Xplore Dundee

[Tony]

Passed 2244 heading towards its new home at 9ish This morning M6 north near Knutsford.

Now safely at Dundee

[DavieDD2]

You could have brought some sun up with you as well Tony! lol

[Mayfield]

Sounds like you had a good clear run up there.
Are you bringing anything back.

[the trainbasher]

Xplore 2245 just passed through St Pauls (I'm kicking myself as I was the wrong side of the crossing by the 934 stand)

[Tony]

Xplore 2245 just passed through St Pauls (I'm kicking myself as I was the wrong side of the crossing by the 934 stand)

Taking it to Walsall garage ready for me to take to Dundee on Monday

[Westy]

How come 1785 is down in Walsall?

Saw just over an hour ago in Leamore.

[Tony]

How come 1785 is down in Walsall?

Saw just over an hour ago in Leamore.

Because I have just driven it back to join 1779. 1780 & 1784

[Westy]

Because I have just driven it back to join 1779. 1780 & 1784

That was me by Green Lane looking surprised by the way!

[BK63 YWP]

According to adl Facebook page xplore Dundee has secured funding for zero emissions buses so looks like they are getting their first electric buses

[2206]

https://nxbus.co.uk/dundee/information/service-changes/our-plan-for-your-new-network

Wander how many vehicles will be made spare later in 2021 as a result of reduced frequencies? As presumably West Midlands will see simialr as well?

"When physical distancing is no longer required, Government funding will stop. This means local bus services will once again have to bring in enough revenue to cover basic costs (such as driver wages, fuel and vehicle maintenance).

The only way we can economise our service is to slightly reduce frequencies."

And whether some Dundee Gemini will come down to replace older vehicles/single deckers in the West Midlands if these are made spare then?

[Ian Hardy]

"When physical distancing is no longer required, Government funding will stop. This means local bus services will once again have to bring in enough revenue to cover basic costs (such as driver wages, fuel and vehicle maintenance).

Don't forget that the COVID-19 funding arrangements for bus services are different in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so what maybe appropriate for Xplore Dundee might not be so for NXWM.

Listening to a recent briefing to Go North East staff by Martijn Gilbert (the MD) (on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009920923911), he said that at present the UK Government is funding bus services in England but they are not allowed to make a profit out of the arrangement, it will only cover the bus company costs.

There are negotiations under way to attempt to ensure that when the social distancing requirements are removed, the Government funding does not completely stop at the same time, as people will not suddenly return to using buses that day. There needs to be a transition period where the funding is gradually reduced to ensure that services are retained and therefore are ready for when people do return to using the bus.

[DJ]

I've heard word about a possible sale of Dundee to McGills, with it expected to be completed tomorrow or Thursday. Apparently notices have gone up in the depot earlier today about it. Anyone know anything more concrete about it?

Edit: Confirmed now. https://scottishbusinessnews.net/mcgills-buses-to-purchase-xplore-dundee-xplore-more/

[gc802002]

Yes, its correct.

I have a copy of the notice, however unsure if it is permitted to post on here!?

[Tony]

Yes, its correct.

I have a copy of the notice, however unsure if it is permitted to post on here!?

Yes, if you wish

[Busboy105]

I've heard word about a possible sale of Dundee to McGills, with it expected to be completed tomorrow or Thursday. Apparently notices have gone up in the depot earlier today about it. Anyone know anything more concrete about it?

Edit: Confirmed now. https://scottishbusinessnews.net/mcgills-buses-to-purchase-xplore-dundee-xplore-more/

Wow. I guess it's ok for NX. 1 less garage to worry about costs.