available.
Is Cannock EVER going to get any investment though? Nothing in four years and over half of those vehicles have gone!
The fact its had nothing would suggest its circling the plughole as an operation.
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 06:23:24 PM
Definetely better than Streetlites. Rubbish legroom though. Really rubbish. Crap for long journeys if the facing each other seats at back arent available.
Is Cannock EVER going to get any investment though? Nothing in four years and over half of those vehicles have gone!
The fact its had nothing would suggest its circling the plughole as an operation.
Oh yeah legroom wise even I struggle and I'm nowhere near the tallest person in the world 😂
Would be interesting to see how bad Cannock is when I finally decide to take the risk of a trip there. I've caught a glimpse in Stafford. The 55-plate Darts are mostly ex-Telford, and they were rough back then but were still probably my favourites back then. The B7RLEs look tidy. In comparison to what it used to be, it's slightly improved, in terms of the vehicles used. At least it isn't a Sprinter everywhere you look 😂
55 plate Darts actually originated in Stafford for the upgrade of the 825 ( not sure how replacing B10Ms with midibuses on a route of that length was ever gonna be an upgrade), then at some point ended up in Leicester also. The 54 plate ones are a lot better to be fair.
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 07:10:59 PM
55 plate Darts actually originated in Stafford for the upgrade of the 825 ( not sure how replacing B10Ms with midibuses on a route of that length was ever gonna be an upgrade), then at some point ended up in Leicester also. The 54 plate ones are a lot better to be fair.
Couldn't comment on the 54 plates properly; but they seem decent motors.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 24, 2018, 02:33:01 PM
I'm not a fan of their Volvos- the 39** series anyway , pulsars far superior
A good pulsar is probably he best bus out there at the minute, sadly a certain fuel saving device seems to have turned many of them into snails!! North West and North East appear to go better than Midlands examples.
Quote from: TOF719S on July 24, 2018, 08:28:44 PM
A good pulsar is probably he best bus out there at the minute, sadly a certain fuel saving device seems to have turned many of them into snails!! North West and North East appear to go better than Midlands examples.
The beat bus? The earlier ones ( ex cannock) now at Tamwrth are deafening
Does anyone remember the X12 service that use to run between penkridge and Telford. I believe there was a 12 service between coven and Telford.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 24, 2018, 09:35:58 PM
Does anyone remember the X12 service that use to run between penkridge and Telford. I believe there was a 12 service between coven and Telford.
I remember its existence. Saturdays only from what I remember. X12 between Penkridge and Telford, 12 between Telford and Coven, continuing as a 72 to Cannock (why it wasn't all one number is beyond me, especially with there already being a 12 in Telford at the time).
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 24, 2018, 09:35:58 PM
Does anyone remember the X12 service that use to run between penkridge and Telford. I believe there was a 12 service between coven and Telford.
Yep. They thought a knackered 51 plate rattling MPD was suitable for a route that took almost an hour and a half. They were rewarded with a great success 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Seriously though why run it as an express from penkridge and an almost serve every road trip from cannock? Crazy
Quote from: Bob on July 24, 2018, 10:38:13 PM
Yep. They thought a knackered 51 plate rattling MPD was suitable for a route that took almost an hour and a half. They were rewarded with a great success 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Seriously though why run it as an express from penkridge and an almost serve every road trip from cannock? Crazy
South Staffordshire Council funded the service, consultant working for them at the time had been out in the villages and that was what the villages 'wanted'. The fact that they didn't use it says it really about what people claim they want and what they actually want.
I believe the 12 service went through seat wheaton Aston and all the villages what the 88 use to serve
2209 was the bus always on there
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 25, 2018, 08:35:18 AM
2209 was the bus always on there
One of the few times I saw the service in Telford, I saw one of the 03-plate Cadets (either HRJ or HRK).
Quote from: Cheese on July 25, 2018, 07:16:42 AM
The fact that they didn't use it says it really about what people claim they want and what they actually want.
No wonder no-one listens to the people anymore in bus changes 😂
did the route get withdrawn at the same time the 88/A/B did or was it withdrawn before
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2018, 10:32:18 AM
did the route get withdrawn at the same time the 88/A/B did or was it withdrawn before
According to VOSA, 88/88A/88B were withdrawn from 2014, 12/X12/72 was 2012 (although another registration is still active for the latter for some reason).
where did the 72 service go
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2018, 03:36:10 PM
where did the 72 service go
72 was a continuation of the 12. So it was 12 from Telford up to Penkridge (I think), then 72 to Cannock.
Did the 12 serve the following villages Wheaton Aston, Bishops Wood, Brewood and Coven
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2018, 05:55:29 PM
Did the 12 serve the following villages Wheaton Aston, Bishops Wood, Brewood and Coven
Not sure but it was a ridiculous long route. NO ONE would sit on a bus for an hour and half ftom Cannock to telford it was insane
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2018, 05:55:29 PM
Did the 12 serve the following villages Wheaton Aston, Bishops Wood, Brewood and Coven
I believe so - Wheaton Aston, Brewood and Coven at least sound familiar.
a telford route that goes through most of the villages on route is a daft idea. why would the villagers from wheaton aston etc want a service to Telford, I mean they already had a sort of regular service to stafford wolves and perton. wasn't that enough for them
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2018, 06:55:17 PM
a telford route that goes through most of the villages on route is a daft idea. why would the villagers from wheaton aston etc want a service to Telford, I mean they already had a sort of regular service to stafford wolves and perton. wasn't that enough for them
Yes, the 12 served Lapley, Wheaton Aston, Bishops Wood, Brewood and Coven. Knowing someone who is originally from Wheaton Aston, the people there were only every interested in going to Telford it seemed for shopping. But not often enough, sounded a bit like petty to me as I heard the old people then didn't want to use it because (shock horror) the younger people from the area also wanted to go to Telford and the oldies didn't want to share their bus with them. You couldn't make it up.
I bet Arriva where Pissed off when hearing this excuse after so much anticipation went into incorporating this service. TBH Doesn't today's society want the young and the elderly to bond a bit more aswell.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2018, 07:46:44 PM
I bet Arriva where Pissed off when hearing this excuse after so much anticipation went into incorporating this service. TBH Doesn't today's society want the young and the elderly to bond a bit more aswell.
Well given the fact there's no bus service in today's society, it won't be happening anytime soon 😂
There is a service the 877/8 by select
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2018, 08:17:32 PM
There is a service the 877/8 by select
Don't know the area so wouldn't know. But I was meaning more in terms of there being no 12/72/X12.
Elsewhere, does anyone know if 2702 has moved from TF to CK, following the arrival of 2730/1/2 from TF?
I don't Know TBH
2702 had not moved
2730/31/32/48 have gone to Cannock from Telford
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 25, 2018, 09:45:47 PM
2702 had not moved
2730/31/32/48 have gone to Cannock from Telford
Thanks Jamie! :)
Has the upgrading of the 70 to Pulsar now been abandoned? 2 or 3 of them on pye greens yesterday, poss one on 60 too. One on the 2 today. Is the solitary 63 plate still at Cannock?
Quote from: Bob on July 25, 2018, 10:01:03 PM
Is the solitary 63 plate still at Cannock?
it's at derby doing rail replacement services
Anybody else noticed the seats on the Sapphire are filthy?? I know regular bus seats aren't clean but its noticeable on the leather-style ones.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 25, 2018, 11:00:18 PM
Anybody else noticed the seats on the Sapphire are filthy?? I know regular bus seats aren't clean but its noticeable on the leather-style ones.
Yep. They usually are. And the floors
Two Streets####s operating on routes othwr than Sapphire ( either Pye Greens or 60 at a guess), one has Arriva Midlands on destination display and no route number in the window and the other has no working display at all and nothing in the window so passengers would have to guess where its going??? How crap an allocation is that!!! Presumably non sapphires will be on the Sapphire routes 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Quote from: Bob on July 27, 2018, 12:19:18 PM
Two Streets####s operating on routes othwr than Sapphire ( either Pye Greens or 60 at a guess), one has Arriva Midlands on destination display and no route number in the window and the other has no working display at all and nothing in the window so passengers would have to guess where its going??? How crap an allocation is that!!! Presumably non sapphires will be on the Sapphire routes 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
God. We have non Platinum buses on Platinum routes and vice versa all the time too. Get over it
Quote from: John on July 27, 2018, 12:57:55 PM
God. We have non Platinum buses on Platinum routes and vice versa all the time too. Get over it
Yes but the Sapphires in Cannock are heavily branded and we only have them for 2 routes so it is confusing, especially if there's no destination on the front.
Quote from: John on July 27, 2018, 12:57:55 PM
God. We have non Platinum buses on Platinum routes and vice versa all the time too. Get over it
With NXWM and no route number on the destination blind? Or no working display at all? And basically nothing to indicate what route/where the bus is going? All the time? Do you ?
The X12s are always on other routes, usually the 1. Walsall have a habit of throwing one on the Aldridge's and at weekends it's booked anyway. BC pretty much daily have a platinum on the wrong route as well as several on the 60. Wolverhampton have platinums on the Wombournes every other day as well. Even Perry Barr lately have been letting theirs wander onto the 94... For that matter Tamworth often have a Sapphire Enviro on locals! It really isn't unusual.
Quote from: V89MOA on July 27, 2018, 01:34:57 PM
The X12s are always on other routes, usually the 1. Walsall have a habit of throwing one on the Aldridge's and at weekends it's booked anyway. BC pretty much daily have a platinum on the wrong route as well as several on the 60. Wolverhampton have platinums on the Wombournes every other day as well. Even Perry Barr lately have been letting theirs wander onto the 94... For that matter Tamworth often have a Sapphire Enviro on locals! It really isn't unusual.
No. But you know what route theyre operating on!
And moreover those NX garages have more than one platinum route generally. Cannock has 2 routes which are interworked. With 8 vehicles for them. Its just s**t allocating if they cant even manage that!
Quote from: Bob on July 27, 2018, 02:46:54 PM
No. But you know what route theyre operating on!
Completely irrelevant to the point I was making.
Quote from: Bob on July 27, 2018, 12:19:18 PM
How crap an allocation is that!!!
Quote from: Bob on July 27, 2018, 02:48:42 PM
And moreover those NX garages have more than one platinum route generally. Cannock has 2 routes which are interworked. With 8 vehicles for them. Its just s**t allocating if they cant even manage that!
PN and AG only have one, and Wolves only have 2, the same as Cannock...
P.S. the edit button exists for a reason.
Quote from: V89MOA on July 27, 2018, 02:49:17 PM
Completely irrelevant to the point I was making.
Bob's point is if you need to use them on other routes occasionally, like NX do with their platinums, surely they should have the other routes put into the destination displays.
Running them around with people not knowing which route they are on is far more important than the fact they are branded for another route
Quote from: Tony on July 27, 2018, 03:05:14 PM
Bob's point is if you need to use them on other routes occasionally, like NX do with their platinums, surely they should have the other routes put into the destination displays.
Running them around with people not knowing which route they are on is far more important than the fact they are branded for another route
Then why does he always feel the need to mention it as being "Cannocks crap allocation" when the reality is that it's a common practice across all operators!
Finally someone gets it. Running buses on services theyre not branded for without a . Capability of showing the right destination or b. A seemingly completely broken blind..is CRAP allocating. In fact if the blind doesnt work it wouldve been BETTER on the routes it should be on
Quote from: V89MOA on July 27, 2018, 03:09:52 PM
Then why does he always feel the need to mention it as being "Cannocks crap allocation" when the reality is that it's a common practice across all operators!
Running buses not showing a destination is not common practice across all operators!
Quote from: Tony on July 27, 2018, 03:24:06 PM
Running buses not showing a destination is not common practice across all operators!
I meant running premium buses off route.
Quote from: Tony on July 27, 2018, 03:24:06 PM
Running buses not showing a destination is not common practice across all operators!
Unless your Arriva's embarassment of an operation at Cannock....
3901 Was on the 2 today
Quote from: V89MOA on July 27, 2018, 03:27:50 PM
I meant running premium buses off route.
Crap allocation refers to branded premium buses allocated to other routes,that are incapable of displaying what other route theyre on, or even any display at all in this case. Jesus.!!!
@Bob - Any danger whilst you're continually moaning, that you can make sure you check & edit your posts properly when quoting! Winston
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 27, 2018, 03:53:00 PM
3901 Was on the 2 today
The repainted Pulsar was as well
Quote from: Bob on July 27, 2018, 03:53:32 PM
Crap allocation refers to branded premium buses allocated to other routes,that are incapable of displaying what other route theyre on, or even any display at all in this case. Jesus.!!!
That isn't crap allocation then is it, that's crap engineering... The allocator probably has no clue that the displays don't work.
"Jesus.!!!"
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 25, 2018, 09:45:47 PM
2702 had not moved
2730/31/32/48 have gone to Cannock from Telford
Just seen 2748 - it's still in Telford; been on 7s all day today
In the quoted nx garages that have one platinum route how many platinum buses do they have allocated to the garage?
Quote from: Bob on July 27, 2018, 04:42:39 PM
In the quoted nx garages that have one platinum route how many platinum buses do they have allocated to the garage?
Acocks Green have 10 (6701 to 6710).
Pensnett have 8 (6711 to 6718).
2748 lasted at cannock then?
1 or 2 days lol
3309 was the sapphire on Pye Greens, it did have a "Pye green circular" board in the window this afternoon
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 27, 2018, 07:25:26 PM
2748 lasted at cannock then?
1 or 2 days lol
3309 was the sapphire on Pye Greens, it did have a "Pye green circular" board in the window this afternoon
Certainly didnt this morning . There were 2 sapphires on pye greens i presume cos they passed opposite maccies. 3903 was also om the 1s so thatd make 2 b7s n a pulsar
Has the upgrade of the 70 to pulsars been abandoned now ?
Pulsars seem to be the main face on Pye Greens with commanders /cadets going on the 70
According to Simon on here theyd upgraded the 70 because "its an interurban route and Pulsars are suited to it"...maybe the increase in frequency has been like pretty much everything else they touch at cannock ( and Wednesfield before), a flop and they cant justify using something thats not old and knackered 😛
Mercedes 'Sapphire' on the 1 & 2 today.
Quote from: Westy on July 30, 2018, 10:54:06 PM
Mercedes 'Sapphire' on the 1 & 2 today.
Yes I got on one today... they seem so square inside and out?! They seem so much smoother though.
The Arriva 1 / 2 in Walsall always confuses people when it arrives as a 1 or 2 and then leaves as the opposite. It's not difficult to work out that if it says Walsall then it hasn't changed yet. I did see an Arriva 2 drive past me going towards Walsall but it said Cannock on the front & back??? Interesting.
Not confusing if they bother to look at the timetable at the stop then look at their watch. Lol
Quote from: Bob on July 31, 2018, 05:12:59 PM
Not confusing if they bother to look at the timetable at the stop then look at their watch. Lol
Exactly haha
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 31, 2018, 12:13:10 AM
The Arriva 1 / 2 in Walsall always confuses people when it arrives as a 1 or 2 and then leaves as the opposite. It's not difficult to work out that if it says Walsall then it hasn't changed yet. I did see an Arriva 2 drive past me going towards Walsall but it said Cannock on the front & back??? Interesting.
Obviously the driver didn't change the destination blind them so next stop announcements wouldn't of worked either....
Quote from: ntw456 on August 01, 2018, 02:37:21 AM
Obviously the driver didn't change the destination blind them so next stop announcements wouldn't of worked either....
Some of them are incorrect anyway!
3795 was on Burton-Derby rail replacement today.
Quote from: mikestone on August 01, 2018, 09:01:34 PM
3795 was on Burton-Derby rail replacement today.
Its apparently running from Derby now. Anyome know if its coming back?
Quote from: Bob on August 01, 2018, 10:23:19 PM
Its apparently running from Derby now. Anyome know if its coming back?
It's on loan
Quote from: Westy on August 01, 2018, 05:04:22 PM
Some of them are incorrect anyway!
A lot don't match the name given on the app and timetable. E.g. 'Wesley Avenue' on the app is 'Clover Ridge' on the screen, and 'Norton Lane' on the app & timetable is 'Brook Lane' on screen. There's also spelling or vocal mistakes like 'Low Streeet', 'Bradstone Avenue' and 'Elmore Road'. It all seems very clumsy and rushed.
Sapphire Streetlite 3305 on the 75/1B/12
Yea I'm shocked that it had a programmed blind on the bus for the 75 not just the arriva logo as normal
Most of them are programmed lol
What does everyone think will be withdrawn or changed next in September or April. Personally I think arriva will cut the 12s, put the 70s back to an hourly frequency and I think there is a possibility that the 61s and 62s might get withdrawn aswell
Are there Sept changes?
A Wolves bound 70 that passed the Cannock bound one i was on in Featherstone this afternoon was completely empty. The bus i was on had 6 passengers from wolves then just 4 by time it got to Bridgtown. Not one of us paid fare on boarding. The 06 Commander on the way there had a vile interior, everyone of the 8 facing seats at the back was either frayed/threadbare on the lower part /split and most seats were filthy. The whole batch needs a refurb. If its anything like the 52 plates that used to run on the 1 theyll be left till their almost see through
Quote from: Bob on August 18, 2018, 08:45:48 PM
If its anything like the 52 plates that used to run on the 1 theyll be left till their almost see through
Have to say, I used to despise the FD52-plates when they arrived in Telford; GGO's diff was terrible, GGU had a jerky box and GGV had a leaky turbo. GGP was the only good one. Although, things have changed and they're about as good as 3717 (when it wants to work).
I don't know why arriva hasn't considered ceasing the 70's existence because it isn't making any money what so ever. The passengers it does carry are just pass users. Surely arriva ain't making a penny on the 70's
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 18, 2018, 08:52:29 PM
I don't know why arriva hasn't considered ceasing the 70's existence because it isn't making any money what so ever. The passengers it does carry are just pass users. Surely arriva ain't making a penny on the 70's
Is 70 even subsidised?
I think it's commercial but I could be wrong. TBH it wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't looking at arriva's track record. They said they could run the 15's for nothing, that is the same for the 61's. That is why the 15 got withdrawn because they where making no money. This is why arriva might withdraw the 61 because it is making no money and they are the only one's to blame for that.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 18, 2018, 09:22:06 PM
I think it's commercial but I could be wrong. TBH it wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't looking at arriva's track record. They said they could run the 15's for nothing, that is the same for the 61's. That is why the 15 got withdrawn because they where making no money. This is why arriva might withdraw the 61 because it is making no money and they are the only one's to blame for that.
From the sounds of it, the 70 died the day they announced it being split into 70/70A/X70 (and the other variations if there were any) and 71/71A.
In response to what you think will happen if there are any upcoming changes (not noticed anything on Vosa but that might change with this week's proceedings), Lichfields will probably go. Pye Greens will probably reduce.
Doxeys may also go if Select has been doing well on that route.
Select are doing alot better than arriva on the Stafford to doxey corridor. Who do you think would take over arriva cannock if there was an opportunity to do so
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 18, 2018, 09:42:00 PM
Select are doing alot better than arriva on the Stafford to doxey corridor. Who do you think would take over arriva cannock if there was an opportunity to do so
NX still can't, can they, else they fall foul of Monopolies & Mergers surely?
Thing is would Diamond, or would there a repeat of the recent Kiddy problems?
Quote from: PointerDart on August 18, 2018, 08:51:06 PM
Have to say, I used to despise the FD52-plates when they arrived in Telford; GGO's diff was terrible, GGU had a jerky box and GGV had a leaky turbo. GGP was the only good one. Although, things have changed and they're about as good as 3717 (when it wants to work).
GGV was the worst i think
How much longer before they give up the ghost?
Quote from: Westy on August 18, 2018, 09:55:35 PM
NX still can't, can they, else they fall foul of Monopolies & Mergers surely?
Thing is would Diamond, or would there a repeat of the recent Kiddy problems?
NX were going to take the operation over not long before the Chase takeover. Wonder why it fell through? Maybe they saw Cannocks profits 😉
Quote from: Bob on August 18, 2018, 11:23:39 PM
NX were going to take the operation over not long before the Chase takeover. Wonder why it fell through? Maybe they saw Cannocks profits 😉
As Arriva bought out Chase not long after, I'd had thought it was Arriva that changed their mind about selling.
Diamond have no interest in expanding as i've contacted them... whether they would takeover that is a different question. Rumours are they made two bids which were turned down. I've also contacted Midland Classic who have no interest in moving any further towards Cannock. NX really are the only alternative and I'd welcome them.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 18, 2018, 09:42:00 PM
Who do you think would take over arriva cannock if there was an opportunity to do so
I'd agree that it could be NX, which is the most likely. Whether First are interested in expanding in Staffordshire, could be another option? (although the latter is more unlikely due to the decline in profits situation, if I'm not mistaken?)
Quote from: PointerDart on August 19, 2018, 07:12:04 AM
I'd agree that it could be NX, which is the most likely. Whether First are interested in expanding in Staffordshire, could be another option? (although the latter is more unlikely due to the decline in profits situation, if I'm not mistaken?)
First? Have you not seen the reports about First Group looking at all options to make a major divesrment / break up the group & sell it off etc, etc
Quote from: Winston on August 19, 2018, 10:07:39 AM
First? Have you not seen the reports about First Group looking at all options to make a major divesrment / break up the group & sell it off etc, etc
I haven't no; I'd only heard of something to do with them not doing so well and that was it - I wasn't aware of the extent of it. As I said before, it was just a less likely suggestion - not a definitive one.
Im sure the Cannock operation, with its history of innovation, investment, high standards of refurbishment etc would be an attractive,profitable investment 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
NXWM are taking over the number 10 / 10A Wolverhampton to Perton... not sure how significant this is as im not from that area.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 19, 2018, 03:48:15 PM
NXWM are taking over the number 10 / 10A Wolverhampton to Perton... not sure how significant this is as im not from that area.
10 A and 10 B. Theyve wo staffs CC tender
Quote from: Bob on August 19, 2018, 03:59:10 PM
10 A and 10 B. Theyve wo staffs CC tender
Don't understand your comment there's a typo. The number 10 has an extra 6 journeys and will finish between 10-11pm rather than 6-7pm. They will also have Sundays. This is what Cannock needs.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 19, 2018, 08:20:40 PM
Don't understand your comment there's a typo. The number 10 has an extra 6 journeys and will finish between 10-11pm rather than 6-7pm. They will also have Sundays. This is what Cannock needs.
I was stating that NX have won 10 A and 10B...it says so on website...
And sure Cannocks profitability would be greatly boosted by opening tje depot and running one Sunday service 😂😂😂😂
What is the most profitable route Cannock depot run at the moment
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 19, 2018, 09:02:20 PM
What is the most profitable route Cannock depot run at the moment
Are there any?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 19, 2018, 09:02:20 PM
What is the most profitable route Cannock depot run at the moment
74?
Maybe 825? Used to be a busy route. I wouldnt imagine the 2, 61, 62, 3, 70, any of the Stafford locals, 63 or 75 make much if any money . Pye greens are so popular they couldnt justify 7 pulsars bought for them. So they had to make do with any s##t and are now operated, as an "upgrade" with buses from 2011 bought specifically to upgrade the 60/825 which now have anything incl old darts /cadets so maybe their earnings have declined with the rest of the operation
Quote from: Bob on August 19, 2018, 09:29:11 PM
Maybe 825? Used to be a busy route. I wouldnt imagine the 2, 61, 62, 3, 70, any of the Stafford locals, 63 or 75 make much if any money . Pye greens are so popular they couldnt justify 7 pulsars bought for them. So they had to make do with any s##t and are now operated, as an "upgrade" with buses from 2011 bought specifically to upgrade the 60/825 which now have anything incl old darts /cadets so maybe their earnings have declined with the rest of the operation
From what I've seen, 825 and 74 are quite full leaving Stafford whereas all the others that end are empty, including 75s.
Quote from: Bob on August 19, 2018, 09:29:11 PM
Maybe 825? Used to be a busy route. I wouldnt imagine the 2, 61, 62, 3, 70, any of the Stafford locals, 63 or 75 make much if any money . Pye greens are so popular they couldnt justify 7 pulsars bought for them. So they had to make do with any s##t and are now operated, as an "upgrade" with buses from 2011 bought specifically to upgrade the 60/825 which now have anything incl old darts /cadets so maybe their earnings have declined with the rest of the operation
Have you thought about relocating?
Quote from: PointerDart on August 19, 2018, 09:40:38 PM
From what I've seen, 825 and 74 are quite full leaving Stafford whereas all the others that end are empty, including 75s.
74 always been busy. 825 and 60 are the only routes that run evenings (albeit Fridays and Saturday evenings)
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on August 19, 2018, 09:51:36 PM
Have you thought about relocating?
No most of the west midlands is rougher than Cannock 😃
Just like to put it out there the 3A will no longer be run by Arriva from October this year not sure what date and will be taken over bye Nxwm (national express West Midlands)
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on August 19, 2018, 11:45:34 PM
Just like to put it out there the 3A will no longer be run by Arriva from October this year not sure what date and will be taken over bye Nxwm (national express West Midlands)
That does not surprise me... not very efficient to run between Brownhills and Walsall from Cannock garage.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 20, 2018, 12:30:23 AM
That does not surprise me... not very efficient to run between Brownhills and Walsall from Cannock garage.
Back to the old days
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 20, 2018, 12:30:23 AM
That does not surprise me... not very efficient to run between Brownhills and Walsall from Cannock garage.
And as Cannock depot is closed on a Sunday I guess it was being run out of Tamworth on a Sunday?
Quote from: Cheese on August 20, 2018, 07:10:22 AM
And as Cannock depot is closed on a Sunday I guess it was being run out of Tamworth on a Sunday?
Yeah that would make sense... in which case why can't they operate the viable Sunday services from Tamworth.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 20, 2018, 01:47:41 PM
Yeah that would make sense... in which case why can't they operate the viable Sunday services from Tamworth.
Cost I'd imagine. It would outweigh the earnings for sure, based on the extra fuel costs, and additional route training (if applicable). So they'd be running it to the point where they'd be just as unviable.
Is Cannocks profitability reflected in fleet investment? If thats the case would it put them in minus figures? 😂😂😂😂😂
@Bob. I don't think it's any secret that Cannock has been operating at a loss for some time, that's partly the reason for the draconian cuts to evenings & Sundays.
The pye greens must be the only viable service in cannock & I would question as to whether or not that needs a frequency reduction.
I truly couldn't see anyone being able to take on that network without making more cuts to services & frequencies.
Cannock to Walsall 30 min frequency at most
Pye green 15 min frequency each way.
Stafford hourly on 74 with 75 bi hourly to penkridge.
Wolverhampton cancel.
Hednesford 20 min frequency.
If this was adopted the network may stand a chance.
Quote from: Steveminor on August 20, 2018, 06:29:52 PM
@Bob. I don't think it's any secret that Cannock has been operating at a loss for some time, that's partly the reason for the draconian cuts to evenings & Sundays.
The pye greens must be the only viable service in cannock & I would question as to whether or not that needs a frequency reduction.
I truly couldn't see anyone being able to take on that network without making more cuts to services & frequencies.
Cannock to Walsall 30 min frequency at most
Pye green 15 min frequency each way.
Stafford hourly on 74 with 75 bi hourly to penkridge.
Wolverhampton cancel.
Hednesford 20 min frequency.
If this was adopted the network may stand a chance.
I disagree... you can't keep cutting and cutting until there's only 1 route left and they say hooray our losses are decreasing.
There's alot of potential but it needs investment!! It doesnt need to be millions.
If they are struggling that much, and the rumours are true, why didn't they accept Diamond's offer.
I will ask in my next meeting which services generate the most & least revenue and, if Simon is happy for me to do so, ill post it here.
I will guess purely based on timetables, word of mouth and comments on my petition that the 825 is at the top, though I could be wrong. That being said, it is a really long route so it will automatically have more customers than the 25|26 for example.
Ask him where the" improvements and refurbishments incl wifi and sockets ( sockets are you sure he told you that?) Over the summer period are as well....
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 20, 2018, 01:47:41 PM
Yeah that would make sense... in which case why can't they operate the viable Sunday services from Tamworth.
If they ran a short journey from Tamworth to Sutton & back, they could have had a go at the 77 to Walsall at least!
Quote from: Bob on August 20, 2018, 07:12:01 PM
Ask him where the" improvements and refurbishments incl wifi and sockets ( sockets are you sure he told you that?) Over the summer period are as well....
I doubt the lack of investment has caused this issue. The train, more and more people owning cars is causing the issue
Quote from: Westy on August 20, 2018, 07:19:24 PM
If they ran a short journey from Tamworth to Sutton & back, they could have had a go at the 77 to Walsall at least!
Wasn't the 77 a Sundays only back when Wednesfield was open?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 20, 2018, 06:56:55 PM
I disagree... you can't keep cutting and cutting until there's only 1 route left and they say hooray our losses are decreasing.
There's alot of potential but it needs investment!! It doesnt need to be millions.
If they are struggling that much, and the rumours are true, why didn't they accept Diamond's offer.
They've invested before, but it's failed. Look at the 1s and 2s - big investment and it's flopped. 25s and 26s - flopped after investment. So the investment's been made. Reliability, etc. may have contributed to it failing, as people are deterred from using it. They just think "Leave it, I'll get a taxi". Price increases in fares are another factor as well; people get put off by the price of a day/week ticket in comparison to when it used to be £3.60 or whatever.
Quote from: PointerDart on August 20, 2018, 07:39:42 PM
They've invested before, but it's failed. Look at the 1s and 2s - big investment and it's flopped. 25s and 26s - flopped after investment. So the investment's been made. Reliability, etc. may have contributed to it failing, as people are deterred from using it. They just think "Leave it, I'll get a taxi". Price increases in fares are another factor as well; people get put off by the price of a day/week ticket in comparison to when it used to be £3.60 or whatever.
Yea but they invested in absolute jokes of buses for the 1 & 2. They then rerouted the 1 to make it less attractive and at the same time reduced the frequentcy to add insult. They had to revert to the old route it was so unpopular but kept the reduced frequency. Did they have a death wish for the services? What the hell were they thinking??
Quote from: Bob on August 20, 2018, 08:02:06 PM
Yea but they invested in absolute jokes of buses for the 1 & 2. They then rerouted the 1 to make it less attractive and at the same time reduced the frequentcy to add insult. They had to revert to the old route it was so unpopular but kept the reduced frequency. Did they have a death wish for the services? What the hell were they thinking??
Streetlites are cheap. They're not gonna give Cannock brand-new Citaros, are they, let's be honest. But it proves my point of people being put off; the investment is made, but it never pays off.
Quote from: PointerDart on August 20, 2018, 07:23:01 PM
Wasn't the 77 a Sundays only back when Wednesfield was open?
It was.
Quote from: PointerDart on August 20, 2018, 08:25:14 PM
Streetlites are cheap. They're not gonna give Cannock brand-new Citaros, are they, let's be honest. But it proves my point of people being put off; the investment is made, but it never pays off.
No investment at all in 4 years and of those 16 buses only 8 remain. To be fair even knackered Darts ( that seem to be regulars on longer interurban routes now) would be better vehicles on the Walsalls than the Streets####s. They truly are appalling.
Quote from: Bob on August 20, 2018, 09:49:07 PM
No investment at all in 4 years and of those 16 buses only 8 remain. To be fair even knackered Darts ( that seem to be regulars on longer interurban routes now) would be better vehicles on the Walsalls than the Streets####s. They truly are appalling.
If I had a pound for everytime Bob said 'Streets###s' I'd have enough money to buy replacements for said 'Streets###s'.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 20, 2018, 10:00:23 PM
If I had a pound for everytime Bob said 'Streets###s' I'd have enough money to buy replacements for said 'Streets###s'.
If the cap fits.....Its quite a kind description of them....
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 20, 2018, 10:00:23 PM
If I had a pound for everytime Bob said 'Streets###s' I'd have enough money to buy replacements for said 'Streets###s'.
It's not a unique description - loads of people refer to them as that. They're not great. Enviro200s are worse (especially on a first run in a winter morning; it was colder on them than outside).
Quote from: Bob on August 20, 2018, 09:49:07 PM
No investment at all in 4 years and of those 16 buses only 8 remain. To be fair even knackered Darts ( that seem to be regulars on longer interurban routes now) would be better vehicles on the Walsalls than the Streets####s. They truly are appalling.
16 buses for Sapphire? I thought you only had 3301-3309? Or are you referring to the Pulsars for Pye Greens as well?
The 7 pulsars incl in that figure.
How much is a single Lichfield to Stafford thanks
As someone who's driven various Streetlites I can confirm the shit-ness that Bob speaks off. As someone who's also driven the E200MMC though, I can say that the Streetlite is better to drive than the MMC. Ultimately both the E200MMC & Streetlite are cheap shit buses. They're not proper heavy weight buses thus lack the refinement of the likes of Volvo B7RLEs, Scania K230s & Mercedes Citaro. They rattle about, feel flimsy AF, and their general quality is terrible. They're basically identical underneath with the Cummins engine and 4 speed Voith, although the gearbox set up is worse in the Streetlite as they change up even earlier than E200MMCs!
If I had to drive one all day, it'd be the Streetlite though. The E200MMC seating position is way too high. The steering on them is heavy, and the fit and finish actually feels better on the Streetlites (cab wise). I'm talking DF Streetlites btw. WF are complete and utter trash.
Quote from: MW on August 20, 2018, 11:37:36 PM
As someone who's driven various Streetlites I can confirm the shit-ness that Bob speaks off. As someone who's also driven the E200MMC though, I can say that the Streetlite is better to drive than the MMC. Ultimately both the E200MMC & Streetlite are cheap shit buses. They're not proper heavy weight buses thus lack the refinement of the likes of Volvo B7RLEs, Scania K230s & Mercedes Citaro. They rattle about, feel flimsy AF, and their general quality is terrible. They're basically identical underneath with the Cummins engine and 4 speed Voith, although the gearbox set up is worse in the Streetlite as they change up even earlier than E200MMCs!
If I had to drive one all day, it'd be the Streetlite though. The E200MMC seating position is way too high. The steering on them is heavy, and the fit and finish actually feels better on the Streetlites (cab wise). I'm talking DF Streetlites btw. WF are complete and utter trash.
The gearbox is really noticeable on the Strreetlites passenger wise particularly when they over rev and then jerk violently ( not noticed this on mmc).
Quote from: MW on August 20, 2018, 11:37:36 PM
As someone who's driven various Streetlites I can confirm the shit-ness that Bob speaks off. As someone who's also driven the E200MMC though, I can say that the Streetlite is better to drive than the MMC. Ultimately both the E200MMC & Streetlite are cheap shit buses. They're not proper heavy weight buses thus lack the refinement of the likes of Volvo B7RLEs, Scania K230s & Mercedes Citaro. They rattle about, feel flimsy AF, and their general quality is terrible. They're basically identical underneath with the Cummins engine and 4 speed Voith, although the gearbox set up is worse in the Streetlite as they change up even earlier than E200MMCs!
If I had to drive one all day, it'd be the Streetlite though. The E200MMC seating position is way too high. The steering on them is heavy, and the fit and finish actually feels better on the Streetlites (cab wise). I'm talking DF Streetlites btw. WF are complete and utter trash.
I'm surprised you don't like the MMCs. I've rode a few of First Potteries' MMCs and they're amazing. A major improvement over the old Enviro200. But, I guess the experience for a driver can often be completely different from that of the passengers, as we see here.
Quote from: Solo1 on August 20, 2018, 10:38:45 PM
How much is a single Lichfield to Stafford thanks
£3.60
Watch this video again i would dare anyone to suggest that Streetlites are in any way not horrific ,noisy, slow, jerky, potentially dangerous heaps of crap. Wrights reputation should be permanently wrecked for putting them on passengers. It really would put people off public transport.
https://youtu.be/2Hr30TrG6eg
Quote from: Bob on August 21, 2018, 06:12:15 AM
The gearbox is really noticeable on the Strreetlites passenger wise particularly when they over rev and then jerk violently ( not noticed this on mmc).
What tends to happen is, initially they change up way too early. And the driver has got his foot all the way to the floor. It's like the gearbox gets confused. Then it slips into neutral for a second, so the revs build up all the way and then is chucks it into the lower gear hence the jerkiness. I've had one wheel spin on me too (32213 or 32217). You can overcome this though. When you're driving them every day you figure out the quirks lol. When it jumps into neutral for that split second, if you come off the accelerator and let it go into gear itself and then accelerate, it'll be smooth. It's irritating though.
The Daimler Euro 6 ones are better in this respect. They still change up early, but when they change back down they seem to actually change down properly unlike the Cummins ones. Maybe there was a software update, or they're set up slightly differently. When you move off in the Daimler ones, they jolt forwards though, unlike the Cummins. Way to overcome this is to open/close door or lower and raise the platform which activates the secondary brake. Then release the handbrake. You'll notice it try to jolt forwards as the rpm changes but the secondary brake will hold it, and then lightly accelerate away and it'll be smooth. Hard to explain, but if you drive one you'll understand.
Quote from: PointerDart on August 21, 2018, 06:53:40 AM
I'm surprised you don't like the MMCs. I've rode a few of First Potteries' MMCs and they're amazing. A major improvement over the old Enviro200. But, I guess the experience for a driver can often be completely different from that of the passengers, as we see here.
I've driven the older ex Central Buses Enviro 200s too, and yeah they're definitely an improvement over the older one. They've just polished it up more. It's still shit underneath. My gripe with the E200MMC is mainly the seating position too high, the actual drivers seat with the stupid wind-up thing, the heavy steering, and the terrible turning circle. Streetlite DFs have a much better turning circle.
The fact that E200s have to go round the roundabout at Sarehole Mill on the 5 because they can't make the left turn is ridiculous. A Streetlite would make that turn. Having said that, I'm comparing 10.8m Streetlites with 11.5m E200MMCs (I'm assuming the NXWM ones are 11.5m), so maybe it's not a fair comparison.
The cab of the Streetlite is better all around in my opinion.
I'm told the E400MMC is much better to drive than the E200MMC. I've never driven an E400 though.
Quote from: MW on August 21, 2018, 06:00:33 PM
I've driven the older ex Central Buses Enviro 200s too, and yeah they're definitely an improvement over the older one. They've just polished it up more. It's still shit underneath. My gripe with the E200MMC is mainly the seating position too high, the actual drivers seat with the stupid wind-up thing, the heavy steering, and the terrible turning circle. Streetlite DFs have a much better turning circle.
The fact that E200s have to go round the roundabout at Sarehole Mill on the 5 because they can't make the left turn is ridiculous. A Streetlite would make that turn. Having said that, I'm comparing 10.8m Streetlites with 11.5m E200MMCs (I'm assuming the NXWM ones are 11.5m), so maybe it's not a fair comparison.
The cab of the Streetlite is better all around in my opinion.
I'm told the E400MMC is much better to drive than the E200MMC. I've never driven an E400 though.
One thing I've noticed about ADL and Transbus products (Either E200MMC, E200s, E300s, or Dart chassis), is that the cab step is way too high from the looks of it. I could be wrong as obviously I don't drive them but I've been on a Caetano Dart and I dread to think whether I would manage to make that step (I'm not exactly tall either tbh). But it looks stupidly high in comparison to that of a Streetlite.
Quote from: Bob on August 21, 2018, 04:30:56 PM
Watch this video again i would dare anyone to suggest that Streetlites are in any way not horrific ,noisy, slow, jerky, potentially dangerous heaps of crap. Wrights reputation should be permanently wrecked for putting them on passengers. It really would put people off public transport.
https://youtu.be/2Hr30TrG6eg
I've been on a couple of the 5-branded Pulsars in Telford and they have similar jerk problems; albeit happening a lot more recently. If it's kickdown it's a horrendous one cos the bus gets thrown forward very violently by it.
The number 5 service just takes the p*ss. Who would want to sit on a bus for an hour and a half just to go from Telford to Stafford. And people a few weeks ago where moaning about the 12 service taking to long. No wonder the 5 branded pulsars jerk
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 22, 2018, 08:06:08 PM
The number 5 service just takes the p*ss. Who would want to sit on a bus for an hour and a half just to go from Telford to Stafford. And people a few weeks ago where moaning about the 12 service taking to long. No wonder the 5 branded pulsars jerk
I have to sometimes lol. Though the amount of near misses due to lorries on some of those twisty roads. Gotta say though that the drivers on that route (most of them at least) are the best, just in how they drive and how friendly they are.
And how can people moan about the 12 being so long? Isn't it like 30 mins on a whole loop?
Assuming it's Sunday service tomorrow for bank holiday Monday as it's not been mentioned on social media
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 26, 2018, 09:01:14 PM
Assuming it's Sunday service tomorrow for bank holiday Monday as it's not been mentioned on social media
Which translates in to no service 😂
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 26, 2018, 09:01:14 PM
Assuming it's Sunday service tomorrow for bank holiday Monday as it's not been mentioned on social media
Indeed it is. So yeah no service from Cannock garage as per. :/
Quote from: PointerDart on August 26, 2018, 10:25:54 PM
Indeed it is. So yeah no service from Cannock garage as per. :/
Great ill get a lift or train to Bloxwich and carry on as normal from there! They could at least run a reduced service or the old Sunday service prior to April.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 27, 2018, 01:29:28 AM
Great ill get a lift or train to Bloxwich and carry on as normal from there! They could at least run a reduced service or the old Sunday service prior to April.
Why would they? Without funding from Staffs CC they've said it's uneconomical to even open the depot for a Sunday service. Bash Arriva all you want but I doubt any other operator in that depot will be in any different position. Yes NX could manage if they ran Cannock services out of Walsall and Wolves depots but they currently don't, so the town is stuck.
At least there's the train
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 27, 2018, 01:29:28 AM
Great ill get a lift or train to Bloxwich and carry on as normal from there! They could at least run a reduced service or the old Sunday service prior to April.
Blame the Tory scum County Council who plainly dont care whether people have to get to work on Sundays and Bank Hols
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 22, 2018, 08:06:08 PM
The number 5 service just takes the p*ss. Who would want to sit on a bus for an hour and a half just to go from Telford to Stafford. And people a few weeks ago where moaning about the 12 service taking to long. No wonder the 5 branded pulsars jerk
A fair few people do travel end to end. I know I have many times, it's one of my Arriva favourites and you get a little more for your money if you've come from Wolverhampton and gone over Shrewsbury way or something.
Quote from: Kevin on August 27, 2018, 09:15:25 AM
Why would they? Without funding from Staffs CC they've said it's uneconomical to even open the depot for a Sunday service. Bash Arriva all you want but I doubt any other operator in that depot will be in any different position. Yes NX could manage if they ran Cannock services out of Walsall and Wolves depots but they currently don't, so the town is stuck.
At least there's the train
What part of my post was "bashing Arriva"? None of it, thanks.
Someone needs to get their backsides into gear when this shopping village is built?
Does anything serve that retail park where Sainsburys & Kfc is thesedays?
I've only ever been there when I've been in my sis in law's car!
(Looks like a fair walk from the nearest Service 1 stop, wherever that is!)
Quote from: Westy on August 27, 2018, 02:14:56 PM
Someone needs to get their backsides into gear when this shopping village is built?
Does anything serve that retail park where Sainsburys & Kfc is thesedays?
I've only ever been there when I've been in my sis in law's car!
(Looks like a fair walk from the nearest Service 1 stop, wherever that is!)
That has been suggested... it's awkward to find a suitable bus stop on the new part (i.e. Burger King) without having to loop round the actual retail estate. The nearest stop is Bridgetown before the bridge.
The retail village land has recently had new owners who have started work. There is an unused bus stop there already.
I had to direct the driver on the first 1 this morning down to Walsall through the Leamore diversion, as he was going to go down the Green Lane route instead!
Quote from: Westy on August 28, 2018, 07:23:28 PM
I had to direct the driver on the first 1 this morning down to Walsall through the Leamore diversion, as he was going to go down the Green Lane route instead!
They have been all over the place this last week... so far on the number 1 I've been down Green Lane, Pinfold then Green Lane and today we went through Pinfold and Green Lane via Turnberry estate!!
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 28, 2018, 09:27:30 PM
They have been all over the place this last week... so far on the number 1 I've been down Green Lane, Pinfold then Green Lane and today we went through Pinfold and Green Lane via Turnberry estate!!
I saw that aswell
An arriva 39** urban was being towed by a recovery vehicle seen passing Sankey's Cnr this afternoon
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 31, 2018, 07:54:22 PM
An arriva 39** urban was being towed by a recovery vehicle seen passing Sankey's Cnr this afternoon
I believe it was actually 3867
The Volvo thats so unreliable it did well to even last a day on Pye Greens? I dont understand why tbey even put it back into service. Even less so use it on interurban routes?
Cannock have solos out on the 825(2496) and 74 (2497) both seen in Stafford this morning.
Sapphire on Pye Greens today
CX04 EHY broken down with engine flap up right on the Tin Man island in Brownhills in a pretty dangerous position to be fair
The Arriva van was there when i was heading back, and weirdly a 06 plate Commander with no driver/passengers/blinds off was parked in the bus stop at the Parade just behind
Quote from: Bob on September 07, 2018, 03:19:10 PM
CX04 EHY broken down with engine flap up right on the Tin Man island in Brownhills in a pretty dangerous position to be fair
Recovery truck just pulled up in front of it, looks like there's a van behind too.
The joys of using knackered threadbare interiored 14 year old midibuses that werent designed for busy interurban work, on erm, interurban work 😂😂😂😂
Let's face it. Arriva dont know what the he'll they are doing.
Arrivas service changes have been released. Effected services are:
1B running 14 minutes later
12 running every hour
25/26 less frequent on Saturdays
63 running less in the morning. (Not sure on that one)
75 more journeys in the morning for the Argos warehouse workers
Quote from: BusMan Greg on September 12, 2018, 09:08:04 PM
Arrivas service changes have been released. Effected services are:
1B running 14 minutes later
12 running every hour
25/26 less frequent on Saturdays
63 running less in the morning. (Not sure on that one)
75 more journeys in the morning for the Argos warehouse workers
1 step forward, 4 steps back
75 is just one extra journey i think
Surprised 61 has escaped the axe
DAF DB250LF/ALX400 6305 (ex DLA 305) Y526 UGC is working from Cannock and on the Pye Green circulars (25/6) today.
Is the decker out today please?
To answer my own question it's on Pye Greens again
Quote from: John on October 02, 2018, 08:09:44 AM
Is the decker out today please?
To answer my own question it's on Pye Greens again
Do we need a decker in Cannock?! Interesting
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 02, 2018, 03:43:52 PM
Do we need a decker in Cannock?! Interesting
No they dont lol. Especially not a 17 yr old one...if their reliability is anything to go by ( Wednesfieldsspent more time on the back of recovery trucks than in service and one of Telfords burnt out 😂)
Didnt realise Cannock had a double decker at the moment.
Quote from: Bob on October 02, 2018, 04:14:14 PM
No they dont lol. Especially not a 17 yr old one...if their reliability is anything to go by ( Wednesfieldsspent more time on the back of recovery trucks than in service and one of Telfords burnt out 😂)
Could be possible due to overloading on a school related duty.
Quote from: Depotosw on October 02, 2018, 07:09:51 PM
Could be possible due to overloading on a school related duty.
Whys it on Cannock locals if that were the case?
I'm guessing it got transferred to Cannock for the 70/10 or the Stafford locals
Quote from: BusMan Greg on October 02, 2018, 07:56:24 PM
I'm guessing it got transferred to Cannock for the 70/10 or the Stafford locals
The Stafford locals that carry fresh air
Considering Commanders are the norm mixed with ageing Cadets on the 70 i wouldnt imagine it would need deckers either. Either way its been used on pye greens...
Quote from: Bob on October 02, 2018, 07:25:32 PM
Whys it on Cannock locals if that were the case?
Perhaps it only covers a certain AM or PM peak and can be used as a spare bus between, Oswestry have this situation with 4707 been used on the Town Service i.e. locals between if required. Who knows, all a guessing game at this stage, may move on elsewhere soon.
Quote from: Bob on October 02, 2018, 04:14:14 PM
No they dont lol. Especially not a 17 yr old one...if their reliability is anything to go by ( Wednesfieldsspent more time on the back of recovery trucks than in service and one of Telfords burnt out 😂)
Can you provide us with proof of the part "Wednesfield's spent more time on the back of recovery trucks"? No I thought not! Get back in your box please! Oh, and a grammar check wouldn't go a miss!
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on October 03, 2018, 12:20:05 AM
Can you provide us with proof of the part "Wednesfield's spent more time on the back of recovery trucks"? No I thought not! Get back in your box please! Oh, and a grammar check wouldn't go a miss!
They did break down on a regular basis? Also i dont think i ever went on one with working "stop" bells....
I remember them being temperamental when they were ALL brought over to the Midlands at first, Wednesfield included. Telford ones were known for not having working bells (which is worrying that despite doing the walk-around checks, they still send the things out). However, they got fixed. Out of interest, how many times did you go on a DB250 at Wednesfield?
It's concerning when you're not even happy with a DB250 at Cannock.
Quote from: PointerDart on October 03, 2018, 07:43:13 AM
...
It's concerning when you're not even happy with a DB250 at Cannock.
Spends all his time berating Arriva for not caring, then states that the Stafford locals carry fresh air
Of course he'll moan about Cannock having a DB250, he'll moan if they suddenly replaced the entire fleet with brand new 68 plate vehicles
Quote from: Kevin on October 03, 2018, 10:07:21 AM
Spends all his time berating Arriva for not caring, then states that the Stafford locals carry fresh air
Of course he'll moan about Cannock having a DB250, he'll moan if they suddenly replaced the entire fleet with brand new 68 plate vehicles
Cannock couldnt afford one new bus could they? They cant even refurbish threadbare 06 plate Commanders with dirty interiors? The DAFs at Wednesfield i went on never had working bells i saw people miss their stop. It was pretty bad they were sent out like that, and other than poor, could you think of a better word to use to describe the image it portrayed?
Cannock last had investment in new vehicles in 2014. Half of said vehicles have now gone. Would you class that as a sign of a successful network/operation?
Quote from: Bob on October 03, 2018, 11:15:11 AM
Cannock couldnt afford one new bus could they? They cant even refurbish threadbare 06 plate Commanders with dirty interiors? The DAFs at Wednesfield i went on never had working bells i saw people miss their stop. It was pretty bad they were sent out like that, and other than poor, could you think of a better word to use to describe the image it portrayed?
Cannock last had investment in new vehicles in 2014. Half of said vehicles have now gone. Would you class that as a sign of a successful network/operation?
So in your initial statement you mention tow trucks but can only back that up with "the bells didn't work". The bells didn't make a sound but the bus stopping signs still lit up. No, I'm not naive enough to deny there were one or two issues with them but most days they'd last their shifts, up to 17 hours a day regularly.
Why does it matter when Cannock last had new buses when said vehicles you've slated them since they entered service, so they can't win either way with you.
What new buses would you like to see in Cannock that you wouldn't hate on day in day out? Do you really think there would be a marked increase in service delivery if the oh so fantastic NXWM ran these services?
Of course there would be a marked increase...they wouldnt be running threadbare 06 plates for a start as those ( and newer vehicles) have all been refurbished. They wouldnt be running 14-16 year old knackered midibuses on interurban services that they werent designed for, with the associated breakdowns...thats a start.
The 2014 Streetlites? Yep theyre an embarassment. Pretty often dirty, no working plug sockets and a joke to use them on a premium service. Evidenced by the reduction in frequency of it since their introduction? When Sapphire upgrades were supposed to increase patronage...
I suspect a morning journey to Stafford might need a decker now the 836/7 college journeys no longer run?
I happened to be on it today on the 26 to Cannock. It's probably as others have said, busy school mornings, perhaps Penkridge and Stafford.
It had a notice stating the ticket fayres for high wycombe so that's obviously where it's from. They either didn't bother taking it down or it's not staying in Cannock.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 03, 2018, 03:33:35 PM
I happened to be on it today on the 26 to Cannock. It's probably as others have said, busy school mornings, perhaps Penkridge and Stafford.
It had a notice stating the ticket fayres for high wycombe so that's obviously where it's from. They either didn't bother taking it down or it's not staying in Cannock.
Has it been used on anything other than Pye Greens?
A post elsewhere suggested it ventured onto Stafford locals the other day but not sure on that unless it's 1 that interworks with a 74 or 75??
Could possibly be up here to spare vehicles for refurb? Has nobody though about that. But even then bob wouldn't be happy 🙄
Quote from: ntw456 on October 03, 2018, 09:41:16 PM
Could possibly be up here to spare vehicles for refurb? Has nobody though about that. But even then bob wouldn't be happy 🙄
Kinda makes sense tbf. It must be nearing its end anyway because of the deckers from Telford going (with 4803 being of the same batch). Most 250s are the 52-plates onwards now. But it would make sense for it to be a temporary move while something's being refurbished. Then if PVRs are going down on other routes from the end of the month, they'll have more spares so thus won't need to keep this one any longer?
Quote from: ntw456 on October 03, 2018, 09:41:16 PM
Could possibly be up here to spare vehicles for refurb? Has nobody though about that. But even then bob wouldn't be happy 🙄
Cos itd make sense to send one old decker from down south as a spare bus when if one vehicle was required they could send snything from another local garage wouldnt it 😂
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 05:21:14 AM
Cos itd make sense to send one old decker from down south as a spare bus when if one vehicle was required they could send snything from another local garage wouldnt it 😂
And you've checked the local garages to find out if they have any spare buses currently I assume? ::) If Wolverhampton can loan hybrids to Scotland with no questions asked then what is so unrealistic about this decker moving to Cannock? There are many possible reasons this vehicle was chosen. Could be as simple as it has a few months tax left and is surplus down south, or as has been said it may be required at certain times/days for busy/school trips. Could even be for upcoming contract work... Of course though I forget Arriva don't do sensible blah blah blah, Arriva are crap blah blah blah. #thebobshow
Quote from: V89MOA on October 04, 2018, 10:55:48 AM
And you've checked the local garages to find out if they have any spare buses currently I assume? ::) If Wolverhampton can loan hybrids to Scotland with no questions asked then what is so unrealistic about this decker moving to Cannock? There are many possible reasons this vehicle was chosen. Could be as simple as it has a few months tax left and is surplus down south, or as has been said it may be required at certain times/days for busy/school trips. Could even be for upcoming contract work... Of course though I forget Arriva don't do sensible blah blah blah, Arriva are crap blah blah blah. #thebobshow
The contract that they were used on was for Hybrid vehicles.
Quote from: V89MOA on October 04, 2018, 10:55:48 AM
And you've checked the local garages to find out if they have any spare buses currently I assume? ::) If Wolverhampton can loan hybrids to Scotland with no questions asked then what is so unrealistic about this decker moving to Cannock? There are many possible reasons this vehicle was chosen. Could be as simple as it has a few months tax left and is surplus down south, or as has been said it may be required at certain times/days for busy/school trips. Could even be for upcoming contract work... Of course though I forget Arriva don't do sensible blah blah blah, Arriva are crap blah blah blah. #thebobshow
2 out of 2 bang on the money
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 12:13:48 PM
2 out of 2 bang on the money
So if it was the same vehicles but operated under NX would you still be moaning about the type of bus it was or why it was here?
Thats academic cos NX wouldnt operate threadbare filthy 04/06 plates. Theyd at least have been refurbished...
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 12:28:17 PM
Thats academic cos NX wouldnt operate threadbare filthy 04/06 plates. Theyd at least have been refurbished...
Show's how much you know, there are 51 plate B7TL/ALX400's that have received a quick repaint / Euro 6 exhaust upgrade, yet still have interior trim from new. Plus a handful of 53 plate Tridents.
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 12:28:17 PM
Thats academic cos NX wouldnt operate threadbare filthy 04/06 plates. Theyd at least have been refurbished...
Buses are going to have threadbare seats. It's not like an exclusive limo where it's hardly used. People sit on them all the time. I was on a bus the other day and realised it had threadbare seats but it's not terribly noticeable (was not Arriva). It just happens. It's wear and tear. Every company will have them, including NX - some will just have more than others, depending on what their priorities are. Arriva probably also think that 04 plates will likely be withdrawn in a couple of years, so why spend money on a rather short-term investment (the money which it most likely does not have).
Quote from: Winston on October 04, 2018, 12:35:14 PM
Show's how much you know, there are 51 plate B7TL/ALX400's that have received a quick repaint / Euro 6 exhaust upgrade, yet still have interior trim from new. Plus a handful of 53 plate Tridents.
Compare refurb percentages i would imagine nx would come out much better. Threadbare is the norm for a lot of Cannocks fleet
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 01:14:17 PM
Compare refurb percentages i would imagine nx would come out much better. Threadbare is the norm for a lot of Cannocks fleet
If you want to make a comparison have a look at Bordesley garage. Same size as Cannock. Average age of fleet is 11,no vehicles refurbished in the last 3 years
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 01:14:17 PM
Compare refurb percentages i would imagine nx would come out much better. Threadbare is the norm for a lot of Cannocks fleet
Arriva will not make anywhere near the profit that NXWM does, capital investment in new fleet / refurbs can only be sanctioned if there's a business case for the investment through potentially increased ridership or profits simply being re-invested from within the business.
Quote from: Winston on October 04, 2018, 01:58:17 PM
Arriva will not make anywhere near the profit that NXWM does, capital investment in new fleet / refurbs can only be sanctioned if there's a business case for the investment through potentially increased ridership or profits simply being re-invested from within the business.
By that logic Cannock must be a failing operation to say the least
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 02:55:18 PM
By that logic Cannock must be a failing operation to say the least
Without looking at their accounts but I would have thought that was obvious, they're managing a spiral of decline..... on thin margins.
Quote from: Winston on October 04, 2018, 03:31:34 PM
Without looking at their accounts but I would have thought that was obvious, they're managing a spiral of decline..... on thin margins.
Whys it declining though? Increased car ownership/affluence? Cannock is the most deprived area in Staffordshire. Its like Arriva have given up the ghost. Things were so much better in Midland Red North days
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 04:16:33 PM
Whys it declining though? Increased car ownership/affluence? Cannock is the most deprived area in Staffordshire. Its like Arriva have given up the ghost. Things were so much better in Midland Red North days
Numerous reasons including your suggestions + reduced high st shopping (far more things bought on the internet & delivered to your door), more out of town shopping complexes or Tesco Express / Aldi & Lidl's popping up here there & everywhere, meaning you no longer need to go in to town. The whole bus industry is struggling, haven't you noticed? Due to funding cuts / declining passengers numbers etc, etc, some areas are doing better than others.
Forgot MRN days, it's the past not the present. Back in those days WMT/TWM/NXWM were making 22%+ profit margins, now they are making 12-13% which is considered up there with the best...... times have changed.
Quote from: Winston on October 04, 2018, 04:32:24 PM
Numerous reasons including your suggestions + reduced high st shopping (far more things bought on the internet & delivered to your door), more out of town shopping complexes or Tesco Express / Aldi & Lidl's popping up here there & everywhere, meaning you no longer need to go in to town. The whole bus industry is struggling, haven't you noticed? Due to funding cuts / declining passengers numbers etc, etc, some areas are doing better than others.
Forgot MRN days, it's the past not the present. Back in those days WMT/TWM/NXWM were making 22%+ profit margins, now they are making 12-13% which is considered up there with the best...... times have changed.
No wondee WMT were making that they barely invested in new buses till about 1996 from 1990 lol
Do you think Arriva are gonna sack Cannock off? If they got rid of Burton......
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 04:34:44 PM
No wondee WMT were making that they barely invested in new buses till about 1996 from 1990 lol
The profits a bus operator makes has nothing to do with how much they have / haven't spent on new buses. By that logic, your suggesting Arriva Cannock are raking it in.....
DB seemed to buy Arriva for their European Bus ops as opposed to UK ops, it wouldn't suprise me in Arriva disposed of Cannock at some point, but they need a willing buyer to be able to do that.
Quote from: Tony on October 04, 2018, 01:23:44 PM
If you want to make a comparison have a look at Bordesley garage. Same size as Cannock. Average age of fleet is 11,no vehicles refurbished in the last 3 years
But they were all refurbed only 4 years ago and still look very tidy internally. I think the floors were refloored not long ago as well.
The seats are not threadbare either.
Quote from: 2206 on October 04, 2018, 05:19:33 PM
But they were all refurbed only 4 years ago and still look very tidy internally. I think the floors were refloored not long ago as well.
The seats are not threadbare either.
Point still stands as what Winston said earlier though - NXWM still have Tridents non-refurbished since new (i.e. 15-17 years ago). So it isn't just Arriva who have old seats.
Thing is, it being threadbare hasn't taken all the seat off completely. I know it's not a great look but there still is a seat (having said that, only if the bus hasn't broke down or disappeared).
Quote from: PointerDart on October 04, 2018, 06:01:40 PM
Point still stands as what Winston said earlier though - NXWM still have Tridents non-refurbished since new (i.e. 15-17 years ago). So it isn't just Arriva who have old seats.
Thing is, it being threadbare hasn't taken all the seat off completely. I know it's not a great look but there still is a seat (having said that, only if the bus hasn't broke down or disappeared).
Some of West Midland railways class 350's on Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International/London Euston yesterday had old faded and threadbare seats.
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 04:35:36 PM
Do you think Arriva are gonna sack Cannock off? If they got rid of Burton......
Doubt it. It's not all about the buses and services. Cannock also holds the West area HQ offices, cafe, ATF lane and 2 bay bodyshop.
Quote from: Winston on October 04, 2018, 04:55:24 PM
The profits a bus operator makes has nothing to do with how much they have / haven't spent on new buses. By that logic, your suggesting Arriva Cannock are raking it in.....
DB seemed to buy Arriva for their European Bus ops as opposed to UK ops, it wouldn't suprise me in Arriva disposed of Cannock at some point, but they need a willing buyer to be able to do that.
Sell the operation /keep and flog the garage maybe
Quote from: BN on October 04, 2018, 06:15:59 PM
Doubt it. It's not all about the buses and services. Cannock also holds the West area HQ offices, cafe, ATF lane and 2 bay bodyshop.
So theyd continue running something in terminal decline just to send buses from other garages for maintenance and serve meals? The offices could surely move? I thought Cannock ceased to be any sort of head office when fox and midlands north were merged and everything went to Leicester?
Quote from: Bob on October 04, 2018, 07:07:39 PM
Sell the operation /keep and flog the garage maybe
Have a look at the full accounts for Arriva Midlands North Ltd to year ended 31st Dec 2017, there was an exceptional item included of £2.755 Million which resulted in them posting a loss for the
most recent year:
Exclude the exceptional charge and they had an operating profit of just £176,000 to the end of 2017 on £39.8 million turnover, that profit having fallen from £1.265 Million the year prior, this also include Leicester & Derby:
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02141078/filing-history?page=2
Wonder what this years would be
3795 now out in sapphire livery on the 1/2 from Walsall to Cannock/Huntington
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 05, 2018, 05:18:06 PM
3795 now out in sapphire livery on the 1/2 from Walsall to Cannock/Huntington
Excuse the ignorance but what kind of bus is that? and is it the new sapphire branding?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 05, 2018, 11:58:43 PM
Excuse the ignorance but what kind of bus is that? and is it the new sapphire branding?
It's a pulsar and yes it does have the new sapphire branding but it's not route branded
Just seen 3795....it hasnt even been given high back seating like most if not all Pulsars refurbed to Sapphire spec elsewhere? Dont even MAX spec ones usually include that?
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 06, 2018, 12:04:53 AM
It's a pulsar and yes it does have the new sapphire branding but it's not route branded
That must be the refurb one for Cannock until it disappears to another depot lol
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 06, 2018, 02:08:59 PM
That must be the refurb one for Cannock until it disappears to another depot lol
Lol
Been on that Sapphire today ironically, its nice, no Sapphire branding inside though (i.e. stickers, posters). USB ports are in the middle of the seats, much better than NXWM Platinum which are underneath (and non-existent on the pre-2015 routes).
What route was this on
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 07, 2018, 12:24:45 AM
Been on that Sapphire today ironically, its nice, no Sapphire branding inside though (i.e. stickers, posters). USB ports are in the middle of the seats, much better than NXWM Platinum which are underneath (and non-existent on the pre-2015 routes).
what time was this in walsall on 1/2 thanks
Quote from: Solo1 on October 07, 2018, 03:07:27 AM
what time was this in walsall on 1/2 thanks
Number 1, 15:53 from Cannock which changed to the number 2 for the 16:33 from Walsall.
Apparantly Arriva has cancelled its Cannock roadshow tomorrow due to things beyond its control!
Quote from: Westy on October 15, 2018, 05:33:13 PM
Apparantly Arriva has cancelled its Cannock roadshow tomorrow due to things beyond its control!
Cannock roadshow? What they gonna be roadshowing? How many more cuts theyre about to make? 😂😂😂😂😂
Quote from: Bob on October 15, 2018, 06:10:02 PM
Cannock roadshow? What they gonna be roadshowing? How many more cuts theyre about to make? 😂😂😂😂😂
It was to explain & give leaflets about the Cannock changes.
Quote from: Westy on October 15, 2018, 07:28:19 PM
It was to explain & give leaflets about the Cannock changes.
Putting a positive spin on "We're cutting a load of interurban services on our half dead and still dying network, but were introducing a 6.10am service to Stafford, which we'll axe within 6 months, and the 75 will take you a bit longer now we've diverted it through the poshest area in Cannock" 😂
Pitty wednesfield wasn't still around because they could of had some of cannocks services like the 62 which they did before. Tbh I think cannock have got too many routes for what they can handle. It's ever since Stafford shut that cannock have declined
Quote from: BusMan Greg on October 15, 2018, 08:46:10 PM
Pitty wednesfield wasn't still around because they could of had some of cannocks services like the 62 which they did before. Tbh I think cannock have got too many routes for what they can handle. It's ever since Stafford shut that cannock have declined
I duno, its been declining for a long time its just sped up recently
I think Cannock should go full offensive and proudly display messages saying "we're cutting services because you don't use them", because obviously the message isn't getting across
The decker is out on the 60 today! Been years since there was one on there!
Quote from: Bob on October 17, 2018, 02:03:20 PM
The decker is out on the 60 today! Been years since there. was one on there!
Try yesterday 😂
Quote from: John on October 17, 2018, 03:14:14 PM
Try yesterday 😂
Yesterday as well...jeez. still rare though. Maybe itll do a turn on the 70
The driver on the 63 today backed into a bus shelter nearly injuring a few people. Something was said about it on facebook
Quote from: BusMan Greg on October 19, 2018, 10:51:50 PM
The driver on the 63 today backed into a bus shelter nearly injuring a few people. Something was said about it on facebook
Yes I was there... he went to the wrong stand (the old stand which is now for the number 2) and decided instead of looping back round or calling the passengers over to board there, he drove forward and tried to reverse into the correct stand. He nearly hit people standing outside the shelter for the number 1, then reversed and hit the 63 bus shelter quite hard. Everybody was shocked. If somebody had have been in the way they could have been killed. Luckily nobody hurt.
They don 't help themselves do they, Arriva.
The decker been out today?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 20, 2018, 03:13:29 PM
Yes I was there... he went to the wrong stand (the old stand which is now for the number 2) and decided instead of looping back round or calling the passengers over to board there, he drove forward and tried to reverse into the correct stand. He nearly hit people standing outside the shelter for the number 1, then reversed and hit the 63 bus shelter quite hard. Everybody was shocked. If somebody had have been in the way they could have been killed. Luckily nobody hurt.
Any damage to the bus?
Quote from: ntw456 on October 20, 2018, 07:44:14 PM
Any damage to the bus?
Part of something on the back (a camera I presume) came off but he bashed it back into place. The drivers were due to change over so the waiting driver did the right thing and looped back round the island and back into the bus station.
Quote from: Westy on October 20, 2018, 03:50:53 PM
They don 't help themselves do they, Arriva.
People who use Cannock bus station don't help themselves either just wandering round aimlessly.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on October 21, 2018, 12:34:34 PM
People who use Cannock bus station don't help themselves either just wandering round aimlessly.
Who said anything about wandering round aimlessly? The people who were nearly hit were waiting for a bus, if you look a few comments up.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on October 21, 2018, 12:34:34 PM
People who use Cannock bus station don't help themselves either just wandering round aimlessly.
No excuse for reversing into a bus stand though cos youre too lazy to go back out and in again
I can confirm that arriva cannock has 2976 and its an optare versa. It was seen in pye green on the 26
Quote from: BusMan Greg on October 27, 2018, 03:12:51 PM
I can confirm that arriva cannock has 2976 and its an optare versa. It was seen in pye green on the 26
Prob a loan or something
It's on loan, whilst 3758 gets repainted I think
Quote from: BusMan Greg on October 27, 2018, 03:12:51 PM
I can confirm that arriva cannock has 2976 and its an optare versa. It was seen in pye green on the 26
A fleet of Versa's would suit Arriva Cannock.
Modern stylish looking, cheap to run i'm sure Bob would love them!!
Quote from: TOF719S on October 27, 2018, 08:17:17 PM
A fleet of Versa's would suit Arriva Cannock.
Modern stylish looking, cheap to run i'm sure Bob would love them!!
Versas are quite pleasant to travel on. Pretty smooth. I liked the 09 plates when they used to do the 891
Quote from: Kevin on October 16, 2018, 07:18:37 AM
I think Cannock should go full offensive and proudly display messages saying "we're cutting services because you don't use them", because obviously the message isn't getting across
I would love for this to happen. Better trying something new than slowly dying.
Quote from: Dylan4579 on October 29, 2018, 07:53:13 PM
I would love for this to happen. Better trying something new than slowly dying.
Its in perpetual decline and Arriva havent really done much to even attemot to arrest it
##Attempt## even.
I still think at some point it will just become unviable and Arriva will go.
Quote from: Bob on October 29, 2018, 08:21:28 PM
##Attempt## even.
I still think at some point it will just become unviable and Arriva will go.
How long do you think's left?
I caught up on the last year of this thread (I know I have no life) and someone here back in 2017 thought that it would die in 2018.
Quote from: Dylan4579 on October 29, 2018, 09:53:09 PM
How long do you think's left?
I caught up on the last year of this thread (I know I have no life) and someone here back in 2017 thought that it would die in 2018.
Who knows, its declined further since 2017 though
3762 back from repaint on Pye Greens today
I still think Arriva could put another evening journey on the 2E (9:10pm from Walsall), and full evenings Friday and Saturday like on the 60 and 825 (9:10, 10:10 and 11:10pm from Walsall).
Give the man a chance. If the Cannock garage is in such dire straits as someone on here continually suggests, I ask my self why are any vehicles being repainted and given a bit of a makeover. I agree that the 55 plate Dart that's still in the original Arriva livery looks un-cared for and that's made worse because it's looks out of place compared with the rest of the fleet. Before I get the standard 'everyone's entitled to their opinion' replay, I agree but the continual knocking does get a bit repetitive.
Quote from: Grinder on November 03, 2018, 08:41:55 AM
Give the man a chance. If the Cannock garage is in such dire straits as someone on here continually suggests, I ask my self why are any vehicles being repainted and given a bit of a makeover. I agree that the 55 plate Dart that's still in the original Arriva livery looks un-cared for and that's made worse because it's looks out of place compared with the rest of the fleet. Before I get the standard 'everyone's entitled to their opinion' replay, I agree but the continual knocking does get a bit repetitive.
I think its a fair point to ask why the vehicles ( that are uses on much longer routes than the Pulsars, considering theyre apparently now Pye Greens allocated) that desperately need refurbishing and give Arriva a bad image ( probably half the fleet maybe slightly more) are being left in that state and yet ones that didnt really need anything doing have had an internal refurb with exactly the same seat fabrics so yoid barely tell anythin had been done ....
Simon is just inheriting the best of a bad job.
The previous local management should have got their backsides into gear, to sort out presentation of the fleet.
As for 'regional' management, perhaps they shouldn't have taken the view of putting decent vehicles in the more 'affluent' areas & moving the rubbish to the likes of Cannock & Wednesfield.
Quote from: Westy on November 03, 2018, 11:34:04 AM
Simon is just inheriting the best of a bad job.
The previous local management should have got their backsides into gear, to sort out presentation of the fleet.
As for 'regional' management, perhaps they shouldn't have taken the view of putting decent vehicles in the more 'affluent' areas & moving the rubbish to the likes of Cannock & Wednesfield.
True. I wonder when the next round of service cuts is coming
Quote from: Westy on November 03, 2018, 11:34:04 AM
Simon is just inheriting the best of a bad job.
The previous local management should have got their backsides into gear, to sort out presentation of the fleet.
As for 'regional' management, perhaps they shouldn't have taken the view of putting decent vehicles in the more 'affluent' areas & moving the rubbish to the likes of Cannock & Wednesfield.
The previous local management can only spend / invest with what budget HQ give them to play with.
If new / newer buses don't earn their keep to cover deprecation etc, they go elsewhere simples. It's a catch 22...
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2018, 11:58:34 AM
The previous local management can only spend / invest with what budget HQ give them to play with.
If new / newer buses don't earn their keep to cover deprecation etc, they go elsewhere simples. It's a catch 22...
Does that mean itll be in perpetual decline then?
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2018, 11:58:34 AM
The previous local management can only spend / invest with what budget HQ give them to play with.
If new / newer buses don't earn their keep to cover deprecation etc, they go elsewhere simples. It's a catch 22...
Well that's daft.
The older buses will need replacing eventually, so why not put in new buses instead, instead of 'secondhand buses' from elsewhere within the group? (And start breaking down on a regular basis, according to many posts on here!)
How long should a 'new' bus work for it's first depot, before it's transferred elsewhere?
It's going to be a bit unfair if the same area keeps getting the new buses & the other areas get the 'cast offs'!
All areas should get equal new buses at some point.
NX puts new vehicles in each depot alongside the older vehicles.
They don't keep investing Platties in Birmingham garages & other garages only run older vehicles.
New Platties go in each depot when required.
(Apart from Pensnett, who had Central's Platties, but they had new vehicles as well!)
Quote from: Westy on November 03, 2018, 07:02:52 PM
Well that's daft.
The older buses will need replacing eventually, so why not put in new buses instead, instead of 'secondhand buses' from elsewhere within the group? (And start breaking down on a regular basis, according to many posts on here!)
How long should a 'new' bus work for it's first depot, before it's transferred elsewhere?
It's going to be a bit unfair if the same area keeps getting the new buses & the other areas get the 'cast offs'!
All areas should get equal new buses at some point.
NX puts new vehicles in each depot alongside the older vehicles.
They don't keep investing Platties in Birmingham garages & other garages only run older vehicles.
New Platties go in each depot when required.
(Apart from Pensnett, who had Central's Platties, but they had new vehicles as well!)
There are a lot of factors to where buses go that aren't obvious outside the industry. Performance of route is the main one, but ease of recruiting engineering staff can have an influence along with many other factors. You have to remember a new bus can cost around £1/4m so even if you were to run it for 17 years £15,000 of income each year will go just go to cover the purchase price before any running or staff costs are covered. Most operators won't write a bus down by £15,000 a year though, it will be biased with higher amounts on the early years, so they have to go where they make money
So based on Cannocks fleet /age/condition of half of it one could assume it haemorrhages money? 😆
Quote from: Westy on November 03, 2018, 07:02:52 PM
Well that's daft.
The older buses will need replacing eventually, so why not put in new buses instead, instead of 'secondhand buses' from elsewhere within the group? (And start breaking down on a regular basis, according to many posts on here!)
How long should a 'new' bus work for it's first depot, before it's transferred elsewhere?
It's going to be a bit unfair if the same area keeps getting the new buses & the other areas get the 'cast offs'!
All areas should get equal new buses at some point.
NX puts new vehicles in each depot alongside the older vehicles.
They don't keep investing Platties in Birmingham garages & other garages only run older vehicles.
New Platties go in each depot when required.
(Apart from Pensnett, who had Central's Platties, but they had new vehicles as well!)
That's business! Cannock routes don't generate the revenue & profit that a high frequency urban routes do such as Derby / Leicester.
Comparing NXWM to Arriva Cannock is nothing like...
Not all areas can afford new buses. First Group in the main are back to putting new buses in their most profitable areas or where they receive funding.
Quote from: Bob on November 03, 2018, 07:44:11 PM
So based on Cannocks fleet /age/condition of half of it one could assume it haemorrhages money? 😆
No! It doesn't make Arriva much money.
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2018, 07:36:45 PM
There are a lot of factors to where buses go that aren't obvious outside the industry. Performance of route is the main one, but ease of recruiting engineering staff can have an influence along with many other factors. You have to remember a new bus can cost around £1/4m so even if you were to run it for 17 years £15,000 of income each year will go just go to cover the purchase price before any running or staff costs are covered. Most operators won't write a bus down by £15,000 a year though, it will be biased with higher amounts on the early years, so they have to go where they make money
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2018, 08:25:08 PM
That's business! Cannock routes don't generate the revenue & profit that a high frequency urban routes do such as Derby / Leicester.
Comparing NXWM to Arriva Cannock is nothing like...
Not all areas can afford new buses. First Group in the main are back to putting new buses in their most profitable areas or where they receive funding.
NX do seem to put new buses on the most profitable routes as well.
Routes like the 9, X1, X2 and 50, in recent years have recieved multiple batches of new vehicles, whilst other routes don't get them.
Quote from: Westy on November 03, 2018, 07:02:52 PM
Well that's daft.
The older buses will need replacing eventually, so why not put in new buses instead, instead of 'secondhand buses' from elsewhere within the group? (And start breaking down on a regular basis, according to many posts on here!)
How long should a 'new' bus work for it's first depot, before it's transferred elsewhere?
It's going to be a bit unfair if the same area keeps getting the new buses & the other areas get the 'cast offs'!
All areas should get equal new buses at some point.
NX puts new vehicles in each depot alongside the older vehicles.
They don't keep investing Platties in Birmingham garages & other garages only run older vehicles.
New Platties go in each depot when required.
(Apart from Pensnett, who had Central's Platties, but they had new vehicles as well!)
Pensnett will have a new batch in a few weeks time.
AG have never had any new Platinums either (also ex Central). WB and BY don't have any MMC either.
Quote from: 2206 on November 03, 2018, 09:38:59 PM
NX do seem to put new buses on the most profitable routes as well.
Routes like the 9, X1, X2 and 50, in recent years have recieved multiple batches of new vehicles, whilst other routes don't get them.Pensnett will have a new batch in a few weeks time.
AG have never had any new Platinums either (also ex Central). WB and BY don't have any MMC either.
Meh over the years the patronage of the 9 has declined in my opinion. Now a frequency of every 10 mins during the day from every 7 mins back in 2012? I get that there are more routes from bearwood to city. Only at peak times and when colleges are open are when the bus is loaded fully
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2018, 08:26:13 PM
No! It doesn't make Arriva much money.
I wonder if they'll cut their losses...they dont seem to have much luck...they bought Chase bus service...look what happened their they screwed it up so much that theres ONE route left that they inherited with the business ( the 1) and look at the disaster that was Wednesfield. Cannock garage is the closest to the West Midlands area thet Midland and Chase ran in and its circling the plughole in the same way
Quote from: Bob on November 03, 2018, 11:29:36 PM
I wonder if they'll cut their losses...they dont seem to have much luck...they bought Chase bus service...look what happened their they screwed it up so much that theres ONE route left that they inherited with the business ( the 1) and look at the disaster that was Wednesfield. Cannock garage is the closest to the West Midlands area thet Midland and Chase ran in and its circling the plughole in the same way
Don't know, didn't BN say that Cannock depot provides other engineering functions for Arriva Midlands? As well as been an operational depot. It depends if someone is willing to make Arriva a sensible offer I guess, it's not likely to be closed down. I suspect Cannock might only be operating at or near break even. The only potential interested parties in Cannock I can see would be bolt on to NXWM (WA), Midland Classic or Diamond.
The same has happened with a lot of the routes that Rotala acquired when they bought Ludlows, Halesowen. The majority of their routes were their own commercial routes, the only ones left now are 002, 4H & 202.
Operating buses these days doesn't generate the revenue & profits these days, the whole industry is suffering declining passengers numbers and various cost pressures such as fuel / new vehicle investments / exhaust upgrades due to to clean air zones / driver shortages etc. Deutsche Bahn clearly bought Arriva for their European activities, they don't seem that interested in Arriva's UK ops, only certain ops have received new buses this year. Parent Deutsche Bahn have big debts, plus are losing their monopoly on German Rail to the likes of Abellio, NX Group & Go-Ahead Group.
It took the driver 5 minutes in lichfield to get the ticket machine to work. I suppose it's a good thing that arriva are getting ticketer machines
2704 appears to be working out of Cannock
Saw it struggling to get past Maccies in Cannock on Thursday, sounded absolutely on its last legs lol
Quote from: Winston on November 04, 2018, 12:30:06 AM
I suspect Cannock might only be operating at or near break even. The only potential interested parties in Cannock I can see would be bolt on to NXWM (WA), Midland Classic or Diamond.
Midland Classic and Diamond not interested in Cannock, at the moment at least, I've asked. NXWM most likely.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 11, 2018, 05:19:31 PM
Midland Classic and Diamond not interested in Cannock, at the moment at least, I've asked. NXWM most likely.
Asked who at Diamond?
There was an interview with Simon Dunn in Routeone recently, which confirmed that Rotala are on the lookout for acquisitions to continue expansion of the group and have a £50+ million war chest available to do so for the right acquisitions. Plus Diamond already have an outstation in Lichfield which came with Central Buses acquisition.
http://www.route-one.net/magazines/emag/routeone761/page_32.html
Would Diamond want Cannocks dying network though ? And based on Kidderminster/Redditch and whats happened there would they be even worse?
Quote from: Winston on November 11, 2018, 06:13:15 PM
Asked who at Diamond?
I asked Simon Dunn back in April/May
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 11, 2018, 08:31:38 PM
I asked Simon Dunn back in April/May
I asked Simon on his thread on Feb 25 2018 as well!
Quote from: Westy on November 11, 2018, 09:36:14 PM
I asked Simon on his thread on Feb 25 2018 as well!
What did he say?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on November 10, 2018, 06:42:30 PM
2704 appears to be working out of Cannock
Been used as a pool bus for repaints, was covering Pulsar 2 repaints at Telford for a while prior.
Went on 3795 tonight(Thats the repainted 'part' Sapphire isnt it?)
Nice to catch a 'Sapphire' vehicle & not fume everytime a placename is mispronounced or spelt incorrectly or missing!
Quote from: Westy on November 13, 2018, 08:10:45 PM
Went on 3795 tonight(Thats the repainted 'part' Sapphire isnt it?)
Nice to catch a 'Sapphire' vehicle & not fume everytime a placename is mispronounced or spelt incorrectly or missing!
You mean like Bradstone Avenue, Elmore Road, Low Streeet and a silent Norton Lane? ;-)
Quote from: Westy on November 13, 2018, 08:10:45 PM
Went on 3795 tonight(Thats the repainted 'part' Sapphire isnt it?)
Nice to catch a 'Sapphire' vehicle & not fume everytime a placename is mispronounced or spelt incorrectly or missing!
Priorities...
3758 back in service in New liverey
If anyone is interested, Solo SR 2505 is on the 8 in Stafford today, just seen it heading towards Parkside.
What routes interwork with the Stafford locals
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 19, 2018, 05:02:12 PM
What routes interwork with the Stafford locals
Telford 5 > 6
Cannock 75 > 1B/12
Not sure about the 3
8 and 9 on their own
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 19, 2018, 06:54:14 PM
Telford 5 > 6
Cannock 75 > 1B/12
Not sure about the 3
8 and 9 on their own
I think the 3 does a 3C as there is one trip from Walsall and two trips from Cannock looking at the timetable it looks like the 3/3C interwork
(Though the 3C does 2 trips from Cannock and 1 from Walsall)
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 19, 2018, 06:54:14 PM
Telford 5 > 6
Cannock 75 > 1B/12
Not sure about the 3
8 and 9 on their own
The Cannock 3? Wouldnt imagine it interworking with anything in Stafford lol
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 19, 2018, 05:02:12 PM
What routes interwork with the Stafford locals
The 60 goes into 825 from Lichfield at night I believe
Quote from: Bob on November 19, 2018, 08:15:26 PM
The Cannock 3? Wouldnt imagine it interworking with anything in Stafford lol
No, the Stafford 3.
the 3 was withdrawn prior to Stafford depot's closure. The only route to Wildwood is the 73 by select
Repainted Versa at Cannock on the 3 earlier
Quote from: Bob on November 23, 2018, 04:02:52 PM
Repainted Versa at Cannock on the 3 earlier
That would be 2990.
There was a versa in new liverey parked at the depot at mid day along with a Hinckley solo
2736 was broken down in featherstone at around 8 this morning. I'm assuming that this was the 0700 from cannock as 3719 was coming down the cannock rd on normal service
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 05, 2018, 06:30:02 PM
2736 was broken down in featherstone at around 8 this morning. I'm assuming that this was the 0700 from cannock as 3719 was coming down the cannock rd on normal service
I don't know the numbers but I'm assuming this is the old nail that has broken down at least once a week for months
2736.... The daf sb120, was hit by another bus in Cannock just last week
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 06, 2018, 12:44:01 AM
2736.... The daf sb120, was hit by another bus in Cannock just last week
Its enough to give it a breakdown 😂
4200 running from Cannock. Wasted on Pye Greens as deckers generally seem to be
a newly painted pulsar was on the 70 today
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 06, 2018, 04:07:44 PM
a newly painted pulsar was on the 70 today
Pulsars were allegedly now for Pye Greens...today there was a decker a solo a commander...lol
A newly painted pulsar was on the 1/2 today
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 06, 2018, 06:37:39 PM
A newly painted pulsar was on the 1/2 today
While 3795 was on 74/825 😂
3741 is now in the new livery. It's on the 70/10 if anyone's interested
Popped to Cannock this evening to drop a part off and went and had a nose in the paint bay, 3726 was in there halfway through having it's seats retrimmed, also saw 3741 looking smart
There is a gemini sitting at delta way this afternoon. Any ideas which one?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 08, 2018, 01:43:40 PM
There is a gemini sitting at delta way this afternoon. Any ideas which one?
4200
3741 looks absolutely stunning inside and out. Very clean and almost, dare I say it, like a new bus. I'm sure you could probably convince those not in the know that it was...
The refurbed 'Sapphire' was on the brink of breaking down today on the number 1. Had to keep restarting each time it stopped to let someone on/off. Can't polish a turd lol.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 22, 2018, 05:50:28 PM
The refurbed 'Sapphire' was on the brink of breaking down today on the number 1. Had to keep restarting each time it stopped to let someone on/off. Can't polish a turd lol.
Least theres no next stop announcements though. Itd be great if they could do em with a midlands accent like on NX
3726 has had a refurbished interior (new seat covers etc) so Im guessing it's the next commander to be painted
Just saw an cadet displaying 1 Huntington then flickers onto 2 cannock
Does anyone know how much the tickets are for the 70 from Wolverhampton to Cannock and back? I've looked on the Arriva website and it shows a special Route 70 day ticket, but it's not showing me any prices.
(https://i.imgur.com/AiZbfaU.png)
The £6.20 day ticket that I can see on there be used anywhere on the Network not just on the 70. i.e from Shrewsbury to Tamworth and Nuneaton.
The 70 special they're advertising doesn't seem to show any prices strangely.
Very strange, Arriva don't clearly advertise fares on there website - no single fare prices.
Quote from: 2206 on December 28, 2018, 08:59:57 PM
The £6.20 day ticket that I can see on there be used anywhere on the Network not just on the 70.
i.e from Shrewsbury to Tamworth and Nuneaton, its not "a special route 70 Day Ticket"
Yes, but I just want to do the 70, which is why I was looking at the specific day ticket for the 70 that they have listed.
Tamworths 3929 noted in Penkridge this afternoon heading toward Stafford out of service
3929 has been at Telford most of December for extra cover the Polar Express work so presumably heading home to Tamworth?
3757 is another repainted noted in Lichfield yeserday.
Broken down bus in Cannock bus stn again today with van in attendance. Think it was a B7RLE
Quote from: StourValley98 on December 28, 2018, 09:11:12 PM
Yes, but I just want to do the 70, which is why I was looking at the specific day ticket for the 70 that they have listed.
According to the new prices they are doing a day ticket specific to the 63 route to Rugeley
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 02, 2019, 05:13:22 PM
According to the new prices they are doing a day ticket specific to the 63 route to Rugeley
Trains much quicker though.
Quote from: Bob on January 02, 2019, 09:19:50 PM
Trains much quicker though.
Some people might live along the bus route though and not be able to walk to the station, plus if it's cheaper I'm sure people will use it.
Quote from: StourValley98 on January 02, 2019, 10:32:45 PM
Some people might live along the bus route though and not be able to walk to the station, plus if it's cheaper I'm sure people will use it.
Maybe. They generally werent though as the 63 has recently suffered cuts due to the popularity of the train service
Quote from: StourValley98 on January 02, 2019, 10:32:45 PM
Some people might live along the bus route though and not be able to walk to the station, plus if it's cheaper I'm sure people will use it.
Same has been said about the 1, 2, 2E.. "there's a good train link between Walsall, Landywood and Cannock". Yes there is if you live in walking distance, otherwise it may aswel go to the North Pole it's of no use.
Quote from: Bob on January 02, 2019, 09:19:50 PM
Trains much quicker though.
Hold on, aren't you normally normally berating Arriva for not running services despite the train existing?
How many of cannock singles are now In new livery I have 5 thanks
Quote from: Kevin on January 03, 2019, 08:19:24 AM
Hold on, aren't you normally normally berating Arriva for not running services despite the train existing?
To Brum not to Rugeley
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 03, 2019, 01:17:32 AM
Same has been said about the 1, 2, 2E.. "there's a good train link between Walsall, Landywood and Cannock". Yes there is if you live in walking distance, otherwise it may aswel go to the North Pole it's of no use.
Hednesford and Cannock stns are pretty central or a 5 min ride on pye greens generally if not. Bloxwich/Turnberry areas are within easy walking distance of both stns?
Quote from: Solo1 on January 03, 2019, 08:56:00 AM
How many of cannock singles are now In new livery I have 5 thanks
Dart 2371
Solos 2404,2447,2448,2496,2497
Cadet 2740
Commamder 3741
Pulsars 3757/58/59760/61/62
Wasnt there talk of another station between Landywood & Cannock at one point?
Quote from: Westy on January 04, 2019, 01:07:56 PM
Wasnt there talk of another station between Landywood & Cannock at one point?
The remains of Wyrley station are still there i think
Quote from: Westy on January 04, 2019, 01:07:56 PM
Wasnt there talk of another station between Landywood & Cannock at one point?
The carpark is there but nothing else, it would be starting from scratch and there's no point when it's a few seconds away from Landywood. Only benefit would be to those in the village who have to walk to the station.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 04, 2019, 01:55:04 PM
The carpark is there but nothing else, it would be starting from scratch and there's no point when it's a few seconds away from Landywood. Only benefit would be to those in the village who have to walk to the station.
That's the old Great Wyrley Station from the 1960s you are referring to, that car park has nothing to do with any planned new station. The talk of the new one was by the M6 Toll bridge to create a park and ride site
Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2019, 02:32:14 PM
That's the old Great Wyrley Station from the 1960s you are referring to, that car park has nothing to do with any planned new station. The talk of the new one was by the M6 Toll bridge to create a park and ride site
Nothing has been mentioned to me, our community is working with WMR at the moment with a local project. Any money the council would have contributed is going to Cannock station now.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 04, 2019, 03:12:12 PM
Nothing has been mentioned to me, our community is working with WMR at the moment with a local project. Any money the council would have contributed is going to Cannock station now.
Would it? Its a different distrct council
Quote from: Bob on January 04, 2019, 03:51:37 PM
Would it? Its a different distrct council
It's coming from the county council, not district.
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 04, 2019, 01:38:53 AM
Dart 2371
Solos 2404,2447,2448,2496,2497
Cadet 2740
Commamder 3741
Pulsars 3757/58/59760/61/62
3742/43 aswell
Am I correct in thinking that the Dart 2378 and the VDL/Commander 3740 are the only Cannock buses that have never even attained Interurban style livery let alone the latest one ?
Quote from: Grinder on January 05, 2019, 10:11:51 AM
Am I correct in thinking that the Dart 2378 and the VDL/Commander 3740 are the only Cannock buses that have never even attained Interurban style livery let alone the latest one ?
3740 is in inter urban at the moment
Quote from: ntw456 on January 05, 2019, 10:46:11 AM
3740 is in inter urban at the moment
That Darts vintage now lol. It really REALLY needs a re trim if its not coming up for withdrawal etc. The seats look awful
Quote from: Grinder on January 05, 2019, 10:11:51 AM
Am I correct in thinking that the Dart 2378 and the VDL/Commander 3740 are the only Cannock buses that have never even attained Interurban style livery let alone the latest one ?
2378 is still on the same coat of paint it was new in when delivered to Oswestry for the 2/2A/2C services.
2143 appears to be working from cannock on either the 26/60 or 62. You couldnt tell which because it had no route number in window and "Arriva..serving Telford" flashing across the destination blind
Quote from: Bob on February 01, 2019, 01:08:12 PM
2143 appears to be working from cannock on either the 26/60 or 62. You couldnt tell which because it had no route number in window and "Arriva..serving Telford" flashing across the destination blind
Lol yes I got that yesterday on the 26, did ask the driver if he was aware and he said yes.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 01, 2019, 01:17:35 PM
Lol yes I got that yesterday on the 26, did ask the driver if he was aware and he said yes.
Anything and everything on Pye Greens now lol
Nice to see the Enviros moving out of Telford now
Isn't 2143 heading to Tamworth?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on February 01, 2019, 07:17:25 PM
Isn't 2143 heading to Tamworth?
Heard today it's going back to Telford along with 2142, 3719/20 back to cannock and 3929 to tamworth
Quote from: ntw456 on February 01, 2019, 07:45:11 PM
Heard today it's going back to Telford along with 2142, 3719/20 back to cannock and 3929 to tamworth
Was there a reason for moving them in the first place?
Quote from: Bob on February 01, 2019, 08:36:32 PM
Was there a reason for moving them in the first place?
The same old reason, operational requirements. A concept you won't ever grasp lol.
The 70 was 7 minutes early. Am I dreaming?????
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 02, 2019, 07:40:54 PM
The 70 was 7 minutes early. Am I dreaming?????
Probably 23 hours and 53 minutes late lol
Solo SR 2514 now at Cannock after short loan at Thurmaston
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet LF 02 PLX 2745 failed at Queensville, Stafford around 4:00pm. On rear suspended tow with Coach Aid at 4:30 which suggests transmission failure of some sort.
I wonder what route it was on, these knackered old cadets have been regulars on the 825 lol, Arriva would probably call it an upgrade 😂😂😂😂😂😂
It was on Stafford locals when I saw it
2369 has been painted into new livery, was still on the pits last time I saw after it's accident
Quote from: ntw456 on March 02, 2019, 07:18:11 PM
2369 has been painted into new livery, was still on the pits last time I saw after it’s accident
Excellent these SPDs, great to hear it's returned, really miss them these days on the 70 Oswestry to Shrewsbury.
Quote from: Depotosw on March 02, 2019, 08:01:54 PM
Excellent these SPDs, great to hear it's returned, really missed them these days on the 70 Oswestry to Shrewsbury.
They are by far some of the best buses Cannock have, wish they would transfer to tamworth so I could drive them more
Quote from: ntw456 on March 02, 2019, 08:04:25 PM
They are by far some of the best buses Cannock have, wish they would transfer to tamworth so I could drive them more
Much better than the 55 plate ones which are pretty awful now
2400 working out of cannock today on the 63
2740 is now operating from Telford garage
Is it right they're getting new ticket machines from today?
Are we talking Nx / Diamond standard?
I think they're getting Ticketer machines same as Diamond, select bus & about 95% of the countries operators.
Quote from: Westy on March 18, 2019, 10:26:08 AM
Is it right they're getting new ticket machines from today?
Are we talking Nx / Diamond standard?
We're getting ticketer, they go love next Sunday
I knew exactly what he meant lol, just winding him up lol
Quote from: Busman Jamie on March 19, 2019, 08:20:45 AM
I knew exactly what he meant lol, just winding him up lol
Yes mr aston I meant live god damn autocorrect lol
It looks like cannock now have ticketer machines
One of the sprinter Van's is route learning on the 19/25 today
WN area service 10 has been deregistered on VOSA
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 09, 2019, 12:26:34 AM
WN area service 10 has been deregistered on VOSA
Wow out of the routes inherited from Midland,/Chase just 1 left
Quote from: Bob on April 09, 2019, 06:18:46 AM
Wow out of the routes inherited from Midland,/Chase just 1 left
That's just the Cannock to Walsall 1 isn't it?
To be honest, isn't Perton out of Cannock's 'comfort zone'?
Isn't there no way Perton could be served by the Bridgnorth route?
That's what Choice did on it's Summer Sunday 888 route years ago!
Quote from: Westy on April 09, 2019, 12:27:11 PM
That's just the Cannock to Walsall 1 isn't it?
To be honest, isn't Perton out of Cannock's 'comfort zone'?
Isn't there no way Perton could be served by the Bridgnorth route?
That's what Choice did on it's Summer Sunday 888 route years ago!
To be honest even Pattingham could be served by a Bridgnorth route
If arriva want to be successful in the west mids region wouldn't it be worth them opening a new garage in the region. And actually make it work this time (Ie better buses, better reliability etc)
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 09, 2019, 06:36:44 PM
If arriva want to be successful in the west mids region wouldn't it be worth them opening a new garage in the region. And actually make it work this time (Ie better buses, better reliability etc)
Why? Arriva are retrenching from the WM.
Until Arriva Group is under new ownership / re-floated on the stock market, it's likely investment will slow further.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 09, 2019, 06:36:44 PM
If arriva want to be successful in the west mids region wouldn't it be worth them opening a new garage in the region. And actually make it work this time (Ie better buses, better reliability etc)
The did that once, not too long ago. Opened a brand new garage in West Bromwich and stocked it with a brand new fleet of E200s. Not too many companies would do exactly the same thing twice after it didn't work the first
Quote from: Westy on April 09, 2019, 12:27:11 PM
That's just the Cannock to Walsall 1 isn't it?
To be honest, isn't Perton out of Cannock's 'comfort zone'?
Isn't there no way Perton could be served by the Bridgnorth route?
That's what Choice did on it's Summer Sunday 888 route years ago!
NXWM are increasing their frequency on the 10 to every 15 during rush hour and every 20 minutes off peak, so are more than covered.
Quote from: Tony on April 09, 2019, 07:00:31 PM
The did that once, not too long ago. Opened a brand new garage in West Bromwich and stocked it with a brand new fleet of E200s. Not too many companies would do exactly the same thing twice after it didn't work the first
The Chase/Midland takeovers were also complete disasters
Quote from: Kevin on April 09, 2019, 03:11:21 PM
To be honest even Pattingham could be served by a Bridgnorth route
True.
In fact, it was, wasn't it years ago?
Had a ride on one of those Sprinter things earlier between Bloxwich & Pelsall.
Nice looking bus, capacity just right for the route.
Dont think much of the suspension over the Leamore speed bumps though!
Quote from: Westy on April 10, 2019, 11:22:29 AM
Had a ride on one of those Sprinter things earlier between Bloxwich & Pelsall.
Nice looking bus, capacity just right for the route.
Dont think much of the suspension over the Leamore speed bumps though!
The mellors have awful suspension at diamond too
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 10, 2019, 12:29:51 PM
The mellors have awful suspension at diamond too
If there driven properly there fine over the speed bumps.
Quote from: Westy on April 14, 2019, 04:20:06 PM
@Simon@Arriva - Just been looking at the website.
Surely Arriva should have removed references to the Black Country area by now, as you no longer operate into there?
I've found the Saver map, but whether there's anything else, I don't know.
https://tickets.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/black-country/
They do.
@Westy 1, 2, 3, 19 - Walsall.
25 - , Bloxwich, Aldridge, Barr Beacon.
9 - Compton, Wolverhampton.
Though they don't go to places such as Blackheath/Rowley Regis which are included on the map.
Quote from: 2206 on April 14, 2019, 04:29:18 PM
https://tickets.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/black-country/
They do.
@Westy
1, 2, 3, 19 - Walsall.
25 - , Bloxwich, Aldridge, Barr Beacon.
9 - Compton, Wolverhampton.
Though they don't go to places such as Blackheath/Rowley Regis which are included on the map.
Depends on your definition of 'Black Country'.
Personally, I think those routes should be tagged onto the Cannock area pass, while the Wolves 9 should be tagged onto the Telford/Bridgnorth area pass.
I was looking for Arriva's own information on The Knot pass.
Quote from: Westy on April 14, 2019, 05:31:53 PM
Depends on your definition of 'Black Country'.
Personally, I think those routes should be tagged onto the Cannock area pass, while the Wolves 9 should be tagged onto the Telford/Bridgnorth area pass.
I was looking for Arriva's own information on The Knot pass.
Perhaps you should apply for a job there then
Quote from: Dennis on April 15, 2019, 08:52:35 PM
Perhaps you should apply for a job there then
Well, a step in the right direction this morning, on Facebook, is special fares between Cannock & Walsall on the 1 & 2!
PD0000478/475 Cancelled
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Walsall to Bloxwich via Blakenall
Service number: 19 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 16 Jun 2019
PD0000478/476 Cancelled
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Bloxwich to Kingstanding via Pelsall, Aldridge
Service number: 25 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 16 Jun 2019
2378 was on the 1/2 today
Quote from: Winston on April 17, 2019, 03:25:37 PM
PD0000478/475 Cancelled
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Walsall to Bloxwich via Blakenall
Service number: 19 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 16 Jun 2019
PD0000478/476 Cancelled
ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD
Route: Bloxwich to Kingstanding via Pelsall, Aldridge
Service number: 25 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 16 Jun 2019
Hmm, so I wonder who will have those then?
Would Arriva could/still bid for them, even though they've cancelled, as it was an emergency registration?
Quote from: Westy on April 17, 2019, 07:20:20 PM
Hmm, so I wonder who will have those then?
Would Arriva could/still bid for them, even though they've cancelled, as it was an emergency registration?
The tenders haven't gone in yet. This is just a statutary required notice in case they don't win them back
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2019, 07:26:43 PM
The tenders haven't gone in yet. This is just a statutary required notice in case they don't win them back
So is Arriva Cannock theorectically interested in certain TFWM daytime tenders in the Walsall area then?
Thought with Wednesfield going, they wouldn't bother now.
Quote from: Westy on April 17, 2019, 08:17:48 PM
So is Arriva Cannock theorectically interested in certain TFWM daytime tenders in the Walsall area then?
Why would they be running two if they weren't interested?
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2019, 08:27:37 PM
Why would they be running two if they weren't interested?
Short term opportunity or testing the water
What was 3703 doing parked up near great Barr by rd where 424 comes out of towards great Barr on the 51/X 51 route
Quote from: Solo1 on May 04, 2019, 01:01:05 PM
What was 3703 doing parked up near great Barr by rd where 424 comes out of towards great Barr just
You mean the service road behind Queslett Asda?
Take it the 74 has now reverted to Commanders?
The 70 seems to have regular darts and commanders on there now
The 70 has had darts on for ages and commanders?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on May 15, 2019, 08:29:14 PM
The 70 has had darts on for ages and commanders?
Darts are the mainstay, it was previous Cannocks 'premium' collection, the 8 year old Pulsars, as the 70 was a popular inrerurban route and the Puksars were supposed to be more suited. With this in mind, about 6 weeks later these were swapped for Commanders, which were then swapped for Darts . It must be doing really well.
The Pulsars now seem to be all over the Pye Greens again this week, with nice threadbare Commanders on the interurvan Staffords, which previously had pulsars on due to being "interurban routes, and making the best of what weve got" or something.
I cant keep up with the cibstant allocation changes 😀😂
3303 is making an appearance on the 70 today if anyone is interested
Looks like 110 Sapphires on the 60 today for anyone interested 🤷♂️
Looks like the 61 is being withdrawn and the 62 is being shortened to run between Cannock and Cannock wood via Wimblebury. The 1/60's frequency is being increased to every 20 mins and half of the afternoon journeys on the 70 are being shortened to run between Cannock and Featherstone.
And if you didnt pick it up from the other thread, the 2 is rerouted from Leamore to go via Blakenall instead, in an attempt to siphon off mainly Nx 29 passengers instead!
(The end of bus services down Somerfield Road as well.)
Quote from: Westy on June 07, 2019, 05:42:02 PM
And if you didnt pick it up from the other thread, the 2 is rerouted from Leamore to go via Blakenall instead, in an attempt to siphon off mainly Nx 29 passengers instead!
(The end of bus services down Somerfield Road as well.)
It is a shame for that road but it's only a short walk to the other side or the pinfold where buses are < every 3 minutes in total.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 07, 2019, 09:38:18 PM
It is a shame for that road but it's only a short walk to the other side or the pinfold where buses are < every 3 minutes in total.
I agree, but when I told my elderly mother about it, she said she'll have to get a taxi instead!
I'd of kept somerfield road, another bus on over bused Road
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 08, 2019, 09:07:26 PM
I'd of kept somerfield road, another bus on over bused Road
Number 2 will turn at the pinfold though. Long journey for Huntington users to Walsall, best swapping to the number 1 at Cannock.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 08, 2019, 11:54:59 PM
Number 2 will turn at the pinfold though. Long journey for Huntington users to Walsall, best swapping to the number 1 at Cannock.
I can foresee another change in a few months. Besides what was said above, you also compete with a fairly frequent NX 29 between Blakenall & Walsall. Even Diamond couldn't crack that one long term!
(You couldn't divert using the 19 route as that would be longer probably!)
Anyone in Coalpool & Blakenall looking forward to their bus to Cannock?
1&2 should just be Cannock to Walsall, number 2 using its current route and Huntington could be served by the 75A or divert 74 journeys to serve Huntington?
Why can't arriva just leave things alone? oh yea sorry THEY ARE SH*TTING THEMSELVES OVER NX'S PRESENCE IN CANNOCK
Quote from: BusMan Greg on June 09, 2019, 04:23:48 PM
Why can't arriva just leave things alone? oh yea sorry THEY ARE SH*TTING THEMSELVES OVER NX'S PRESENCE IN CANNOCK
Does any one know if the X51 is having any impact at all?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 09, 2019, 04:06:39 PM
1&2 should just be Cannock to Walsall, number 2 using its current route and Huntington could be served by the 75A or divert 74 journeys to serve Huntington?
Because the 75 of diverted would leave a long stretch without any buses
Express and star report a theft occurred at Cannock depot
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 10, 2019, 04:38:20 PM
Express and star report a theft occurred at Cannock depot
Didnt see it in the Walsall edition!
Quote from: Westy on June 10, 2019, 05:51:16 PM
Didnt see it in the Walsall edition!
Apparently it was on their website (my brother told me about it)
I heard a rumour that the 62 might be getting withdrawn due to a problem with the current proposed route at Cannock wood
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 10, 2019, 05:53:28 PM
Apparently it was on their website (my brother told me about it)
Yep, here it is:
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2019/06/10/crooks-target-cannocks-arriva-depot-in-100000-ram-raid/
2742 on the 825 this afternoon. Think this is shown as withdrawn. Has it been reinstated?
Edit - just seen it being attached to a recovery truck at Queensville. Maybe not for long!
2742 has been in service a while, 2736/2741 are the 2 cadets withdrawn at Cannock
The fleet movements posted by Tony for April does list 2742 as withdrawn, must have been re-instated, possible to cover a shortage of vehicles.
tbf the thing sounds knackerd so it wouldn't come to a surprise if it was withdrawn before hand
Quote from: Grinder on June 16, 2019, 09:09:34 AM
The fleet movements posted by Tony for April does list 2742 as withdrawn, must have been re-instated, possible to cover a shortage of vehicles.
2742 is allocated to Head Office along with all the withdrawn vehicles, but is regarded as an 'operational spare'
Noted 3928 KE07KVX on the 825 this morning
Noticed a driver I used to see working for Nx Walsall now working for Arriva!
Quote from: Westy on July 02, 2019, 05:44:41 PM
Noticed a driver I used to see working for Nx Walsall now working for Arriva!
A fair few at Cannock are ex NX.
Number 1 from Cannock should leave at 14:30
X51 from Cannock should leave at 14:31
X51 leaves on time at 14:31 passing the number 1 which is still blocking stand 8 with no driver
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 04, 2019, 02:57:55 PM
Number 1 from Cannock should leave at 14:30
X51 from Cannock should leave at 14:31
X51 leaves on time at 14:31 passing the number 1 which is still blocking stand 8 with no driver
Sounds just right for Arriva 😂😂
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 04, 2019, 04:30:19 PM
Sounds just right for Arriva 😂😂
If your gonna run a blatantly desperate time table change might be an idea to dtick to it lol
Coach aid recovering a dead Solo from Cannock bus stn yesterday, are 14 year old Solos really the image for interurban routes anyway?
Wonder what the loadings are like for the number 2 since it changed?
Quote from: Westy on July 10, 2019, 12:53:55 PM
Wonder what the loadings are like for the number 2 since it changed?
The same as before
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 11, 2019, 06:24:25 PM
The same as before
What about the new Blakenall section?
Quote from: Westy on July 11, 2019, 06:54:21 PM
What about the new Blakenall section?
I was referring to how the passenger numbers on the 2 weren't effected by the X51
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 11, 2019, 07:15:11 PM
I was referring to how the passenger numbers on the 2 weren't effected by the X51
That wasn't the question, and I am not sure how you would know that.
I'd be interested to know how many people get on and off in Blakenall. That area has gotten used to NX and Diamond for a number of years now.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 11, 2019, 08:12:40 PM
I'd be interested to know how many people get on and off in Blakenall. That area has gotten used to NX and Diamond for a number of years now.
Wonder if TfWM have updated the bus stops & timetable posters on the Blakenall section yet?
It might be an idea, if TfWM are 'running behind', for Arriva to have leaflets on the buses.
I've caught the 1 off & on & since the change, there's been no leaflets on the buses, but leaflets have eventually appeared in the bus station.
Incidentally, my sister heard a rumour the other day, that someone was going to petition the local Mp about the loss of service down Somerfield Road.
Bearing in mind, the info I got given by TfWm, when I recently asked, is there any point?
Quote from: Tony on July 11, 2019, 07:38:44 PM
That wasn't the question, and I am not sure how you would know that.
It's been known for years that people stick to their ways, thus passengers don't straight away revert to the X51 as an alternative route to work etc after using the 2/351 for years. Many a time I have seen the 2 and the 1 leave with full buses and the X51 leaving with fresh air.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 11, 2019, 08:54:34 PM
It's been known for years that people stick to their ways, thus passengers don't straight away revert to the X51 as an alternative route to work etc after using the 2/351 for years. Many a time I have seen the 2 and the 1 leave with full buses and the X51 leaving with fresh air.
Yes, you've seen a couple of buses. If only knowing if a bus route was doing well, or was profitable was that simple!
Quote from: Tony on July 11, 2019, 09:04:54 PM
Yes, you've seen a couple of buses. If only knowing if a bus route was doing well, or was profitable was that simple!
I would like to see the X51 figures vs the 1/2 figures
Thought I'd take a look at the Blakenall section of the 2 this morning.
Getting on at Bloxwich, 2 people got off, leaving 1 on there. One further passenger got on at Blakenall & another got on at Coalpool.
I only saw 5 flags updated, & I'm willing to bet no timetable posters were updated either.
Quote from: Westy on July 13, 2019, 10:07:25 AM
Thought I'd take a look at the Blakenall section of the 2 this morning.
Getting on at Bloxwich, 2 people got off, leaving 1 on there. One further passenger got on at Blakenall & another got on at Coalpool.
I only saw 5 flags updated, & I'm willing to bet no timetable posters were updated either.
Does it go down roads with no other buses or is it the 29 route?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 13, 2019, 01:21:01 PM
Does it go down roads with no other buses or is it the 29 route?
Mainly the 29, apart from Field Rd where it operates both ways rather than the 29's one way loop.
Oh & the stops screen need to be switched off as well, as they haven't been updated either!
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 11, 2019, 08:54:34 PM
It's been known for years that people stick to their ways, thus passengers don't straight away revert to the X51 as an alternative route to work etc after using the 2/351 for years. Many a time I have seen the 2 and the 1 leave with full buses and the X51 leaving with fresh air.
Ive also seen the X51 leave Cannock with more passengers than the 1!
Quote from: Bob on July 13, 2019, 03:42:55 PM
Ive also seen the X51 leave Cannock with more passengers than the 1!
It varies from day to day but overall the 1/2 picks up more passengers than the X51
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 13, 2019, 07:01:57 PM
It varies from day to day but overall the 1/2 picks up more passengers than the X51
You can not possibly know That
Quote from: Tony on July 13, 2019, 07:29:30 PM
You can not possibly know That
Every bus service's passenger numbers vary from day to day, EVERY BUS SERVICE. That's just common sence
@Tony
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 13, 2019, 08:02:28 PM
Every bus service's passenger numbers vary from day to day, EVERY BUS SERVICE. That's just common sence @Tony
Correct, which is why I said you couldn't possibly know which service is doing better. Only the companies will know passenger numbers from the ticket machine data.
Quote from: Tony on July 13, 2019, 08:05:32 PM
Correct, which is why I said you couldn't possibly know which service is doing better. Only the companies will know passenger numbers from the ticket machine data.
From observation the 2 is doing better, that's my point
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 13, 2019, 08:02:28 PM
Every bus service's passenger numbers vary from day to day, EVERY BUS SERVICE. That's just common sence @Tony
It wasn't the 'pointing out of the obvious' about passengers numbers varying day to day....
It was your statement "but overall the 1/2 picks up more passengers" Tony's picking you up on, i.e. unless you watch each & every departure of both services, you can't possibly know.
Quote from: Winston on July 13, 2019, 08:09:00 PM
It wasn't the 'pointing out of the obvious' about passengers numbers varying day to day....
It was your statement "but overall the 1/2 picks up more passengers" Tony's picking you up on, i.e. unless you watch each & every departure of both services, you can't possibly know.
And even watching every departure doesn't give the full picture. A service may leave a bus station with less passengers, but pick up more than another route along the line of route
Quote from: Tony on July 13, 2019, 08:34:30 PM
And even watching every departure doesn't give the full picture. A service may leave a bus station with less passengers, but pick up more than another route along the line of route
Plus, you would expect Arriva to be picking up more passengers, as they are now more frequent Mon-Fri than the X51. But at the same time, it's now costing Arriva more money to run the 1 Mon - Fri, so bums on seats doesn't give any clue on financial performance or who's winning the war.
I just don't see the fascination for running buses down roads, where there is a more than adequate service.
The only advantage personally for me, for the 1, is that no one else will catch it, so it gets into town quicker, plus if the 31/32 vehicles are already full, or occasionally late, I can nip over to the 1 stop & catch that instead.
There must be enough passengers on the 1 to make it pay, else they would've changed the basic route more often, in fact until recently, the physical route on Service 1 has only changed twice, once to swop with the 2 to serve Turnberry & my bit of Leamore & once to swap back.
The 2 seems to have the problems, in my opinion.
If the Blakenall routing doesn't work, what next?
I've made suggestions on various threads, what to do with the TfWM subsidised sections, but what about the Staffs sections, especially now NX has joined in the fray?
Could the 2 be truncated at Bloxwich, forcing passengers to change? Maybe only as a last resort?
Personally with the number 1 I would of had it continue straight down green lane and if timed right, it could get in front of the 69/70/70A, I think there's too many buses that go through leamore, regular 31/32 services with the 1&X51 also going there, somerfield Lane has no bus at all now since the changes
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 13, 2019, 10:34:01 PM
Personally with the number 1 I would of had it continue straight down green lane and if timed right, it could get in front of the 69/70/70A, I think there's too many buses that go through leamore, regular 31/32 services with the 1&X51 also going there, somerfield Lane has no bus at all now since the changes
But they want bums on seats!
I'm surprised the 69 etc still runs the same route because after Birchills, there's only factories, until you get to Sainsburys.
What would stop a route serving Green Lane,Birchills, Bentley Lane, Reedswood Way, loop Sainsburys, Beechdale, Leamore Lane, KFC, Somerfield Road then Bloxwich?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 13, 2019, 07:01:57 PM
It varies from day to day but overall the 1/2 picks up more passengers than the X51
Not so sure tbf esp re the 2
I think
@BusMan Greg meant from his observations and not suggesting facts so it's unfair for everyone to jump at him and tell him all the measures of profitability that he hasn't considered. Maybe Greg (assume thats your name) in future you could say 'from what I have seen this week' or words to that effect.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 13, 2019, 01:21:01 PM
Does it go down roads with no other buses or is it the 29 route?
29 route from Walsall to bloxwich then from bloxwich turns left after pinfold goes straight down then right onto Ingram road
Notable lack of Sapphire buses on the supposed Sapphire routes today. An 05 plate Solo on the 1.....
Quote from: Bob on July 16, 2019, 06:25:29 PM
Notable lack of Sapphire buses on the supposed Sapphire routes today. An 05 plate Solo on the 1.....
Has been the same since the 1 went every 20 minutes. Wonder where they will get some more from.
Crappy solo was 2447 was crawling along dual carriageway in cannock this morning at about 2 miles an hr displaying 75a with hazards on then promptly expired a few yards after the island causing traffic delays, the same one that coach aid recovered the other day then this evening another expired Solo SR with engineers trying to get it moved on longford road. The perils of opersting crappy old minibus replacement vehicles on interurban routes eh. Must be enhancing arrivas image
I.e arriva were crap and they will always be crap
Are the 1 and 2 even still classed as Sapphire routes? Darts and 11 yr old unrefurbed Volvo on there today
Quote from: Bob on July 18, 2019, 05:55:27 PM
Are the 1 and 2 even still classed as Sapphire routes? Darts and 11 yr old unrefurbed Volvo on there today
At least there are vehicles running on the route. Put it this way, would you rather have an older vehicle or no bus at all? All people want is a service and most don't really care what vehicle is on it.
but why cant there be better buses as the fares are high enough to pay for them
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on July 19, 2019, 09:12:51 PM
At least there are vehicles running on the route. Put it this way, would you rather have an older vehicle or no bus at all? All people want is a service and most don't really care what vehicle is on it.
[/quote/]
Exactly you've hit the nail on the head mate
Quote from: evo mark on July 19, 2019, 09:28:43 PM
but why cant there be better buses as the fares are high enough to pay for them
The reason fares are high reflects the low usage of Cannock's network. What would be the point in investing thousands, possibly millions in a network that has decreasing pax numbers and won't be used to its full potential?
60 & 825 the same, clapped out old end of life darts and solos on it a lot again of late, folk get fed up of unreliable services, constantly missing buses due to constant breakdowns with sky high fares and make alternative plans, these old time expired sheds are no good for interurban services at all, bit of new knacker lacquer wont solve there reliability./ageing issues, Still wasting them re furbished pulsars on pye greens too , surely if pye greens was that lucrative then the new 63 reg ones that they had from new and all logo'd up especially for it would surely still be on there!
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on July 19, 2019, 09:36:56 PM
The reason fares are high reflects the low usage of Cannock's network. What would be the point in investing thousands, possibly millions in a network that has decreasing pax numbers and won't be used to its full potential?
So the Cannock operation is in terminal decline itd seem
Quote from: bovaman on July 19, 2019, 11:35:40 PM
60 & 825 the same, clapped out old end of life darts and solos on it a lot again of late, folk get fed up of unreliable services, constantly missing buses due to constant breakdowns with sky high fares and make alternative plans, these old time expired sheds are no good for interurban services at all, bit of new knacker lacquer wont solve there reliability./ageing issues, Still wasting them re furbished pulsars on pye greens too , surely if pye greens was that lucrative then the new 63 reg ones that they had from new and all logo'd up especially for it would surely still be on there!
But at least there is some form of a service!
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on July 20, 2019, 09:48:40 AM
But at least there is some form of a service!
Albeit an unreliable one. Hardly an enticement to get on buses is it? Be grateful for no investment and every other bus might come, itll be clapped out but at least this one aimt broke down
Quote from: Bob on July 20, 2019, 01:53:46 PM
Albeit an unreliable one. Hardly an enticement to get on buses is it? Be grateful for no investment and every other bus might come, itll be clapped out but at least this one aimt broke down
The 60 I was on last week was on the verge of breaking down I was talking to the driver most the way about all sorts. He had broke down earlier on a different bus and waited over an hour for a new one to arrive. I do think the amount of break downs are embarrasing but if there's no money there then what can they do. It makes you wonder how much the parent comnapy has that they could easily invest. To make things better though an NXWM 10A had broken down in Burntwood lol.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 20, 2019, 02:32:38 PM
The 60 I was on last week was on the verge of breaking down I was talking to the driver most the way about all sorts. He had broke down earlier on a different bus and waited over an hour for a new one to arrive. I do think the amount of break downs are embarrasing but if there's no money there then what can they do. It makes you wonder how much the parent comnapy has that they could easily invest. To make things better though an NXWM 10A had broken down in Burntwood lol.
You clearly haven't been keeping up to date on Deutsche Bahn (DB) i.e Arriva's parent company to make such a comment! DB are themselves 20 Billion Euro's in debt (now in a similar boat to First Group), they're losing their monopoly on German Rail Franchises to the likes of NX, Go-Ahead & Abellio, they have put the enitre Arriva Group up for sale as a result, to pay down DB debts.
The DB pot to grow & invest Arriva Group is drying up and constrained by the parent companies woes:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/27/deutsche-bahn-to-sell-uk-rail-bus-operator-arriva
Arriva are still expanding their European Bus & Rail divisions through contract wins, but the last acquisition they've made appears to be in Croatia's August 2017. Prior to this they were making regular acquisitions particularly across Eastern Europe.
Quote from: Winston on July 20, 2019, 02:42:29 PM
You clearly haven't been keeping up to date on Deutsche Bahn (DB) i.e Arriva's parent company to make such a comment!
1) No I don't you're right, and 2) I said I wonder I didn't state fact.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 20, 2019, 03:50:28 PM
1) No I don't you're right, and 2) I said I wonder I didn't state fact.
I'm simply saying you don't need to wonder, it's been well publicised over the past 12-18 months the current state of finances at DB / when referring to options for Arriva Groups future, originally 12months ago a Stock Market Floatation was mooted, now a full sale, with flotation as a last resort.
Quote from: Winston on July 20, 2019, 04:20:40 PM
I'm simply saying you don't need to wonder, it's been well publicised over the past 12-18 months the current state of finances at DB / when referring to options for Arriva Groups future, originally 12months ago a Stock Market Floatation was mooted, now a full sale, with flotation as a last resort.
Im following a discussion! I didn't realise every post on this forum had to be solid facts like a wikipedia page.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 20, 2019, 05:51:05 PM
Im following a discussion! I didn't realise every post on this forum had to be solid facts like a wikipedia page.
Lose the attitude! Otherwise you'll be following the Exit signs!
NXWM have finally moved the X3 to their own stand in Lichfield and branded it nicely (signs and painted the shelter black and red). The 60, 60A, 10A stand was too busy and I didn't understand why so many were departing from the same stand when others are unused.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 21, 2019, 12:53:52 PM
NXWM have finally moved the X3 to their own stand in Lichfield and branded it nicely (signs and painted the shelter black and red). The 60, 60A, 10A stand was too busy and I didn't understand why so many were departing from the same stand when others are unused.
Getting new plastic panels next week as well, found a supplier with some left over for the old shelters
Quote from: Tony on July 21, 2019, 12:56:14 PM
Getting new plastic panels next week as well, found a supplier with some left over for the old shelters
Apart from the fact it would split up the Burntwood corridor, why didn't Nx move the 10a to either the same stand as the X3 (keeping the Nx services together!) or give it it's own stand?
May be they can start promoting the X51 more vigorously too. They should be able to wipe the floor with Arriva!
spoke to nxwm inspectors in cannock on the first day of x51 service and arriva stopped them from promoting on the stands in cannock and also stopped them putting up timetables must be that scared
Arriva can't stop them, arriva do not own the bus shelters in Cannock
Quote from: evo mark on July 21, 2019, 09:39:19 PM
spoke to nxwm inspectors in cannock on the first day of x51 service and arriva stopped them from promoting on the stands in cannock and also stopped them putting up timetables must be that scared
Thats down to Cannock Chase District who own the stands or Staffs County Council who oversee the rest. They took down Arrivas stuff in the past but they still put things up.
so why are arriva that scared they changed there timings to leave 1 minute before the west midlands just to stop them getting passengers
They could of made a lovely 10 mi service between nxbus & arriva
Why should they have a joint headway with nxwm. It's their route they didn't invite nxwm onto the route. Nx are the aggressor Arriva are just defending their route.
Not defending it very well by the look of it
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 21, 2019, 11:34:23 PM
Thats down to Cannock Chase District who own the stands or Staffs County Council who oversee the rest. They took down Arrivas stuff in the past but they still put things up.
Leaflets on the bus maybe?
With competition planned on the sapphire 'premium' brand route, you would think they would have had the sapphire vehicle capacity in place to meet allocation demand to keep up the brand on that corridor.
There must be some spare sapphire vehicles around the group, they seem to find plenty of end of life wrecks to fill Cannock depot with from far and wide.
I often see 14/15 year old end of life darts and solos on the sapphire workings whilst sapphire vehicle are being kept clean with the refurbished pulsars driving empty round pye green.
60 & 825 the same, hoards of old scrap small seating capacity wrecks on a daily basis breaking down all over the shop. I detest using the 60/ 825 routes nowadays as its so unreliable, solos are not big enough, and them old wreck darts are horrendous machines to travel distance on.
Shame the fares don't match the low quality operation.
Must be costing a fortune in maintenance & recovery charges to keep that lot on the road.
Quote from: bovaman on July 23, 2019, 10:29:42 PM
With competition planned on the sapphire 'premium' brand route, you would think they would have had the sapphire vehicle capacity in place to meet allocation demand to keep up the brand on that corridor.
There must be some spare sapphire vehicles around the group, they seem to find plenty of end of life wrecks to fill Cannock depot with from far and wide.
I often see 14/15 year old end of life darts and solos on the sapphire workings whilst sapphire vehicle are being kept clean with the refurbished pulsars driving empty round pye green.
60 & 825 the same, hoards of old scrap small seating capacity wrecks on a daily basis breaking down all over the shop. I detest using the 60/ 825 routes nowadays as its so unreliable, solos are not big enough, and them old wreck darts are horrendous machines to travel distance on.
Shame the fares don't match the low quality operation.
Must be costing a fortune in maintenance & recovery charges to keep that lot on the road.
Says it all really. There doesnt seem to be a shortage of wrecks?
Quote from: bovaman on July 23, 2019, 10:29:42 PM
I detest using the 60/ 825 routes nowadays as its so unreliable
If money was no object and it didn't swap to the 825 I think the 60/60A would make a good Sapphire route. But that'll never happen obviously.
60a seems to carry fresh air though. 60 & 825 seems to carry good loads but usually get the worst pick of sheds on offer, don't seem to make commercial sense, the 2 busiest routes with a lot of the most unreliable antiques, they must be the heritage vehicle routes lol
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 23, 2019, 11:29:41 PM
If money was no object and it didn't swap to the 825 I think the 60/60A would make a good Sapphire route. But that'll never happen obviously.
Naybe theyll refurb some Darts for sapphire lol
Quote from: bovaman on July 24, 2019, 10:50:32 PM
60a seems to carry fresh air though. 60 & 825 seems to carry good loads but usually get the worst pick of sheds on offer, don't seem to make commercial sense, the 2 busiest routes with a lot of the most unreliable antiques, they must be the heritage vehicle routes lol
I heard the 74 is also one of the busiest Cannock routes
The 74 that gets Solos several times recently?
Quote from: Bob on July 25, 2019, 05:49:06 PM
The 74 that gets Solos several times recently?
Tbf solo's appear on most Cannock routes
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2019, 06:16:31 PM
Tbf solo's appear on most Cannock routes
I've seen that unrefurbed bus with dodgy display 3 times on the 74.. must have been a last resort! From what ive seen I'd say the 60 is the busiest, even at night. Perhaps when people know that the 60A take around the same time they will use it more.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 25, 2019, 06:32:37 PM
I've seen that unrefurbed bus with dodgy display 3 times on the 74.. must have been a last resort! From what ive seen I'd say the 60 is the busiest, even at night. Perhaps when people know that the 60A take around the same time they will use it more.
Is that solo your referring to 2499 by any chance?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2019, 06:16:31 PM
Tbf solo's appear on most Cannock routes
Well it must be a massively profitable operation with high passenger numbers considering theyve loaded the depit with embarassment sheds lol
Is it me or are any other members of this forum tired of seeing posts complaining and moaning about Cannock's vehicles and allocations? I think we get the point now.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on July 25, 2019, 10:42:37 PM
Is it me or are any other members of this forum tired of seeing posts complaining and moaning about Cannock's vehicles and allocations? I think we get the point now.
Not just you fed up with the hate Arriva Cannock comments.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 25, 2019, 06:48:00 PM
Is that solo your referring to 2499 by any chance?
That solo was on the 63 today and the display was working perfectly well
Since the changes implemented in June the 62 has had good loadings on each journey. Every time I have seen the 62 which 9 times out of 10 was a solo SR the bus was full
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 26, 2019, 08:19:31 PM
Since the changes implemented in June the 62 has had good loadings on each journey. Every time I have seen the 62 which 9 times out of 10 was a solo SR the bus was full
To be honest, it isn't difficult to fill a solo.
From my observations I've seen the 3(Walsall-Cannock) with a cadets just empty especially school time I used the 3 once before the 8 got extended to brownhills and it was packed absolutely rammed half of it was because of the shire oak kids but since the 8 has got extended I haven't seen bearly anyone on them and there running cadets and pulsars on them
By the way this is from my observations
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on July 28, 2019, 05:12:10 AM
From my observations I've seen the 3(Walsall-Cannock) with a cadets just empty especially school time I used the 3 once before the 8 got extended to brownhills and it was packed absolutely rammed half of it was because of the shire oak kids but since the 8 has got extended I haven't seen bearly anyone on them and there running cadets and pulsars on them
By the way this is from my observations
I could be totally wrong on this, but I think Shire Oak's 'catchment area' comes as far as Leamore / North Walsall, as I've seen kids in uniform on the 31/32 from Forest Lane around 7am in the morning.
Assuming the little darlings have some sort of daysaver/travel pass to get there, there's a good chance with the joint arrangement on the 31/32, they have switched to the NX only version of their ticket instead.
Is Shire Oak anywhere near the 10 routes, as that's the only other option I can think of?
Quote from: Westy on July 28, 2019, 11:21:42 AM
I could be totally wrong on this, but I think Shire Oak's 'catchment area' comes as far as Leamore / North Walsall, as I've seen kids in uniform on the 31/32 from Forest Lane around 7am in the morning.
Assuming the little darlings have some sort of daysaver/travel pass to get there, there's a good chance with the joint arrangement on the 31/32, they have switched to the NX only version of their ticket instead.
Is Shire Oak anywhere near the 10 routes, as that's the only other option I can think of?
Some do catch the 10 but it's 7 minute walk according to google maps for the stop but. Most get on the 8 I remember once they put a solo on the 3 and driver called the depot in brownhills and was asking for a replacement bus cause of the Shire oak. School we had to leave a few kids behind but it was rammed no space at all (this was before the 8 got extended)
I assume you're ex Shire Oak then?
My niece was there until a few years ago!
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on July 28, 2019, 05:12:10 AM
From my observations I've seen the 3(Walsall-Cannock) with a cadets just empty especially school time I used the 3 once before the 8 got extended to brownhills and it was packed absolutely rammed half of it was because of the shire oak kids but since the 8 has got extended I haven't seen bearly anyone on them and there running cadets and pulsars on them
By the way this is from my observations
Cadets? Do Canmock even have any of them still running?
No cadets at cannock, there's a couple in the depot which have been there a while so I assume they are withdrawn
I sampled one of the 55 reg darts on the 63 Friday. Best dart I've been on in a long time. Certainly not ready for withdrawal.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 29, 2019, 07:48:13 PM
I sampled one of the 55 reg darts on the 63 Friday. Best dart I've been on in a long time. Certainly not ready for withdrawal.
The 54 and 55 reg darts at Cannock are indeed the best buses there
Quote from: Westy on July 29, 2019, 11:58:42 AM
I assume you're ex Shire Oak then?
My niece was there until a few years ago!
No I'm just finished first year at brownhills and I catch the 3 if the 937 and 8 hasn't turned up
Old tat on the Sapphires again today....whilst refurbed Pulsars go around half empty on Pye Greens
I was surprised to see 3719 on the 62 yesterday
Had Sapphire Streetlite in front of me earlier the branding looks horrific cos you can see the old branding at the back and all over the side of the bus underneath the new transfers. Looks cheap and nasty
Obviously not including the 2a into the new branding!
Oh & that driver on the 2 I mentioned the other day needs an A to Z!
just saw a post on facebook from arriva themselves saying between walsall and blakenall only 1 pound with cash or contacless
2748 working from here, today on 60A
Is the 57 plate Pulsar still running from Cannock not seen it for ages!
Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 12, 2019, 01:50:29 PM
2748 working from here, today on 60A
Also 3702 in Stafford today working Cannock routes
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on August 12, 2019, 12:42:26 AM
just saw a post on facebook from arriva themselves saying between walsall and blakenall only 1 pound with cash or contacless
Just looked for that.
Can't see it.
But then again, it smacks of desperation!
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on August 12, 2019, 12:42:26 AM
just saw a post on facebook from arriva themselves saying between walsall and blakenall only 1 pound with cash or contacless
Can't see that.
On a side note the X51 was fairly busy on the two journeys I was on. A number 1 passed me empty.
@Bob if your referring to 3731 that transfered back to Tamworth
So the rumour is that Cannock are loosing the streetlite sand gaining 52 plate commanders 3701-3704
Quote from: ntw456 on August 13, 2019, 08:10:34 AM
So the rumour is that Cannock are loosing the streetlite sand gaining 52 plate commanders 3701-3704
I would say that's an improvement :D
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 13, 2019, 09:11:56 AM
I would say that's an improvement :D
Seriously losing the Streetlites? Woe!
Wow! Even
Wouldnt 3 more vehicles be needed on top of 3701-4
Quote from: ntw456 on August 13, 2019, 08:10:34 AM
So the rumour is that Cannock are loosing the streetlite sand gaining 52 plate commanders 3701-3704
Not one to speculate but just looked to see if they were sapphires which they are not but this photo was posted and it says sapphire on the front ???
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 13, 2019, 12:21:29 PM
Not one to speculate but just looked to see if they were sapphires which they are not but this photo was posted and it says sapphire on the front ???
Lol
Quote from: ntw456 on August 13, 2019, 08:10:34 AM
So the rumour is that Cannock are loosing the streetlite sand gaining 52 plate commanders 3701-3704
Surely 3701-4 are absolute end of life vehicles?
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2019, 08:22:16 PM
Surely 3701-4 are absolute end of life vehicles?
But surely if they are maintained right over the years they should not be 'end of life vehicles'
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 13, 2019, 08:44:31 PM
But surely if they are maintained right over the years they should not be 'end of life vehicles'
End of life means when the owning company has written the book value right down.
However well you maintain vehicles they still start to become a lot more expensive to run as parts get more scarce and major componants wear out.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 13, 2019, 08:44:31 PM
But surely if they are maintained right over the years they should not be 'end of life vehicles'
This is Cannock garage we're talking about. Have you seen the state of the fleet?
3704 has had a knackered diff forever...
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2019, 09:26:24 PM
3704 has had a knackered diff forever...
Pretty sure it was replaced after leaving Tamworth. There's some centres coming up from southern counties apparently to join 3702-3704, 3701 won't be arriving as it's knackered
Quote from: ntw456 on August 15, 2019, 08:27:17 AM
Pretty sure it was replaced after leaving Tamworth. There's some centres coming up from southern counties apparently to join 3702-3704, 3701 won't be arriving as it's knackered
All the above intended for Cannock? And to replace the Streetlites?
Quote from: Bob on August 15, 2019, 08:48:46 AM
All the above intended for Cannock? And to replace the Streetlites?
Yes from what I've been told
Quote from: ntw456 on August 15, 2019, 09:18:47 AM
Yes from what I've been told
Although the Streetlites are truly dreadful
If that is the case what could be said to describe the 1 and 2 Sapphire. I think like pretty much everything else at Cannock the words "a success" could be easily ruled out lol
Got the 23:20 number 60 from Lichfield today really surprised how busy ot was. About 12-15 people from Lichfield and people hopping on and off round chasetown. Only me and another guy got off in Cannock, and he was meant to get off in Burntwood but fell asleep.. oops...
Does anyone know where the streetlites are going?
Streetlites off to Milton Keynes I believe
Simon said recently they were sourcing extra Sapphire vehicles for the 1 and 2? So presumably the upgrade 5 years ago failed miserably then?
There are some 57 plate Centros which were split by Shires & Southern Counties being divided
May be on way up
Quote from: Vulcan on August 19, 2019, 01:53:49 PM
There are some 57 plate Centros which were split by Shires & Southern Counties being divided
May be on way up
For Cannock garage?
Surely there'd be a vehicle shortage if the Streetlites all went without replacement
3701-4 new as Leicester P&R contract in silver
Known as Silver Arrows
Caught the number 2 back from Walsall to The Pinfold.
Felt sorry for the driver.
I was the only one on!
Bloody stupid reroute!
Quote from: Vulcan on August 19, 2019, 03:58:49 PM
3701-4 new as Leicester P&R contract in silver
Known as Silver Arrows
Are these fleet numbers correct ? Southern Counties have VDL SB200/Plaxton Centros 3741-3746, is it these ?
Why don't they give up on that number 2 through Blakenall?
Diamond tried competing on the parallel 29 & came off!
At least our road gave them 4 passengers, which is 4 more than they're getting now!
Centros never numerous in any fleet most likely be ASC 3741-6 new as AS 3401-6 match current Midlands ones as chassis numbers in same sequence
If so 10 Euro 3 & 3 Euro 4 ( 3737 on ) mind one has gone now to ANW
3927 is out on the 70 this evening.
Are they keeping the pseudo Sapphire, 3795 is it?
Quote from: Westy on August 22, 2019, 07:46:04 PM
Are they keeping the pseudo Sapphire, 3795 is it?
Its already at Tamworth. Been on the 110 the past 2 days
3307 on the 1 today in the new arriva livery
Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 23, 2019, 08:49:13 AM
3307 on the 1 today in the new arriva livery
It left Walsall at 11:20 on a 1 to Cannock. The vehicle itself has been painted into the new standard Arriva livery.
Quote from: John on August 22, 2019, 08:21:50 PM
Its already at Tamworth. Been on the 110 the past 2 days
Thought we would keep that one at least... doesnt the 110 need a decker then?
Why would cannock keep a sapphire, if all the others are going
Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 23, 2019, 05:05:09 PM
Why would cannock keep a sapphire, if all the others are going
I thought thwt lmfao
Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 23, 2019, 05:05:09 PM
Why would cannock keep a sapphire, if all the others are going
It doesn't match the others and it was used as a Cannock spare. It's no different to the other refurb buses apart from the seats.
Arriva are missing out today in Lichfield, the food festival is on and its rammed. Probably as busy as Bower which they put a 60 on for. The 10A will do well today.
3932 is out on the 70 this morning
3306 is another streetlite to lose its sapphire livery in favour of the new standard blue livery, assuming these are being painted before moving to MK
Request for a live departure display at the job centre stop (Hatherton Rd, WD) has been approved and will be installed over the coming months. This will display live updates for services 1, 2, 2A and X51 towards Cannock/Huntington.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 28, 2019, 07:34:25 PM
Request for a live departure display at the job centre stop (Hatherton Rd, WD) has been approved and will be installed over the coming months. This will display live updates for services 1, 2, 2A and X51 towards Cannock/Huntington.
Would be nice if TfWm put up a sign at both this stop & the 31/32 stops saying 'Alternative buses to Bloxwich can be caught at stop ??'
It's strange seeing the refurb sapphire we had in Cannock, in Birmingham. It was on the 110.
Any idea when the last 3 sapphires leave? Theyve been completely debranded inside
3304 looks like it's been transferred to MK, prior to repaint or debranding
(not my photo) https://flic.kr/p/2hejFrw
Sure i saw a Centro in Cannock earlier!
What's with the awful green interior on I guess a recent transfer into Cannock?
That and the blue seats do not match!
Quote from: Westy on September 12, 2019, 01:16:27 PM
What's with the awful green interior on I guess a recent transfer into Cannock?
That and the blue seats do not match!
If its the Centro its a right state dented panels threadbare original interior filthy.
Quote from: Westy on September 12, 2019, 01:16:27 PM
What's with the awful green interior on I guess a recent transfer into Cannock?
That and the blue seats do not match!
Was it 2748? That has blue/turquoise seats
3719.
Quote from: Westy on September 12, 2019, 05:11:15 PM
3719.
Thats still got its original interior i think
Has it had a refurb?
The Centro was better to travel on than a Streetlite but desperately needs refurbing
Is KE05 FMM running at Cannock? Not seen it in service. Didnt it used to break down daily?
3719 has always had the green interior, it is 1 of the batch that has been redurbed internally
3929 was at cannock, not sure if it still is, 3932 seems to be the main 1 doing the rounds
Quote from: Westy on September 12, 2019, 05:11:15 PM
3719.
3719 is a Wright Commander not a Plaxton Centro
Quote from: Hector on September 12, 2019, 09:39:46 PM
3719 is a Wright Commander not a Plaxton Centro
He never said it was a centro.
Incidentally, a photo of Centro 3841 has now appeared on the main site! ;)
Quote from: Bob on September 12, 2019, 07:23:20 PM
Is KE05 FMM running at Cannock? Not seen it in service. Didnt it used to break down daily?
It was on 22nd August on the 70 ss per my message .
3931 working from Cannock today, noted on the 'H' in Stafford earlier this afternoon
Quote from: Busman Jamie on September 16, 2019, 04:18:46 PM
3931 working from Cannock today, noted on the 'H' in Stafford earlier this afternoon
3928-3932 now at Cannock with 3757-3760 going the other way to Tamworth
Only 4 Pulsars left at Cannock then.....
Noted a Solo on the 2 leaving Walsall roughly 1635.
There were a fair few passengers on than I expected, but I 'd be surprised if any passengers wanted the Blakenall section!
I only caught the 1, so I could get a seat, save catching a 31/32.
I note today the " new " Centros from down South now on 1
Quote from: Vulcan on September 28, 2019, 09:26:37 PM
I note today the " new " Centros from down South now on 1
Old news as they have been on the 1s for the past couple of weeks
Old news then !
Only noted as first time I had seen then , not seen anyone report they were transferred before
They don't just appear in the 1, there was 1 of them on the 60 the other day
Quote from: Busman Jamie on September 29, 2019, 04:27:25 PM
They don't just appear in the 1, there was 1 of them on the 60 the other day
A visit on Friday I had 3845 on the 826 an 3846 on the 74, nice vehicles but would welcome a little TLC in the future. I did also see 3841 on the 60 and 826. Are 3842/3 here yet?
I've not seen those 2 yet, I think there is 1 or 2 being used at Derby so maybe those could be the ones
Tony's fleet list does not show a 3841 or 42
Sorry does not show 3842/43
Anybody know why the 3 will change route twice daily?? And what was the purpose of the old 3C?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 07, 2019, 06:25:58 PM
Anybody know why the 3 will change route twice daily?? And what was the purpose of the old 3C?
Congestion at school times, will just use Hayes Way and Hednesford Road instead of Gorsemoor Road and Langholm Drive.
Quote from: Cheese on October 08, 2019, 11:01:53 AM
Congestion at school times, will just use Hayes Way and Hednesford Road instead of Gorsemoor Road and Langholm Drive.
Oh I see - they have done similar on the 70 omitting one of the roads at school time. What about the 3C as that was midday?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 08, 2019, 10:52:02 PM
Oh I see - they have done similar on the 70 omitting one of the roads at school time. What about the 3C as that was midday?
That was to provide a service to that area of Norton Canes I think, there was a journey in the other direction earlier. Obviously not required now that all service 3 buses go that way.
Is there a place or site where i can see where Which Arriva Garage has which Route Like What Routes Do Cannock
Telford,Tamworth have got
Sorry if it sounds weird
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on November 01, 2019, 07:37:00 PM
Is there a place or site where i can see where Which Arriva Garage has which Route Like What Routes Do Cannock
Telford,Tamworth have got
Sorry if it sounds weird
Don't know of any sites but here is what Telford do:
1- Telford Centre to Sutton Hill
2- Telford Centre to Sutton Hill
3- Telford Centre to Brookside
4- Madeley to Leegomery
5- Telford Centre to Stafford
5A- Telford Centre to Muxton
6- Stafford to Rickerscote (interworks with the 5)
7- Telford Centre to Wellington
8- Telford Centre to Bridgnorth
11- Telford Centre to Wellington
13- Telford Centre to Oakengates/Ketley Bank
14- Telford Centre to Shifnal/Priorslee
14A- Telford Centre to Stafford Park/Shifnal
15- Telford Centre to Wellington
16- Telford Centre to Roden
18- Telford Centre to Much Wenlock
19/19A- Telford Centre to Shrewsbury
101- Bridgnorth Town Service
113- Telford Centre to Bridgnorth
114- Telford Centre to Bridgnorth
115- Weston Heath to Bridgnorth (Saturday only)
116- Weston Heath to Bridgnorth (Saturday only)
297- Bridgnorth to Kidderminster (interworks with the 8 )
894- Dawley to William Brookes (school service)
895- Overdale to William Brookes (school service)
GC1- Madeley to Ironbridge Museums
IBPR- Ironbridge Park & Ride
X4- Telford Centre to Wellington (peak time shorts)
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on November 01, 2019, 10:51:01 PM
Don't know of any sites but here is what Telford do:
1- Telford Centre to Sutton Hill
2- Telford Centre to Sutton Hill
3- Telford Centre to Brookside
4- Madeley to Leegomery
5- Telford Centre to Stafford
5A- Telford Centre to Muxton
6- Stafford to Rickerscote (interworks with the 5)
7- Telford Centre to Wellington
8- Telford Centre to Bridgnorth
11- Telford Centre to Wellington
13- Telford Centre to Oakengates/Ketley Bank
14- Telford Centre to Shifnal/Priorslee
14A- Telford Centre to Stafford Park/Shifnal
15- Telford Centre to Wellington
16- Telford Centre to Roden
18- Telford Centre to Much Wenlock
19/19A- Telford Centre to Shrewsbury
101- Bridgnorth Town Service
113- Telford Centre to Bridgnorth
114- Telford Centre to Bridgnorth
115- Weston Heath to Bridgnorth (Saturday only)
116- Weston Heath to Bridgnorth (Saturday only)
297- Bridgnorth to Kidderminster (interworks with the 8)
894- Dawley to William Brookes (school service)
895- Overdale to William Brookes (school service)
GC1- Madeley to Ironbridge Museums
IBPR- Ironbridge Park & Ride
X4- Telford Centre to Wellington (peak time shorts)
Thanks Very Much Greatly Appreciated just need to know what Tamworth and cannock ops are now
@NXWMFAN1105
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on November 01, 2019, 11:11:55 PM
Thanks Very Much Greatly Appreciated just need to know what Tamworth and cannock ops are now @NXWMFAN1105
Afraid I can't help you with those depots as i'm not familiar with them.
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on November 01, 2019, 11:11:55 PM
Thanks Very Much Greatly Appreciated just need to know what Tamworth and cannock ops are now @NXWMFAN1105
Cannock, Delta Way Depot:
1 - Cannock to Walsall (was Sapphire)
2 - Huntington to Walsall (was Sapphire)
2A - Cannock to Walsall (was called 2E and Sapphire)
3 - Cannock to Walsall
3A - Norton Canes to Walsall
6 - Stafford to Rickerscote7 - Stafford to Moss Pit
8 - Stafford to Parkside
8A - Stafford to Redhill Business Park
9 - Stafford to Highfields
12 - Stafford to Doxey (shared with Select)
22 - Rugeley to Springfields
23 - Rugeley to Pear Tree Estate
24 - Rugeley to Brereton
25 - Pye Green Circular (Clockwise)
26 - Pye Green Circular (Anti-clockwise)
60 - Cannock to Lichfield
60A - Cannock to Lichfield
62 - Cannock to Sankeys Corner
63 - Cannock to Rugeley
70 - Cannock to Wolverhampton
74 - Cannock to Stafford
75 - Cannock to Stafford
75A - Cannock to Stafford
75B - Cannock to Stafford
825 - Stafford to Lichfield
826 - Stafford to Lichfield
827 - Stafford to Baswich
H - Stafford to County Hospital
Just a couple of corrections to the Cannock list.
6 Stafford-Rickerscote is Telford Garage
23 should read Rugeley to Pear Tree
additional info
74 is via A34
75A & B are via Penkridge
825 is via Great Haywood, Little Haywood and Colwich
826 is direct to Rugeley then Lichfield
Hope this helps.
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on November 01, 2019, 07:37:00 PM
Is there a place or site where i can see where Which Arriva Garage has which Route Like What Routes Do Cannock
Telford,Tamworth have got
Sorry if it sounds weird
Here is what Shrewsbury do if you wanted another Midlands garage.
1- Shrewsbury to Abbots Green
2- Shrewsbury to Hawthorne Estate
3A- Shrewsbury to Little Harlescott (school service)
9- Bridgnorth to Wolverhampton (interworks with 436)
11- Shrewsbury to Gains Park
12- Shrewsbury to Kingswood Estate
19- Shrewsbury to Telford (a few journeys a day, operated mainly by Telford)
20- Shrewsbury to Radbrook Green
21- Shrewsbury to Reabrook
23- Shrewsbury to Monkmoor
24- Shrewsbury to Harlescott
25- Shrewsbury to Harlescott
26- Shrewsbury to Meole Village
27- Shrewsbury to Bayston Hill
64- Shrewsbury to Market Drayton
164- Market Drayton to Hanley (interworks with 64)
436- Shrewsbury to Bridgnorth
511- Shrewsbury to Whitchurch
519- Shrewsbury to Newport
524- Shrewsbury to Rodington
544- Shrewsbury to Lyth Hill
546- Shrewsbury to Pulverbatch
738/740- Ludlow to Knighton
X4- Shrewsbury to Telford
X5- Shrewsbury to Telford
Harlescott P&R
Oxon P&R
Meole Brace P&R
Quote from: Grinder on November 02, 2019, 07:28:13 AM
Just a couple of corrections to the Cannock list.
6 Stafford-Rickerscote is Telford Garage
23 should read Rugeley to Pear Tree
additional info
74 is via A34
75A & B are via Penkridge
825 is via Great Haywood, Little Haywood and Colwich
826 is direct to Rugeley then Lichfield
Hope this helps.
Sorry yes I meant Rugeley to Pear Tree like the 22 and 24. Im suprised the 6 isn't cannock but the rest are how strange. I didn't do vias as it would take me all night haha. Cheers.
Stafford 6 interworks with Telford 5.
Thanks Once again
@NXWMFAN1105 and everybody else
probably better not to ping everyone. Anybody else know what tamworth run much appreciated again and i will stop rabbaling on about what routes run by garage much appreciated once again
A interesting time for the future of Cannock bus services. i hear from a reliable source Arriva are about to conclude the sale of its Cannock depot
Would that explain the complete lack of investment and state of the vehicles? I had heard that rumour too. Wonder who they'll flog it to? I had heard Centrebus.....
Centrebus most likely I recon as well
Pity not NXWM
Quote from: Bob on November 03, 2019, 10:59:22 AM
Pity not NXWM
I would have liked to have seen NXWM add it to their network.
Let's just be thankful that Diamond ain't involved
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 03, 2019, 12:00:56 PM
Let's just be thankful that Diamond ain't involved
They could be lol 😂
Quote from: Bob on November 03, 2019, 01:08:55 PM
They could be lol 😂
Select and D&G might, if it's confirmed as Centrebus. Doesn't Julian own them all?
Quote from: BN on November 03, 2019, 01:14:17 PM
Select and D&G might, if it's confirmed as Centrebus. Doesn't Julian own them all?
Yes, Julian Peddle is invested in Select, D&G, Midland Classic & Centrebus.
Select increased the number of discs by +7 ish only a month or so ago. D&G already operate in to Stafford which Arriva Cannock depot covers, so maybe the plan is to split the ops up amongst existing operators. I understand Delta Way depot is being sold separately.
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on November 02, 2019, 11:46:03 PM
Thanks Once again @NXWMFAN1105 and everybody else
probably better not to ping everyone. Anybody else know what tamworth run much appreciated again and i will stop rabbaling on about what routes run by garage much appreciated once again
Tamworth run
2 Tamworth to Gillway
3 Tamworth to Coton green
4 Tamworth to Silverlink
5 Tamworth to Kerria road(Amington)
7 Tamworth to Stonydelph
8 Tamworth to Hockley
X65 Tamworth to Lichfield (fast)
765 Tamworth to Lichfield Via Whittington
65 Tamworth to Nuneaton via atherstone
785 Tamworth to Austrey (clockwise)
786 Tamworth to Austrey (anti-clockwise)
110 Tamworth to Birmingham (Sapphire)
AV1 Tamworth to villa park (match days only)
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2019, 01:17:52 PM
Yes, Julian Peddle is invested in Select, D&G, Midland Classic & Centrebus.
Select increased the number of discs by +7 ish only a month or so ago. D&G already operate in to Stafford which Arriva Cannock depot covers, so maybe the plan is to split the ops up amongst existing operators. I understand Delta Way depot is being sold separately.
This would make sense as Cannock depot has been loosing money for donkeys year. It might be more suitable if the services are split between several existing operators.
Maybe therell be a few gaps maybe NX would be interested in a wolves service
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 03, 2019, 02:32:48 PM
This would make sense as Cannock depot has been loosing money for donkeys year. It might be more suitable if the services are split between several existing operators.
What about the cafe!!!! They've got to keep the depot haha.
Centrebus ?
Surely the logical thing would be to flog the south & east of Cannock routes to NX!
Quote from: BN on November 03, 2019, 04:48:52 PM
What about the cafe!!!! They've got to keep the depot haha.
It's gone by January so I've heard
Quote from: Westy on November 03, 2019, 04:58:37 PM
Centrebus ?
Surely the logical thing would be to flog the south & east of Cannock routes to NX!
You're assuming NX want to get further in to Cannock, or rather than buy the suggested routes, they could just start up competing services.
The X51 extension seems to be doing well.
i hope nx bus takes on some of the services
i have heard that the land that the depot is on is now owned by the car sales company on the a5 and that they have given it a 5 year lease and nothing else
Woah interesting stuff. I have never heard of Centre Bus. Heard of and used Select, D&G and Midland Classic. Assuming this is all true perhaps Bob is correct that NX would be interested in the south end for Walsall / Wolverhampton. It would be nice to see Select take on more, the 70 for example.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 03, 2019, 09:18:00 PM
Woah interesting stuff. I have never heard of Centre Bus. Heard of and used Select, D&G and Midland Classic. Assuming this is all true perhaps Bob is correct that NX would be interested in the south end for Walsall / Wolverhampton. It would be nice to see Select take on more, the 70 for example.
Centrebus operate services in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 03, 2019, 09:18:00 PM
Woah interesting stuff. I have never heard of Centre Bus. Heard of and used Select, D&G and Midland Classic. Assuming this is all true perhaps Bob is correct that NX would be interested in the south end for Walsall / Wolverhampton. It would be nice to see Select take on more, the 70 for example.
I could understand Select ending up with Stafford Locals but not routes like the 825.
I can't see why D&G would get involved given their depot locations, it would make sense with Select on the basis that their brand name is already known locally.
CentreBus makes a bit of sense but it's very separate to the rest of their current network. Not saying impossible but it would certainly be a bold move from them.
Hope NX take on the Walsall/wolves routes. Look at the effect the X51 has had on the 1. Gone from being a Sapphire service to threadbare decrepit heaps!
Simon must be itching to comment, but for various reasons, he probably can't!
Quote from: Bob on November 04, 2019, 03:44:02 AM
Hope NX take on the Walsall/wolves routes. Look at the effect the X51 has had on the 1. Gone from being a Sapphire service to threadbare decrepit heaps!
You could say it is suffering from the 'NX' effect.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 04, 2019, 01:38:43 PM
You could say it is suffering from the 'NX' effect.
Or that the original 'Sapphire' service wasn't up to much before the competition arrived.
Quote from: Winston on November 04, 2019, 01:42:20 PM
Or that the original 'Sapphire' service wasn't up to much before the competition arrived.
Completely agree with you. There's an old saying Winston.....................you can't polish a turd - just goes to show that a new paint job and a fancy brand won't give you instant success (which mirrors some of the Lea Hall investment thread).
Quote from: Winston on November 04, 2019, 01:42:20 PM
Or that the original 'Sapphire' service wasn't up to much before the competition arrived.
Is there any thread on this site that can be a safe space away from NX myopia?
Quote from: andy41 on November 04, 2019, 07:57:02 PM
Is there any thread on this site that can be a safe space away from NX myopia?
After reading years of Bob's Arriva Cannock gripes with the Sapphire Streetlites, frequency cuts, high fares, threadbare seats, unreliability & frequent breakdowns what else would anyone possibly deduce!
I hear the recycle bin is fairly safe.....
Quote from: andy41 on November 04, 2019, 07:57:02 PM
Is there any thread on this site that can be a safe space away from NX myopia?
Well said!
Its interesting, a few weeks ago when the Streets####s were being moved out and end of life vehicles drafted back in, someone commented that Cannock "looked like a garage being prepped for sale"
Perhaps the 825 could be kept & run from Tamworth depot may be seeing as a few of the newer pulsars have recently transferred to Tamworth, Could run it off the back of the X65 may be.
Tamworth have run 825 in past
Itll be interesting to see who ends up running each route
Quote from: bovaman on November 04, 2019, 10:44:18 PM
Perhaps the 825 could be kept & run from Tamworth depot may be seeing as a few of the newer pulsars have recently transferred to Tamworth, Could run it off the back of the X65 may be.
They could probably do the 60 then too. They did both on Lichfield Bower day. They could have ran them on Sundays from Tamworth surely, as they weren't subsidised as far as I am aware so they must have been breaking even +.
Everyone needs to keep in mind that this is just a rumour.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 05, 2019, 08:05:34 AM
Everyone needs to keep in mind that this is just a rumour.
True. But looking at the fleet etc its obv a loss maker/or Arriva dont give a s##t about it 🤪🤪🤪🤪
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 05, 2019, 08:05:34 AM
Everyone needs to keep in mind that this is just a rumour.
Its not been refuted though at all oddly
Quote from: Bob on November 05, 2019, 10:40:37 AM
True. But looking at the fleet etc its obv a loss maker/or Arriva dont give a s##t about it 🤪🤪🤪🤪
Tbf in the last few years arriva have never gave a shit about the fleet at cannock. It's just recently since the sapphires have been transferred everyone thinks the fleet is ready for the depots sale.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 05, 2019, 02:21:05 PM
Tbf in the last few years arriva have never gave a shit about the fleet at cannock. It's just recently since the sapphires have been transferred everyone thinks the fleet is ready for the depots sale.
I dunno there were 61 plate pulsars for 60/825 there were the 7 new 63 plates for pye greens and the 9 sapphires in 2014
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 05, 2019, 02:21:05 PM
Tbf in the last few years arriva have never gave a shit about the fleet at cannock. It's just recently since the sapphires have been transferred everyone thinks the fleet is ready for the depots sale.
How does the current fleet compare to the fleet that went with the Burton sale?
Is there a pattern between fleet changes at Cannock and Burton that would indicate preparations for a sale or we getting just a little excited about something that is, as
@BusMan Greg says, is just rumour at this stage?
@Winston - any insight into the above?
Quote from: Wumpty on November 05, 2019, 03:19:31 PM
How does the current fleet compare to the fleet that went with the Burton sale?
Is there a pattern between fleet changes at Cannock and Burton that would indicate preparations for a sale or we getting just a little excited about something that is, as @BusMan Greg says, is just rumour at this stage?
@Winston - any insight into the above?
I can't fully remember the entire fleet make-up of Burton at sale, but it did come with a large batch of 52 plate VDL SB200 / Commanders at the time.
https://www.route-one.net/news/arriva_to_sell_in_burton/
For a rumour, it's pretty well detailed as regards named buyers for the depot / for the operational business etc. Select have made a sizeable increase in disc's for their size - no smoke, without fire in my opinion....
Quote from: Bob on November 05, 2019, 01:58:24 PM
Its not been refuted though at all oddly
But as previously mentioned last time this rumour popped up, Simon is not allowed to comment for legal reasons!
On another subject, anyone in the area concerned, seen more than 2 people getting off or on a number 2 in Blakenall?
Quote from: Westy on November 05, 2019, 05:54:13 PM
But as previously mentioned last time this rumour popped up, Simon is not allowed to comment for legal reasons!
Definetely. But surely he would be able to state that its untrue, if it was.
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2019, 04:45:47 PM
I can't fully remember the entire fleet make-up of Burton at sale, but it did come with a large batch of 52 plate VDL SB200 / Commanders at the time.
https://www.route-one.net/news/arriva_to_sell_in_burton/
For a rumour, it's pretty well detailed as regards named buyers for the depot / for the operational business etc. Select have made a sizeable increase in disc's for their size - no smoke, without fire in my opinion....
The Burton fleet was not the first choice. I put together a package of Scanias from MK but book values were too high so the current fleet of Commanders went accross. I think it was 3706-3716 if I remember.
Cannocks recently had most if not all 52 plate Commanders drafted in i think? And some really rough internally Centros in exchange for the Sapphires. The 12 year old Volvos have come in in exchange for 61 plate and the solitary 63 plate Pulsar. Maybe the Cadets will come back....
Quote from: Bob on November 05, 2019, 07:48:45 PM
Cannocks recently had most if not all 52 plate Commanders drafted in i think? And some really rough internally Centros in exchange for the Sapphires. The 12 year old Volvos have come in in exchange for 61 plate and the solitary 63 plate Pulsar. Maybe the Cadets will come back....
Did you have to retake 3717 from Thurmaston. One of the nicest buses I've been on in terms of suspension comfort and sound.
2745 back working from here, noted on the 3 today
There are rumours flying around that NX could be buying Cannock garage off Arriva is it true? Because I dont see it happening in my opinion but it could help NX with their single deck problems.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 10, 2019, 06:31:38 PM
There are rumours flying around that NX could be buying Cannock garage off Arriva is it true? Because I dont see it happening in my opinion but it could help NX with their single deck problems.
I couldn't imagine nx wanting that fleet of buses. Far to exciting for nx to operate
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 10, 2019, 06:31:38 PM
There are rumours flying around that NX could be buying Cannock garage off Arriva is it true? Because I dont see it happening in my opinion but it could help NX with their single deck problems.
Doubt it if the garage has already been sold.
Quote from: BN on November 10, 2019, 07:06:30 PM
Doubt it if the garage has already been sold.
I heard garage haa been sold, and Arriva are leasing it back for 5 years so are going nowhere
Quote from: Bob on November 10, 2019, 07:24:38 PM
I heard garage haa been sold, and Arriva are leasing it back for 5 years so are going nowhere
Isn't that what happened with Wednesfield?
That was on lease wasn't it?
the garage land has been bought by a car sales company on the a5 and leased back
Quote from: evo mark on November 10, 2019, 09:27:39 PM
the garage land has been bought by a car sales company on the a5 and leased back
So theyre not pulling out of Cannock at all then
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 10, 2019, 06:48:52 PM
I couldn't imagine nx wanting that fleet of buses. Far to exciting for nx to operate
NX might use their buses for a while and then slowly replace with surplus single decks from other garages but it doesn't look like NX want to expand into Cannock so we'll leave it at that.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 10, 2019, 10:37:05 PM
NX might use their buses for a while and then slowly replace with surplus single decks from other garages but it doesn't look like NX want to expand into Cannock so we'll leave it at that.
Theyve expanded with the X51
NX or other rumoured purchaser would not want Cannock site
Far to expensive & to big for any operation nowadays
Built as a 100 allocation garage far to big
Quote from: Vulcan on November 11, 2019, 02:39:41 PM
NX or other rumoured purchaser would not want Cannock site
Far to expensive & to big for any operation nowadays
Built as a 100 allocation garage far to big
True when it was built it operated a few out of area routes in addition to Cannock ones
Quote from: Bob on November 11, 2019, 04:18:25 PM
True when it was built it operated a few out of area routes in addition to Cannock ones
So what's going to happen then?
Scania 3500 on the 1 today
Quote from: Tony on November 29, 2019, 01:25:58 PM
Scania 3500 on the 1 today
On loan to help cover the rail at weekend
Christmas times not on the service updates or news section of the Arriva Mids site but managed to find them on another page... https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/global-floating-pages/christmas-2019/together-at-christmas/christmas-and-new-year-service-arrangements/christmas-and-new-year-service-arrangements-in-the-midlands/
Thanks.
Looks like I can get an 'extra' bus on Monday & Tuesday morning, as Nx are on mainly Saturday service, but not on the Friday 27th.
Off work New Year week.
Cadet 2740 working back from here today, was on 63 today
3743, 3760 and 3795 working Walsall to Rugeley Trent Valley rail replacement today. Presumably 3760 and 3795 are on loan from Tamworth for the work.
Quote from: Hector on December 07, 2019, 06:07:19 PM
3743, 3760 and 3795 working Walsall to Rugeley Trent Valley rail replacement today. Presumably 3760 and 3795 are on loan from Tamworth for the work.
Saw 3795 in Green Lane. Leamore around 1315.
One of the 54 or 55 plate Darts was being dragged along the A513 between Milford and Stafford at around 5:30 yesterday. Too dark to see which one. I assume the Coach Aid guy was going to take it the Weeping X junction with the A34 then off to Cannock
2740 was on the 70 this morning
2740 was on there yesterday aswell
Its been back at Cannock since at least last week.
Some of Cannocks fleet looking and sounding awful Solo 2404 took about 15 attempts to start in the bus stn then cut out and struggled again, leaking oil everywhere. Wouldnt fancy my chances of it lasting a journey lol
2406 2407 now at Cannock with 2447 2448 gone the other way to Thurmaston
2407 working Stafford locals today
One of those 05 plate Solos was really unreliable
2740 was noted back in Telford on Saturday, on route 7. Don't be fooled by it showing on the BusTimes tracker as still running at Cannock (as it was today) as it was running as fleetnumber '7000' when I saw it a few times (unless it moved back since Saturday!).
The 11am 70 from Longford Estate to Cannock hasnt turned up and the next to useless app says the next departure is 2.49 pm!
Another 2 Solos at Cannock they got 2408 2409 from Thurmaston
Quote from: leepenfold30 on January 31, 2020, 08:53:26 PM
Another 2 Solos at Cannock they got 2408 2409 from Thurmaston
These are understood to have replaced 3761 and 3762 which are welcome additions at Oswestry :)
Quote from: Depotosw on February 01, 2020, 09:26:04 AM
These are understood to have replaced 3761 and 3762 which are welcome additions at Oswestry :)
Oh great, two of the more decent ones we had at cannock
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 01, 2020, 03:50:47 PM
Oh great, two of the more decent ones we had at cannock
Sounds like Cannock is continuing to be stripped of its most modern buses.
The Cannock fleet is an embarassment some of the vehicles particularly the 2006 plate Commanders and the 2008 plate Volvos are in desperate need of refurbishment. And the 1 to Walsall is now operated with tat!
Quote from: Bob on February 01, 2020, 06:15:00 PM
The Cannock fleet is an embarassment some of the vehicles particularly the 2006 plate Commanders and the 2008 plate Volvos are in desperate need of refurbishment. And the 1 to Walsall is now operated with tat!
Anyone heard anymore if a sale of Cannock is still on the cards? The newer fleetmoves out seem to suggest something's going on in the background
Quote from: Winston on February 01, 2020, 07:44:38 PM
Anyone heard anymore if a sale of Cannock is still on the cards? The newer fleetmoves out seem to suggest something's going on in the background
The reason for the Pulsars moving to Oswestry was to release Versas 2943/4 to Shrewsbury for increased Park & Ride requirements and increasing the allocation there by two. Oswestry I understand were offered more Scanias but insisted on Pulsars.
Quote from: Depotosw on February 01, 2020, 07:48:06 PM
The reason for the Pulsars moving to Oswestry was to release Versas 2943/4 to Shrewsbury for increased Park & Ride requirements and increasing the allocation there by two. Oswestry I understand were offered more Scanias but insisted on Pulsars.
I don't dispute the reason for them leaving, but it's Cannock's newest fleet that has been raped & pillaged again.
Anyone got any idea what Cannock has had in return?
Quote from: Winston on February 01, 2020, 08:23:45 PM
I don't dispute the reason for them leaving, but it's Cannock's newest fleet that has been raped & pillaged again.
Anyone got any idea what Cannock has had in return?
Two 11 year old solos
Msybe they are ridding themselves of Cannock
It doesn't sound good when their newest bus is now a 59 plate Pulsar 3743.
Quote from: Winston on February 01, 2020, 07:44:38 PM
Anyone heard anymore if a sale of Cannock is still on the cards? The newer fleetmoves out seem to suggest something's going on in the background
With the strong rumour the depot sale went through with Available car and the Midland Classic license increase it seems to all be falling In place now. Coupled with JP moving away from Centrebus and taking a larger portion of D&G i reckon something will happen this year.
It is interesting to note that not only is Cannock now without any vehicles less than 10 years old, but this swap of vehicles, like the exchange of Solos with Thurmaston earlier in January, took away vehicles in the latest Arriva livery and replaced them with vehicles in the previous livery. It could be a coincidence, but will be interesting to see over the coming weeks whether the remaining vehicles in new livery including the 2 x 59 reg Pulsars, the 2 x 57 reg Commanders and the 4 x Solo SRs also get moved elsewhere.
Quote from: BN on February 02, 2020, 08:33:04 AM
With the strong rumour the depot sale went through with Available car and the Midland Classic license increase it seems to all be falling In place now. Coupled with JP moving away from Centrebus and taking a larger portion of D&G i reckon something will happen this year.
He hasn't moved away from Centrebus
Quote from: Hector on February 02, 2020, 09:33:47 AM
It is interesting to note that not only is Cannock now without any vehicles less than 10 years old, but this swap of vehicles, like the exchange of Solos with Thurmaston earlier in January, took away vehicles in the latest Arriva livery and replaced them with vehicles in the previous livery. It could be a coincidence, but will be interesting to see over the coming weeks whether the remaining vehicles in new livery including the 2 x 59 reg Pulsars, the 2 x 57 reg Commanders and the 4 x Solo SRs also get moved elsewhere.
Arent the Solos required for the 2? Theres also a Centro in the new livery and a couple of Darts and hasnt Cannock gained an extra Pulsar?
Quote from: Bob on February 02, 2020, 09:56:02 AM
Arent the Solos required for the 2? Theres also a Centro in the new livery and a couple of Darts and hasnt Cannock gained an extra Pulsar?
3761 I believe was the extra Pulsar that was returned from Tamworth to Cannock with 2740 returning to Telford at the same time.
Quote from: metrocity on February 02, 2020, 09:51:25 AM
He hasn't moved away from Centrebus
Apologies, I should have added Luton & MK areas.
Quote from: BN on February 02, 2020, 11:21:37 AM
Apologies, I should have added Luton & MK areas.
Centrebus don't operate in Milton Keynes. Luton & Stevenage form Centrebus Limited & JP is still a director.
Cannock must suffer the least investment of any garage
Quote from: Bob on February 02, 2020, 09:56:02 AM
Arent the Solos required for the 2? Theres also a Centro in the new livery and a couple of Darts and hasnt Cannock gained an extra Pulsar?
But if you notice on the side it just says Arrivabus.co.uk not Arriva connecting Staffordshire, same as the the solos, as for the two pulsars they don't have anything
Quote from: ntw456 on February 04, 2020, 09:42:10 PM
But if you notice on the side it just says Arrivabus.co.uk not Arriva connecting Staffordshire, same as the the solos, as for the two pulsars they don't have anything
Tfue.
Quote from: metrocity on February 02, 2020, 09:51:25 AM
He hasn't moved away from Centrebus
nor has he increased his holding in D&G as far as we know, Mr Reeves sold his shares to Centrebus.
;
PS - I realise it wasn't metrocity who said he had, but I don't seem to be able to quote the quote.
Honestly don't know how the number 2 keeps running. Its usually empty or with a couple of people on. I know they get money for the Turnberry section but can't see how that's enough. Someone higher up at Arriva head office needs to allocate some more money for Cannock get some decent sapphire buses again that would help. Also axe the blakenall section it adds 10 or 15 mins to the journey.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 14, 2020, 08:13:15 AM
Honestly don't know how the number 2 keeps running. Its usually empty or with a couple of people on. I know they get money for the Turnberry section but can't see how that's enough. Someone higher up at Arriva head office needs to allocate some more money for Cannock get some decent sapphire buses again that would help. Also axe the blakenall section it adds 10 or 15 mins to the journey.
Do you really think tbeyre gonna invest in Cannock lol?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 14, 2020, 08:13:15 AM
Honestly don't know how the number 2 keeps running. Its usually empty or with a couple of people on. I know they get money for the Turnberry section but can't see how that's enough. Someone higher up at Arriva head office needs to allocate some more money for Cannock get some decent sapphire buses again that would help. Also axe the blakenall section it adds 10 or 15 mins to the journey.
There's no point in investing in an area that has low passenger numbers and doesn't make a profit, as Arriva would see no return in their investment. Also, I can't see how sapphire buses will attract more passengers, as most people use buses because they have no alternative so don't really care what type of bus turns up. Take Telford for example, they have no sapphire buses but still saw a 2.38% rise in passenger numbers last year.
I have the distinct impression Sapphire was invented by someone at head office, local management were told to find a suitable route, did so with no conviction and the originator then left or himself lost interest.
Winsford for instance have withdrawn the 130 altogether and the 38 frequently has a Solo , despite having three ex Wrexham Sapphires to play with.r
Does Cannock operate any School journeys or contracts like what NX do for Cap Gemini?
Quote from: mikestone on February 14, 2020, 03:55:50 PM
I have the distinct impression Sapphire was invented by someone at head office, local management were told to find a suitable route, did so with no conviction and the originator then left or himself lost interest.
Winsford for instance have withdrawn the 130 altogether and the 38 frequently has a Solo , despite having three ex Wrexham Sapphires to play with.r
I suspect the biggest problem at Arriva Group is their parent companies debt & the lack of money available for Arriva UK to do anything with. The sale / flotation uncertainty won't of helped matters either.....
Quote from: mikestone on February 14, 2020, 03:55:50 PM
I have the distinct impression Sapphire was invented by someone at head office, local management were told to find a suitable route, did so with no conviction and the originator then left or himself lost interest.
Winsford for instance have withdrawn the 130 altogether and the 38 frequently has a Solo , despite having three ex Wrexham Sapphires to play with.r
The halfhearted refurbishment of the B7s at Leicester which were used for the original marketing of Sapphire in the midlands quite frankly ensured that Sapphire would be a failure in the region. Elsewhere in the country Sapphire has used coach seats or at the very least bus seats with headrests, but the original Sapphires in the midlands retained the significantly poorer low backed seats that had been used on all new buses for the previous decade and which look 'budget'. In order to market Sapphire Arriva displayed the buses and encouraged people on board to look around in prominent spaces in the city centre and failed to understand that the seats inside a bus are one of the few visual clues that passengers will pick up on so by retaining the standard seats Arriva completely failed to get the public to actually notice any improvement in the standard of service during these promotions.
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2020, 05:51:00 PM
I suspect the biggest problem at Arriva Group is their parent companies debt & the lack of money available for Arriva UK to do anything with. The sale / flotation uncertainty won't of helped matters either.....
That makes a lot of sense with regards to investment. The only Midlands region sapphires now are the 110 from Tamworth I believe.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 14, 2020, 11:56:30 PM
That makes a lot of sense with regards to investment. The only Midlands region sapphires now are the 110 from Tamworth I believe.
Actually Derby still has sapphire 38 Enviro400's
Thurmaston depot have the 158 sapphire pulsars
Wigston depot have sapphire B9TLS some still with X3 branding and 10 unbranded B7tls (previously branded for Oadby 31/31A) although they are hardly ever on the X3 and occasionally a few are on 31/31A usually the Wigston sapphires are on 44/44A or 49's
Is the 70 on diversion in Longford? A Solo SR has just gone along Wellington Drive on it and the normal route is through Ascot Drive and onto Longford Road
@Bob there has been a road closure by the nursing home, supposed to be 3 days
Ah cheers
Today I had a ride on 3722 on the 1 into Walsall. Quite a nice bus I must admit, there were no 'threadbare' seats and the interior was nice and clean. It ran quite smoothly for a 14 year old vehicle.
Lichfield bus station finally getting a revamp... the road and paths are being resurfaced and there will be RTPI displays. Hopefully they have new bus shelters or at least refurb them in line with the X3 platinum stand.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on February 19, 2020, 06:57:16 PM
Today I had a ride on 3722 on the 1 into Walsall. Quite a nice bus I must admit, there were no 'threadbare' seats and the interior was nice and clean. It ran quite smoothly for a 14 year old vehicle.
I had 3726 yesterday on the 1 and was very tidy too. I notice 3844/5 have also had a retrim and look much improved too since I last need did it. 3841 however could do with a retrim.
3726 has had a retrim. It was pretty rough beforehand. The repainted/refurbed Centro actually does look good but how long before its moved on lol? Like everything else half decent
3A bus just unloaded & loaded in walsall bus station next to a bus already at the stand - i.e. passengers had to walk through the automatic doors and in front of the bus at the stand to get on. Is this allowed?! Two staff in hi viz walked over to have a look.
It's a pitty the 19 / 20 Cannock circulars don't run anymore would have been ideal for people accessing shops and work during this difficult time. Used to serve the Orbital retail park (for Sainsburys) and Tesco heath hayes.
They were obvioualy not profitable.
Quote from: Bob on April 02, 2020, 06:39:16 PM
They were obvioualy not profitable.
They weren't, just saying they'd have been useful at the moment.
Mayve theyll have a review of Cannock network after the corona virus is over
Quote
Quote from: Bob on April 03, 2020, 05:29:14 PM
Mayve theyll have a review of Cannock network after the corona virus is over
Well the gov announced a big investment in buses. Still have my fingers crossed for the old 2E to return at night and Sundays 😂
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 04, 2020, 02:43:54 PM
Well the gov announced a big investment in buses. Still have my fingers crossed for the old 2E to return at night and Sundays 😂
I cant imagine Arriva inveating in Cannock...
According to the arriva website they are sending the 70 through new cross hospital and wednesfield from Monday
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 18, 2020, 04:31:12 PM
According to the arriva website they are sending the 70 through new cross hospital and wednesfield from Monday
Only serving New Cross temporarily, not a permanent change to the route.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 18, 2020, 04:31:12 PM
According to the arriva website they are sending the 70 through new cross hospital and wednesfield from Monday
Only on Wolverhampton bound journeys though which doesn't make much sense?? Lets say you catch it from Cannock to get to New Cross, on your return journey you'll have to go in the wrong direction to Wolvo and remain on the bus??
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 18, 2020, 08:05:13 PM
Only on Wolverhampton bound journeys though which doesn't make much sense?? Lets say you catch it from Cannock to get to New Cross, on your return journey you'll have to go in the wrong direction to Wolvo and remain on the bus??
The only way to make it work in the time availalble. We thought the extra 5-8 minutes it would take to get home again would be worth it to avoid having to change buses.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 27, 2020, 03:56:51 PM
The only way to make it work in the time availalble. We thought the extra 5-8 minutes it would take to get home again would be worth it to avoid having to change buses.
Fair point. Hope you are all safe and well.
Hi Simon are Cannocks B7RLEs SORN at the mo?
Quote from: Bob on April 28, 2020, 11:30:39 AM
Hi Simon are Cannocks B7RLEs SORN at the mo?
Yes
Whats the main allocation for the 60 now?
Quote from: Bob on April 28, 2020, 05:36:33 PM
Whats the main allocation for the 60 now?
Should be SB200
Thanks Simon
3720 broke down in Lichfield on Weds evening around 5pm with a broken gearbox. The driver reckons Cannock is going to be getting lots of newer vehicles including deckers in the next few weeks. Not sure what hed been smoking!
Maybe nx deckers 😂😷
Quote from: Bob on May 09, 2020, 09:29:56 AM
3720 broke down in Lichfield on Weds evening around 5pm with a broken gearbox. The driver reckons Cannock is going to be getting lots of newer vehicles including deckers in the next few weeks. Not sure what hed been smoking!
There are several of Derby's B9TL's parked up at Cannock depot, a photo was posted on Facebook this afternoon.
Quote from: Nathan on May 09, 2020, 06:25:32 PM
There are several of Derby's B9TL's parked up at Cannock depot, a photo was posted on Facebook this afternoon.
Two I believe, 4218 & 4221 for Social distancing on the Pye Green
Pye Greens must be the only busy route then?
Are the four 52 plate Commanders SORN or have they finally been retired? Saw them in use at the very start of lockdown but not since then.
Reported on the Oxford and Chilterns Bus Page that Volvos 3900 - 3906 have gone to Milton Keynes and that 7 55/06 reg MK Scanias are being parked up at Cannock. Will be interesting to see if these ever return, or whether it turns out to be another part of increasing the age profile of the Cannock fleet.
Quote from: Hector on May 25, 2020, 12:34:25 PM
Reported on the Oxford and Chilterns Bus Page that Volvos 3900 - 3906 have gone to Milton Keynes and that 7 55/06 reg MK Scanias are being parked up at Cannock. Will be interesting to see if these ever return, or whether it turns out to be another part of increasing the age profile of the Cannock fleet.
Werent the Volvos pretty much Cannocks main workhorses?
Quote from: Bob on May 25, 2020, 03:38:06 PM
Werent the Volvos pretty much Cannocks main workhorses?
They were yes - another sign of a sorry state of decline for the depot
Quote from: Hector on May 25, 2020, 12:34:25 PM
Reported on the Oxford and Chilterns Bus Page that Volvos 3900 - 3906 have gone to Milton Keynes and that 7 55/06 reg MK Scanias are being parked up at Cannock. Will be interesting to see if these ever return, or whether it turns out to be another part of increasing the age profile of the Cannock fleet.
Would any of those scanias happen to be ex ludlows? I would love to travel on those once again
Quote from: metrocity on May 25, 2020, 03:49:14 PM
They were yes - another sign of a sorry state of decline for the depot
Very much so. Theres been rumours they want rid for years but nothing ever happens
The refurbed buses with USB sockets and leather seats are now at Tamworth according to the list on here
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 25, 2020, 04:22:45 PM
Would any of those scanias happen to be ex ludlows? I would love to travel on those once again
No, but potentially ex MK metro (ex Julian Peddle) interesting!!
Quote from: BN on May 25, 2020, 07:40:10 PM
No, but potentially ex MK metro (ex Julian Peddle) interesting!!
What fleetnumber is vehicle your referring too?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 25, 2020, 04:22:45 PM
Would any of those scanias happen to be ex ludlows? I would love to travel on those once again
think Derby still has 1 unless its moved
Quote from: Solo1 on May 25, 2020, 09:50:19 PM
think Derby still has 1 unless its moved
358* and another were ex ludlows and are shown on the fleet list as at MK. Being 55 plates I got excited, however it appears it's the Volvo B7RLE look a likes that are moving to Cannock. Very dissapointing
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 25, 2020, 10:23:48 PM
358* and another were ex ludlows and are shown on the fleet list as at MK. Being 55 plates I got excited, however it appears it's the Volvo B7RLE look a likes that are moving to Cannock. Very dissapointing
I'd have those Scanias at Tamworth over the Citaros in a heartbeat....they're beasts!
Quote from: SG on May 26, 2020, 08:52:50 PM
I'd have those Scanias at Tamworth over the Citaros in a heartbeat....they're beasts!
The Volvos were prob amongst the better of Cannocks fleet ( despite never even having a retrim in 12 yrs resulting in pretty smelly seats!) So hope the Scanias are half decent. Average fleet age must be shocking
Scania are different model to Tamworth ones , CK could not keep Scanias out before when they ran a small number , have to wait & see !!
Quote from: Vulcan on May 27, 2020, 07:48:27 AM
Scania are different model to Tamworth ones , CK could not keep Scanias out before when they ran a small number , have to wait & see !!
Yes and they were 3 year old Omnilinks as opposed to 13 year old buses!
Quote from: Bob on May 27, 2020, 08:12:44 AM
Yes and they were 3 year old Omnilinks as opposed to 13 year old buses!
3510-12 that Cannock once had are in comparison nearing around the 12 year mark now, I'm sure Oswestry would be happy to see them leave in preference of more SB200's.
The Scanias are at Cannock for storage and nothing more.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 27, 2020, 12:44:29 PM
The Scanias are at Cannock for storage and nothing more.
Will anything replace the missing Volvos??
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 27, 2020, 12:44:29 PM
The Scanias are at Cannock for storage and nothing more.
I'd so love to have a go in one, always been a big fan on Solars
Quote from: Bob on May 27, 2020, 03:55:40 PM
Will anything replace the missing Volvos??
As service levels increase (not the 1st June changes but maybe the next round) I expect the Volvos will come back from Milton Keynes so no need to replace them.
Are there any plans to refurbish the fleet?
With all due respect bob operators throughout the country are in survival mode I dont think anyone is thinking of spending valuable money & resources on refurbs at this present time
Quote from: Steveminor on May 28, 2020, 01:33:34 PM
With all due respect bob operators throughout the country are in survival mode I dont think anyone is thinking of spending valuable money & resources on refurbs at this present time
Walsall paintshop is now back in and full refurbs restarted
Quote from: Bob on May 28, 2020, 12:44:39 PM
Are there any plans to refurbish the fleet?
Not even thought about it recently.
Quote from: Steveminor on May 28, 2020, 01:33:34 PM
With all due respect bob operators throughout the country are in survival mode I dont think anyone is thinking of spending valuable money & resources on refurbs at this present time
Cannock havent since way before lockdown???
Quote from: Bob on May 28, 2020, 05:15:36 PM
Cannock havent since way before lockdown???
It makes no sense for Arriva to spend money on near end of life vehicles that run on an already declined network. They won't see any return on their investment, so there is no point as it is virtually just throwing money away.
Quote from: Pat on May 28, 2020, 06:40:30 PM
It makes no sense for Arriva to spend money on near end of life vehicles that run on an already declined network. They won't see any return on their investment, so there is no point as it is virtually just throwing money away.
So basicslly a crap operstion then....?
Quote from: Bob on May 29, 2020, 12:10:06 AM
So basicslly a crap operstion then....?
To put it straight... yes.
Noticed two bus stops on Lakeside Boulevard (Bridgtown, wonder whether Arriva will ever run a bus round there? Or the X51 to cut past the traffic on the A5.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 31, 2020, 01:45:04 AM
Noticed two bus stops on Lakeside Boulevard (Bridgtown, wonder whether Arriva will ever run a bus round there? Or the X51 to cut past the traffic on the A5.
The 68 or 69 I think went down there for a short while quite a long time ago, probably S106 funded deviation I would have thought. Didn't last very long.
Number 2 from tomorrow 1st June will no longer serve Blakenall, it will go the old shorter route via Somerfield Road and Bloxwich Road.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 31, 2020, 12:59:06 PM
Number 2 from tomorrow 1st June will no longer serve Blakenall, it will go the old shorter route via Somerfield Road and Bloxwich Road.
Was the Blakenall section as successful as the Sapphiring of the route then lol?
Quote from: Bob on May 31, 2020, 04:13:36 PM
Was the Blakenall section as successful as the Sapphiring of the route then lol?
Never used it round Blakenall, I can imagine it was a faff for Huntington or Cannock users to reach Walsall without changing.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 31, 2020, 04:29:21 PM
Never used it round Blakenall, I can imagine it was a faff for Huntington or Cannock users to reach Walsall without changing.
I never understand why operators feel the need to route inter urban services round housing estates, most of which are served by the local service anyway. Back when I used to live in Stagecoach Bluebird land, we had one service (11) that used to go round Tradespark before joining the main road into Inverness. Nobody ever seemed to get on or off here, and it added time onto the journey.
Quote from: Hector on May 25, 2020, 12:34:25 PM
Reported on the Oxford and Chilterns Bus Page that Volvos 3900 - 3906 have gone to Milton Keynes and that 7 55/06 reg MK Scanias are being parked up at Cannock. Will be interesting to see if these ever return, or whether it turns out to be another part of increasing the age profile of the Cannock fleet.
3905 is back at Cannock noted in Lichfield this morning.
Is Cannock still running two deckers?
Quote from: Bob on June 05, 2020, 06:13:54 PM
Is Cannock still running two deckers?
4218 gone to Tamworth replacing 4600 which has gone to Oswestry.
4221 gone back to Derby I think
So im assuming they werent required for social distancing on pye greens then?
Quote from: Bob on June 05, 2020, 09:13:10 PM
So im assuming they werent required for social distancing on pye greens then?
Frequency went up 1st June so no longer needed
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 07, 2020, 08:12:39 PM
Frequency went up 1st June so no longer needed
Will the 1 and 3 be coming back 15th June?
Quote from: Bob on June 07, 2020, 09:49:52 PM
Will the 1 and 3 be coming back 15th June?
Not on 15th no.
Quote from: Bob on June 11, 2020, 04:25:27 PM
Are they coming back at all?
As with everything at the moment depends on usage levels overall and the arrangements for the government funding but I would like to think so yes
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 11, 2020, 09:41:39 PM
As with everything at the moment depends on usage levels overall and the arrangements for the government funding but I would like to think so yes
The funding for stage carriage services have been clearly set by DfT unlike a few weeks ago when I will admit the clarification of the replacement for CBSSG was not delivered in hindsight quite as smoothly as one would hope.
Arriva & all operators should now be clear with what services are completely commercial & what support is required from DfT so the comments from
@Simon@Arriva are a little baffling to some of us.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 11, 2020, 10:30:02 PM
The funding for stage carriage services have been clearly set by DfT unlike a few weeks ago when I will admit the clarification of the replacement for CBSSG was not delivered in hindsight quite as smoothly as one would hope.
Arriva & all operators should now be clear with what services are completely commercial & what support is required from DfT so the comments from @Simon@Arriva are a little baffling to some of us.
They are not completely clear as you suggest as when CBSSG finishes no-one knows what passenger levels will be like
Quote from: Tony on June 12, 2020, 06:09:09 AM
They are not completely clear as you suggest as when CBSSG finishes no-one knows what passenger levels will be like
The funding & guidance is clear to Arriva & all other operators:
The Department for Transport (DfT) has outlined the terms and conditions of its £254m COVID-19 Bus Service Support Grant (CBSSG) Restart package.
CBSSG Restart will support the bus industry in England through the recovery period from coronavirus COVID-19. It runs for an initial 12-week period, backdated to 12 May. The scheme incentivises an increase of services to 100% of full timetables within the context of maintaining social distancing, but it does not allow for operators to return either a profit or a loss while it is in force.
CBSSG Restart replaces the previous CBSSG, which has been in effect since 17 March. CBSSG was introduced to support the industry when strict movement restrictions were in force. While some terms and conditions of CBSSG Restart are similar or identical to those for CBSSG, others are not, particularly in relation to service levels.
"The overarching aim of CBSSG Restart is to ensure that operators remain viable while continuing to provide key services, and that the bus industry is able to support the economic recovery once the crisis has passed,"
Like the previous CBSSG Restart uses a baseline 100.51p per commercial live kilometre payment as its foundation.
Oher costs may also be claimed through CBSSG Restart. They include those accrued for PPE and safe operation. Those that are a result of removing staff from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme early and are for returning vehicles to service will be settled via a one-off payment in June.
Agreement must be reached with TfWM & other relevant local authorities on service levels that are to be provided. Operators may propose to run up to 100% of scheduled commercial mileage for a typical non-school week for the period of the new scheme.
Buses should not be overcrowded and that their capacity must allow social distancing guidelines to be met.
Operators are to agree with TfWM & similar on at least a four-weekly basis what service level is needed. That includes taking steps to respond to and comply with ' reasonable requests to amend routes and timetables.
Quote from: Tony on June 12, 2020, 06:09:09 AM
They are not completely clear as you suggest as when CBSSG finishes no-one knows what passenger levels will be like
The only certainty is if a service hasnt operated for 3 months then if and when it is eventually reinstated passenger levels will only ever be a fraction of what they were pre COVID
Quote from: metrocity on June 12, 2020, 06:25:33 AM
The only certainty is if a service hasnt operated for 3 months then if and when it is eventually reinstated passenger levels will only ever be a fraction of what they were pre COVID
Operators are already sucessfully applying for funding to restart services reinstated on the expectation of lower patronage.
Diamond Bus Linited has reached agreement with Worcestershire County Council for funding for its Service 303 which is expected to have much reduced patronage.
The post CBSSG scheme has been designed to be flexible and to meet the needs of operators and the changing demand for services in the new conditions we are living in now.
It is on this basis I find the comments from
@Simon@Arriva quite baffling.
The key point is that cbssg restart is for an initial period of 12 weeks, so there is no guarantee after that initial period. The other point is that if there is an under payment the dft will "endeavour" to make up the shortfall, so again no guarantee there either.
Passenger numbers are extremely depressed & it is highly unlikely they will ever return to pre covid levels & its likely to be some time before services return to commercial levels in.any meaningfull amount.
Wyreforestshuttle you say myself & Mr Dunn are respected & competant professional well so is
@Simon@Arriva .
Quote from: Steveminor on June 12, 2020, 07:18:32 AM
The key point is that cbssg restart is for an initial period of 12 weeks, so there is no guarantee after that initial period. The other point is that if there is an under payment the dft will "endeavour" to make up the shortfall, so again no guarantee there either.
Passenger numbers are extremely depressed & it is highly unlikely they will ever return to pre covid levels & its likely to be some time before services return to commercial levels in.any meaningfull amount.
Wyreforestshuttle you say myself & Mr Dunn are respected & competant professional well so is @Simon@Arriva .
Unlike yourself & Mr Dunn I have never had the pleasure of meeting of him in the course of my work.
I know little of the gentleman in the industry and really know only of Arriva from the tender takeovers from Wednesfield and the recent igo collapse resulting in an emergency tender handed to them. We always send his company invitations to our meetings but they have failed to turn up on every single occasion unfortunately.
I based my comment on his reply to a post after all the detailed planning operators including yourself have undertaken for next weeks relaxation of the lockdown and the realities of the post CBSSG scheme which can best be best described like myself of having a difficult birth.
I personally found it baffling given it was from a member of local management of an operator & important planning as you well know is needed by operators to serve the public currently.
However given some of my own personal comments on the forum perhaps not a sound base to judge from perhaps.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 12, 2020, 07:33:04 AM
Unlike yourself & Mr Dunn I have never had the pleasure of meeting of him in the course of my work.
I know little of the gentleman in the industry and really know only of Arriva from the tender takeovers from Wednesfield and the recent igo collapse resulting in an emergency tender handed to them. We always send his company invitations to our meetings but they have failed to turn up on every single occasion unfortunately.
I based my comment on his reply to a post after all the detailed planning operators including yourself have undertaken for next weeks relaxation of the lockdown and the realities of the post CBSSG scheme which can best be best described like myself of having a difficult birth.
I personally found it baffling given it was from a member of local management of an operator & important planning as you well know is needed by operators to serve the public currently.
However given some of my own personal comments on the forum perhaps not a sound base to judge from perhaps.
Have you ever thought of sounding a little less rude?
Simon knows what he is doing. Currently I don't think it is anyone's place to question the viability of services, considering the fact that buses are still operating with very few passengers. Instead of being abrupt and almost trying to start an argument, let him do his job and bring services levels up slowly in the coming weeks.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on June 12, 2020, 10:38:27 AM
Have you ever thought of sounding a little less rude?
Simon knows what he is doing. Currently I don't think it is anyone's place to question the viability of services, considering the fact that buses are still operating with very few passengers. Instead of being abrupt and almost trying to start an argument, let him do his job and bring services levels up slowly in the coming weeks.
No! I judge people on thier actions, sucesses & failures in life .
Entirely my own thoughts on this one but I reckon the 1 won't run again (replacement being X51 or altered 2) and I also think the 3 will be replaced by an extension of NXWM number 8. Probably a nonsense thought but I wouldn't be surprised if it happened.
Also with regards to all the managers of companies during my campaign 2 years ago I found them all very good to chat to including both Simons, James and Ben. I certainly wouldn't want to be doing their job at the moment!
I am not sure what more to say. I enjoy the debate!
We have a number of scenarios worked up in the planning team but the exact timings of what we will implement and when depends on a number of things based around funding, passenger usage, social distancing (if it went to 1m) and the number of drivers available (we still have many on furlough for health reasons). We are monitoring these daily or weekly and judging what to do and when.
Not much more you can say.
This is a very fluid situation where things are changing on an almost daily basis with the goalposts continually moving.
The fact that since the pandemic began up until now, not one operator within the West Midlands has gone out of business a testament to the management skills that we've all built up & the ability to adapt & survive.
Quote from: Steveminor on June 12, 2020, 02:00:57 PM
Not much more you can say.
This is a very fluid situation where things are changing on an almost daily basis with the goalposts continually moving.
The fact that since the pandemic began up until now, not one operator within the West Midlands has gone out of business a testament to the management skills that we've all built up & the ability to adapt & survive.
The support from Transport for West Midlands & The Department of Transport has also been of note in maintaining and supporting services during the Covid-19 pandemic. I think the industry especially within The West Midlands County & Worcestershire should be very proud of what it has achieved during the last 12 weeks. I cannot thank the operators enough for keeping services running to the QEHB to allow me to undertake life saving treatment during this period.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 12, 2020, 01:06:34 PM
I am not sure what more to say. I enjoy the debate!
We have a number of scenarios worked up in the planning team but the exact timings of what we will implement and when depends on a number of things based around funding, passenger usage, social distancing (if it went to 1m) and the number of drivers available (we still have many on furlough for health reasons). We are monitoring these daily or weekly and judging what to do and when.
Thank you for you for clarifying the post most succinctly it is much appreciated.
@Simon@Arriva Given Arriva's disastrous track record in The West Midlands County I wish your company success in its remaining continuing operations in The North Midlands which one would hope are benefiting from the available DfT support.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 12, 2020, 11:56:34 AM
Entirely my own thoughts on this one but I reckon the 1 won't run again (replacement being X51 or altered 2) and I also think the 3 will be replaced by an extension of NXWM number 8. Probably a nonsense thought but I wouldn't be surprised if it happened.
Also with regards to all the managers of companies during my campaign 2 years ago I found them all very good to chat to including both Simons, James and Ben. I certainly wouldn't want to be doing their job at the moment!
Maybe youre right
In bloxwich, a number 2 passed me with a blank display but the number '2x written on a piece of paper, then another number 2 passes 10 seconds later with 'Bloxwich via Cheslyn Hay'... both going towards Cannock? Confused.com
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 16, 2020, 02:29:41 PM
In bloxwich, a number 2 passed me with a blank display but the number '2x written on a piece of paper, then another number 2 passes 10 seconds later with 'Bloxwich via Cheslyn Hay'... both going towards Cannock? Confused.com
Likely to be a duplicate to help with social distancing.
Quote from: Pat on June 16, 2020, 02:35:48 PM
Likely to be a duplicate to help with social distancing.
Good point. Didn't help neither blinds were correct which added to confusion. That being said perhaps there isnt a "Bloxwich via Leamore" set up so that was the only one to use? Talking to myself here 😂
FJ06 ZTE broke down in Huntington yesterday with engine cover up
Quote from: Bob on June 18, 2020, 01:45:42 PM
FJ06 ZTE broke down in Huntington yesterday with engine cover up
06 plate wow thats a posh one!!!! lol
Quote from: bovaman on June 19, 2020, 11:36:11 PM
06 plate wow thats a posh one!!!! lol
Cannock's premier range lol
Quote from: Bob on June 20, 2020, 11:23:14 AM
Cannock's premier range lol
an Albert Steptoe & Son company 8) there is some right old junk operating on the 60 cycle these days, 18 year old knackers, clapped out solos and them horrendous antique bone shaking darts a regular now dear me! so the 06 plate commander is quite a luxury item, im surprised they havent been transferred out else-where by now too like everything else that was worth more than a couple of grand,
Quote from: bovaman on June 20, 2020, 10:51:34 PM
an Albert Steptoe & Son company 8) there is some right old junk operating on the 60 cycle these days, 18 year old knackers, clapped out solos and them horrendous antique bone shaking darts a regular now dear me! so the 06 plate commander is quite a luxury item, im surprised they havent been transferred out else-where by now too like everything else that was worth more than a couple of grand,
If you get one of the two that have had a retrim and isnt smelly and threadbare its bonus points lol
i read the entirety of this thread yesterday, all (currently) 309 pages of it. And Bob's message has been clear throughout the whole thread.
From what I can tell, in the 8.5 year period of the thread, only 9 newly registered buses had been allocated to Cannock, of which half of them were transferred out only a few years later. I know the reasons, but it doesn't look, or sound good at all.
All of those vehicles new to Cannock (61 and 63 reg) have now gone. The newest vehicles are currently 09 reg Solos.
Aren't there a couple of 59 plate Pulsars a bit younger than the Solos
Yea two 59 plates. Wonder if their days are numbered too?...
Quote from: Hector on June 21, 2020, 09:15:54 AM
All of those vehicles new to Cannock (61 and 63 reg) have now gone. The newest vehicles are currently 09 reg Solos.
Dont forget the 64 plate Streetlites
Quote from: Bob on June 21, 2020, 11:15:06 AM
Yea two 59 plates. Wonder if their days are numbered too?...
I would think so as some of the Volvos have now gone, wonder when the rest will follow suit. and also noticed another old pile of Junk on the 63 yesterday LF02PMO. Im surprised The centros & 3740/41 are still there too tbh, time will tell ,mmmm
Quote from: bovaman on June 21, 2020, 11:37:44 PM
I would think so as some of the Volvos have now gone, wonder when the rest will follow suit. and also noticed another old pile of Junk on the 63 yesterday LF02PMO. Im surprised The centros & 3740/41 are still there too tbh, time will tell ,mmmm
I think the Volvos were just a temp move
Hey Bob, I saw a bus that I'd think would be perfect for Cannock.
http://wmbusphotos.com/ArrivaUK/ArrivaNE7474.html
I saw that bus, or one from its batch, in Dunstable today.
Out of interest, what is the oldest currently passenger-running bus in Arriva's current fleet?
Quote from: ellspurs on June 29, 2020, 05:37:27 PM
Hey Bob, I saw a bus that I'd think would be perfect for Cannock.
http://wmbusphotos.com/ArrivaUK/ArrivaNE7474.html
I saw that bus, or one from its batch, in Dunstable today.
Out of interest, what is the oldest currently passenger-running bus in Arriva's current fleet?
Probably one of those buses that you posted to be honest.
I wonder whether Cannock will ever have any investment again to be honest? The fleets a clapped out embarrassment, the repaints are way behind other garages, refurbs are rare, ( the 3 Centros got done but were truly disgusting inside prior and put into service in that state) and the network just seems to be in managed decline. When you consider NXWM are using its oldest Platinums on the X51 and theyre STILL 6 years younger than Arrivas 2 newest buses it puts it into perspective. How are you going to attract new passengers with a fleet in that state?
Quote from: Bob on June 29, 2020, 07:33:33 PM
I wonder whether Cannock will ever have any investment again to be honest? The fleets a clapped out embarrassment, the repaints are way behind other garages, refurbs are rare, ( the 3 Centros got done but were truly disgusting inside prior and put into service in that state) and the network just seems to be in managed decline. When you consider NXWM are using its oldest Platinums on the X51 and theyre STILL 6 years younger than Arrivas 2 newest buses it puts it into perspective. How are you going to attract new passengers with a fleet in that state?
As an enthusiast I find cannocks fleet great. The worst ones are the b7rles they've got imo
Its hard to compare worst vehicles as pretty much the entire fleet is poor
Quote from: Bob on June 29, 2020, 07:33:33 PM
I wonder whether Cannock will ever have any investment again to be honest? The fleets a clapped out embarrassment, the repaints are way behind other garages, refurbs are rare, ( the 3 Centros got done but were truly disgusting inside prior and put into service in that state) and the network just seems to be in managed decline. When you consider NXWM are using its oldest Platinums on the X51 and theyre STILL 6 years younger than Arrivas 2 newest buses it puts it into perspective. How are you going to attract new passengers with a fleet in that state?
As I have said in this thread many times before, Arriva simply will not invest in Cannock, as they won't see any return on that investment. Why spend thousands, or even millions, on a network that doesn't have the passenger numbers meaning Arriva won't get anything back in return? There really is a whole lot more to just chucking a load of money at Cannock. I think it's safe to say that Cannock won't see any investment in the future.
Quote from: Bob on June 29, 2020, 09:35:27 PM
Its hard to compare worst vehicles as pretty much the entire fleet is poor
The Cannock vehicles that I've used were absolutely fine. Clean interiors, no 'threadbare' seats and they ran perfectly.
Clean interiors ? The seats on the SB200S/ 58 plate Volvos/Most darts /some solos absolutely stink!
@Pat so Cannock is basically a basket case then? Why dont they just put it out of its misery then? BTW running an increasingly knackered, elderly and tatty fleet is a surefire way of rapidly accelerating the managed decline its already in
Quote from: Bob on June 29, 2020, 10:45:42 PM
@Pat so Cannock is basically a basket case then? Why dont they just put it out of its misery then? BTW running an increasingly knackered, elderly and tatty fleet is a surefire way of rapidly accelerating the managed decline its already in
You could say its a 'basket case', yes. Arriva obviously still have the passenger numbers to warrant some form of a service, so that's why they haven't pulled out of Cannock.
It could be said that the period of decline has already happened and that this has been the 'new normal', so I wouldn't have said the current fleet is accelerating the decline. Telford operate the same vehicles in their fleet and they run perfectly. Perhaps it is Cannock's maintenance that causes the poor quality of the vehicles that you describe?
Quote from: Pat on June 29, 2020, 11:01:00 PM
You could say its a 'basket case', yes. Arriva obviously still have the passenger numbers to warrant some form of a service, so that's why they haven't pulled out of Cannock.
It could be said that the period of decline has already happened and that this has been the 'new normal', so I wouldn't have said the current fleet is accelerating the decline. Telford operate the same vehicles in their fleet and they run perfectly. Perhaps it is Cannock's maintenance that causes the poor quality of the vehicles that you describe?
Id imagine Telford has a much lower age profile?
How does the NX £1 supplement work? What pass or ticket does that apply to?
Quote from: Bob on June 29, 2020, 11:14:30 PM
Id imagine Telford has a much lower age profile?
Their youngest are 6 years old and oldest are 18.
Quote from: Pat on June 29, 2020, 11:01:00 PM
You could say its a 'basket case', yes. Arriva obviously still have the passenger numbers to warrant some form of a service, so that's why they haven't pulled out of Cannock.
It could be said that the period of decline has already happened and that this has been the 'new normal', so I wouldn't have said the current fleet is accelerating the decline. Telford operate the same vehicles in their fleet and they run perfectly. Perhaps it is Cannock's maintenance that causes the poor quality of the vehicles that you describe?
Having used the Cannock operated services quite a bit pre lockdown, most of the fleet sampled was fine, vehicles well presented generally too. One that stood out was 3841 which internally could do with some retrims of some seats but in fairness it arrived like that and Cannock have improved sisters 3845/6 from when they first arrived. I have found all the Commanders tidy and yes done most of them over the winter, they are good vehicles, would rather travel on them over Versas and Scanias. 3742/3 were ok when did them both on the 2 Walsall run, 3742 was still a good example as it was when based at Oswestry, 3743 did have a issue with the gearbox and sadly the USB charge points were not working as they had been vandalised. SPDs 2367-70 are still excellent vehicles, despite their age, I'm sure Oswestry (where they were highly regarded) would have them back in a heartbeat and happily send the Scanias the other way :). I couldn't comment too much on the B7RLEs, I avoid them!
Does anyone know if the Southern Counties 3742/3/4 YJ57 BWB/C/E are likely to come to Midlands to become 3842/3/4? I understood they were expected but didn't come due to Wrights not having delivered all the Streetlites due to the administration / production delays last year.
Very poorly sounding FJ06 ZTL on the 60
FYI for anyone using Google maps for bus times like I do, it's incorrectly showing the 2A as running and number 2 serving Blakenall again. It's usually accurate and shows live data but obviously not in this case.
3907 broken down in Lichfield blocking stand, 3740 was broken down in Cannock last fri with its back end sticking out of bus stn
Passed a 62 in Hednesford today it looked very busy. Is it still not making enough revenue for an hourly service? They get financial support for each journey from SCC for the Wimblebury stops too.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 29, 2020, 05:24:31 PM
Passed a 62 in Hednesford today it looked very busy. Is it still not making enough revenue for an hourly service? They get financial support for each journey from SCC for the Wimblebury stops too.
Was it a Solo lol?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 29, 2020, 05:24:31 PM
Passed a 62 in Hednesford today it looked very busy. Is it still not making enough revenue for an hourly service? They get financial support for each journey from SCC for the Wimblebury stops too.
As the 862 it had a half hourly service one continued to Lichfield one terminating at Hazel Slade, often using deckers
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 29, 2020, 05:24:31 PM
Passed a 62 in Hednesford today it looked very busy. Is it still not making enough revenue for an hourly service? They get financial support for each journey from SCC for the Wimblebury stops too.
You do realise that there is a pandamic on and passenger numbers are currently around 50% or less on any route? The government is providing support to operators to compensate this.
Quote from: Tony on July 29, 2020, 06:03:19 PM
You do realise that there is a pandamic on and passenger numbers are currently around 50% or less on any route? The government is providing support to operators to compensate this.
Really, nobody mentioned a pandemic??
Im speaking in general and if that was indicative of half the usual passager numbers it would have been full today. They only get £53.66 per day for Wimblebury though.
@Bob Half hourly would be too far the opposite lol I don't think people realised the 60 61 62 took the same amount of time for the full length.
Number 1 no longer showing on most the Bloxwich and Leamore bus stop flags...
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 02, 2020, 06:35:37 PM
Number 1 no longer showing on most the Bloxwich and Leamore bus stop flags...
Is that the same for the 2A?
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 02, 2020, 06:46:17 PM
Is that the same for the 2A?
Sorry forgot, yes 2A included. Currently though the number 2 runs similar time to the 2A so those two evening journeys aren't lost unless you're not on route.
Wonder how long they'll give the current 2 route around Leamore before they decide to change it again?
(Still think they ought to turn right at KFC & send it through Beechdale personally. They were on a hiding to nothing sending it round Blakenall, as NX had that route sewn up, as Diamond found out, when they ran 29's over there, or alternatively send it to Blakenall again, but have it come down Blakenall Lane into Leamore, & into Walsall that way!)
As for the 2a, keep the current daytime 2 route, until Turnberry, then as current 2a route.
Simon said he "would like to think" or "would hope" that the 1 would be coming back? Did he think or hope wrong? Lol
Quote from: Bob on August 02, 2020, 10:27:51 PM
Simon said he "would like to think" or "would hope" that the 1 would be coming back? Did he think or hope wrong? Lol
It would leave a stretch of the Walsall Road in Great Wyrley without a bus (though some could walk horizontally to Gorsey Lane for the 2/X51). Would also leave East Street stop in Bridgtown without a bus but only a 3 min walk to the nearest stop outside the college.
Something that is puzzling me at the moment.
Every morning, I'm catching a Diamond 326 & getting a Nbus Walsall Day Ticket, which is obviously on Diamond branded ticket roll.
On the way back, the 326 drops me back at Bloxwich in time for the Arriva 2 timed around 1657, saving me a walk as that bus stop is right outside my house.
Why does the Arriva driver insist on me scanning my Diamond branded ticket, even though it doesn't scan, as it was issued on a Diamond machine with their scanning code & me saying why bother scanning, it's an Nbus ticket?
Am I missing something, or are the Arriva drivers thick?
Quote from: Westy on August 03, 2020, 05:13:05 PM
Something that is puzzling me at the moment.
Every morning, I'm catching a Diamond 326 & getting a Nbus Walsall Day Ticket, which is obviously on Diamond branded ticket roll.
On the way back, the 326 drops me back at Bloxwich in time for the Arriva 2 timed around 1657, saving me a walk as that bus stop is right outside my house.
Why does the Arriva driver insist on me scanning my Diamond branded ticket, even though it doesn't scan, as it was issued on a Diamond machine with their scanning code & me saying why bother scanning, it's an Nbus ticket?
Am I missing something, or are the Arriva drivers thick?
I've had a Diamond driver who wanted me to scan my Banga nBus ticket, even though there was no barcode!
By all accounts the number 1 is as dead as a nun in bed then?
Quote from: Pat on August 03, 2020, 05:49:30 PM
I've had a Diamond driver who wanted me to scan my Banga nBus ticket, even though there was no barcode!
Lol! Should have put it under and made a "beep" noise yourself
Quote from: Bob on August 03, 2020, 07:38:40 PM
By all accounts the number 1 is as dead as a nun in bed then?
I've said for a while ill be very surprised if it ever comes back, especially given they have taken it off the bus stop flags in Bloxwich. Hatherton Rd still shows it not sure if the timetable remains there.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 03, 2020, 08:50:00 PM
I've said for a while ill be very surprised if it ever comes back, especially given they have taken it off the bus stop flags in Bloxwich. Hatherton Rd still shows it not sure if the timetable remains there.
Arriva have taken the timetables down from all their routes/stops mate i think
Has the 1 definetely been axed? Wonder how much longer the 2 will continue? With solos a third full? Saw an X51 in bridgtown today. Bottom deck full
Is the 3 still operating that truncated timetable between Cannock & Brownhills?
As for the 1, the TfWM flags have been updated in Bloxwich, but the Elmore Row northbound stop still has the old timetable poster featuring the 1!
Quote from: Westy on August 05, 2020, 09:51:49 PM
Is the 3 still operating that truncated timetable between Cannock & Brownhills?
Yes Cannock - Brownhills so you'd have to swap to the number 8 of you wanted route 3 between Brownhills and Walsall.
The Hatherton Rd flag updated today just showing 2 and X51.
does anyone know what Arriva are doing with the routes at Cannock as they seam to be reducing them
Quote from: evo mark on August 10, 2020, 08:50:03 PM
does anyone know what Arriva are doing with the routes at Cannock as they seam to be reducing them
As many other businesses are doing (BA, Virgin Atlantic etc), they're probably using Covid as an excuse to make cuts. They've probably been planning to do this for ages and Covid was a convenient opportunity for them to do so.
FJ55 BWB was being taken from bus stn by a tow truck on Fri
Quote from: Bob on August 11, 2020, 12:16:56 AM
FJ55 BWB was being taken from bus stn by a tow truck on Fri
And the same bus was out today on PYe Greens
Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 11, 2020, 02:47:20 PM
And the same bus was out today on PYe Greens
Lol Quick turnaround
Quote from: Pat on August 03, 2020, 05:49:30 PM
I've had a Diamond driver who wanted me to scan my Banga nBus ticket, even though there was no barcode!
Same thing happened again today.
It's a shame Simon seems to be busy elsewhere/ frightened off from here by certain other posters it appears from reading other posts elsewhere, else I'd moan more!
Had the pleasure of 2408 on the 70 today. The driver was a rude cow i asked if it was half hourly again and she said yes and during journey checked and it said hourly and so naturally i double checked with her to be told "oh i dont know i dont catch them!" She pulled a face at someone not having their face mask fully over their nose. Im sorry but this bus was FILTHY. the seats were threadbare dirty and smelly. The floor was dirty as were the ceiling panels. Id be more worried about catching something from the vehicle! If it represents what Cannock depot class as acceptable then Gold help em!
Morale appears to be really rock bottom again, based on that last post.
You get the feeling with Simon going & there's probably lots of other little things you hear on the grapevine, that there is something happening, but for 'legal reasons', nothing can be confirmed.
Regarding 'little things' you hear, has anyone heard of 'Go Buses', because unless they trade as someone we know, there's one driver from another company talking out of their backside?
Quote from: Westy on August 15, 2020, 05:27:58 PM
Morale appears to be really rock bottom again, based on that last post.
You get the feeling with Simon going & there's probably lots of other little things you hear on the grapevine, that there is something happening, but for 'legal reasons', nothing can be confirmed.
Regarding 'little things' you hear, has anyone heard of 'Go Buses', because unless they trade as someone we know, there's one driver from another company talking out of their backside?
Unless they mean "Let's Go!" which operate those fine service 11s to Underhill. Every one I saw on Friday morning was empty leaving Wolverhampton or empty entering Wolverhampton.
And I thought Simon had just stopped posting here, not left overall. Has he left Arriva?
Quote from: ellspurs on August 15, 2020, 06:20:52 PM
Unless they mean "Let's Go!" which operate those fine service 11s to Underhill. Every one I saw on Friday morning was empty leaving Wolverhampton or empty entering Wolverhampton.
And I thought Simon had just stopped posting here, not left overall. Has he left Arriva?
Sorry I'll rephase that. 'Left the forum', unless there's something we're not aware of?
Quote from: ellspurs on August 15, 2020, 06:20:52 PM
Unless they mean "Let's Go!" which operate those fine service 11s to Underhill. Every one I saw on Friday morning was empty leaving Wolverhampton or empty entering Wolverhampton.
Or Go Ahead?
As sure they use the word Go - Go Cornwall Bus, Go North East, etc.
Quote from: Westy on August 15, 2020, 05:27:58 PM
Morale appears to be really rock bottom again, based on that last post.
You get the feeling with Simon going & there's probably lots of other little things you hear on the grapevine, that there is something happening, but for 'legal reasons', nothing can be confirmed.
Regarding 'little things' you hear, has anyone heard of 'Go Buses', because unless they trade as someone we know, there's one driver from another company talking out of their backside?
Well they seem to be loading the depot with the worst buses in the worst states
Simon hasn't left Arriva and there's a separate thread for Lets Go (Travel Express) who run barely road legal sheds lol
Have 3901-3906 returned yet? Considering service level increases?
Quote from: Bob on August 31, 2020, 11:30:54 PM
Have 3901-3906 returned yet? Considering service level increases?
Not sure but 4409 has turned up from Tamworth
4409 will be wasted on pye greens no doubt lol ;) ;)
A Sapphire decker when Cannock has downgraded its Sapphire routes lol
Not even sure what the use would be for just one lol
Quote from: Bob on September 02, 2020, 12:30:07 AM
Not even sure what the use would be for just one lol
I am guessing it is to provide extra capacity on a school journey
Quote from: Bob on September 02, 2020, 12:30:07 AM
Not even sure what the use would be for just one lol
I believe it's for the 829 Lichfield school service
Quote from: Busman Jamie on September 02, 2020, 11:52:03 AM
I believe it's for the 829 Lichfield school service
Sounds sensible. School movements seem to be dictating a lot of vehicle allocations at the moment everywhere.
So not the bad management implied by others.
anyone know why arriva cannock/tamworth have dissapeared off bus times.org map
Quote from: bovaman on September 12, 2020, 10:51:10 PM
anyone know why arriva cannock/tamworth have dissapeared off bus times.org map
Telford & Shrewsbury have done also
Quote from: bovaman on September 12, 2020, 10:51:10 PM
anyone know why arriva cannock/tamworth have dissapeared off bus times.org map
Strange. Maybe theyre re jigging the timetables again
Quote from: Bob on September 13, 2020, 02:25:32 PM
Strange. Maybe theyre re jigging the timetables again
Timetables are there but the tracking isn't working
Quote from: PointerDart on September 13, 2020, 02:54:00 PM
Timetables are there but the tracking isn't working
They're tracking on the app, but not sure if the app gets the bus location from the ticket machine or GPS.
Itll be interesting to see if Canock start refurbishing vehicles soon. Sone of the Solos, the 58 plate Volvos, many of the 06 plate Commanders, a couple of Darts, are all desperate for a retrim
Quote from: Bob on September 13, 2020, 06:30:07 PM
Itll be interesting to see if Canock start refurbishing vehicles soon. Sone of the Solos, the 58 plate Volvos, many of the 06 plate Commanders, a couple of Darts, are all desperate for a retrim
Unlikely, given the current climate. You're lucky to still have a service
Quote from: Pat on September 13, 2020, 07:34:49 PM
Unlikely, given the current climate. You're lucky to still have a service
Yes, should be grateful for filthy threadbare buses , i mean its not like they were like that prior to covid at all....
Quote from: Bob on September 13, 2020, 08:32:43 PM
Yes, should be grateful for filthy threadbare buses , i mean its not like they were like that prior to covid at all....
There was a Dart on Friday I caught between Bloxwich & my house (CBA to walk!) & the one seat was loose.
Quote from: Westy on September 13, 2020, 09:42:14 PM
There was a Dart on Friday I caught between Bloxwich & my house (CBA to walk!) & the one seat was loose.
Starting to make the "Lets Go" borderline illegal buses look like Sapphires lol
Quote from: l.murphy123 on September 13, 2020, 10:31:55 PM
Starting to make the "Lets Go" borderline illegal buses look like Sapphires lol
Dart on the 60A on Friday could barely make it up a hill in Burntwood lol
Empty Dart on the 2 today ( and last week) with no working destination blinds at all and just an unhelpful "2" on a piece of paper on the windscreen. Have TFWM relaxed emissions rules again? Either way it looked pretty poor
Quote from: Bob on September 14, 2020, 06:44:01 PM
Empty Dart on the 2 today ( and last week) with no working destination blinds at all and just an unhelpful "2" on a piece of paper on the windscreen. Have TFWM relaxed emissions rules again? Either way it looked pretty poor
The 2 was quite busy a fortnight ago before the schools opened. Seems to have gone quiet now unless its because I don't see them in the day.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on September 14, 2020, 06:47:54 PM
The 2 was quite busy a fortnight ago before the schools opened. Seems to have gone quiet now unless its because I don't see them in the day.
Its not hard to make a Solo look busy lol. The X51 gets more passengers I'd say. Still no word about the 1 coming back, a driver on Thursday told me it isnt. Lol
dont upset the arriva police for god sake Bob lol, any way aint pye greens gone to the twin deck sapphire experience yet, be ideal on there for social distancing, 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs whilst a solo does a busy 60 or 825 school time :-)
Solo on 60A last Friday and not sure what the limit is but there were definetely more passengers than half full!
haha no surprises there, was on a 44 seater vdl the other day, said 21 persons limit on the sticker, so a solo would be about 5 lol. Shame the bustimes tracking has vanished it was my way of avoiding travelling on solo heaps of junk :-) perhaps it to hide all the breakdowns lol
Theres plenty of breakdowns im sure lol. Are all registered services supposed to be running now? Is the 1 still registered? Wouldnt it be some sort of breach if they havent deregistered it?
the 1 is still a live registration at the TC by the looks of it, cannot see any cancellation notices going back, so one would presume it should be back running by now. Its Gone from a flagship sapphire brand to no signs of a service at all, something not reet there im sure. :o
Its followed the 2 from a Sapphire to a Scutfire service lol
I drove past Cannock Bus station last Friday. There was a variety of differently-blue coloured single deck Arriva services circled around a lone double decker Platinum X51 in the middle. I have to say given the comparison between the Platinum and the Arriva buses, the Arriva buses looked dire. They also looked like they were ready to pounce on their prey at any moment!
Quote from: ellspurs on September 15, 2020, 05:17:52 PM
I drove past Cannock Bus station last Friday. There was a variety of differently-blue coloured single deck Arriva services circled around a lone double decker Platinum X51 in the middle. I have to say given the comparison between the Platinum and the Arriva buses, the Arriva buses looked dire. They also looked like they were ready to pounce on their prey at any moment!
They'd break down before they managed to pounce lol
Quote from: Bob on September 14, 2020, 10:31:59 PM
Theres plenty of breakdowns im sure lol. Are all registered services supposed to be running now? Is the 1 still registered? Wouldnt it be some sort of breach if they havent deregistered it?
The 3 is running as far as Brownhills only. The Rugeley circulars are running again I believe so thats all of them.
How about the 12 Stafford to Doxey? I know Select have now introduced a Saturday service (so probably caters for Doxey by itself), but according to Traffic Commissioner website, the 12 is still registered. (https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/536469/) Does anyone have any info on this or will this one just be canned?
If a service is still registered are they supposed to be running it now? Arriva are dying in Sfafford
Think I'm single handedly keeping that Leamore section of the 2 going!
(Not helped by one of my neighbours blocking the bus stop on a regular basis! Don't know which neighbour exactly though!)
I don't hold out much hope personally.
Even the driver told an intending passenger in Bloxwich High Street the other day, he'd be quicker on the other routes to Walsall!
Quote from: Bob on September 16, 2020, 09:44:09 PM
If a service is still registered are they supposed to be running it now? Arriva are dying in Sfafford
Covid suspension of bus services still applies. Why dying in Stafford?
Quote from: WilliamLeylandNational on September 17, 2020, 02:25:57 PM
Covid suspension of bus services still applies. Why dying in Stafford?
Been dying for years
Currently on a teally knackered solo SR on the 60A. Its repainted in the new livery stating on the bus "USB charging" . There arent any USB points on the bus!!! One of the grab poles is loose and has masking tape attempting to hold it in and its constantly shaking and rattling....nice haha
Quote from: Bob on September 18, 2020, 04:03:41 PM
Currently on a teally knackered solo SR on the 60A. Its repainted in the new livery stating on the bus "USB charging" . There arent any USB points on the bus!!! One of the grab poles is loose and has masking tape attempting to hold it in and its constantly shaking and rattling....nice haha
Did you look under the seat? That's where they normally are on the SRs.
Yep! There werent any anywhere lol!
Those Solo's arent really suited to interurban work IMO
Travelling through Cannock the other day led me to see the new sign for the upcoming designer outlet centre that's gonna be opening next year! It lead me to ask the question, will arriva be sending any buses there? Or will other operators step in? There are bus shelters by the main entrance as well so there's obviously some plans to send buses there!
Quote from: BusMan Greg on September 18, 2020, 10:26:04 PM
Travelling through Cannock the other day led me to see the new sign for the upcoming designer outlet centre that's gonna be opening next year! It lead me to ask the question, will arriva be sending any buses there? Or will other operators step in? There are bus shelters by the main entrance as well so there's obviously some plans to send buses there!
The 60A goes past it
Quote from: Bob on September 18, 2020, 10:53:18 PM
The 60A goes past it
Or could the question be will Arriva dtill be running in Cannock by the time it opens....?
i have spoken to different people at nxwm and they are already looking into sending the bus by it when it opens
Yeah i heard the X51 was going to re route
Quote from: Bob on September 19, 2020, 01:28:48 PM
Yeah i heard the X51 was going to re route
Not too familiar with that part of Cannock.
Would I be guessing the X51 would no longer serve Bridgtown & possibly serve the retail park, where Sainsburys is, as well as the designer outlet, or am I thinking of the wrong part of Cannock?
In fact, there's no bus to that retail park is there?
Possibly so. And yep theres no buses to the orbital retail park atm
Arriva sent buses to the orbital back in 2015 and failed to make a profit. However it might be a better idea once the new outlet centre opens up.
Apart from Churchbridge Island, is there another way onto the Orbital from the A5, the Norton side?
If so, perhaps another route eventually, probably from Brownhills direction?
Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2020, 04:58:55 PM
Apart from Churchbridge Island, is there another way onto the Orbital from the A5, the Norton side?
If so, perhaps another route eventually, probably from Brownhills direction?
Possibly. Mayne itd finish tje 3 off lol
Would they extend the X51 through to McArthur/Orbital rather than reroute it?
Quote from: ellspurs on September 19, 2020, 05:24:29 PM
Would they extend the X51 through to McArthur/Orbital rather than reroute it?
That would be more appropriate - people going to/from Cannock won't want another 5-10 mins to their journey time. At present the 3 and 60A pass by so that would provide a link with Burntwood, Lichfield, Norton Canes, Brownhills and Walsall.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on September 20, 2020, 11:29:28 PM
That would be more appropriate - people going to/from Cannock won't want another 5-10 mins to their journey time. At present the 3 and 60A pass by so that would provide a link with Burntwood, Lichfield, Norton Canes, Brownhills and Walsall.
If they ever send the 3 back to Walsall lol
Quote from: Bob on September 21, 2020, 07:11:32 AM
If they ever send the 3 back to Walsall lol
I say withdraw the 3 and extend the 8 (NX)
Quote from: l.murphy123 on September 21, 2020, 11:02:42 PM
I say withdraw the 3 and extend the 8 (NX)
Maybe they will....
Those 52 plate commanders are surely due to be retired just been on a 60A to lichfield and it could barely make 30mph ! Despite the slight hold up at temp lights near mill farm it surely should have got to lichfield on time considering barely anyone got on or off yet it was late
Quote from: Bob on October 01, 2020, 01:32:18 PM
Those 52 plate commanders are surely due to be retired just been on a 60A to lichfield and it could barely make 30mph ! Despite the slight hold up at temp lights near mill farm it surely should have got to lichfield on time considering barely anyone got on or off yet it was late
Just because one of them is slow, doesn't mean they all are.
noticed today that 3743 Pulasr is now back at Tamworth depot, so thats another newer of the cannock vehicles shipped out, wonder whats occuring,,,, seeing as most the 'newer 10/12 year old stuff' seems to be shipping out, most of the interurban routes are now regularly operated with old wrecks too
Quote from: Pat on October 01, 2020, 02:11:11 PM
Just because one of them is slow, doesn't mean they all are.
Surely due for retirement though?
3927 now at Cannock.
Quote from: SG on October 02, 2020, 12:49:06 PM
3927 now at Cannock.
That bus used to be unreliable. Wonder why one of the tiny about of half decent vehicles has been swapped for junk? Currently on 60A on a 58 plate Solo its had a respray but never been refurbished internally and is awful inside. Are these sort of buses really suited to interurban work? Especially given their age?
Quote from: Bob on October 02, 2020, 01:13:11 PM
That bus used to be unreliable. Wonder why one of the tiny about of half decent vehicles has been swapped for junk? Currently on 60A on a 58 plate Solo its had a respray but never been refurbished internally and is awful inside. Are these sort of buses really suited to interurban work? Especially given their age?
By 'respray ', it's in new livery I take it?
Quote from: Bob on October 02, 2020, 11:15:43 AM
Surely due for retirement though?
Until they are dangerous to go on the road or start to fail mechanically, where there is no point in keeping fixing it, they'll be there to stay.
Quote from: Westy on October 02, 2020, 03:56:11 PM
By 'respray ', it's in new livery I take it?
Yep and minging inside
Quote from: Pat on October 02, 2020, 03:56:28 PM
Until they are dangerous to go on the road or start to fail mechanically, where there is no point in keeping fixing it, they'll be there to stay.
I think theyve just given up in Cannock
id say more than likely preparing the depot and/or its contents to be dumped with the loads of scrap end of life junk thats piling in there of late, feel sorry for who ever inherits that load of junk tbh as the damage has been done to the network as its been run in to the ground with time expired unsuitable unreliable scrap heaps, it will take a lot of putting right thats for sure, passengers lose confidence and find alternative arrangments, who really wants to suffer small cramped bone shaking heaps of unsuitable dirty junk on long interurban runs at sky high fares.
Quote from: bovaman on October 02, 2020, 09:32:41 PM
id say more than likely preparing the depot and/or its contents to be dumped with the loads of scrap end of life junk thats piling in there of late, feel sorry for who ever inherits that load of junk tbh as the damage has been done to the network as its been run in to the ground with time expired unsuitable unreliable scrap heaps, it will take a lot of putting right thats for sure, passengers lose confidence and find alternative arrangments, who really wants to suffer small cramped bone shaking heaps of unsuitable dirty junk on long interurban runs at sky high fares.
Yep the networks gone downhill badly
If the case is that they are dumping the #### there, would said vehicles be included in the sale?
I don't know how many vehicles exactly are based at Cannock, let's say 60 for sake of argument, would the new operator take on those vehicles?
When Diamond took over the Wednesfield operation, they also had 9 of those vehicles as well.
If NX took over Cannock, they in the short term, would surely have to operate most of those vehicles, until they sorted out the best way to run Cannock.
I suppose the odd standard Nx vehicle might be temporarily allocated there, to reinforce the Nx brand, but in the main it would be Arriva livered vehicles with National Express fleetname & legal lettering slapped over the top!
Quote from: Westy on October 06, 2020, 12:41:08 PM
If the case is that they are dumping the #### there, would said vehicles be included in the sale?
I don't know how many vehicles exactly are based at Cannock, let's say 60 for sake of argument, would the new operator take on those vehicles?
When Diamond took over the Wednesfield operation, they also had 9 of those vehicles as well.
If NX took over Cannock, they in the short term, would surely have to operate most of those vehicles, until they sorted out the best way to run Cannock.
I suppose the odd standard Nx vehicle might be temporarily allocated there, to reinforce the Nx brand, but in the main it would be Arriva livered vehicles with National Express fleetname & legal lettering slapped over the top!
That would be the case if NX took over. They could also put their excess single deckers at Cannock. I'm pretty all of their routes are deckers so would be a perfect solution to their conundrum.
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 06, 2020, 12:45:25 PM
That would be the case if NX took over. They could also put their excess single deckers at Cannock. I'm pretty all of their routes are deckers so would be a perfect solution to their conundrum.
Cannock is majority all single decker
Quote from: Pat on October 06, 2020, 01:37:26 PM
Cannock is majority all single decker
Plays right into NX's hands. They get to solve their single decker problem but also get to introduce links to Wolverhampton and Walsall. (I know they already exist but aren't high frequency).
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 06, 2020, 01:54:55 PM
Plays right into NX's hands. They get to solve their single decker problem but also get to introduce links to Wolverhampton and Walsall. (I know they already exist but aren't high frequency).
Maybe there's not one because, there is no demand for a high frequency service. NX tried running the 154 in the past and that was withdrawn.
Quote from: 2206 on October 06, 2020, 02:01:54 PM
Maybe there's not one because, there is no demand for a high frequency service. NX tried running the 154 in the past and that was withdrawn.
154 went to Stafford, not Cannock. Links to Wolverhampton and Brownhills from Cannock could be on the cards, depending on viability.Struck out incorrect statement.
Quote from: ellspurs on October 06, 2020, 02:18:44 PM
154 went to Stafford, not Cannock. Links to Wolverhampton and Brownhills from Cannock could be on the cards, depending on viability.
154 went to Hednesford via Cannock.
https://nxbus.co.uk/files/NX-West-Midlands/current_timetables/2017-timetables/B54_154_020117.pdf
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 06, 2020, 01:54:55 PM
Plays right into NX's hands. They get to solve their single decker problem but also get to introduce links to Wolverhampton and Walsall. (I know they already exist but aren't high frequency).
I'm slightly confused here.
NX has too many single deckers?
When the likes of IGO went bump, they were scrabbling around for single deckers at one point, even transferring ones down from Dundee ISTR.
Quote from: Westy on October 06, 2020, 04:05:00 PM
I'm slightly confused here.
NX has too many single deckers?
When the likes of IGO went bump, they were scrabbling around for single deckers at one point, even transferring ones down from Dundee ISTR.
Yes, too many single deck. The ones from Dundee were minibuses which obviously are needed for specific routes
Quote from: Westy on October 06, 2020, 04:05:00 PM
I'm slightly confused here.
NX has too many single deckers?
When the likes of IGO went bump, they were scrabbling around for single deckers at one point, even transferring ones down from Dundee ISTR.
Could the reason why NX have so many single deckers is because of all the consultations that have been done where routes were chopped, changed and withdrawn? Not to mention that NXWM took Scanias off Dundee and Coventry whilst sending 13 (?) Gemini's to Dundee.
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 06, 2020, 04:13:53 PM
Could the reason why NX have so many single deckers is because of all the consultations that have been done where routes were chopped, changed and withdrawn? Not to mention that NXWM took Scanias off Dundee and Coventry whilst sending 13 (?) Gemini's to Dundee.
No, it's because those reviews increased passenger numbers.
The current double to single ratio is the highest it has been for many years
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 06, 2020, 04:13:53 PM
Could the reason why NX have so many single deckers is because of all the consultations that have been done where routes were chopped, changed and withdrawn? Not to mention that NXWM took Scanias off Dundee and Coventry whilst sending 13 (?) Gemini's to Dundee.
Or a mixture of growing passenger numbers and now there's also distancing limiting number of passengers on top of that.
City Centre - Bromford now uses double deckers every 10 minutes as X12/X70 which used to see single decks every 20 minutes as 72, City Centre - QE/University as X20/X21/X22 now has double deckers every 6 minutes, was single deckers every 10 as 98/99.
Other routes converted such as 55/94 corridor and 72 corridor saw single decker use for many years previously.
The Scanias transferred from Dundee nearly 9 years ago and the current 28 ones moved to Perry Barr in 2013.
And i'm sure the Gemini to Dundee might have been fleet replacements for older buses up there and occured at a different time 2015/2016, so don't think there's any relation between those moves.
Re all the above. Wouldnt imagine NX would want to go anywhere near Cannocks network apart from the X51, judging by the age of the fleet, zero investment, absolute state of many of the buses it surely cant make much money?
Quote from: Pat on October 06, 2020, 01:37:26 PM
Cannock is majority all single decker
Cannock is all single deck has been for years, the Tamworth decker is just a temp loan i think. Its been loaded with knackered Solos over the last couple of years and other tired old sheds
From an enthusiast perspective, I love cannocks vehicles. Best place to find old, lively vehicles. I haven't been to Cannock or Tamworth this year unfortunately
3927 back here, working the 2 today
Quote from: Busman Jamie on October 06, 2020, 08:19:28 PM
3927 back here, working the 2 today
Have they relaxed the emissions rules again? Loads of tat on there lately. Im amazed it lasted the day!
See the NX empire building fantasists are out in force again....
Quote from: andy41 on October 06, 2020, 09:26:23 PM
See the NX empire building fantasists are out in force again....
As i said, couldnt see them.wanting Cannock it was a basket case way before Covid
Im sure all will be revealed very soon :-) Burton was loaded with scrap sheds then sold on, and now Cannock is still being loaded with end of life junk,,,,,, only 3 centros and the 2 57 plate commanders left now mmm.......... brings the value right down to make it more attractive to off load possibly, god imagine inhereting that load of junk lol. Perhaps a change will be the improvment thats so greatly needed, one can only hope, then it might actually be worth trying to rely on a bus to turn up again when it should! Arriva cannock seemed to go down the pan the day Dan Flannigan left! its just been a albert steptoe & son operation ever since. shame really.
Quote from: bovaman on October 06, 2020, 10:22:57 PM
Im sure all will be revealed very soon :-) Burton was loaded with scrap sheds then sold on, and now Cannock is still being loaded with end of life junk,,,,,, only 3 centros and the 2 57 plate commanders left now mmm.......... brings the value right down to make it more attractive to off load possibly, god imagine inhereting that load of junk lol. Perhaps a change will be the improvment thats so greatly needed, one can only hope, then it might actually be worth trying to rely on a bus to turn up again when it should! Arriva cannock seemed to go down the pan the day Dan Flannigan left! its just been a albert steptoe & son operation ever since. shame really.
Have they lost the other Pulsar as well then? Christ the average fleet age must be 15/16 years old. Shockingly crap
YJ59BVB is back at Tamworth swapped for that scrap heap 05 plate volvo shed, i followed BVB last friday afternoon on the Glascote ROad on the 4 or 7 i think it was on
What about YJ59 BVA? Is it still clinging on for dear life at Cannock lol? Waiting for another knackered Solo to replace it
not sure about YJ59BVA not seen that about, but did see plaxton centro YJ57BWF [light blue livery] on its way to Tamworth this morning by Hopwas bridge.
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/staffordshire/cannock/2020/10/06/three-colleagues-at-cannock-arriva-bus-depot-test-positive-for-coronavirus/
As if they didn't have enough problems!
Cannocks looking good today Dart on 75A with broken side destination blind and a tatty Solo with the same issue on the 3. I feel sorry for whoever inherits the fleet 🤷♂️
Quote from: Bob on October 17, 2020, 12:13:51 PM
Cannocks looking good today Dart on 75A with broken side destination blind and a tatty Solo with the same issue on the 3. I feel sorry for whoever inherits the fleet 🤷♂️
Long live that fleet!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 17, 2020, 01:32:19 PM
Long live that fleet!
I doubt some of it would last much longer lol
Are the 58 plate B7RLEs ever going to return from down South?
Quote from: Bob on October 19, 2020, 02:27:47 PM
Are the 58 plate B7RLEs ever going to return from down South?
I thought they did? I was on one a few weeks ago - or was it very recently that they'd moved?
Quote from: PointerDart on October 19, 2020, 07:35:58 PM
I thought they did? I was on one a few weeks ago - or was it very recently that they'd moved?
The ones that went to Milton Keynes are still there
Quote from: Tony on October 19, 2020, 08:12:21 PM
The ones that went to Milton Keynes are still there
Doubtful theyll be back then. I could see the remaining examples swapped for scrap from down South
Hey, you may get all those W-reg Tridents from Luton.
Quote from: ellspurs on October 19, 2020, 08:47:43 PM
Hey, you may get all those W-reg Tridents from Luton.
Far too luxurious for Cannock lol
Rumours around that the Cannock operation has now been sold to Centrebus...... ooooo-errrrr
Quote from: Bob on October 28, 2020, 07:26:51 PM
Rumours around that the Cannock operation has now been sold to Centrebus...... ooooo-errrrr
Just had a look at their thread.
General opinion seems a bit mixed?
Quote from: Westy on October 28, 2020, 09:04:58 PM
Just had a look at their thread.
General opinion seems a bit mixed?
Cant imagine it being much worse than now lol
Interesting. One man is involved to a larger or smaller degree in all of the companies that mix in with Arriva Cannock at present. Status and D & G in Stafford and Midland Classic in Lichfield.
Quote from: Bob on October 28, 2020, 07:26:51 PM
Rumours around that the Cannock operation has now been sold to Centrebus...... ooooo-errrrr
Heard that rumour last year
Cannocks last Pulsar is now at Cannock and the three Centros are now listed as allocated to Derby on bustimes.org but still ( for now) running at Cannock. Wonder what scrap will replace them
Quote from: Bob on November 05, 2020, 07:33:02 PM
Cannocks last Pulsar is now at Cannock and the three Centros are now listed as allocated to Derby on bustimes.org but still ( for now) running at Cannock. Wonder what scrap will replace them
I have received the new official fleetlist, but haven't had time to go through it yet
Quote from: Tony on November 05, 2020, 07:40:20 PM
I have received the new official fleetlist, but haven't had time to go through it yet
As i say Tony, the Centros appear to be still running
Quote from: Tony on November 05, 2020, 07:40:20 PM
I have received the new official fleetlist, but haven't had time to go through it yet
Bustimes.org isn't always accurate
Quote from: Busman Jamie on November 05, 2020, 08:42:02 PM
Bustimes.org isn't always accurate
True mate but odd all three of them are on there. Im surprised Derby would want em. The repainted ones got the fan permanently on lol
carnt see the light blue centro staying at cannock for much longer , not long been repainted and would need be repainted again soon if it stayed id expect,,,,, lol not much left to ship out now few more volvos and the new 2 new liveried commanders, pye greens be starting to suffer now too with no pulsars left oh dear
Couple of cadets back at Cannock apparently. One broke down already on the 63 this morning 🤣
Quote from: Bob on November 17, 2020, 02:26:33 PM
Couple of cadets back at Cannock apparently. One broke down already on the 63 this morning 🤣
2746 and 2748 also 2401 has made another appearance
Quote from: ntw456 on November 17, 2020, 03:03:04 PM
2746 and 2748 also 2401 has made another appearance
They'll no doubt improve reliability lol. Wonder what theyve replaced..theres barely anything decent left !
Been told 2516 has appeared at Telford
Quote from: ntw456 on November 17, 2020, 03:03:04 PM
2746 and 2748 also 2401 has made another appearance
2746 & 2748 are both in the Repaint Pool North so can turn up anywhere
Quote from: trixmax on November 21, 2020, 08:25:14 PM
2746 & 2748 are both in the Repaint Pool North so can turn up anywhere
Cannock obviously arent having any repaints done though
Quote from: Bob on November 22, 2020, 12:13:47 PM
Cannock obviously arent having any repaints done though
That won't kill any rumours of sale, will it?
(And even if Simon was still posting on here, he wouldn't be able to confirm either way would he, for confidentality reasons!)
Quote from: Westy on November 22, 2020, 04:14:36 PM
That won't kill any rumours of sale, will it?
(And even if Simon was still posting on here, he wouldn't be able to confirm either way would he, for confidentality reasons!)
No lol. But its obvious they arent gonna be having any repaints. Well, none that'll be staying there anyway
Arriva have confirmed to staff today that they are looking to dispose of the Cannock operation to D&G Bus
Quote from: metrocity on November 24, 2020, 01:49:11 PM
Arriva have confirmed to staff today that they are looking to dispose of the Cannock operation to D&G Bus
Is there actually anything officially released such as a press release or just the current speculation that has gathered pace in the last 24 hours on social media?
https://i.postimg.cc/4yXzbN0B/F4-F72421-C8-D1-4055-BAE5-40-E247-D027-EB.jpg
(https://i.postimg.cc/4yXzbN0B/F4-F72421-C8-D1-4055-BAE5-40-E247-D027-EB.jpg)
Is that the same Simon who was on this forum? If so, that explains why he left.
Jan 10th first day of the new operation, rumoured. Wonder if theyll get rid of any non profitable services...it also explains why most of Cannocks fleet is now junk.....
Quote from: MW on November 24, 2020, 02:51:06 PM
Is that the same Simon who was on this forum? If so, that explains why he left.
It is the same
Simon, but not why he left
Does D & G operate as D & G, or another company name?
Quote from: Westy on November 24, 2020, 04:39:24 PM
Does D & G operate as D & G, or another company name?
As D and G
Quote from: Westy on November 24, 2020, 04:39:24 PM
Does D & G operate as D & G, or another company name?
Operates as D&G as a fully owned subsidiary of Centrebus although it is locally managed for the most part.
I think Cannock operations are to be branded as Chaserider, conjures up images of the 80s/90s when the network and standards of vehicles were a lot better...
Quote from: Bob on November 24, 2020, 05:33:35 PM
I think Cannock operations are to be branded as Chaserider, conjures up images of the 80s/90s when the network and standards of vehicles were a lot better...
Would be nice! Weather it'll be reality is another thing
Quote from: Bob on November 24, 2020, 05:33:35 PM
I think Cannock operations are to be branded as Chaserider, conjures up images of the 80s/90s when the network and standards of vehicles were a lot better...
Chaserider, you say? ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/Yvzc6tN.png)
Quote from: DJ on November 24, 2020, 07:14:16 PM
Chaserider, you say? ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/Yvzc6tN.png)
Looks ace tbf
Quote from: Bob on November 24, 2020, 08:08:08 PM
Looks ace tbf
Aha, cheers. Just a quick one after my mate wanted to see how it'd look.
I wonder if the Select fleet might move to Delta Way?
.
Quote from: mikestone on November 24, 2020, 08:19:10 PM
I wonder if the Select fleet might move to Delta Way?
.
Why? Theyve got their own premises, and hasnt Delta Way already been sold a while ago with Arriva leasibg it back short term?
I wasn't aware of that.
Site reported now owned by Available Car on 3 yr lease back ( 2 yr left approx )
Site to big for current operation built as for 100 fleet
I'm not quite au fait with the area or the routes that Arriva Cannock operate. I'm assuming it includes the local services in and around Stafford?
Quote from: Lynford1976 on November 25, 2020, 10:59:34 PM
I'm not quite au fait with the area or the routes that Arriva Cannock operate. I'm assuming it includes the local services in and around Stafford?
Yes, although those are rumoured to be going to Select.
Quote from: Lynford1976 on November 25, 2020, 10:59:34 PM
I'm not quite au fait with the area or the routes that Arriva Cannock operate. I'm assuming it includes the local services in and around Stafford?
yes Cannock runs the Stafford services as well they had an depot at Stafford but that shut z,,,,,& moved to Cannock
Quote from: DJ on November 25, 2020, 11:15:21 PM
Yes, although those are rumoured to be going to Select.
how big is the yard at select bus services
Cannocks looking good today, Solo broke down a few yards after leaving the bus station by side entrance to the park, Dart with its engine cover up at the station and another Dart thats been sat on Pye Green stand for 15 min with its engine revving to the max and another Solo on the 2 outside the depot parked up on the two with no driver on board but two blokes in orange jackets and two drivers stood on the path blocking the stop for the passengers waiting for the X51 im on 😂😂😂😂
I assume D & G are inheriting these buses from Arriva?
Good luck guys!
There was a comment recently regarding Nx possibly having the Cannock to Walsall corridor off them.
Is that true, and would that involve both the 2 and 3, with the possibility of the NX 8 being extended to cover the 3.
What about the Cannock to Wolves 70?
Could Nx have that as well & maybe link it with their 11 somehow?
Quote from: Westy on November 26, 2020, 07:07:40 PM
I assume D & G are inheriting these buses from Arriva?
Good luck guys!
There was a comment recently regarding Nx possibly having the Cannock to Walsall corridor off them.
Is that true, and would that involve both the 2 and 3, with the possibility of the NX 8 being extended to cover the 3.
What about the Cannock to Wolves 70?
Could Nx have that as well & maybe link it with their 11 somehow?
I guess Select will run the 70
Full press release now on Arriva's website
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/arriva-to-sell-cannock-depot-to-d&g-bus
Quote from: BN on November 26, 2020, 07:09:36 PM
I guess Select will run the 70
70 is going to be run by D&G
Wonder if they will run Stafford services from Cannock or. Stoke depot or will they have a small depot for the Stafford services
Quote from: BH2004 on November 26, 2020, 07:38:33 PM
70 is going to be run by D&G
Do you know that or is it a guess?
Quote from: Westy on November 26, 2020, 07:07:40 PM
I assume D & G are inheriting these buses from Arriva?
Good luck guys!
There was a comment recently regarding Nx possibly having the Cannock to Walsall corridor off them.
Is that true, and would that involve both the 2 and 3, with the possibility of the NX 8 being extended to cover the 3.
What about the Cannock to Wolves 70?
Could Nx have that as well & maybe link it with their 11 somehow?
As much as I like the idea of nx sending occasional journies on the 11 to Cannock, it wouldn't make sense extending one 11 every hour to Cannock considering the current frequency of the route!
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 26, 2020, 09:05:50 PM
it wouldn't make sense extending one 11 every hour to Cannock considering the current frequency of the route!
Why wouldn't it make sense? As presumably there would be higher demand on the current section. And you could number it 11A even.
I can't think of any similar current examples. But i'm sure when the Birmingham 97A ran the 97 ran a high frequency service as far as Chelmsley, extending to Airport every 30 minutes. So sounds similar to that as well.
Quote from: Tony on November 26, 2020, 07:49:17 PM
Do you know that or is it a guess?
It's listed on the document metrocity as linked above. So yes
Quote from: 2206 on November 26, 2020, 09:17:07 PM
Why wouldn't it make sense? As presumably there would be higher demand on the current section. And you could number it 11A even.
hmm I suppose it could work with the demand of the current section for it to fall back on! Maybe an increase to every half hour could be considered
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 26, 2020, 09:24:03 PM
It's listed on the document metrocity as linked above. So yes
I think you will find Select who are also linked to D&G through ownership will have some involvement. They haven't enlarged their depot and applied for an increased authorisation for nothing
Quote from: 2206 on November 26, 2020, 09:17:07 PM
Why wouldn't it make sense? As presumably there would be higher demand on the current section. And you could number it 11A even.
I can't think of any similar current examples. But i'm sure when the Birmingham 97A ran the 97 ran a high frequency service as far as Chelmsley, extending to Airport every 30 minutes. So sounds similar to that as well.
I was thinking of Walsall's 10 & 10a personally, but agree there.
Quote from: Tony on November 26, 2020, 09:39:57 PM
I think you will find Select who are also linked to D&G through ownership will have some involvement. They haven't enlarged their depot and applied for an increased authorisation for nothing
Is it possible Select could have the routes south of Cannock(the 1,2 & 3 Walsall & 70 Wolves, to go with their existing 71 & Wolves to Stafford routes), while D & G have the north of Cannock routes?
That's how I've interpereted your reply.
Would make sense for Select to run the 70 too for a combined half hour frequency between the 70 and 71. It would be good also to have a joint network ticket like the Midlamd Classic Day+ which is valid on some D&G buses. NX could extend the 8 which already runs the same route up to Brownhills, said this for a while.
Quote from: Westy on November 26, 2020, 10:13:25 PM
Is it possible Select could have the routes south of Cannock(the 1,2 & 3 Walsall & 70 Wolves, to go with their existing 71 & Wolves to Stafford routes), while D & G have the north of Cannock routes?
That's how I've interpereted your reply.
The 1 and 3 to Walsall have been suspended for so long now, I can't see how it would be viable to reinstate those
True. NX wiped the floor with Arriva on the 1. Arrivas retaliation to competition was hilarious. "How do we react to a competitor on our ( allegedly) premium Sapphire service, i know we'll get rid of the branded leather seated 5 year old vehicles purchased for it and shove a load of threadbare Darts and Solos on with the odd 52 plate on as well, thatll keep em loyal" 😂😂😂😂
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 26, 2020, 11:11:14 PM
Would make sense for Select to run the 70 too for a combined half hour frequency between the 70 and 71. It would be good also to have a joint network ticket like the Midlamd Classic Day+ which is valid on some D&G buses....
Worth reminding that the Knot ticket exists covering them all anyway?
Quote from: Kevin on November 27, 2020, 11:11:16 AM
Worth reminding that the Knot ticket exists covering them all anyway?
Im not sure if Select accept the Knot
Quote from: Bob on November 27, 2020, 11:27:35 AM
Im not sure if Select accept the Knot
They do.
QuoteWhich bus operators can I use it on?
- Arriva
- D&G Bus
- First
- Midland Class (Also for journeys to Swadlincote, Derbyshire)
- National Express West Midlands
- Select Bus Services
- https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/miscellaneous/staffordshire-knot-ticket
Quote from: Kevin on November 27, 2020, 11:11:16 AM
Worth reminding that the Knot ticket exists covering them all anyway?
Good point.
Quote from: DJ on November 24, 2020, 07:14:16 PM
Chaserider, you say? ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/Yvzc6tN.png)
Is it confirmed they will be branding the services as chaserider or is that personal thoughts?
Quote from: bususer28 on November 27, 2020, 07:36:49 PM
Is it confirmed they will be branding the services as chaserider or is that personal thoughts?
It's not been confirmed yet, but I'm 99% sure they will be branded as Chaserider.
Wonder how many will be out in the new livery with d&g
Suppose you'll get one or two initially, for publicity purposes, which reminds me, are they likely to do a leaflet push through doors to promote the new operation, & if so, not to forget the West Midlands County part of the operation!
Before any one points it out that they are a different company to D & G, I love the Midland Classic livery which I'm sure is based on the yellow/red Midland Red North scheme in British Bus Days and in my view the concept of a white/red version for the D & G operation in the Cannock area would be excellent. We need something bright and cheerful after the, sorry if I offend, it's a personal opinion, dull NXWM offering we see in Cannock.
This is the actual image
Noticed theres no number 1 listed on it....
Why is the leaflet in the picture dated November 2020, when D & G don't take over till January 2021?
I'm assuming this is a mock up?
Reading the staff message, there have been discussions going on since 2019. I presume coronavirius has slowed things down given the challenges presented across the industry and had COVID not happened, this transaction would have completed much sooner. It may have been the intent was to complete things by the 1st November but events have intervened - and let us remember there are some in DB who see Arriva as an "English Patient" and would like to get shut of the whole lot, trains, buses and all at the first opportunity.
It suggests there will be some buses in overhaul ready for New Year and the livery appears much smarter than the Arriva colour scheme.
Quote from: Westy on November 28, 2020, 01:37:35 PM
Why is the leaflet in the picture dated November 2020, when D & G don't take over till January 2021?
I'm assuming this is a mock up?
That is probably an earlier planned date for this to happen. I was expecting it to happen in May before Covid hit.
The leaflet is genuine, not a mock up
Quote from: Tony on November 28, 2020, 08:31:09 AM
This is the actual image
When will timetable leaflets be available do you reckon? Interesting the 67 is there but no 71 - presume if the routes are the same as that version Select will keep the 71 but not 67.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 28, 2020, 03:41:34 PM
When will timetable leaflets be available do you reckon? Interesting the 67 is there but no 71 - presume if the routes are the same as that version Select will keep the 71 but not 67.
I see what your saying regarding the the 71, but if you look closley it says Essington is included in the booklet. Unless D&G are going to start a new service that serves Essington (which I find highley unlikley). I'd say they are going to do a big Cannock area booklet which includes services operated by select. As for the 67, I can't see it being given to D&G as it is a tendered service which is due to be renemwed every 5 year, the next time being 2023 I believe.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 28, 2020, 04:08:27 PM
I see what your saying regarding the the 71, but if you look closley it says Essington is included in the booklet. Unless D&G are going to start a new service that serves Essington (which I find highley unlikley). I'd say they are going to do a big Cannock area booklet which includes services operated by select. As for the 67, I can't see it being given to D&G as it is a tendered service which is due to be renemwed every 5 year, the next time being 2023 I believe.
Ah good point. We shall see. Hopefully they update the public soon.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 28, 2020, 04:08:27 PM
I see what your saying regarding the the 71, but if you look closley it says Essington is included in the booklet. Unless D&G are going to start a new service that serves Essington (which I find highley unlikley). I'd say they are going to do a big Cannock area booklet which includes services operated by select. As for the 67, I can't see it being given to D&G as it is a tendered service which is due to be renemwed every 5 year, the next time being 2023 I believe.
Or it could be that Select will operate the entire network.
Those buses on the leaflet look awfully like select livery
Well, I hope they throw some down this way?
Quote from: Tony on November 28, 2020, 04:19:29 PM
Or it could be that Select will operate the entire network.
Those buses on the leaflet look awfully like select livery
The leaflet does mention 'Chaserider'. (Which someone else here also mentioned) From the announcement on Arriva's website:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/arriva-to-sell-cannock-depot-to-d&g-bus
QuoteMatt Evans, Managing Director for D&G Bus said, 'we will welcome all staff who will transfer as part of the recent acquisition of the Cannock and Stafford operations from Arriva. We are committed to building a new refreshing brand and we very much look forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders. Most importantly a "Big Hello" to all our future customers and we look forward to seeing you out and about on our services soon.'
Looking at that leaflet again, let's hope they proof read the final version.
'Brownshill' & Hayes Heath'.
Quote from: Westy on November 28, 2020, 04:53:37 PM
Looking at that leaflet again, let's hope they proof read the final version.
'Brownshill' & Hayes Heath'.
I was just reading the "Arriva takes over Midland" thread from 7 years ago, and there's a picture of an Arriva bus within it showing its destination as "Brownshills".
Quote from: ilovetea4370 on March 16, 2013, 07:08:03 PM
Arriva are proud to announce they are now serving Brownshills!
http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/2156.html
Seems to be a hard one to get right!
Quote from: Tony on November 28, 2020, 04:19:29 PM
Or it could be that Select will operate the entire network.
Those buses on the leaflet look awfully like select livery
Looks like D&G red with Select burgundy. Could be how its printed / our screens differ.
Quote from: ellspurs on November 28, 2020, 05:05:49 PM
I was just reading the "Arriva takes over Midland" thread from 7 years ago, and there's a picture of an Arriva bus within it showing its destination as "Brownshills".
Seems to be a hard one to get right!
Just like Blakenall in Walsall, not Blakenhall!
Quote from: Tony on November 28, 2020, 04:19:29 PM
Or it could be that Select will operate the entire network.
Those buses on the leaflet look awfully like select livery
Not with 17 O Discs ! D&G recently had an increase in preparation for the acquisition.
The timetable is a mock up of what it will look like. Buses are apparently going to be d&g red with chaserider branding
The new chaserider website is live!
https://www.dgbus.co.uk/chaserider.html?fbclid=IwAR3_e0mA_lvY1Gxws5w9M2zr_1pM03pS-cooFHDmeQbIzoRNwxGtAZShSxk
Just had a look at the 2 timetable & seems to be the same timetable as current Arriva, but looking at the route description, it looks like my road(on the Leamore 'diversion '!) will no longer be served again, running direct along Stafford Street, Bloxwich Road & High Street, the same as everyone else!
Unless D & G are going to join the £2.50 Bloxwich to Walsall return fare arrangements somehow, then what's the point of rerouting?
(Then again neither is the X51, but that has the backup of existing Nx facilities anyway, even if you don't agree with the reasoning)
Quote from: Westy on November 29, 2020, 05:22:45 PM
Just had a look at the 2 timetable & seems to be the same timetable as current Arriva, but looking at the route description, it looks like my road(on the Leamore 'diversion '!) will no longer be served again, running direct along Stafford Street, Bloxwich Road & High Street, the same as everyone else!
Unless D & G are going to join the £2.50 Bloxwich to Walsall return fare arrangements somehow, then what's the point of rerouting?
(Then again neither is the X51, but that has the backup of existing Nx facilities anyway, even if you don't agree with the reasoning)
They did mention there will be slight route changes, it'll be interesting to see what their ticket prices will be like compared to those offered by arriva currently!
Quote from: BusMan Greg on November 29, 2020, 05:36:31 PM
They did mention there will be slight route changes, it'll be interesting to see what their ticket prices will be like compared to those offered by arriva currently!
Obviously the route change has been agreed by TfWm then, as it was tendered!
But, as I've mentioned many times on here before & to TfWm, why couldn't it turn right at the Leamore Kfc roundabout, instead of left, & serve Beechdale & Reedswood Sainsburys instead?
NX & Diamond have got the Bloxwich Road corridor sewn up between them, so what is the point of sending yet another bus down there?
Quote from: Westy on November 29, 2020, 05:42:41 PM
Obviously the route change has been agreed by TfWm then, as it was tendered!
But, as I've mentioned many times on here before & to TfWm, why couldn't it turn right at the Leamore Kfc roundabout, instead of left, & serve Beechdale & Reedswood Sainsburys instead?
NX & Diamond have got the Bloxwich Road corridor sewn up between them, so what is the point of sending yet another bus down there?
Reliability!
Sending a bus all around Beechdale would probably screw the timetable up
Taking the 2 from Cannock/Walsall through Beechdale would probably make it even less popular than it is now
Quote from: Tony on November 29, 2020, 07:26:13 PM
Reliability!
Sending a bus all around Beechdale would probably screw the timetable up
You're the first person in 'authority' that's actually given me a proper answer on this & not flannel & BS!
Quote from: Westy on November 29, 2020, 07:46:22 PM
You're the first person in 'authority' that's actually given me a proper answer on this & not flannel & BS!
I'm not in authority at Arriva or D&G just have some common sense that if you extend journey times you either cost another bus or get a less reliable service.
Note also on the 2 timetable that it has one of the timing points as "Bridgtown, Chaserider depot", which I guess is the current Arriva depot on Delta Way (implying that at least for now they're still going to be using it?)
Quote from: ellspurs on November 29, 2020, 08:13:54 PM
Note also on the 2 timetable that it has one of the timing points as "Bridgtown, Chaserider depot", which I guess is the current Arriva depot on Delta Way (implying that at least for now they're still going to be using it?)
Likewise the 70. The route descriptions for both routes include Delta Way.
After looking at vosa, all the cancellations have been registered for the Cannock/Stafford services
Not seen that on N&P list where is it posted ?
An example
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/567902/
Do we have any ideas on what vehicles maybe in with the deal?
Route One reports that 42 vehicles and 153 staff are part of the deal. Although a significant number of vehicles, that is about 15 less than the current allocation.
Quote from: Hector on December 14, 2020, 08:09:29 PM
Route One reports that 42 vehicles and 153 staff are part of the deal. Although a significant number of vehicles, that is about 15 less than the current allocation.
Understand that but I was interested in what fleet will go?
Be the life expired out Darts, Dafs & slightly newer Solos that are currently there I recon.
Quote from: Vulcan on December 14, 2020, 10:33:59 PM
Be the life expired out Darts, Dafs & slightly newer Solos that are currently there I recon.
Go as in leave or go over to D and G
Quote from: Vulcan on December 14, 2020, 10:33:59 PM
Be the life expired out Darts, Dafs & slightly newer Solos that are currently there I recon.
D&G have bought:
All the Darts
8 x Solo
5 x Solo SR
8 x 2006 SB200
8 x Volvo B7RLE
Besides being a depot, doesn't Cannock perform another function within Arriva as well?
Quote from: Westy on December 15, 2020, 09:45:01 AM
Besides being a depot, doesn't Cannock perform another function within Arriva as well?
tit was head office for the arriva midlands north til it moved to leciester
Quote from: Solo1 on December 15, 2020, 09:56:43 AM
tit was head office for the arriva midlands north til it moved to leciester
It also does MOTs, I believe The Green Bus use Cannock for theirs.
So who did Arriva's painting of vehicles then?
If it was Cannock, what would happen in future?
Quote from: Westy on December 15, 2020, 12:59:39 PM
So who did Arriva's painting of vehicles then?
If it was Cannock, what would happen in future?
Think its at Derby
MRC Derby ( Midland Repair Centre ) do all repainting also outside work as
On Ascot Drive site owned by AMN
Outside customers inc Trent, Notts & Derby & Centrebus in past
Quote from: Westy on December 15, 2020, 09:45:01 AM
Besides being a depot, doesn't Cannock perform another function within Arriva as well?
I'm pretty sure it was the training school for this side of arriva midlands teritory
Quote from: Tony on December 15, 2020, 06:49:35 AM
D&G have bought:
All the Darts
8 x Solo
5 x Solo SR
8 x 2006 SB200
8 x Volvo B7RLE
Four more have now been added
3702/3/4 and 2748.
Pretty old age profile then. By my reckoning the youngest are 2 of the Solos at 11 years and the oldest the Cadet 2748 at 18. Apparently there are others coming from Centrebus, be interesting to see how old they are.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 15, 2020, 05:21:55 PM
I'm pretty sure it was the training school for this side of arriva midlands teritory
Yes, it was
Quote from: Grinder on December 15, 2020, 06:33:47 PM
Pretty old age profile then. By my reckoning the youngest are 2 of the Solos at 11 years and the oldest the Cadet 2748 at 18. Apparently there are others coming from Centrebus, be interesting to see how old they are.
From what I've heard D&G have acquired a couple of 13-plate Enviros and a few StreetLites that are sitting at their Adderley Green yard, getting prepped for Chaserider
Quote from: PointerDart on December 15, 2020, 08:38:43 PM
From what I've heard D&G have acquired a couple of 13-plate Enviros and a few StreetLites that are sitting at their Adderley Green yard, getting prepped for Chaserider
They'll certainly need a few in new livery for publicity purposes initially at least.
Quote from: Westy on December 15, 2020, 09:33:15 PM
They'll certainly need a few in new livery for publicity purposes initially at least.
Streets****s the worst bus known to man. Just when you thought youd seen the back of em
Quote from: Bob on December 15, 2020, 09:57:15 PM
Streets****s the worst bus known to man. Just when you thought youd seen the back of em
Nah, they're much better than an E200, way less creaks/rattles on them.
I think D&G will start rolling in newer buses to replace the arriva stuff as soon as the dust settles, who knows ;D
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 15, 2020, 10:18:49 PM
I think D&G will start rolling in newer buses to replace the arriva stuff as soon as the dust settles, who knows ;D
That's if they have the vehicles to do so. Remember, they've still got other services to run in other areas.
Quote from: DJ on December 15, 2020, 10:14:58 PM
Nah, they're much better than an E200, way less creaks/rattles on them.
Cannocks Sapphires were terrible. Slow, noisy, jerky gearboxes, impossible to pull up smoothly. Gimme an E200 any day
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 15, 2020, 05:21:55 PM
I'm pretty sure it was the training school for this side of arriva midlands teritory
I think the Driving School is being transferred to Telford along with other roles
Quote from: Westy on December 15, 2020, 12:59:39 PM
So who did Arriva's painting of vehicles then?
If it was Cannock, what would happen in future?
Some get done at Derby. But we also have a bodyshop at the top end of the garage
Quote from: Bob on December 15, 2020, 11:00:33 PM
Cannocks Sapphires were terrible. Slow, noisy, jerky gearboxes, impossible to pull up smoothly. Gimme an E200 any day
You can't really argue that, when E200 sound like a bag of nails stuck in a washing machine.
Quote from: DJ on December 16, 2020, 07:02:22 AM
You can't really argue that, when E200 sound like a bag of nails stuck in a washing machine.
Yes, to drive give me a Street lite over a Solo or short E200 any day
Quote from: Bob on December 15, 2020, 11:00:33 PM
Cannocks Sapphires were terrible. Slow, noisy, jerky gearboxes, impossible to pull up smoothly. Gimme an E200 any day
I had a streetlite last weekend, very jerky between 2nd and 3rd gear.
D&G are acquiring 18 vehicles for the new operation, so far the following have been established:
E20Ds: MM13 OCH, YN62 AOH, MX62 ARF
StreetLites: SN64 CVO, SN64 CVP, SN64 CVM, MK63 WZX, MX62 AWU, MX62 AWZ
Solos: MX08 DGE, MX08 DHM
SB120/Plaxton Centros: FH06 KGK, FJ56 YBW
L94UB/Wright Solar: FN04 HTC
The E20Ds, Solos and 64 plate Streetlites have already been repainted.
Those vehicles aren't exactly much completion for NXWM's high spec Platinum E400s on the X51. It's a shame this area no longer offers bus companies the opportunities it once did.
Quote from: j789 on December 16, 2020, 07:31:31 PM
Those vehicles aren't exactly much completion for NXWM's high spec Platinum E400s on the X51. It's a shame this area no longer offers bus companies the opportunities it once did.
How do you mean opportunities? Nx found one and saw off the 1
Quote from: Bob on December 16, 2020, 08:00:40 PM
How do you mean opportunities? Nx found one and saw off the 1
I meant in terms of population density, there should be enough scope for a full network of services stretching from Walsall/Wolverhampton/Stafford and Lichfield to Cannock and Hednesford. I think ideally it would need to all be one company though with interlinked through routes as there doesn't seem a lot of profit in local routes there now.
Quote from: j789 on December 16, 2020, 08:04:33 PM
I meant in terms of population density, there should be enough scope for a full network of services stretching from Walsall/Wolverhampton/Stafford and Lichfield to Cannock and Hednesford. I think ideally it would need to all be one company though with interlinked through routes as there doesn't seem a lot of profit in local routes there now.
I remember when the Longford estate had a bus every 20 mins back in the old days :D
Quote from: transituk on December 16, 2020, 06:46:48 PM
D&G are acquiring 18 vehicles for the new operation, so far the following have been established:
E20Ds: MM13 OCH, YN62 AOH, MX62 ARF
StreetLites: SN64 CVO, SN64 CVP, SN64 CVM, MK63 WZM, MX62 AWU, MX62 AWZ
Solos: MX08 DGE, MX08 DHM
SB120/Plaxton Centros: FH06 KGK, FJ56 YBW
L94UB/Wright Solar: FN04 HTC
The E20Ds, Solos and 64 plate Streetlites have already been repainted.
Can't find MK63 WZM?
Quote from: mikestone on December 16, 2020, 09:09:08 PM
Can't find MK63 WZM?
No, registration doesn't exist. I am struggling to find anything similar other than MK63 WZX
Quote from: Bob on December 15, 2020, 09:57:15 PM
Streets****s the worst bus known to man. Just when you thought youd seen the back of em
Careful what you wish for! We lost the sapphires
Quote from: j789 on December 16, 2020, 08:04:33 PM
I meant in terms of population density, there should be enough scope for a full network of services stretching from Walsall/Wolverhampton/Stafford and Lichfield to Cannock and Hednesford. I think ideally it would need to all be one company though with interlinked through routes as there doesn't seem a lot of profit in local routes there now.
Arent the Pye Green locals one of the few profitable routes?
Quote from: Tony on December 16, 2020, 09:18:22 PM
No, registration doesn't exist. I am struggling to find anything similar other than MK63 WZX
It is probably MK63 WZX ex Compass Bus like MX62 AWU & MX62 AWZ.
Quote from: j789 on December 16, 2020, 08:04:33 PM
I meant in terms of population density, there should be enough scope for a full network of services stretching from Walsall/Wolverhampton/Stafford and Lichfield to Cannock and Hednesford. I think ideally it would need to all be one company though with interlinked through routes as there doesn't seem a lot of profit in local routes there now.
Bring back a modern equivalent of the old 865 between Walsall & Stafford?
When the 1 was about, they had half the route already, as it ran Huntingdon to Walsall!
Quote from: Westy on December 16, 2020, 10:26:21 PM
Bring back a modern equivalent of the old 865 between Walsall & Stafford?
When the 1 was about, they had half the route already, as it ran Huntingdon to Walsall!
The 865 died such a death by 1984 it ran 1 round trip on Tues and Fri only
Quote from: j789 on December 16, 2020, 08:04:33 PM
I meant in terms of population density, there should be enough scope for a full network of services stretching from Walsall/Wolverhampton/Stafford and Lichfield to Cannock and Hednesford. I think ideally it would need to all be one company though with interlinked through routes as there doesn't seem a lot of profit in local routes there now.
I've always been surprised that there isn't a service from Cannock to Telford. Yes, there was a Saturday only service a while back which was withdrawn, but I think that a service like this in the week could be a good idea
Quote from: Pat on December 17, 2020, 07:04:19 AM
I've always been surprised that there isn't a service from Cannock to Telford. Yes, there was a Saturday only service a while back which was withdrawn, but I think that a service like this in the week could be a good idea
It was really indirect snd took forever. The Green Bus ran a pretty successful ssrvice on Thursdays and Saturdays years ago using deckers
Quote from: Bob on December 17, 2020, 07:37:24 AM
It was really indirect snd took forever. The Green Bus ran a pretty successful ssrvice on Thursdays and Saturdays years ago using deckers
I think a service that would run via Shifnal, Bishops Wood and Brewood wouldn't take too long. 1hr tops
Quote from: Bob on December 16, 2020, 11:03:50 PM
The 865 died such a death by 1984 it ran 1 round trip on Tues and Fri only
Thought the original 865 was withdrawn in 1980, when the 'original ' Chaserider started, in favour of the 838?
Quote from: kernow dave on December 16, 2020, 10:16:29 PM
It is probably MK63 WZX ex Compass Bus like MX62 AWU & MX62 AWZ.
It is indeed MK63 WZX.
Another E200 is YX11 CTV which has been on loan to Centrebus/High Peak since acquisiton by D&G in 2016.
Quote from: Westy on December 17, 2020, 10:50:20 AM
Thought the original 865 was withdrawn in 1980, when the 'original ' Chaserider started, in favour of the 838?
I think it was renamed X65
Quote from: Westy on December 17, 2020, 10:50:20 AM
Thought the original 865 was withdrawn in 1980, when the 'original ' Chaserider started, in favour of the 838?
865 was originally Dudley-Wednesbury-Walsall-Cannock-Stafford and with the 265 Dudley-Wednesbury-Walsall were joint Midland Red/ Walsall services until 3rd Dec 1973 when Midland Red services inside the West Midlands passed to WMPTE. The 865 passed to Midland Red now starting at Walsall and the 265 to WMPTE extended from Walsall to Hednesford via Cannock
Go on Midland Red.net and search X65. Theres a photo of a Duple Dominant bus bodied Tiger ( so 1984 or after) in Chaserider livery on it. Tuesdays and Fridays maybe to coincide with Walsall market, as it was decent back then? Not sure what route it took though, ie what was express/limited stop about it
Quote from: Westy on December 17, 2020, 10:50:20 AM
Thought the original 865 was withdrawn in 1980, when the 'original ' Chaserider started, in favour of the 838?
That's basically right. There was also an 836 Stafford - Cannock; the 865 was an extension of the 836. The 838, which was a combination of the 836 and 838/9 (Cannock - Lime Pit Lane circular), became the main Stafford - Cannock service when Chaserider came to Cannock in 1980; a few journeys on the 836 remained.
Midland Red North started the X65 as a Stafford - Walsall shoppers service. It started in 1982 or 1983, I think it was limited stop, and it may have served some Stafford suburbs (?). Tuesdays and Fridays only sounds right.
Quote from: Justin Tyme on December 17, 2020, 11:04:53 PM
That's basically right. There was also an 836 Stafford - Cannock; the 865 was an extension of the 836. The 838, which was a combination of the 836 and 838/9 (Cannock - Lime Pit Lane circular), became the main Stafford - Cannock service when Chaserider came to Cannock in 1980; a few journeys on the 836 remained.
Midland Red North started the X65 as a Stafford - Walsall shoppers service. It started in 1982 or 1983, I think it was limited stop, and it may have served some Stafford suburbs (?). Tuesdays and Fridays only sounds right.
Think I went on the 838 once to Stafford.
Has there been anything in the local papers - google suggests not?
Quote from: mikestone on December 23, 2020, 10:50:53 PM
Has there been anything in the local papers - google suggests not?
I gather there is no information posters on the Cannock bus allocation regarding it either!
they are having a day in the town centre on the 8th jan to show the buses and give out timetables
Quote from: evo mark on December 24, 2020, 12:10:07 PM
they are having a day in the town centre on the 8th jan to show the buses and give out timetables
That's a Friday isn't it?
Why not a Saturday?
Seems common sense to do it on a weekday, because Saturday users have a week to find out and people turning up on Monday who don't travel on Saturday could turn up unaware.
Looked like 3742 was back in use here noted in service in Rugeley this morning.
Quote from: Westy on November 29, 2020, 05:42:41 PM
Obviously the route change has been agreed by TfWm then, as it was tendered!
But, as I've mentioned many times on here before & to TfWm, why couldn't it turn right at the Leamore Kfc roundabout, instead of left, & serve Beechdale & Reedswood Sainsburys instead?
NX & Diamond have got the Bloxwich Road corridor sewn up between them, so what is the point of sending yet another bus down there?
Either I misread it at the time, or it's been pointed out & changed since, but it looks like the Leamore diversion is staying after all ! :)
The map on traveline, which I assume comes from registration details, doesn't show D&G via Leamore Lane.
;
Incidentally both show as departing Walsall through the bus station!
Quote from: mikestone on December 24, 2020, 11:04:55 PM
The map on traveline, which I assume comes from registration details, doesn't show D&G via Leamore Lane.
;
Incidentally both show as departing Walsall through the bus station!
We'll see what happens in January then!
I wonder how long theyll persevere with the 2 to be honest. It couldnt fill a Solo pre covid....
Quote from: mikestone on December 24, 2020, 11:04:55 PM
The map on traveline, which I assume comes from registration details, doesn't show D&G via Leamore Lane.
;
Incidentally both show as departing Walsall through the bus station!
On the route description on the bottom of the timetable it does state Leamore Lane and Hatherton Road, we shall see. Also, Merry Christmas everyone.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 25, 2020, 02:48:36 PM
On the route description on the bottom of the timetable it does state Leamore Lane and Hatherton Road, we shall see. Also, Merry Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas Lee! Has there been any info on weather D&G will accept Nbus/Swift etc?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 25, 2020, 06:25:58 PM
Merry Christmas Lee! Has there been any info on weather D&G will accept Nbus/Swift etc?
Yes, they will as they are taking over routes where these are already valid
Two more additions are ADL E20D MMC YX65 RWL and YX65 RWK
Photo credit to the respective Flickr user:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/firstpmt/50750463703/in/photolist-2grY8za-FUEYgX-2kjDoJT-QudWbT-2i6oAAH-TVuTdV-SFPkga-SFPiPc-WnHFCN
So we enter the last week in 47 years that Arriva / Midland Red have an operational base in Cannock area , sad to see but good luck to new operation
Quote from: transituk on December 26, 2020, 02:11:20 PM
Two more additions are ADL E20D MMC YX65 RWL and YX65 RWK
Photo credit to the respective Flickr user:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/firstpmt/50750463703/in/photolist-2grY8za-FUEYgX-2kjDoJT-QudWbT-2i6oAAH-TVuTdV-SFPkga-SFPiPc-WnHFCN
Are they intended for Cannock?
https://twitter.com/ChaseriderBus/status/1346789792919527425?s=19
Bit of a chat here I've had on Twitter with Chaserider.
Quote from: 888DUK on January 06, 2021, 05:31:47 PM
https://twitter.com/ChaseriderBus/status/1346789792919527425?s=19
Bit of a chat here I've had on Twitter with Chaserider.
I've asked a few questions too. They are printing zone maps and timetables I have asked for PDF copies. They are also doing timetables at bus stops - im sure Arriva will leave all the cases behind.
Quote from: Vulcan on January 04, 2021, 12:18:13 PM
So we enter the last week in 47 years that Arriva / Midland Red have an operational base in Cannock area , sad to see but good luck to new operation
And its 100 years since the old B.M.M.O opened their garage in Stafford.
Nov 1921
RIP Arriva in Cannock.
Quote from: 888DUK on January 10, 2021, 05:56:54 AM
RIP Arriva in Cannock.
For further discussion on former Arriva services in Cannock now operated by Chaserider, please use the new Chaserider thread here:
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=5914.0
We'll keep this topic open for now if anyone has any last thoughts or comments about Arriva's Cannock operation.
Poor Bob'll not get to see his favourite Arriva buses around soon, once the repainting has happened.
Quote from: ellspurs on January 10, 2021, 08:25:22 AM
Poor Bob'll not get to see his favourite Arriva buses around soon, once the repainting has happened.
Good riddance