I saw one of the red diamond mcv's on the 404E tonight think it was 30605 does anyone know if the red diamond mcv's are stopping at diamond or leaving the fleet and apart from the new versa's are any buses replacing these on routes such as the 16 and the 404E where they use to be used.
All Diamonds MCVs have been sold to New Zealand, just not all have left yet
Yes I wonder what buses routes will get that are using the MCV Evolutions such as the 142. I got on 30605 which was on the 002 route today.
30605 is the only one i seem to see these days but there all going and the royale centros are now on the 417 with the 404E being a mixture of black diamond darts some of which have been painted into the black diamond livery recently.
I saw 30512 on the 142 today and a couple of royale black diamond buses on the 417 today like Ash said. Have the Hybrid Versa's been seen on any other route except the 56 yet. It would be good to see them come onto the 202 route!
One of the hybrid Versas was in use on the 255 Wolverhampton to Merry Hill service last Friday evening. It's not unusual to see route branded Diamond buses on Centro-tendered evening and Sunday services in the Dudley area.
I think the 255 bus comes off the 404E as i know the 256 one does. As there is only 5 hybrids currently in use and there is always one on the 404E since they have been introduced so it's likely it comes from there. Apparently from the diamond bus facebook page there supposed to be used on the 56 and 301, havent seen any on the 301 yet tho.
I dunno if it's true but are the hybrid versa's going to be taken off the 56 soon i'm guessing due to capacity issues where it's likely the centro's will return to the route
I haven't heard that yet but the 417 doesn't really need the royale centros as it seems to only usually run around half full or less but they are nice buses to travel on. The 56 is a popular route so unless they increase the frequency maybe it would be good to see bigger buses on and if they are taken off it would be good to see the Hybrids on a mixture of routes and I think the 202 route from Halesowen to Bromsgrove would suit them which uses royale centros now.
Changing to Blue Diamond buses, the S2 and S3 is becoming a very unreliable route. This route is meant to be Signature buses but recently horrible 06 Solos have turned up with one on today. They struggle to get up any inclines and are generally very noisy and uncomfortable. Secondly the evening S2, 17:28 at Solihull has recently become excessively late. One friend needs to catch that bus home from work and on four occasions now has that person had no bus turn up. Today I saw this bus go up to Solihull 15 minutes late but never came back! So my friend has to catch the late running S3 and walk a fair distance home. This is happening too often! Does anyone else have the same problem on other bus routes and what would be a good course of action?
From what people have said about Blue diamond it's seems Black diamond on a whole are a much better company, although the service i catch is ran pretty regular by black diamond i have caught other services such as the 56,417 and 002 which have a lower frequency and always seem to run on time with alot newer vehicles to what blue diamond has, i would have thought it would have been a better option for them to merge the two companies and call them both Black diamond and use to the two garages change round garage allocations for example the 50 could be ran from long acre as theres dead milage running the nifty fifty buses back to tividale.
Quote from: Liberator9 on March 29, 2012, 07:55:45 PM
Changing to Blue Diamond buses, the S2 and S3 is becoming a very unreliable route. This route is meant to be Signature buses but recently horrible 06 Solos have turned up with one on today. They struggle to get up any inclines and are generally very noisy and uncomfortable. Secondly the evening S2, 17:28 at Solihull has recently become excessively late. One friend needs to catch that bus home from work and on four occasions now has that person had no bus turn up. Today I saw this bus go up to Solihull 15 minutes late but never came back! So my friend has to catch the late running S3 and walk a fair distance home. This is happening too often! Does anyone else have the same problem on other bus routes and what would be a good course of action?
I live in Sutton and use the 168.
Today,the bus due to arrive in Sutton at 1400 failed to turn up.leaving my Wife and me ,(and doubtless others ) standing.This is by no means an isolated incident.The general impression I get is that Blue Diamond is rather a tatty and unreliable Company and has been for some considerable time.
You can rebrand as much as you like (Central Connect,Blue Diamond,or whatever ) but it is just a gimmick and cannot replace reliability.
Quote from: arrifirststage on March 30, 2012, 07:42:59 PM
I live in Sutton and use the 168.
Today,the bus due to arrive in Sutton at 1400 failed to turn up.leaving my Wife and me ,(and doubtless others ) standing.This is by no means an isolated incident.The general impression I get is that Blue Diamond is rather a tatty and unreliable Company and has been for some considerable time.
You can rebrand as much as you like (Central Connect,Blue Diamond,or whatever ) but it is just a gimmick and cannot replace reliability.
I couldn't agree more!
They have struggled to run there Nat Ex services properly since the new contracts started.
If you are having a problem with a route that is a Centro contract, then you really should complain to Centro. I am sure they would be very interested to hear any concerns on any routes that they are paying for.
Quote from: Liberator9 on March 29, 2012, 07:55:45 PM
Changing to Blue Diamond buses, the S2 and S3 is becoming a very unreliable route. This route is meant to be Signature buses but recently horrible 06 Solos have turned up with one on today. They struggle to get up any inclines and are generally very noisy and uncomfortable. Secondly the evening S2, 17:28 at Solihull has recently become excessively late. One friend needs to catch that bus home from work and on four occasions now has that person had no bus turn up. Today I saw this bus go up to Solihull 15 minutes late but never came back! So my friend has to catch the late running S3 and walk a fair distance home. This is happening too often! Does anyone else have the same problem on other bus routes and what would be a good course of action?
3 days in a row this week I have seen the bus - which i believe should be running the 17.28 as it runs the 15.57 - parked up in the station, same driver all 3 times all at the same time. The last two times i saw him he was parked the 'wrong way' in the lay by by the station with the rear bonnet up
THat would make sense as it is that 15:57 that runs it. Was the bus having problems then if it had the bonnet up? And why was it up at the station, they shouldn't be.
Quote from: Liberator9 on April 01, 2012, 08:16:00 AM
THat would make sense as it is that 15:57 that runs it. Was the bus having problems then if it had the bonnet up? And why was it up at the station, they shouldn't be.
Not too sure, but i thought it was a bit unusual for the same bus and driver to be 'broken down' at the same time 2 days in a row - the last time i saw him it was a different bus.
I would think Blue diamond buses are more unreliable due to the age of the fleet most of the buses are at least 10 years old where wessex red red/black diamond and preston bus have a lower average age of their fleet.
That's unfortunate, I've never really had a problem with Blue Diamond/Central Connect routes, you should probably talk to Centro about your complaint.
Quote from: arrifirststage on March 30, 2012, 07:42:59 PM
I live in Sutton and use the 168.
Today,the bus due to arrive in Sutton at 1400 failed to turn up.leaving my Wife and me ,(and doubtless others ) standing.This is by no means an isolated incident.The general impression I get is that Blue Diamond is rather a tatty and unreliable Company and has been for some considerable time.
You can rebrand as much as you like (Central Connect,Blue Diamond,or whatever ) but it is just a gimmick and cannot replace reliability.
Well the buses they use on the S2 and S3 are 2010 Optare solo SRs which are very good from a passenger view but actually I spoke to one driver and he said they were very unreliable. Also we keep getting the 2006 Blue old Solos which are terrible as they can't get up the hills, which was the same bus that was on on Thursday.
Also the 'old' 2006 Solos don't have the onboard wi-fi which is supposedly the big selling point of the 'Solihull Signature' services.
Thats true but I don't think anyone/many use the wi-fi. I know I never do!
Does anyone know if there will be a large withdrawal of buses in the diamond fleet from the 22nd April due to the loss of all those contracts or will they keep them for possible introduction of new commerical services.
You may find that there may not be that many withdrawals, the Arriva black country operation is only 14 vehicles. Already out of the Diamond Fleet are a quantity of MAN / MCV's, in are Optare Solo's ex Preston Bus & new Optare Versa Hybrids. Not sure how those moves effect the fleet requirement.
The 142 has certainly gone down hill in terms of vehicle quality since the Red Diamond MAN's have gone, on Saturday it was being run by elderly S & T-reg Dart SLF's
Quote from: Ash on April 03, 2012, 01:36:02 PM
Does anyone know if there will be a large withdrawal of buses in the diamond fleet from the 22nd April due to the loss of all those contracts or will they keep them for possible introduction of new commerical services.
Quote from: winston on April 03, 2012, 03:46:16 PM
You may find that there may not be that many withdrawals, the Arriva black country operation is only 14 vehicles. Already out of the Diamond Fleet are a quantity of MAN / MCV's, in are Optare Solo's ex Preston Bus & new Optare Versa Hybrids. Not sure how those moves effect the fleet requirement.
The 142 has certainly gone down hill in terms of vehicle quality since the Red Diamond MAN's have gone, on Saturday it was being run by elderly S & T-reg Dart SLF's
Quote from: Ash on April 03, 2012, 01:36:02 PM
Does anyone know if there will be a large withdrawal of buses in the diamond fleet from the 22nd April due to the loss of all those contracts or will they keep them for possible introduction of new commerical services.
Alot of routes have had the older darts placed back on them including the 16,404E and alot of them are either solo's or smaller darts which don't have alot of capacity especially for the busier routes, I dont know whether this will be a temporary until any new buses are ordered which is dissapointing because the MCV's had some good route branding such as the super 16 and black country connection and some of the older darts rattle like mad.
I think Diamond should get some more new buses and get rid of some of the ancient ones which have been around along time. It's a shame they got rid of the MCV Evolutions because I liked them and now the 142 does have older buses. The Plaxton Centro Royales maybe could be used on the 16 and the 404e instead of the 417 which doesn't get that many people. Also are all the Hybrids in service yet or when they will be? It was good to see the green hybrid on the 002 the other day.
Quote from: Mike360 on April 07, 2012, 06:28:51 PM
I think Diamond should get some more new buses and get rid of some of the ancient ones which have been around along time. It's a shame they got rid of the MCV Evolutions because I liked them and now the 142 does have older buses. The Plaxton Centro Royales maybe could be used on the 16 and the 404e instead of the 417 which doesn't get that many people. Also are all the Hybrids in service yet or when they will be? It was good to see the green hybrid on the 002 the other day.
From what I have read only 5 of the 8 are in service and on the diamond bus facebook site they quoted that they will be used on the 56 and 301, the 417 never seems busy enough for the centro's there are other routes that would utilise them better
Sorry but I will always chose NXWM or Banga buses over Blue Diamond
Banga Drivers are too slow for me
NXWM drivers stop far too much due
Blue Diamond is just right for me but every1s diffrent
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I rode on a Blue Diamond Bus today branded for the 37 which made its way on to the 97A today and I thought the bus was gonna fall apart halfway through ::) ???
Quote from: NathanJC on April 10, 2012, 06:58:26 PM
Banga Drivers are too slow for me
NXWM drivers stop far too much due
Blue Diamond is just right for me but every1s diffrent
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I rode on a Blue Diamond Bus today branded for the 37 which made its way on to the 97A today and I thought the bus was gonna fall apart halfway through ::) ???
NXWM drivers stop too much? - There are such things as passengers to get on & off you know!
S605 MKH broke down today in chelsmley wood today :-\. Passed it while i was on the 97A ;D
Seen one of the Centro's on the 56 this morning, must say i do miss these been on the 56.
There was a new hybrid on the 410 today and all i saw on the 417 was the crusader (02 reg) instead of the centro's with a few (51 reg) crusaders being on the 404E instead of the 301
Today on the 417 I saw there was 3 Wright Crusaders and 2 Royale Centro's 30822 and 30824 compared with yesterday when it was run entirely on centro's. I wonder if the 417 will get converted back to crusaders because they are suited for it and if the centro's return to the 56.
If the crusaders are returned to the 417 from the 404E which there appearing on at the moment, i wonder what vehicles the 404E would get hopefully not solo's or the shorter darts which were on the route today
Centros could well be back on the 56 as 30822 was on it this evening.
The centro's suit the 56 better as the route can get quite busy and the extra capacity is needed, It will be interesting to see where the hybrid's will go.
Personally i'd place Centro's on the 56 with Hybrids operating the 404E
What ever happened to the MANs that Diamond had?
All the MAN's (MCV) got transferred to New Zealand and i believe all of Rotala's MCV's are following suit as I know the ones off the x30 have gone from the route.
From the pic of 30135 on the front page of the site it seems the other 3 versa's are now arriving just wondered if people have spotted them regualary on other routes aswell as the 56 which they are supposed to be for as there are 4 spare when all delivered.
Quote from: Tony on April 10, 2012, 09:36:07 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on April 10, 2012, 06:58:26 PM
Banga Drivers are too slow for me
NXWM drivers stop far too much due
Blue Diamond is just right for me but every1s diffrent
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I rode on a Blue Diamond Bus today branded for the 37 which made its way on to the 97A today and I thought the bus was gonna fall apart halfway through ::) ???
NXWM drivers stop too much? - There are such things as passengers to get on & off you know!
Yes I know that Im talking when they run in 3/4 example 1. the 97 the drivers stop behind the bus thats picking up passangers even though they can overtake at times
Most likely reason is its not always safe for a large vehicle to overtake.
Also they may be trying to keep to their timetables over taking may cause the vehicle to run early especailly if overtaking a vehicle thats suppose to be at a destination before themselves.
Couldn't the 417 use the 314** crusaders, then the 404E could use the 302** crusaders, inc. the ex-Ludlow ones
Quote from: Ash on April 11, 2012, 11:44:11 PM
If the crusaders are returned to the 417 from the 404E which there appearing on at the moment, i wonder what vehicles the 404E would get hopefully not solo's or the shorter darts which were on the route today
A hybrid versa was on the 417 on the 18/4/2012, the 314** are normally seen on the 16/401/2/410, the 302** crusaders are normally on the 301 (30201/2 and 30204-7), 404E (30209-13) 007 (30214) and 404E (30216-30218) and the 417 normally sees just the royale centro's or occasionally a wright cadet (302**).
I would use hybrid/darts off peak and centros at peaks, how does the 56 cope with hybrids at peaks?
Quote from: Ash on April 12, 2012, 11:56:52 PM
The centro's suit the 56 better as the route can get quite busy and the extra capacity is needed, It will be interesting to see where the hybrid's will go.
I dont use the 56 that much as peaks but when i have or seen the buses leaving Birmingham there always very busy and they also put extra darts on in peak houses to increase capacity, ideally the centro's are better as they got full in peak hours so i guess the versa's struggle.
Oh ok. I am yet to ride on the versas. Although I get easily mistaken with versas and solos, which do have some differences
Quote from: Ash on April 19, 2012, 06:27:00 PM
I dont use the 56 that much as peaks but when i have or seen the buses leaving Birmingham there always very busy and they also put extra darts on in peak houses to increase capacity, ideally the centro's are better as they got full in peak hours so i guess the versa's struggle.
Yes, definitely keep centros on the 56 as their capacity is needed. Or possibly a good idea-reduce frequency and use some ex Bristol coach seated park and ride buses in a branded livery. Just a thought diamond...
Last week on Thursday, guess what. The S2 to Dorridge didn't turn up! Had to walk and we nearly missed our train which we had to catch. We were getting close to Dorridge when a scuffy 56 reg Solo pulled up at the stop just in front of us, running about 30 minutes late. We run for the bus and someone gets off. Despite running to driver drives off and I simply put my hands up at the wreck. Luckily me and my relative made the train but only just. This route is getting terrible and is the 4th time a bus has failed to turn up but here it did but drove off without us! Anyone having the same issues on other routes?
How come versa 30128 got diverted to Preston and therefore has the diamond hybrid headrest, have diamond recieved another hybrid in replacement as maybe preston needed this versa before diamond.
More moaning. My S2 was 8 minutes late today and it was a SoloSR that was stuck in one gear. Could only get up to 40 max and then a cooling fan came on making it impossible to speak!
Quote from: NathanJC on April 10, 2012, 06:58:26 PM
NXWM drivers stop far too much due
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NXWM has an 82% market share and diamond has an 8% share in wm bus ops! NX 1 million passengers per day diamond about 4 passengers per day
Quote from: Liberator9 on April 21, 2012, 04:04:14 PM
More moaning. My S2 was 8 minutes late today and it was a SoloSR that was stuck in one gear. Could only get up to 40 max and then a cooling fan came on making it impossible to speak!
You do realise the fastest it could go is 40. It's the highest speed limit on normal roads.
[
NXWM has an 82% market share and diamond has an 8% share in wm bus ops! NX 1 million passengers per day diamond about 4 passengers per day
[/quote]
A highly unfair comment. Many of Diamond's services are very well used think 002, 301, 404, 17, 82, 30, 10H, 56 plus other signature services, and thats forgetting even the nifty fifty or the 16. I for one would far rather catch diamond than NXWM any day of the week and the fact that NXWM have an 82% market share just shows that they should have been split up into two or more companies on deregulation. Then it would actually be fair for the smaller yet high quality independants that Birmingham has-diamond, Claribels, Johnsons. And anyway NXWM do not carry 1 million passengers a day. Close to a million passengers are carried every day on all WM services and not all of these are NXWM. No, I say Go Diamond-create more innovative brands, invest in better vehicles than NXWM, open up new links and maybe keep trying to grow services as you are trying to do!!
They do not invest in better buses. Most of their fleet is old rattly Darts and the MCV evolutions which were good have now been ridden of.
I imagine investment will be coming soon and I encourage you to travel on one of the new versas or signature citaros/versas/solo srs-not to mention the royale centros. Anyway, I love diamond's old darts-especially the R... FFC ex Oxford Ones-theyre fantastic-comfy, incredibly fast and with recovered seating. yes, it is a shame the mcv's have gone-tho it shows that like a magazine said-RouteOne?-Rotala's policy is to get rid of vehicles that are expensive to run/unreliable etc. Better than keeping stock thats no good-tho personally I thought they were nice but what do I know. Im not a fleet engineer.
Quote from: Peter123 on April 21, 2012, 08:20:48 PM
I imagine investment will be coming soon and I encourage you to travel on one of the new versas or signature citaros/versas/solo srs-not to mention the royale centros. Anyway, I love diamond's old darts-especially the R... FFC ex Oxford Ones-theyre fantastic-comfy, incredibly fast and with recovered seating. yes, it is a shame the mcv's have gone-tho it shows that like a magazine said-RouteOne?-Rotala's policy is to get rid of vehicles that are expensive to run/unreliable etc. Better than keeping stock thats no good-tho personally I thought they were nice but what do I know. Im not a fleet engineer.
Diamond is rubbish. Black Diamond is arguably reasonable. Blue Diamond is terrible and the fact that it brought NBB to an end is worse, and absolutely trashed Y2 NBB.
I accept that Blue Diamond could make improvements-I suggest that they ditch the 37 for a start. I think their natex/coach operations need to be separated as they must cause staffing difficulties and it is rumoured they have trouble running them-it diverts resources from the buses. I cant believe Im the only person who loves diamond. Guess Ive seen them my whole life-from ricketty 9s nationals on the 9 which I used to love going on when I was about 5, then to Diamond's lances including the verdes-the smartest buses in the midlands, then Go-Ahead-marshall darts and volvo B10bs-not to mention double deckers-then rotala and B7rles/MCVs/ Darts. The most interesting and diverse fleet in the midlands that I have liked all the time Ive been interested in buses.
I use both diamond and NXWM on routes such as the 16,301,404 and 410 have to say some NXWM drivers are not that pleasent compared to most diamond drivers, the fleet may have old rattly darts which rotala inherited from go west-midlands, since the takeover rotala ensured all non low floor buses were withdrawn which its been like that since a few months after the takeover. Black diamond buses get quite busy on quite a few services. I was on 31419 a newely refurbised R reg dart in black diamond livery and it looks brand new inside, refurbished seats and new trimmings and no rattles. Dont use blue diamond so cant comment but they look no where near as good as black diamond.
Quote from: Ash on April 21, 2012, 09:46:55 PM
I use both diamond and NXWM on routes such as the 16,301,404 and 410 have to say some NXWM drivers are not that pleasent compared to most diamond drivers, the fleet may have old rattly darts which rotala inherited from go west-midlands, since the takeover rotala ensured all non low floor buses were withdrawn which its been like that since a few months after the takeover. Black diamond buses get quite busy on quite a few services. I was on 31419 a newely refurbised R reg dart in black diamond livery and it looks brand new inside, refurbished seats and new trimmings and no rattles. Dont use blue diamond so cant comment but they look no where near as good as black diamond.
Agreed, Diamond (black diamond) has always been my faviroute company in the west mids and does have some good buses (e.g am i the only person who likes darts).
I do travel on the Signature SRs. Hate them, noisy and rattly (seems to be coming from the emergency exit). The Versas, Centros and Citaros are excellent though and sometimes we get the Citaro on the evening S3, much better than the SRs.
Diamond is my favourite company in the West midlands and I too love the darts-we won't see wright crusader darts for many more years so catch these wonderful buses while u can...
Now the quite a few contracts have been lost to Arriva im sure some of the RxxxFFC darts may be withdrawn R410FFC has been painted white ready for sale and are some of the older buses in the fleet but internally there some of the best.
The 56 hybrids at peak times are full to the brim as the capacity must only be 37/40 becuase they are quite small ::). Which would suit fine on the 404E of a evening
Quote from: Ash on April 22, 2012, 04:09:48 PM
Now the quite a few contracts have been lost to Arriva im sure some of the RxxxFFC darts may be withdrawn R410FFC has been painted white ready for sale and are some of the older buses in the fleet but internally there some of the best.
What contacts have been lost to Arriva
I know service 604 has
The 223 Bilston to Dudley has been lost, my most local route. Served by 12 plate Enviro 200's which I presume then work on the 257 Evening service once the 223 has stopped running.
Due to losses it seems to me as if the diamond drivers have been moved round as before certain drivers always sticked on certain services and from what i can see they have been moved. May be its just me lol
It's not just you as Diamond drivers must have had there shifts changed around as this week there's been different drivers driving the 002 and not the regular ones and I saw two regular 002 bus drivers on the 202 and not the usual faces so it must because of the changes.
Yeah the 401E and 410 drivers are on the 404E which suprised me and the usual 404E drivers i havent seen
4 blue diamond buses,all in service on the 17 route, in convoy at the yew tree,yardley all heading to city this evening around 18:15.the service is supposed to be 15 minute one!! must have been a heavy traffic jam somewhere.
Severe traffic problems in the city centre, affecting all routes using Moor Street Queensway this evening.
My 37 turned up in Sparkbrook just after 6:30pm and was absolutely heaving, so I gave it a miss. Got on a 31 not long after and that was a full double-deck, some people must have been waiting ages! :o
Quote from: Stu on April 24, 2012, 09:06:40 PM
Severe traffic problems in the city centre, affecting all routes using Moor Street Queensway this evening.
My 37 turned up in Sparkbrook just after 6:30pm and was absolutely heaving, so I gave it a miss. Got on a 31 not long after and that was a full double-deck, some people must have been waiting ages! :o
Most buses are held up at around 5-7pm becasue my 934 runs in 2's which is quite rare same for the 935 buses
Service 97/A blue diamond i give up with them now as they cut the journeys short to Digbeth to avoid Moor Strret which is quite annoying, carnt there be a way for cars to get around as they are the problem on moor street ::)
Quote from: NathanJC on April 25, 2012, 07:08:15 PM
Quote from: Stu on April 24, 2012, 09:06:40 PM
Severe traffic problems in the city centre, affecting all routes using Moor Street Queensway this evening.
My 37 turned up in Sparkbrook just after 6:30pm and was absolutely heaving, so I gave it a miss. Got on a 31 not long after and that was a full double-deck, some people must have been waiting ages! :o
Most buses are held up at around 5-7pm becasue my 934 runs in 2's which is quite rare same for the 935 buses
Service 97/A blue diamond i give up with them now as they cut the journeys short to Digbeth to avoid Moor Strret which is quite annoying, carnt there be a way for cars to get around as they are the problem on moor street ::)
Buy a car then.
Complaining about Signature now. The last two nights buses have failed to turn up (including a S3 tonight) with me and many others annoyed with the terrible service signature are providing. This is surely a violation of contract for not providing buses repeatedly?
Complaining here about Signature services won't get you anywhere.
You could try contacting Signature with your concerns:
http://www.signaturebus.com/#/contact/4539852363
Or why not try starting a campaign on FixMyTransport and see if you can drum up some support?
http://www.fixmytransport.com
The thing is i do like signature but on the occasions Ive used it-september 2011 first day of versa operation waited about 2 hours for one bus as they had to go back to Long Acre as theyd forgotten the o license. The 82 is always late and the last time there was a touchwood connection dart on it!!!
A definate yes to informing centro.They are paid for every journey that runs and if it does`nt centro will withold the money for that non running journey.This also applies for an early running journey or one thah runs more than 5 minutes late.
Strange things happened again yesterday. The 3:42 S3 came at 4:15, and the 3:58 S2A or C came at 4:10! Mind you I got the S3 at 4:16 and it was a delightful little dart SN05FLR, now in plain blue, and with seatbelted seats!
Why are Signature choosing to run their services badly? surely they know that it is they who will lose out in the end on some of their services which are actually unique and useful WHY?
Black diamond services most times run on time and rarely miss buses out (others may have different opinions) but why is it that Blue diamond services are so poor compared to black diamond in terms of reliability and it's not like you can blame the signature vehicles as there quite new compared to most of the fleet
Quote from: Ash on April 28, 2012, 10:53:12 PM
Black diamond services most times run on time and rarely miss buses out (others may have different opinions) but why is it that Blue diamond services are so poor compared to black diamond in terms of reliability and it's not like you can blame the signature vehicles as there quite new compared to most of the fleet
Just ask a Blue Diamond driver then you will understand
Worth noting that there has been a Rotala support car patrolling Solihull Town Centre for the last two weeks. It got fined for driving through the bus only area lmao!
:D And taxis that seem to driver through still don't get fined. I saw a few Black Diamond buses yesterday and they look excellent. Blue Diamond need some ADL 200 / 300s or MCV Evolutions with proper smart interiors to be good as Black Diamond. One driver was complaining the other day about having the "rubbish" bus tonight and saying it should n't be on. Another I know says about the driver seats on the Optares having little support for a long day. No wonder Black Diamond do better.
Taxis are allowed in Solihull town centre, otherwise why is there a taxi rank next to the 37 stop? ::)
Quote from: Ash on April 28, 2012, 10:53:12 PM
Black diamond services most times run on time and rarely miss buses out (others may have different opinions) but why is it that Blue diamond services are so poor compared to black diamond in terms of reliability and it's not like you can blame the signature vehicles as there quite new compared to most of the fleet
Depends what Blue Diamond service your on about
I was on about the singature services at thats what people were mentioning on here, i never use blue diamond but do use black diamond regulary.
Quote from: Stu on April 29, 2012, 09:37:07 AM
Taxis are allowed in Solihull town centre, otherwise why is there a taxi rank next to the 37 stop? ::)
Where on Earth have these new members turned up from! There's a few of them now who could do with a brain transplant.
Thanks alot! Anyway, back to buses...
Quote from: Ash on April 29, 2012, 01:22:35 PM
I was on about the singature services at thats what people were mentioning on here, i never use blue diamond but do use black diamond regulary.
ohh, i dont use signature buses as they operate in solihull, were i hardly go
Quote from: Michael on April 29, 2012, 02:17:05 PM
Quote from: Stu on April 29, 2012, 09:37:07 AM
Taxis are allowed in Solihull town centre, otherwise why is there a taxi rank next to the 37 stop? ::)
Where on Earth have these new members turned up from! There's a few of them now who could do with a brain transplant.
Do you have to pick on every1 who makes a wrong/stupid comment ??
Considering Central Connect are now Blue Diamond, I am seeing more white buses with the new logo instead of seeing their vehicles painted blue like Black and Red Diamond.
Blue diamond have had alot of new additions to their fleet, i think trying to decrease the average fleet age and having some buses ready to meet the emission requirements soon to be put in place in Birmingham so i would think it would take some time to get them all in the blue diamond livery, even some of the black diamond buses are in the old go-ahead diamond livery but i doubt these will be repainted, i havent saw any of the white diamond darts around (the ones up for sale) for a few days have they been withdrawn from use completely
The 142 buses seem to be operating with Optare Solos lately and leave Halesowen full and the 007 is seeing 30488 and not 30214.
Diamond seem to be swapping the buses that are usually on the service the 401E sees alot of solo's again and are very full when leaving Walsall, thankfully the 404E has got the cadets back for now and are often full throughout the day but again a solo sneaked on again today with the versa's seem to be used on the 56 and 301 now. As i have said before they seem to be replacing services that had the mcv's with solo's and smaller darts from Wessex which are not suitable i know the older longer darts are getting on a bit but at least they had higher capacity numbers diamond need a high amount of investment even if the 6/7 year old full length darts from dealers
Totally agree and diamond do need bigger buses that are reliable and last well with good interiors. They should be grateful many services get busy and exchange a lot of darts for a smaller number of either newer darts as these seem to work well or even be on the lookout for some wright cadets or plaxton centros on the secondhand market. I think they should buy some vdl sb200s/pulsar 2s as these are good buses and seem to last well or just an example I found on arriva bus and coach.
http://www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk/details.asp?ProductID=229
or even http://www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk/details.asp?ProductID=182
44 seats so plenty of capacity and new/quality secondhand stock
The older claribel buses would be ideal for the 16 service and fit in with the emmission requirements as when this occurs it will be the smaller buses that will be used unless the centros' cadets or versa's get used.
Glad you agree and I think these Claribel's Buses would be a good buy tho at the right price....
I agree these buses would be a good investment for Diamond, they are in need of some bigger buses for certain routes that can get busy. Also I wonder if there ever going to repaint the rest of the red and white diamond livery buses into black diamond.
31419 got repainted from it's red and white livery recently with a refurb including new seat colours and the inside handrails (poles) seem to have been repainted and made the bus look new even though it's close to 15 years old so im unsure what their going to do to with these buses but for me they need replacing quite seen but the older ones sound better than some of the new red and white diamond darts
Are the versa's now only used on the 56 and 301 as the 301 cadets 30201/2/4-7 seem to be used on the 404E and 410 now
Saw one of the ex Newport buses yesterday refurbished rather nicely on the 82A. The interior looks very good although this is bound to change very quickly!
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 24, 2012, 08:11:32 PM
Saw one of the ex Newport buses yesterday refurbished rather nicely on the 82A. The interior looks very good although this is bound to change very quickly!
I may have missed an earlier post, so sorry if this has already been commentde on, but what vehicles have come from Newport?
Yeah I dont know either as the smaller recent darts have come from wessex and the solos from preston, all recent additions have come from within the group but i could be wrong
they have brought a few solos, ive also seen one a couple of time. Y2JPT I believe has aslo had the sasme interior
I think diamond should get some double deckers
Quote from: Peter123 on May 17, 2012, 09:25:21 PM
Glad you agree and I think these Claribel's Buses would be a good buy tho at the right price....
I dont think any diamond services would benefit from double deckers but at the moment the buses they do have need the correct allocation for their services, solos on the 16,50,301 and 404E are not ideal and very unreliable
Quote from: D10 on May 24, 2012, 09:38:39 PM
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 24, 2012, 08:11:32 PM
Saw one of the ex Newport buses yesterday refurbished rather nicely on the 82A. The interior looks very good although this is bound to change very quickly!
I may have missed an earlier post, so sorry if this has already been commentde on, but what vehicles have come from Newport?
D10,
All the ex Newport acquisitions are listed at the bottom of the main page under Rotala Group fleetchanges April
Quote from: winston on May 25, 2012, 12:30:26 AM
Quote from: D10 on May 24, 2012, 09:38:39 PM
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 24, 2012, 08:11:32 PM
Saw one of the ex Newport buses yesterday refurbished rather nicely on the 82A. The interior looks very good although this is bound to change very quickly!
I may have missed an earlier post, so sorry if this has already been commentde on, but what vehicles have come from Newport?
D10,
Another was out on the 108 yesterday evening
All the ex Newport acquisitions are listed at the bottom of the main page under Rotala Group fleetchanges April
Thanks for your replies, solos then it is! I have always associated Newport with Scania so I forgot about their Solos.
Well, Blue Diamond are reaching new heights! Caught the S2 home today, at 4:20, and the S2A from 4:00 came. Of course I got on it and would you believe it was Touchwood Connect Plaxton. It was in a bad state I can say, struggling to get over 30mph and up any inclines and the interior had those awful Urban 90 seats. I really think the S2 and S3 get the worse now but at least a Mercedes Citaro has been on over the last few weeks and I must say they are the best buses to this day.
considering the reliability problems that the S2 has (so I've heard), having to ride a dart sounds like a kick in the teeth ::)
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 25, 2012, 09:01:03 PM
Well, Blue Diamond are reaching new heights! Caught the S2 home today, at 4:20, and the S2A from 4:00 came. Of course I got on it and would you believe it was Touchwood Connect Plaxton. It was in a bad state I can say, struggling to get over 30mph and up any inclines and the interior had those awful Urban 90 seats. I really think the S2 and S3 get the worse now but at least a Mercedes Citaro has been on over the last few weeks and I must say they are the best buses to this day.
Well, okay, it wasn't too bad. I personally believe the Signature buses (Solos SRs e.g) will get moved off when the new emissions come in. Blue Diamond are going to need to shift those older Darts out of Brum and replace them. Really I would rather get rid of the Solos and have the darts! Much more lively.
Quote from: D10 on March 31, 2012, 09:48:05 PM
If you are having a problem with a route that is a Centro contract, then you really should complain to Centro. I am sure they would be very interested to hear any concerns on any routes that they are paying for.
I agree a bus should be reliable but you should also consider running time as most tendered routes have an impossible running time the old 562 was one at petes if you kept at the speed limit you were guaranteed to lose a trip new cross hospital was the main culprit 10 mph on grounds I do not endorse speeding in any way It was reported to centro and nothing ever was done even was surveyed many times, try asking them to try timing the route properly
I agree; the running times are impractical. It is meant to take one minute to get from Solihull Station Road to St Alphage. That can never be done in a minute, even in a car due to the traffic lights
I hope the signature buses are used in birmingham, it means the 89 will have signature buses on evenings :). I don't know. I'd rather have Solos than clapped out darts
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 26, 2012, 08:12:49 PM
Well, okay, it wasn't too bad. I personally believe the Signature buses (Solos SRs e.g) will get moved off when the new emissions come in. Blue Diamond are going to need to shift those older Darts out of Brum and replace them. Really I would rather get rid of the Solos and have the darts! Much more lively.
It wouldn't surprise me if the Signatures got moved up as I don't think Blue Diamond are going to be able to get enough compliant buses in time.
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 27, 2012, 07:36:16 AM
It wouldn't surprise me if the Signatures got moved up as I don't think Blue Diamond are going to be able to get enough compliant buses in time.
Not taking any Signature vehicle into account, Blue Diamond have enough Euro 3 Buses either allocated or destined for Long Acre for their needs + spares.
What buses are euro 3 complaint that they have? Apart from the MCVs
Quote from: NEL111P on May 27, 2012, 08:26:47 AM
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 27, 2012, 07:36:16 AM
It wouldn't surprise me if the Signatures got moved up as I don't think Blue Diamond are going to be able to get enough compliant buses in time.
Not taking any Signature vehicle into account, Blue Diamond have enough Euro 3 Buses either allocated or destined for Long Acre for their needs + spares.
Quote from: 4504 on May 27, 2012, 09:29:01 PM
What buses are euro 3 complaint that they have? Apart from the MCVs
Quote from: NEL111P on May 27, 2012, 08:26:47 AM
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 27, 2012, 07:36:16 AM
It wouldn't surprise me if the Signatures got moved up as I don't think Blue Diamond are going to be able to get enough compliant buses in time.
Not taking any Signature vehicle into account, Blue Diamond have enough Euro 3 Buses either allocated or destined for Long Acre for their needs + spares.
All the Solos, including those just acquired from Newport, and all the darts with new style xx NN xxx style registrations for a start
Quote from: Tony on May 27, 2012, 09:41:07 PM
Quote from: 4504 on May 27, 2012, 09:29:01 PM
What buses are euro 3 complaint that they have? Apart from the MCVs
Quote from: NEL111P on May 27, 2012, 08:26:47 AM
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 27, 2012, 07:36:16 AM
It wouldn't surprise me if the Signatures got moved up as I don't think Blue Diamond are going to be able to get enough compliant buses in time.
Not taking any Signature vehicle into account, Blue Diamond have enough Euro 3 Buses either allocated or destined for Long Acre for their needs + spares.
All the Solos, including those just acquired from Newport, and all the darts with new style xx NN xxx style registrations for a start
Most Rotala darts are ex London anyway, so wouldn't they be LEZ compliant at least Euro2?
I use the 002 regularly and this route should be introduced on Sundays and I'm sure many people would use it to go shopping in Merry Hill. I think there was a 002 bus service on a Sunday ages ago probably operated by Ludlows but this stopped after a short while I think and to extend it to Northfield would boost it even more as people can then go to Halesowen and Merry Hill.
Agree. Its a well used route, a sunday service would be useful and they should definitely extend it to Northfield.
I agree they tried a sunday service on the 301 and 404E and both services remain along with the evening services they should try something similar on the 002 and i was really suprised to see how early the 002 finishes late afternoon
Quote from: Ash on April 24, 2012, 08:15:00 PM
Due to losses it seems to me as if the diamond drivers have been moved round as before certain drivers always sticked on certain services and from what i can see they have been moved. May be its just me lol
There had been some severe rota changes and hours cut a mate of mine was always on the 326 now on it once in a blue moon plus stops the money grabbing poles getting the big money all the time too. My hours were always altered when it came to me getting a good week of hours in thats why i left blatant racism towards the english staff.
Yeah when i catch the diamond buses now the drivers all seem to be english whereas before they were mostly poles and even a few women drivers too which is good to see
If you mean where does it stop in Blackheath it stop outside sainsburys when going towards hayle green and outisde by wilkinsons when going back to west brom
Quote from: thetruth on June 09, 2012, 10:46:10 PM
Does the 417 usually stop adjacent to Station Road in Blackheath?
I was going to Rowley Regis Station, pressed the bell in plenty of time but the driver didn't stop there.
Ended up in Blackheath by Sainsburys and nearly missed my train
The stop is before the Station Road junction, outside Toucan Trading (if they'e still going) and before the New Inn. Next stop after that is Blackheath town centre.
Quote from: Peter123 on June 08, 2012, 09:22:50 PM
Agree. Its a well used route, a sunday service would be useful and they should definitely extend it to Northfield.
A Sunday service on the 002 would be a good idea, I'm sure Ludlow's tried a Northfield - Merry Hill variant numbered the 003, but it was short lived.
I really hope they do a Sunday Service and at least trial and extension to Northfield as I personally think it would be quite popular even if people mainly use it to Weoley Castle and Bartley Green and with it going to Merry Hill then people have a change from going shopping in Town. I can't recall myself of a Ludlows 003 doing it but you never know. We should let Diamond bus know!
Yep, thats a gud idea Mike360. If everyone on this forum suggested it, then its probably go through. What with diamond and rotala trying to expand commerical services at the expense of tendered operations, this seems a very good idea.
Quote from: Peter123 on June 10, 2012, 06:19:31 PM
Yep, thats a gud idea Mike360. If everyone on this forum suggested it, then its probably go through. What with diamond and rotala trying to expand commerical services at the expense of tendered operations, this seems a very good idea.
Since when are Diamond / Rotala trying to expand commercial services? I think you'll find it's the opposite and that they have actually withdrawn from a number of them over the last couple of years, the fleet size has contracted some what as a result. I think the last commericial service Diamond introduced/registered was the 559/now Wolves 59. The Centro tendered work was lost to Arriva and Flights Hallmark have since lost the NEC car park shuttle contract to Travel de Courcey
In their annual report, trying to expand commerical revenue was a key point and one of the ways that this can be achieved is through strengthening corridors and Diamond's decision to withdraw from tendered work is sensible as Arriva bid ridiculously low and diamond actually want to make a profit. They may reduce tendered work, withdraw the bad buses and end up with a reduced fleet of high quality with commercial services. I meant expand their additional commerical services as they will surely wish to do.....
The fleet is steadily improving and the age of the fleet decreasing when rotala inherited the fleet from go-ahead there was no investment from go-ahead in vehicles and the newest i believe was the 02 cadets or the 52 darts now with yourbus dont know if they were sold by then. So reducing tendered work helps withdraw the older buses like whats been happening.
Quote from: Peter123 on June 10, 2012, 08:11:17 PM
In their annual report, trying to expand commerical revenue was a key point and one of the ways that this can be achieved is through strengthening corridors and Diamond's decision to withdraw from tendered work is sensible as Arriva bid ridiculously low and diamond actually want to make a profit. They may reduce tendered work, withdraw the bad buses and end up with a reduced fleet of high quality with commercial services. I meant expand their additional commerical services as they will surely wish to do.....
But Diamond didn't withdraw from the Centro tendered work, they lost it, regardless of how low Arriva bid. Diamond wouldn't have known what Arriva were bidding/if they even knew they were up against Arriva at all. Rotala Group has expanded their commercial revenue through the Preston Bus acquisition. I don't think that statement necessarily applies to Diamond operations as the Red Diamond operation has contracted considerably since withdrawing from Worcester, Droitwich & closing the Droitwich depot, I'm not so sure they are that successful competing against First in Redditch either. Diamond has also withdrawn from a number of commercial services that competed with NXWM and commercial services they inherited from the Ludlow's / NBB acquisitions
Looking at Diamond's commerical service most of the original petes travel services are still running including the 50,97,401,401E,402 and 404E and petes travel back in the day used quite new darts on these services and looking at the rotala fleet list quite a few of the darts still remain in the fleet and on the very services, suggesting investment is needed and these commercial services must be profitable and hold there own against high competition
Quote from: Ash on June 10, 2012, 08:33:06 PM
Looking at Diamond's commerical service most of the original petes travel services are still running including the 50,97,401,401E,402 and 404E and petes travel back in the day used quite new darts on these services and looking at the rotala fleet list quite a few of the darts still remain in the fleet and on the very services, suggesting investment is needed and these commercial services must be profitable and hold there own against high competition
Diamond have withdrawn quite a few of the former Birmingham Coach Company commercial services over time including the 9, 51, 74, 87, 120, 217, 221, 300, 399 plus former Ludlows routes 004, 006, 007 (before winning it back as a tendered route), 230 etc
The 16 and 56 may be the only diamond bus/birmingham coach company that remain operated commercially by diamond
Quote from: Ash on June 10, 2012, 09:54:43 PM
The 16 and 56 may be the only diamond bus/birmingham coach company that remain operated commercially by diamond
Plus the 410, other than that there's nothing left of the former BCC/Diamond Bus (Go-ahead owned) commercial routes
Quote from: Winston on June 10, 2012, 10:05:14 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 10, 2012, 09:54:43 PM
The 16 and 56 may be the only diamond bus/birmingham coach company that remain operated commercially by diamond
Plus the 410, other than that there's nothing left of the former BCC/Diamond Bus (Go-ahead owned) commercial routes
The 50 as well isn't it.
Quote from: Mike360 on June 10, 2012, 10:12:56 PM
Quote from: Winston on June 10, 2012, 10:05:14 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 10, 2012, 09:54:43 PM
The 16 and 56 may be the only diamond bus/birmingham coach company that remain operated commercially by diamond
Plus the 410, other than that there's nothing left of the former BCC/Diamond Bus (Go-ahead owned) commercial routes
The 50 as well isn't it.
That originally came with Pete's Travel acquisition; I probably shouldn't have added the Diamond bus bit above as it confuses the issue
The 51reg and 02reg wright cadets are the only buses left from the original diamond bus/birmingham coach company acquisition and i believe the 51 reg cadets were for the 16 and the 02reg cadets the 156 now 56 service
Funny how the Old Diamond Bus website still exists. I wish bus fares were still like that!
http://www.birmingham-coach.co.uk/
Quote from: Ash on June 10, 2012, 09:54:43 PM
The 16 and 56 may be the only diamond bus/birmingham coach company that remain operated commercially by diamond
S'funny, I have 17 routes on my list ;-)
17 routes operated by the birmingham coach company and its diamond brand that remains in operation now, if you have took them from the website link then 17 is wrong as this was when the go-ahead group owned them
Ash,
NEL111P is more than likely saying that there are currently 17 commercial routes with Diamond, which is different to what we are discussing re: how many of the original BCC commercial routes still remain under Rotala ownership today
Caught the 002 today where I got on 30136 Hybrid Bus which is a change from the usual 002 buses and a great bus to travel on. Also on the 002 today I saw 31479 which I didn't see in the morning but saw in the afternoon so it must have replaced a bus.
When catching a 002 back from Halesowen, the driver didn't have a clue where he was going and nearly ended up going the wrong way a couple of times but managed to go around an island to go the correct way after missing the turning. Luckily we all helped him by giving directions get back to Weoley Castle terminus even though it took a while. But a month or so back I was on the 002 and the driver took the wrong turning going towards Weoley Castle. It used to be regular drivers who drove the route all the time but now I see so many drivers that I've never seen before.
I can agree and I caught it the other day to Weoley Castle and the driver said he didnt know it well and where was a public toilet that he could use. Tho I like the hybrids and I think pete's was more successful than diamond as it was actually profitable unlike diamond and hence why many of its services have been kept. Tho diamond is successful on the 16 and 56 as has been stated, thesemust have been some of BCC's best performers.
Quote from: Peter123 on June 11, 2012, 05:17:33 PM
I can agree and I caught it the other day to Weoley Castle and the driver said he didnt know it well and where was a public toilet that he could use. Tho I like the hybrids and I think pete's was more successful than diamond as it was actually profitable unlike diamond and hence why many of its services have been kept. Tho diamond is successful on the 16 and 56 as has been stated, thesemust have been some of BCC's best performers.
Didn't Pete's have a lot of PG9's and went into recievership?
I thought they only got PG9s when they knew they were selling and couldnt care less, hence why when Go-Ahead took over they needed other buses from within the group to run services.
Petes travel might have been profitable but it wasnt petes travel that sold it to the go ahead group as it was called peoples express when it got sold to the go-ahead group.
Quote from: Ash on June 08, 2012, 09:31:34 PM
I agree they tried a sunday service on the 301 and 404E and both services remain along with the evening services they should try something similar on the 002 and i was really suprised to see how early the 002 finishes late afternoon
301 diamond on sunday does not run in evening finishes just after shop closing around 1730-1800 live in route and use a lot
Quote from: Mike360 on June 11, 2012, 02:19:44 PM
Caught the 002 today where I got on 30136 Hybrid Bus which is a change from the usual 002 buses and a great bus to travel on. Also on the 002 today I saw 31479 which I didn't see in the morning but saw in the afternoon so it must have replaced a bus.
When catching a 002 back from Halesowen, the driver didn't have a clue where he was going and nearly ended up going the wrong way a couple of times but managed to go around an island to go the correct way after missing the turning. Luckily we all helped him by giving directions get back to Weoley Castle terminus even though it took a while. But a month or so back I was on the 002 and the driver took the wrong turning going towards Weoley Castle. It used to be regular drivers who drove the route all the time but now I see so many drivers that I've never seen before.
In recent weeks there has been a big overhaul of drivers allocated to routes. Most drivers used to operate 1 or 2 main routes. For example, in West Bromwich each of the following routes had their own group of drivers - 401/2/419, 404E, 410/313E, 417, 430/1/640 then vehicles off different routes went onto the late night routes 478, 644 but now all the West Bromwich routes are covered by the same group of drivers. Routes covered are 401E, 401/2, 404E, 410, 417, 430/1, plus late night / Sundays on 205, 313E,419, 478, 644 plus possibly one or two others.
I noticed on Tonys photo uploads for tonight there is a blue diamond livery centro and wondered what people thought as i think the black diamond livery suits them better in my opinion, also yeah i noticed the driver changes on the the diamond services around West Brom as before the same drivers drove the same services and most recently there always seems to be a driver i have never saw before on the 404E i wonder though if this is a service most diamond drivers know due to the amount of drivers needed for the service and thats its one of a very few commercial services that is operated 7 days a week including evenings by diamond and also its straight forward route.
Quote from: Ash on June 12, 2012, 12:09:39 AM
Petes travel might have been profitable but it wasnt petes travel that sold it to the go ahead group as it was called peoples express when it got sold to the go-ahead group.
Became peoples express when pete and son had a bust up and pete took his share and the business had little money left so had no option to sell plus big debts same as bcc so go ahead at the time had a good deal
I saw a couple of wright cadets on the 417. Yesterday were 3 and today I saw at least 2 so lets hope they will stay now as these should stay on this route as even a wright cadet I got on today from Oldbury to Halesowen had about 5-6 people on board.
Also yesterday 15th June, I only saw one branded 50 bus 30804 so I wondered where the others were (except 30801) and there was also a Hybrid 30134 yesterday which is the first I've seen on that route.
30201 and a royale centro was on the 002 today and a solo on the 404E
As part of the Brierley Hill better bus fund, the 002 is going to have an on vehicle display, talking bus and on other routes in Merry Hill to. I wonder if the route will get new buses as part of the upgrade.
I would doubt diamond will replace the centro's on the 002 as there only 3 to 4 years old and are great buses with very eye catching branding and route name
30216 had broken down today in Halesowen and was on the 007.
w567jvv (30439) has been repainted and refurbished into the black diamond livery from the red and white livery it used to carry and seen on the 404E. I wonder how many more of the older darts will get this treatment as 31419 was done recently and refurbished and is an R reg dart
a lot of diamonds older buses (darts and mpds) need blowing up it needs a complete overhall more buses like versas (diesel version) and maybe some volvos like NXWM would be better or just shut redditch as they do have some nice buses as there crap is at tividale
23 mcv buses 10 and 60 reg buses and have not been replaced by anything at least equivalent to them. Wessex red part of wessex connect get new scania omnilinks and gemini's for the uni work. Would be good to see some investment like that back here with diamond. The red diamond eclipses worked for black diamond for a while but soon returned when there evolutions left, yeah i agree red diamond have a smaller fleet but seems of a better quality.
Diamonds ability to keep correctly fleet named vehicles in their correct areas is terrible. You would think they would bring it all into one company so they could use any bus anywhere. Red Diamond vehicles are regularly used in the black country area.
Quote from: matt904102 on July 01, 2012, 12:46:07 PM
Diamonds ability to keep correctly fleet named vehicles in their correct areas is terrible. You would think they would bring it all into one company so they could use any bus anywhere. Red Diamond vehicles are regularly used in the black country area.
True being that black run the 007 and 202/204 into the red diamond area redditch is not that far from the West Mids operations
Alot of the red diamond darts have worked in the black country for a few years now due to the reductions in services in the red diamond network and the red diamond darts have been refurbed unlike some of the red and white diamond darts.
Red Diamond livery bus 20502 was on the 007 today and the 202 bus today I was waiting for was running 25 minutes late today and regularly leaves Halesowen bus station later that 25 past, usually half past or longer. Also I heard some people saying they should make the 202 service more frequent about half hourly which can be busy at times.
Im glad the royale centros have started to work the 417 with the diversion from Halesowen to Blackheath as the dart that was on there today 30216 was really struggling to get some speed up the hill its a good job the bus wasnt full otherwise i dont think it would have made it the long distance.
I think I will contact Diamond and suggest they do a 002 service on a Sunday and this would be good for shopping in Merry Hill and would surely get a lot of passengers even if it was a 002E Halesowen to Merry Hill and they did a special return price. I certainly would use it to get to Merry Hill.
And bring back 404H and maybe extend 002 to Northfield
Quote from: thetruth on August 01, 2012, 07:08:32 PM
30216 (YJ51EKM) is a DAF SB120 Ash
A lot of ppl think these are darts-I guess they sound the same, have similar engine/gearbox and with the cadet bodies-look like dart/crusaders tho they are narrower. Personally I like them and think they are good buses
Quote from: Peter123 on August 01, 2012, 07:04:47 PM
And bring back 404H and maybe extend 002 to Northfield
Agreed!
Saw a 002 at about 11:30 today at the bottom of Drews Holloway and you literally couldn't get any more passengers on, it was absolutely rammed. If Diamond were ever to re-invest in some Double Deckers this route would surely be in the running, also taking into account that we are now in the middle of the summer holidays and the 002 serves a good number of schools and universities along its route
Quote from: wilmotm on August 01, 2012, 08:48:19 PM
Saw a 002 at about 11:30 today at the bottom of Drews Holloway and you literally couldn't get any more passengers on, it was absolutely rammed. If Diamond were ever to re-invest in some Double Deckers this route would surely be in the running, also taking into account that we are now in the middle of the summer holidays and the 002 serves a good number of schools and universities along its route
The 002 is my local route and is a very popular one and has been extremely busy lately due to the summer holidays and as it is popular they gave the 15 minute frequency. Imagine if it was still every 30 minutes and the branding of the 002 was very successful to as you can easily tell your bus is coming. Double Deckers may be a good idea. I wonder what others will think. Also was it one of the branded buses that you saw full?
Yes one of the green ones, can't remember the fleet number but certainly seems an excellent service to me
I used the 404E, 417 and 002 today. The 002 I was which was 30808 (808) was quite full from Merry Hill there was another 002 arriving into Halesowen from Weoley Castle and was empty no one on. The 417 I was on was a centro and picked up about 8 passengers between halesowen and West Brom. The 3 404E I were on were quite busy and they were three DAF's (thanks truth for correcting me, its cause they sound like darts so didnt relise lol) and no solos on the service so a bonus.
Quote from: Mike360 on August 01, 2012, 09:00:48 PM
Quote from: wilmotm on August 01, 2012, 08:48:19 PM
Saw a 002 at about 11:30 today at the bottom of Drews Holloway and you literally couldn't get any more passengers on, it was absolutely rammed. If Diamond were ever to re-invest in some Double Deckers this route would surely be in the running, also taking into account that we are now in the middle of the summer holidays and the 002 serves a good number of schools and universities along its route
I agree here too maybe a double decker would run well even at it's 15 minute frequency the 002 is so busy these days
I went on the 002 not that long ago and seemed pretty quiet?? Tho I know from ppl that use the route that it's often busy-just never been on it when this is the case. Tho tbh the 45 seat centros should be able to deal with demand-tho I did spot 30130 on the route once and I know versas are sometimes on the route and these would be too small
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2012, 08:10:12 PM
I went on the 002 not that long ago and seemed pretty quiet?? Tho I know from ppl that use the route that it's often busy-just never been on it when this is the case. Tho tbh the 45 seat centros should be able to deal with demand-tho I did spot 30130 on the route once and I know versas are sometimes on the route and these would be too small
The last time also I went on (only yesterday morning) was quiet
Generally approcahing middle of day and evenings I had noticed it was busy
They should operate it later into the evenings as well because lots of ppl go to merry hill in an evening to eat etc
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2012, 08:39:01 PM
They should operate it later into the evenings as well because lots of ppl go to merry hill in an evening to eat etc
An evening and sunday service (definite) should be trialed out im sure it would be a sucess to give it a bit of a promotion offer a cheaper day return after 6pm and on sundays as im sure its £3.20 at the moment could be wrong but not sure.
Quote from: Ash on August 03, 2012, 05:23:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2012, 08:39:01 PM
They should operate it later into the evenings as well because lots of ppl go to merry hill in an evening to eat etc
An evening and sunday service (definite) should be trialed out im sure it would be a sucess to give it a bit of a promotion offer a cheaper day return after 6pm and on sundays as im sure its £3.20 at the moment could be wrong but not sure.
Agree
They got a 16 return £2.50 and I see a fair bit of people use it to and from work as cheaper than NXWM's £3.80 daysaver
One things for sure-diamonds day returns were a fantastic idea and have really helped them to compete
The 16,50,301 and 404E i know for definite is £2.50 day return but can somebody tell me why they have taken the information off the display on the front of the bus saying about the return available only the 16 still has it and the odd versa when on the 404E for some reason still has the information on the display screen. Some people miss out the NXWM bus let it go past intentially for the diamond. Diamond need to advertise these returns and make them known like they did before in the front and side window on the mcv's
Goodness only knows they should reprogramme it onto destination display or even on the first side window near the door have a sticker thing saying day return £2.50
I believe that there is an issue with displaying on the main blind as its officially for destinations only.There is no restriction on bands on the front with ticket offers such as nxwm £2.70 on the 59 or Hansons £2.00 return on 226.
NXWM used to programme the destination blind to show the return fares on the 301 and 404 it even had the price on the rear number blind when the 404 was at WB as well as the destination like WB buses show at the back.
Green Bus have £1 Flat Fare on all theirs too, there is no legal issue.....Arriva also used to advertise the maximum local fares on theirs when they had competition from AMPM.
Quote from: hartshill busman on August 03, 2012, 07:21:05 PM
I believe that there is an issue with displaying on the main blind as its officially for destinations only.There is no restriction on bands on the front with ticket offers such as nxwm £2.70 on the 59 or Hansons £2.00 return on 226.
other companies around the contry do that can,t see there being an issue as most displays scroll via points and the offers on the service
I saw an ex Preston solo today on the 16 displaying the £2.50 day return message
Quote from: Discodave on August 04, 2012, 04:31:11 PM
Quote from: hartshill busman on August 03, 2012, 07:21:05 PM
I believe that there is an issue with displaying on the main blind as its officially for destinations only.There is no restriction on bands on the front with ticket offers such as nxwm £2.70 on the 59 or Hansons £2.00 return on 226.
other companies around the contry do that can,t see there being an issue as most displays scroll via points and the offers on the service
There is no problem with displaying anything on a destination display as long as the final destination of the bus is displayed more prominently than anything else including via point. Scrolling displays are not illegal, but are not liked by the DDA brigade
I personally like the scrolling displays-then the final destination is always displayed and the via points are also visible.
Quote from: Peter123 on August 04, 2012, 06:53:06 PM
I personally like the scrolling displays-then the final destination is always displayed and the via points are also visible.
The problem with scrolling displays is quite often there are no complete words visable which makes them extremely difficult to read for some people. DDA recommends using alternating displays if you need to put more on than you can fit on the screen at any time
Quote from: Ash on April 13, 2012, 09:46:35 PM
All the MAN's (MCV) got transferred to New Zealand and i believe all of Rotala's MCV's are following suit as I know the ones off the x30 have gone from the route.
Hi Everyone,
These MCV's have entered service in NZ and I wondered what the exact reason for the sale was? From what I've read on here the Super 16 Branded vehicles were unreliable, but what about the others?
All of these are now painted white and those that are running urban services are having rear doors fitted, while those that run School services are staying as single door vehicles.
Quote from: simonnz on September 30, 2012, 02:43:10 AM
Quote from: Ash on April 13, 2012, 09:46:35 PM
All the MAN's (MCV) got transferred to New Zealand and i believe all of Rotala's MCV's are following suit as I know the ones off the x30 have gone from the route.
Hi Everyone,
These MCV's have entered service in NZ and I wondered what the exact reason for the sale was? From what I've read on here the Super 16 Branded vehicles were unreliable, but what about the others?
All of these are now painted white and those that are running urban services are having rear doors fitted, while those that run School services are staying as single door vehicles.
Interesting to hear from someone from NZ! ;D I think they were all sold due to unreliability and the fact that rotala could raise money by selling newish buses
There were a few issues with the mcv's they were not much liked by the passengers or drivers. The driver mentioned about how tight the cab is for room and the seats were not spaced out well for the passengers bit of a tight squeeze. I remember being on one of them on the 404E service and the engine kept cutting out for no reason and for new buses they didnt sound that well probably due to the quality of the vehicle. Has anyone got any pictures of the mcv's since they have entered service in New Zealand, thanks ash
Thank you for the information guys.
I thought it was rather odd that two year old vehicles were sold so quickly and shipped such a great distance, but selling them due to raising capital and suffering reliability issues makes sense. I suspect that they were sold for an excellent price.
One of the first things that had to be changed in these vehicles in order to obtain their compliance certificate was that the spacing between passenger seats needed to be increased. There still isn't much room for disabled/elderly seating however.
Here's former fleet number 30618 (AE60GPZ) in her new livery, but still sporting a single door.
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7128%2F7780019990_352d316777.jpg&hash=7517022fc1bba5cf63b9a4cc1f5dbb1842ddca6d)
Enjoy ;D
Quote from: snz on October 01, 2012, 08:52:50 AM
Thank you for the information guys.
I thought it was rather odd that two year old vehicles were sold so quickly and shipped such a great distance, but selling them due to raising capital and suffering reliability issues makes sense. I suspect that they were sold for an excellent price.
One of the first things that had to be changed in these vehicles in order to obtain their compliance certificate was that the spacing between passenger seats needed to be increased. There still isn't much room for disabled/elderly seating however.
Here's former fleet number 30618 (AE60GPZ) in her new livery, but still sporting a single door.
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7128%2F7780019990_352d316777.jpg&hash=7517022fc1bba5cf63b9a4cc1f5dbb1842ddca6d)
Enjoy ;D
Thank you for the photo snz, i caught these buses regulary and must say they seemed very powerful buses i guess some of the interior will be discoloured on the inside panels where the advertising and branding for the service used to be as i remember when some were moved the area where the posters were was white and the rest an off white colour looked odd at the time.
I have put the latest Diamond fleet changes on the main site now. 30801 is still shown as allocated to Tividale, not withdrawn, but I notice on the DVLA website it has now been declared SORN so it is not expected to be in service very soon
Quote from: Tony on October 02, 2012, 11:20:25 AM
I have put the latest Diamond fleet changes on the main site now. 30801 is still shown as allocated to Tividale, not withdrawn, but I notice on the DVLA website it has now been declared SORN so it is not expected to be in service very soon
Seems odd that they arent rushing to repair such a new bus-surely they need it back out on the road?? And also seems odd theyve bought another cadet when theyre supposedly for sale
Quote from: Peter123 on October 02, 2012, 05:05:00 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 02, 2012, 11:20:25 AM
I have put the latest Diamond fleet changes on the main site now. 30801 is still shown as allocated to Tividale, not withdrawn, but I notice on the DVLA website it has now been declared SORN so it is not expected to be in service very soon
Seems odd that they arent rushing to repair such a new bus-surely they need it back out on the road?? And also seems odd theyve bought another cadet when theyre supposedly for sale
The one they have brought is a commander i believe not a cadet i guess this would have been purchased out of the sale of w448dop and x639akw. 30801 accident must have been worse than first relised then if taking so long. I wonder how many more commanders will be purchased and brought into the fleet or just be a one off.
Its definitely a cadet.....
Heres a link to a pic of the bus and looked at the 3 pics of the bus of 3 different flickr sites all saying its a commander only taking their word for it, i still stand corrected Peter123
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsbusphotos/6338275633/
Quote from: Peter123 on October 02, 2012, 06:11:01 PM
Its definitely a cadet.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mse062/4675839775/
Deffo cadet
Quote from: Peter123 on October 02, 2012, 06:40:11 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mse062/4675839775/
Deffo cadet
Ok thanks for clearing that up Peter123, wonder if diamond will get any more to replace any of the ones currently for sale or to replace the dennis darts that have just been sold. At least its better than getting more solo's had a ride on 20539 today on the 404E i have noticed before the bus struggles to get into 2nd gear and virtually stops until it finds it which is not good when trying to pull away.
They should just sell all the solos and replace them with a smaller number of new buses such as enviro200s or eclipse2's or something-definitely not optares
I agree. Optare buses may look very stylish but the amount of noises and squeaks you can get from them is unbelievable. Rode a Blue diamond plaxton centro today on the S2 and it was excellent. Very very quiet engine, only rattles coming from the ticket machine and the destination (side), with this only happening when a large pot hole hit. The Versa however has a metallic ring to it most of the time, it seems to rattle on small road joints and as I've heard from one of the drivers', they aren't reliable. On one of the Solo SRs the whole engine had to be taken out to try and solve the problem, when only a few months old. The Citaros are excellent though; smooth quiet with no rattles. Really Optare seems to be the only maker which manage to make rattles out of nothing. Wright and ADL don't, and Plaxton Centros don't either. Really I'd go for the Streetlites as a standard fleet, or enviros.
I agree about the centros really nice buses that are unduly criticised. Rotala should actually buy something standard like b7rles with wrightbus bodywork-cant go wrong or mercs or adl buses. Perhaps even some omnilinks if theyve got a good experience of running them with wessex red. Even the first streetlites werent renowned as being particularly reliable so as I say something standard. And having said that-the best buses in their fleet are not that standard-wright bodied darts-only 125 built and the centros with MAN chassis-they are really fast and quiet and they make a great noise when theyre thrashed on the 50-a great route if you enjoyed the ride on the S2 one
They do make for a great ride! Thanks. Yeah, Scanias would be a good idea actually. I believe Scanias are painted in a bad light too much; they don't actually rattle and apart from that creak of plastics (which if high quality material was used like Mercs) then they would perfect. Apart from the Wrights the Scania Omnilinks are favs and wouldn't mind seeing on the S2.
Does anyone know whats happened to 30214 havent seen the bus for a while it used to be used on the 007 until its withdrawal then started to be used on the 404E but havent seen it anywhere in a while.
I dont think rotalw could afford to standardise there fleet with scanias or mercs (but would be nice). I quite like the versas they have really comfortable and there centros are really good too! But sadly they seem to be buying really bad old solos the 02 reg ones they got were terrible. Plus they need to stop putting solos on 404 there too small, how can a route go from having full size buses to mini ones? Mad! Least they seem to make a bit of effort with buying a large amount of centros and mcvs but the latter going almost as quick ad they came. Hope they stick with buying 'new'!!! Optares and not buying the opd rubbish from everyone else!
I think the solo's have been put on the 404E because of Caldmore and the tight turn there and the amount of traffic around there thats why the royale centros were taken off the service when the mcv's left and were put on the 417 instead.
Quote from: Ash on October 04, 2012, 10:00:57 PM
I think the solo's have been put on the 404E because of Caldmore and the tight turn there and the amount of traffic around there thats why the royale centros were taken off the service when the mcv's left and were put on the 417 instead.
How do nxwm use full size buses? And origanally the full size the 002 was on the 404. I think the versas are ideal size for 404 what others think?
How do nxwm use full size buses? And origanally the full size the 002 was on the 404. I think the versas are ideal size for 404 what others think?
[/quote]
Yeah and the mcv's were larger vehicles that were used on the 404E but that just what i heard on the forum a while back now, the versa's would be ideal on the 404E but the cadets seem the most suitable and as the PVR is 8 theres enough of them to go solely that vehicle type.
Although the 59 is being withdrawn i wonder if Black diamond will gain any more buses for the new services it seems to have picked up in the sandwell review possibly from blue diamond or just buses aquired from other bus companies, did see some enviro 200's parked up in another livery bus thats not rotala at long acre presumably for down south.
Would it surprise anyone if I said one of the Signature Versas which now seems to work the 7:35 S2 from Dorridge and then S3s has got a dead destination display. It has been blank now for the last few days; a testament to Optare's quality.
Quote from: Liberator9 on October 08, 2012, 07:48:47 PM
Would it surprise anyone if I said one of the Signature Versas which now seems to work the 7:35 S2 from Dorridge and then S3s has got a dead destination display. It has been blank now for the last few days; a testament to Optare's quality.
Not really - Optare don't make destination displays
PS: 30825 on the 97A today http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30825.html
centro 30704 was on the X30 today which normally sees 30825 so guess thats why if it was on the 97A, does anyone know why this is on loan and how long its going to be on loan for?
Read a new article yesterday on the S2 and S3 and it is going to be reviewed before the new contract starts in September 2013. There have been complaints of buses failing to turn up, late and breaking down (explains the solo srs sounding worse and worse). I wouldn't be sorry to see Diamond go off this and many other passengers agree; they never compliment the route and it isn't reliable. I hope NXWM could get it back and we get some of the Scanias or some company such as Silverline win it. The timetable needs a overhaul to allow time for late running. At the moment the S3 comes into Solihull at 12 and 42, and has to leave by then. No chance with the traffic down the Warick Road.
Unfair to blame diamond if the timetables are too tight-set by centro!!! But rotala have tried hard with the signature routes with good buses etc-just the shame they bought optare buses that dont last!! Claribels, Silverline etc would probably run the routes well-just no one tell VIP the contracts are up for grabs!! :-X
Diamond have done well for the quality of buses; but Claribels would be a good operator too, very reliable and has a great fleet.
Quote from: Liberator9 on October 13, 2012, 08:16:20 AM
Read a new article yesterday on the S2 and S3 and it is going to be reviewed before the new contract starts in September 2013. There have been complaints of buses failing to turn up, late and breaking down (explains the solo srs sounding worse and worse). I wouldn't be sorry to see Diamond go off this and many other passengers agree; they never compliment the route and it isn't reliable. I hope NXWM could get it back and we get some of the Scanias or some company such as Silverline win it. The timetable needs a overhaul to allow time for late running. At the moment the S3 comes into Solihull at 12 and 42, and has to leave by then. No chance with the traffic down the Warick Road.
I doubt NXWM would be interested in taking them back, as the reason they became Centro tendered is that NXWM told Centro they weren't commercially viable.
Blue Diamond probably just need to work with Centro to revise the timetables and running times if thats the issue, the S3 was more unreliable when operated by NXWM as there was no recovery time when the buses had to do the 30 route to Acocks Green also!
Quote from: Stu on October 13, 2012, 06:03:09 PM
Quote from: Liberator9 on October 13, 2012, 08:16:20 AM
Read a new article yesterday on the S2 and S3 and it is going to be reviewed before the new contract starts in September 2013. There have been complaints of buses failing to turn up, late and breaking down (explains the solo srs sounding worse and worse). I wouldn't be sorry to see Diamond go off this and many other passengers agree; they never compliment the route and it isn't reliable. I hope NXWM could get it back and we get some of the Scanias or some company such as Silverline win it. The timetable needs a overhaul to allow time for late running. At the moment the S3 comes into Solihull at 12 and 42, and has to leave by then. No chance with the traffic down the Warick Road.
I doubt NXWM would be interested in taking them back, as the reason they became Centro tendered is that NXWM told Centro they weren't commercially viable.
Blue Diamond probably just need to work with Centro to revise the timetables and running times if thats the issue, the S3 was more unreliable when operated by NXWM as there was no recovery time when the buses had to do the 30 route to Acocks Green also!
There would be nothing stopping NXWM tendering for the S2/S3, with the subsidy from Centro surely they could now potentially be profitable
I wonder if those signature passes are very popular similar to the london oyster card, does anyone on the forum use the card for the signature services?
I see that you have put down for the 2nd of October that 30521 (W448DOP) has been withdrawn & sold. But since that date i have seen it quite often on the 410 Tony.
20233 or could of been 20223 but doubt it as its already in blue diamond livery now in use with black diamond from blue diamond and refurbed and repainted seen on the 404E, also 20525 also on the 404E in red diamond livery.
Quote from: Ash on October 13, 2012, 06:25:08 PM
I wonder if those signature passes are very popular similar to the london oyster card, does anyone on the forum use the card for the signature services?
never seen anyone use it everytime been on
Ive seen the signature card being used a couple of times but I honestly feel it was a pointpess exercise and the network you can use it on is too small and now is even shrinking!!
At least on the new 4H service today there were no solos but did see a solo on the new 226W, diamond seem to have an issue with their destination blinds on the front as some of them were not programmed for the new services with paper up the windows or services like the 226 showing Dudley instead of West Bromwich even though it was in West Bromwich bus station.
Quote from: Ash on October 28, 2012, 07:59:33 PM
At least on the new 4H service today there were no solos but did see a solo on the new 226W, diamond seem to have an issue with their destination blinds on the front as some of them were not programmed for the new services with paper up the windows or services like the 226 showing Dudley instead of West Bromwich even though it was in West Bromwich bus station.
And dont get me started on having to catch 20540 on the 1715 226 (not displaying the W West Bromwich on the blinds but Dudley)! Standing Room Only!
i dont thinking diamond did a good job to day in west brom they was no stop with a timetable for the 226w the 19 came in as the 419 and people had to ask the 54a came in saying 54 saying smethwick not west brom apart from that i had a good day in west brom
I struggled to see any centro (network west midlands) advisors in West Bromwich bus station today thankfully NX had some inspectors saying talk to me about the new services and were helping passengers, nearly every passenger looked confused in the bus station today and was just saying to the drivers is this the old 404 or the old 238. On the screen on stand B its shows the 4H and 4M of diamond to stop there and share with NXWM instead of having their on stop on stand C. I remeber when the North Walsall review took place their were quite a few centro helpers telling everybody about the changes and were to board their buses and which services they need to get to their destination of which i didnt see any when i was at the bus station. Yeah when i saw the 226W in West Bromwich today it stopped at two different stops to unload at either ends of the bus station.
Quote from: adam 21 on October 28, 2012, 08:31:48 PM
i dont thinking diamond did a good job to day in west brom they was no stop with a timetable for the 226w the 19 came in as the 419 and people had to ask the 54a came in saying 54 saying smethwick not west brom apart from that i had a good day in west brom
It's not as thought Diamond haven't had enough notice of the route changes, with all of Diamonds fleet having LED destinations it's a relatively easy exercise to re-program all or just the buses that were due out this morning as priority
Quote from: Winston on October 28, 2012, 08:54:30 PM
Quote from: adam 21 on October 28, 2012, 08:31:48 PM
i dont thinking diamond did a good job to day in west brom they was no stop with a timetable for the 226w the 19 came in as the 419 and people had to ask the 54a came in saying 54 saying smethwick not west brom apart from that i had a good day in west brom
It's not as thought Diamond haven't had enough notice of the route changes, with all of Diamonds fleet having LED destinations it's a relatively easy exercise to re-program all or just the buses that were due out this morning as priority
Because every service number was changing it was even easier. You could add the new routes on a week in advance like NXWM did, and there is no rush to delete the old ones. When route numbers stay the same, but the terminii change then it is a bit harder, and I have been in Walsall garage changing everything at 4am on a Sunday.
This one should not have caused any operator any trouble at all, for instance 226 could have been left as Dudley and 226W added showing West Bromwich at any point in time before today
Wonder if the 240 is already in Diamonds blinds?? Or Will it be a piece of paper job?
I'll find out on the way to work tomorrow!
Quote from: Tony on October 28, 2012, 09:33:52 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 28, 2012, 08:54:30 PM
Quote from: adam 21 on October 28, 2012, 08:31:48 PM
i dont thinking diamond did a good job to day in west brom they was no stop with a timetable for the 226w the 19 came in as the 419 and people had to ask the 54a came in saying 54 saying smethwick not west brom apart from that i had a good day in west brom
It's not as thought Diamond haven't had enough notice of the route changes, with all of Diamonds fleet having LED destinations it's a relatively easy exercise to re-program all or just the buses that were due out this morning as priority
Because every service number was changing it was even easier. You could add the new routes on a week in advance like NXWM did, and there is no rush to delete the old ones. When route numbers stay the same, but the terminii change then it is a bit harder, and I have been in Walsall garage changing everything at 4am on a Sunday.
This one should not have caused any operator any trouble at all, for instance 226 could have been left as Dudley and 226W added showing West Bromwich at any point in time before today
Tony, as you've said yourself before that to update the electronic destination software the new file can be downloaded via a flash drive/laptop & takes 5 mins per vehicle to update. Diamond could have updated the master file weeks ago.... & someone could have updated the destinations of buses due out this morning late last night or early the morning & done the rest during the course of today.
I didnt see any solos on any 4/4H or 4M service just the red and white darts, red diamond darts and the cadets. Does any one know where the centros have gone now im guessing on the 16 or the 301 and is the tight turn in Caldmore the reason their still not being used on the 4H.
The 16 and 50 are at blue diamond now apparently.
One of the Swift Darts has adverts on the displays for a £2 Day Return
Well i know one of the nifty fifty centros was on the 40 today. Thought they werent suppose to pass over until the beginning of December.
Although the registration says the 16 & 50 transfer to Blue Diamond in December, the reality is that it happened @ the beginning of this week.
With many contacts @ blue diamond their takings on the 50 are terrible (around £75 a day)
With the 16 takings not much better.
With revenue like that one has to wonder how long diamond will keep these services
Steve is that each diamond bus on the 50/16 takes about £75 in takings? If so, that seems quite poor.
Quote from: thetruth on October 29, 2012, 02:43:45 PM
Quote from: thetruth on October 29, 2012, 01:29:37 PM
What stand was the 226W going from btw? I assume stand V?
It's stand A, same as the 289.
it same as the 226 stand H
Quote from: Tomjusttom on October 29, 2012, 08:20:01 PM
The 16 and 50 are at blue diamond now apparently.
One of the Swift Darts has adverts on the displays for a £2 Day Return
They hate to do something about that as it £2.50
has any heard that Diamond are up for sale?
Quote from: jondoakley on October 31, 2012, 04:08:37 PM
has any heard that Diamond are up for sale?
Not that old chestnut again.....
Quote from: jondoakley on October 31, 2012, 04:08:37 PM
has any heard that Diamond are up for sale?
Where did you hear this? This seems to come up every two months or so and every time it isnt true.
Quote from: jondoakley on October 31, 2012, 04:05:09 PM
Quote from: thetruth on October 29, 2012, 02:43:45 PM
Quote from: thetruth on October 29, 2012, 01:29:37 PM
What stand was the 226W going from btw? I assume stand V?
It's stand A, same as the 289.
it same as the 226 stand H
Quote from: Tomjusttom on October 29, 2012, 08:20:01 PM
The 16 and 50 are at blue diamond now apparently.
One of the Swift Darts has adverts on the displays for a £2 Day Return
They hate to do something about that as it £2.50
Wonder what trading standards would say about this
http://tomonthebuses.smugmug.com/Rotala/Rotala-Wright-Eclipse-Urban/22568398_dSCCtf#!i=2143495785&k=Cq9nC8r&lb=1&s=A
Seen 28.10.2012 on 226w
Quote from: Tomjusttom on October 31, 2012, 04:52:44 PM
Quote from: jondoakley on October 31, 2012, 04:05:09 PM
Quote from: thetruth on October 29, 2012, 02:43:45 PM
Quote from: thetruth on October 29, 2012, 01:29:37 PM
What stand was the 226W going from btw? I assume stand V?
It's stand A, same as the 289.
it same as the 226 stand H
Quote from: Tomjusttom on October 29, 2012, 08:20:01 PM
The 16 and 50 are at blue diamond now apparently.
One of the Swift Darts has adverts on the displays for a £2 Day Return
They hate to do something about that as it £2.50
Wonder what trading standards would say about this
http://tomonthebuses.smugmug.com/Rotala/Rotala-Wright-Eclipse-Urban/22568398_dSCCtf#!i=2143495785&k=Cq9nC8r&lb=1&s=A
Seen 28.10.2012 on 226w
i hope a field day
Is this a rumour that diamond are up for sale or actually a fact and are the cadets still up for sale.
So at the moment is the 16 and 50 services using blue diamond vehicles or blue diamond drivers or still at black diamond.
The 16 and the 50 is apparently being run out of Aston.
Love how diamond just give all their rubbish routes to blue diamond to run badly-seriously diamond have really started to struggle lately. Services less busy, cuts cuts cuts and tonnes of unsold darts-they should raise money and sell lots for scrap or something. Id like to see a core network of good performers run by cadets, centros, versas with solos for other work and a few of the better darts. And where are/were the cadets up for sale-never found them anywhere-hopefully someone knowledgeable can tell me as Id like to know!
A versa appeared on the 4 today but apart from that it has been ran by cadets but mostly older black diamond, red diamond and the red and white darts. With their being some steep hills on the 4H and 4M services i thought these older dart might struggle but they have proved me wrong and seem quite powerful tackling the hills, so overall yes the buses are getting on a bit and could do with some newer investment but at the moment seem to be doing the job. The only thing i would like to see is the older darts that are to be retained being painted into black diamond livery because at the moment most diamond services see a mix of different livery's.
who is running the 16 now i shore a hybird come in to hamstead villege to day saying blue diamond bus then when out saying 16 to birmingham
Quote from: adam 21 on November 03, 2012, 11:18:33 PM
who is running the 16 now i shore a hybird come in to hamstead villege to day saying blue diamond bus then when out saying 16 to birmingham
It looks like blue diamond because yesterday, only the Versa's were on there and the display looks a different font and layout than the one diamond uses. One of them also had no Tividale or Aston address on the side, . Another one still had the Tividale address on the side.
The 16 & 50 are both being operated by Blue Diamond @ Aston. The Versas @ Nifty Fifty centros have been transferred to Aston (well most of them at least)
As I have said before my contact @ Aston has said the 50s are taking an average of just £75 a day with the 16s taking less than that.
It does appear that Rotala are giving their unprofitable routs to Aston, maybe their operational costs are lower than Tividale
Quote from: Steveminor on November 04, 2012, 12:45:05 PM
The 16 & 50 are both being operated by Blue Diamond @ Aston. The Versas @ Nifty Fifty centros have been transferred to Aston (well most of them at least)
As I have said before my contact @ Aston has said the 50s are taking an average of just £75 a day with the 16s taking less than that.
It does appear that Rotala are giving their unprofitable routs to Aston, maybe their operational costs are lower than Tividale
Or they are going to dispose of the operation
Quote from: richie on November 04, 2012, 02:13:47 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on November 04, 2012, 12:45:05 PM
The 16 & 50 are both being operated by Blue Diamond @ Aston. The Versas @ Nifty Fifty centros have been transferred to Aston (well most of them at least)
As I have said before my contact @ Aston has said the 50s are taking an average of just £75 a day with the 16s taking less than that.
It does appear that Rotala are giving their unprofitable routs to Aston, maybe their operational costs are lower than Tividale
Or they are going to dispose of the operation
Perhaps Richie tho that seems unlikely at the moment otherwise they wouldnt have sent good buses and theyd have transferred some of blue diamond's better buses back to black diamond.
Quote from: Peter123 on November 04, 2012, 02:15:14 PM
Quote from: richie on November 04, 2012, 02:13:47 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on November 04, 2012, 12:45:05 PM
The 16 & 50 are both being operated by Blue Diamond @ Aston. The Versas @ Nifty Fifty centros have been transferred to Aston (well most of them at least)
As I have said before my contact @ Aston has said the 50s are taking an average of just £75 a day with the 16s taking less than that.
It does appear that Rotala are giving their unprofitable routs to Aston, maybe their operational costs are lower than Tividale
Or they are going to dispose of the operation
Perhaps Richie tho that seems unlikely at the moment otherwise they wouldnt have sent good buses and theyd have transferred some of blue diamond's better buses back to black diamond.
True, I just can't understand why they continue to "compete" with nx on routes like the 50 and 16 if they arn't making anything
Some hybrids were still being used on the 4 at the end of the week noted 30133/30134 on there but could have gone to blue diamond now.
I think one of the reasons why the 16 and 50 dont do so well compared to some diamond services is the frequency of them is the 16 is every 12 minutes and the 50 every 15 minutes and NXWM offer a much more frequent service compared to other diamond services such as the 4/301 where diamond offers the same frequency as NXWM so on these services diamond get the stops just as often as NXWM hence more people buy return tickets or single fares as the passenger numbers are there. What im not sure is why do the 16 and 50 get some of the newest vehicles diamond has and some of the most popular services such as the 4 and 301 getting 10 year old cadets and even older darts.
Quote from: Ash on November 04, 2012, 02:18:40 PM
Some hybrids were still being used on the 4 at the end of the week noted 30133/30134 on there but could have gone to blue diamond now.
I think one of the reasons why the 16 and 50 dont do so well compared to some diamond services is the frequency of them is the 16 is every 12 minutes and the 50 every 15 minutes and NXWM offer a much more frequent service compared to other diamond services such as the 4/301 where diamond offers the same frequency as NXWM so on these services diamond get the stops just as often as NXWM hence more people buy return tickets or single fares as the passenger numbers are there. What im not sure is why do the 16 and 50 get some of the newest vehicles diamond has and some of the most popular services such as the 4 and 301 getting 10 year old cadets and even older darts.
Totally agree with you ash. especially on the 50 the diamond ones just get trapped between two nxwms so never get many passengers. especially now theres green bus too. agree they should put darts and solos on tendered services or ones that dont do as well. Tho their profits must be high on services like the 4 if they use small buses that are always rammed.
Quote from: Trident 4609 on November 04, 2012, 03:30:01 PM
Blue diamond solo operating the 81 wolverhampton-merry hill
Yes, it was 20832
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8154733818
30825 BX09 SRO Seen today, freshly painted (with no logos) operating on route 56.
Black diamond seem to turning into a modern day version of the Merry Hill mini's
30825 has been with blue diamond for a while and by the looks of it has returned back to black diamond. A centro was on the 4 yesterday with no blinds programmed for the service so a piece of paper with 4 on it has to do. With the 4/4H/4M having the highest PVR of any diamond services you would think this service would take priority to ensure all vehicles have it installed into their destination display to allow the buses to display the correct service as the 4 service uses any type of vehicle of diamonds.
Today on the S2, one of the Black Diamond 12 reg Versa hybrids was on! How come it was with Blue diamond today?
Quote from: Liberator9 on November 21, 2012, 07:25:00 PM
Today on the S2, one of the Black Diamond 12 reg Versa hybrids was on! How come it was with Blue diamond today?
All black diamonds hybrids have gone from black diamond to blue diamond along with service 16 with the nifty fifty centro's also transferring to be used on the 50.
There was a dart on the 40 today but had a registration beginning with YG or YU and was one of the shorter darts not sure where this bus has come from.
Has anybody saw 30202 or 30431 recently not seen them in service for a while wondered if they have been involved in an accident or withdrawn.
The ex Preston Solos haven't stayed long!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcbp/8233031363
Tony
Quote from: Tony on December 01, 2012, 09:00:05 AM
The ex Preston Solos haven't stayed long!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcbp/8233031363
Tony
I guess they have been replaced by the newer 57 reg solo's. Shame as they seemed better than the 03 reg solo's they currently have.
Quote from: Tony on December 01, 2012, 09:00:05 AM
The ex Preston Solos haven't stayed long!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcbp/8233031363
Tony
This makes me want to see Rotala go bust. Why did they bother repainting it into Black Diamond colours if they didn't intend to keep it?!
Quote from: Michael on December 01, 2012, 08:05:06 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 01, 2012, 09:00:05 AM
The ex Preston Solos haven't stayed long!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcbp/8233031363
Tony
This makes me want to see Rotala go bust. Why did they bother repainting it into Black Diamond colours if they didn't intend to keep it?!
Meanwhile, someone else is wittering about Red Diamonds at Tividale etc. Damned if they do, dole queue swelled if they don't.....
A white S plater dart is in Redditch, or at least was yesterday!
Quote from: jc on December 04, 2012, 02:45:08 PM
A white S plater dart is in Redditch, or at least was yesterday!
A would think its s405jua havent saw it on any black diamond services for a while so explains why.
Is the black part of the fleetname being dropped on the new arrivals into the fleet. So far from the recent darts into the fleet they have all been repainted black but just had diamond put on them instead of black diamondm the recent adverts for red diamond even though cartoon have just diamond on them to instead of red diamond.
Here is an example:
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20206.html
Theres an old debranded wessex connect 51 reg dart on the 4 today looks a bit scruffy especially with the fleet names taken off, not sure if this is a recent transfer or just going to be used on loan and returned back down south.
Does anyone know when the the remaining ex your bus darts will enter service as only 30849 seems to have been put into service.
Noticed two Red Mini Darts in the Redditch Garage with VOR in the windscreen parked infront of two Volvos, didnt quiet catch the numbers or regs but the fleet numbers where in black and no 30 or 20.
I cant believe whittles have bought one of the crusaders-r409ffc
I only seem to see R405FFC left of that batch at diamond, havent saw T445EBD for a long time either.
Quote from: tank90 on January 04, 2013, 06:50:21 PM
Noticed two Red Mini Darts in the Redditch Garage with VOR in the windscreen parked infront of two Volvos, didnt quiet catch the numbers or regs but the fleet numbers where in black and no 30 or 20.
520 and 547 were VOR last week so ... should be them.
As new buses seem to be going to wessex connect and preston bus recently is there any investment in the pipeline for rotala's diamond bus operations. Could it mean any decent buses transferring from Preston bus or Wessex red to improve what diamond currently has.
Are the 16/17/50 very busy these days dont use the services much myself but wouldnt know but at the moment the 16 and 50 uses some of the newest and arguably best buses diamond has in its fleet which would be welcomed elsewhere to replace some of the red and white darts still in service.
Quote from: Ash on January 06, 2013, 06:55:47 PM
As new buses seem to be going to wessex connect and preston bus recently is there any investment in the pipeline for rotala's diamond bus operations. Could it mean any decent buses transferring from Preston bus or Wessex red to improve what diamond currently has.
Are the 16/17/50 very busy these days dont use the services much myself but wouldnt know but at the moment the 16 and 50 uses some of the newest and arguably best buses diamond has in its fleet which would be welcomed elsewhere to replace some of the red and white darts still in service.
I go on the 50 quite a lot and yes the buses do seem to be fairly busy, especially the yellow nifty centros. There are noticable dips when its a blue diamond solo or something like that. But less busy now that green bus are on the route. Also, on the 16, the buses are new-and awful-and they are nowhere near as busy as they used to be. Most times just 1/2 people on it and I saw a GRS dart rammed yesterday. The 17 has always been a bit of a dead duck anyway so no different to how it always used to be. The 56 does well but theres really no point in them running the 10H route-not at all well used. The 50 and 16 would be busier if the 16 had branding like it used to, if they competed more aggressively and advertised day returns. Same on the 50 really-ensure 801 is repaired and put into the nifty livery and advertise the day returns on the displays on the front and with a strip at the top of the windscreen, possibly on the bus both inside and out to really raise awareness.
Quote from: Peter123 on January 06, 2013, 07:26:56 PM
Quote from: Ash on January 06, 2013, 06:55:47 PM
As new buses seem to be going to wessex connect and preston bus recently is there any investment in the pipeline for rotala's diamond bus operations. Could it mean any decent buses transferring from Preston bus or Wessex red to improve what diamond currently has.
Are the 16/17/50 very busy these days dont use the services much myself but wouldnt know but at the moment the 16 and 50 uses some of the newest and arguably best buses diamond has in its fleet which would be welcomed elsewhere to replace some of the red and white darts still in service.
I go on the 50 quite a lot and yes the buses do seem to be fairly busy, especially the yellow nifty centros. There are noticable dips when its a blue diamond solo or something like that. But less busy now that green bus are on the route. Also, on the 16, the buses are new-and awful-and they are nowhere near as busy as they used to be. Most times just 1/2 people on it and I saw a GRS dart rammed yesterday. The 17 has always been a bit of a dead duck anyway so no different to how it always used to be. The 56 does well but theres really no point in them running the 10H route-not at all well used. The 50 and 16 would be busier if the 16 had branding like it used to, if they competed more aggressively and advertised day returns. Same on the 50 really-ensure 801 is repaired and put into the nifty livery and advertise the day returns on the displays on the front and with a strip at the top of the windscreen, possibly on the bus both inside and out to really raise awareness.
An alternative could be take the hybrids off the 16 and the darts/solo's off the 17 and put all these buses along with the centros on the 50 and offer 5/6 minute frequency. Similar to what black diamond does on the 4 offering a 6 minute frequency even though NXWM operates every 6 minutes its likely every other bus on the 4 is a black diamond are sometimes 2:1 to a NXWM bus depending on the times of the 4H and 4M.
Quote from: Ash on January 06, 2013, 07:49:22 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on January 06, 2013, 07:26:56 PM
Quote from: Ash on January 06, 2013, 06:55:47 PM
As new buses seem to be going to wessex connect and preston bus recently is there any investment in the pipeline for rotala's diamond bus operations. Could it mean any decent buses transferring from Preston bus or Wessex red to improve what diamond currently has.
Are the 16/17/50 very busy these days dont use the services much myself but wouldnt know but at the moment the 16 and 50 uses some of the newest and arguably best buses diamond has in its fleet which would be welcomed elsewhere to replace some of the red and white darts still in service.
I go on the 50 quite a lot and yes the buses do seem to be fairly busy, especially the yellow nifty centros. There are noticable dips when its a blue diamond solo or something like that. But less busy now that green bus are on the route. Also, on the 16, the buses are new-and awful-and they are nowhere near as busy as they used to be. Most times just 1/2 people on it and I saw a GRS dart rammed yesterday. The 17 has always been a bit of a dead duck anyway so no different to how it always used to be. The 56 does well but theres really no point in them running the 10H route-not at all well used. The 50 and 16 would be busier if the 16 had branding like it used to, if they competed more aggressively and advertised day returns. Same on the 50 really-ensure 801 is repaired and put into the nifty livery and advertise the day returns on the displays on the front and with a strip at the top of the windscreen, possibly on the bus both inside and out to really raise awareness.
An alternative could be take the hybrids off the 16 and the darts/solo's off the 17 and put all these buses along with the centros on the 50 and offer 5/6 minute frequency. Similar to what black diamond does on the 4 offering a 6 minute frequency even though NXWM operates every 6 minutes its likely every other bus on the 4 is a black diamond are sometimes 2:1 to a NXWM bus depending on the times of the 4H and 4M.
I think they need to fight back on the 50 definitely though not with solos-possibly with more MAN centros and hybrids. Slash the fares, advertise returns, weeklies etc and theyd do far better. Plus train the drivers not to just sit behind NXWM buses.
Quote from: Peter123 on January 06, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: Ash on January 06, 2013, 07:49:22 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on January 06, 2013, 07:26:56 PM
Quote from: Ash on January 06, 2013, 06:55:47 PM
As new buses seem to be going to wessex connect and preston bus recently is there any investment in the pipeline for rotala's diamond bus operations. Could it mean any decent buses transferring from Preston bus or Wessex red to improve what diamond currently has.
Are the 16/17/50 very busy these days dont use the services much myself but wouldnt know but at the moment the 16 and 50 uses some of the newest and arguably best buses diamond has in its fleet which would be welcomed elsewhere to replace some of the red and white darts still in service.
It just seems Diamond have lost their spark and Rotala do not give 2 hoots about it whatever colour. Some of the 09 plate centro bodied buses are on the wessex fleet seen them in Bristol on a night service on Sat am full as well. The routes they do in Bath are doing ok too but it looks as most people seem hacked off with First in many areas
I go on the 50 quite a lot and yes the buses do seem to be fairly busy, especially the yellow nifty centros. There are noticable dips when its a blue diamond solo or something like that. But less busy now that green bus are on the route. Also, on the 16, the buses are new-and awful-and they are nowhere near as busy as they used to be. Most times just 1/2 people on it and I saw a GRS dart rammed yesterday. The 17 has always been a bit of a dead duck anyway so no different to how it always used to be. The 56 does well but theres really no point in them running the 10H route-not at all well used. The 50 and 16 would be busier if the 16 had branding like it used to, if they competed more aggressively and advertised day returns. Same on the 50 really-ensure 801 is repaired and put into the nifty livery and advertise the day returns on the displays on the front and with a strip at the top of the windscreen, possibly on the bus both inside and out to really raise awareness.
An alternative could be take the hybrids off the 16 and the darts/solo's off the 17 and put all these buses along with the centros on the 50 and offer 5/6 minute frequency. Similar to what black diamond does on the 4 offering a 6 minute frequency even though NXWM operates every 6 minutes its likely every other bus on the 4 is a black diamond are sometimes 2:1 to a NXWM bus depending on the times of the 4H and 4M.
I think they need to fight back on the 50 definitely though not with solos-possibly with more MAN centros and hybrids. Slash the fares, advertise returns, weeklies etc and theyd do far better. Plus train the drivers not to just sit behind NXWM buses.
It has to be said, NXWM and Green bus are doing a great job vs Diamond on the 50, I think more frequent buses and a plaxton centro only allocation to deal with high passenger demand could help them out
Blue Diamond are now withdrawing from the 10/10H from 4th March,
Quote from: Winston on January 11, 2013, 05:11:33 PM
Blue Diamond are now withdrawing from the 10/10H from 4th March,
Not surprised. So underused and no doubt loss-making
Quote from: Peter123 on January 11, 2013, 05:19:50 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 11, 2013, 05:11:33 PM
Blue Diamond are now withdrawing from the 10/10H from 4th March,
Not surprised. So underused and no doubt loss-making
They may as well close Long Acre at this rate and transfer the remaining services in to Tividale to cut costs
Quote from: Winston on January 11, 2013, 05:41:02 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on January 11, 2013, 05:19:50 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 11, 2013, 05:11:33 PM
Blue Diamond are now withdrawing from the 10/10H from 4th March,
Not surprised. So underused and no doubt loss-making
They may as well close Long Acre at this rate and transfer the remaining services in to Tividale to cut costs
I agree Winston. The thing is NXWM axed the 10/10H FOR A REASON-THEY CLEARLY DONT MAKR SUFFICIENT MONEY! And that would be when they had people with wm travelcards using the route.
Quote from: Peter123 on January 11, 2013, 06:16:19 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 11, 2013, 05:41:02 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on January 11, 2013, 05:19:50 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 11, 2013, 05:11:33 PM
Blue Diamond are now withdrawing from the 10/10H from 4th March,
Not surprised. So underused and no doubt loss-making
They may as well close Long Acre at this rate and transfer the remaining services in to Tividale to cut costs
I agree Winston. The thing is NXWM axed the 10/10H FOR A REASON-THEY CLEARLY DONT MAKR SUFFICIENT MONEY! And that would be when they had people with wm travelcards using the route.
I agree with that, however you would think that Diamond's overheads would be much smaller than NXWM's, therefore Diamond should not need to carry as many passengers to make a profit on the route
Ever since the 10h was routed through harborne I've been surprised it still ran at all, seems a bit pointless to have a route near enough the same as the 24.
With the losses of the national express contracts and service 10H to be withdrawn what will happen to all the drivers at Blue diamond surely theres going to be a lack of work, I wonder what services will be sent to Long Acre from Tividale to replace the withdrawn 10H similar to when the 16 and 50 were sent.
Quote from: Ash on January 11, 2013, 07:01:59 PM
With the losses of the national express contracts and service 10H to be withdrawn what will happen to all the drivers at Blue diamond surely theres going to be a lack of work, I wonder what services will be sent to Long Acre from Tividale to replace the withdrawn 10H similar to when the 16 and 50 were sent.
No doubt most if not all the NX drivers will simply transfer from Rotala to De Courcey with the contract
With the imminent North Birmingham Bus Review, Blue Diamond could end up with a new network of subsidised routes that NXWM simply aren't interested in. ::)
Unusual to see 2 royale black diamond centro's on the 4/4H/4M today on a weekday service. With 3 cadets making appearances on the 40 service.
and crap on the 301 shitty solos
Quote from: Discodave on January 24, 2013, 02:30:58 PM
and crap on the 301 shitty solos
Yeah I got on 20538 on the 301 yesterday, the 4 hardly gets to see cadets now just the old red and white darts so to get the 2 spare royale centro's were rare.
Quote from: Winston on January 11, 2013, 05:11:33 PM
Blue Diamond are now withdrawing from the 10/10H from 4th March,
It's a shame that the 10 route is to finally disappear. In the mid to late 80's it was every 15 mins in the day, and half hourly at night and on Sundays. But it was hit harder than most routes as bus use in general declined (it serves some very wealthy areas) and the diversion of the then 103 (now 24) route along Simmons Drive and Quinton Road West largely replaced the busiest part of the 10 route. Then frequent tinkering to try to make it work, like extending it to Blackheath as the 110, and the incredibly short lived 102 variant was the final nail in the coffin for NXWM operation.
I think NXWM should reintroduce the saver bus branding and use this on a new 10 route that ran between Quinton and the Town Hall. In this way an older vehicle could be used as it wouldnt be affected by the emission rules. Also, the time needed for the route would be less than 30 minutes each way throughout the day so a 30 minute frequency could be maintained by just using 1 vehicle.
If a flat fare of £1 was charged I am sure it would attract people along the Augustus road area as well as the Quinton areas not served by the 24. With justy 1 vehicle needed the overheads wpould be pretty low too.
Quote from: j789 on January 24, 2013, 10:12:23 PM
I think NXWM should reintroduce the saver bus branding and use this on a new 10 route that ran between Quinton and the Town Hall. In this way an older vehicle could be used as it wouldnt be affected by the emission rules. Also, the time needed for the route would be less than 30 minutes each way throughout the day so a 30 minute frequency could be maintained by just using 1 vehicle.
If a flat fare of £1 was charged I am sure it would attract people along the Augustus road area as well as the Quinton areas not served by the 24. With justy 1 vehicle needed the overheads wpould be pretty low too.
Probably not a good idea. In the 1980s the regular clientelle on the 10 route would complain if a fleetline was allocated as they were 'old buses' only the newer Metrobuses were good enough for their bus, your maths about the number of buses is 100% out as well, As Blue Diamond currently know it takes two buses to run a 30 minute frequency on a 60 minute round trip
Yes that was an unfortunate error!!! Even so, when I lived in the area I often caught the 10 as it was quicker than the 103. It was only about 10 years ago that Metros were still regularly used on it and yet it used to pick up people along the more affleunt parts of the route, especially in the peaks. I guess though the profit margins were never there compared to the 103. The 103/24 has been decreased in frequency too as used to be every 7/8 mins so I guess this area has seen a real downturn in bus usage over the last decade.
The trouble is that few people in the Augustus Road area use the bus. I travelled on a lunchtime 10 journey one day shortly before NXWM withdrew. I got on at Five Ways and we travelled non-stop to the Court Oak where I got off. A lunchtime journey on the 647 in Midland days was also very quiet.
I couldn't blame Blue Diamond for running off-peak via Harborne instead - better chance of getting some passengers, but clearly not enough.
Its one of those areas you feel should have a bus service because without it there would be just a massive hole with no bus route. But then you look at the area between Pershore Rd and Alcester Rd (Moor green lane etc...) a similar sized hole exists where all bus companies appear to have given up
Quote from: Stu on January 11, 2013, 08:36:02 PM
With the imminent North Birmingham Bus Review, Blue Diamond could end up with a new network of subsidised routes that NXWM simply aren't interested in. ::)
Like a bus from Birmingham to Cannock lol or any services to Cannock ( NXWM gave up the ghost in 2011 :-/)
Quote from: Kevin on January 25, 2013, 11:16:29 PM
Its one of those areas you feel should have a bus service because without it there would be just a massive hole with no bus route. But then you look at the area between Pershore Rd and Alcester Rd (Moor green lane etc...) a similar sized hole exists where all bus companies appear to have given up
Because passenger usage and surveys have determined there is not enough demand for services in those areas?
If the 10 was well-used, then Diamond wouldn't be withdrawing it. There's no point operating a commercial service if the takings don't pay for it. ::)
Quote from: Stu on January 26, 2013, 12:37:41 PM
Quote from: Kevin on January 25, 2013, 11:16:29 PM
Its one of those areas you feel should have a bus service because without it there would be just a massive hole with no bus route. But then you look at the area between Pershore Rd and Alcester Rd (Moor green lane etc...) a similar sized hole exists where all bus companies appear to have given up
Because passenger usage and surveys have determined there is not enough demand for services in those areas?
If the 10 was well-used, then Diamond wouldn't be withdrawing it. There's no point operating a commercial service if the takings don't pay for it. ::)
That's right. It's not so much that bus companies have given up - they have never served the Moor Green Lane area, and for a perfectly good reason. It's another affluent part of Birmingham where there aren't enough potential passengers to justify even a subsidised bus service.
If I remember correctly, NXWM originally withdrew their 10 service because of low patronage
Quote from: Justin Tyme on January 27, 2013, 07:50:14 PM
Quote from: Stu on January 26, 2013, 12:37:41 PM
Quote from: Kevin on January 25, 2013, 11:16:29 PM
Its one of those areas you feel should have a bus service because without it there would be just a massive hole with no bus route. But then you look at the area between Pershore Rd and Alcester Rd (Moor green lane etc...) a similar sized hole exists where all bus companies appear to have given up
Because passenger usage and surveys have determined there is not enough demand for services in those areas?
If the 10 was well-used, then Diamond wouldn't be withdrawing it. There's no point operating a commercial service if the takings don't pay for it. ::)
That's right. It's not so much that bus companies have given up - they have never served the Moor Green Lane area, and for a perfectly good reason. It's another affluent part of Birmingham where there aren't enough potential passengers to justify even a subsidised bus service.
649/650 used to be circular services City - Kings Heath running through the Moor Green Lane area. But the point is bus companies have given up there a long time ago, so surprised the 10 is still running as it's a similar sort of area.
I got onto 20606 today on the 40 to go to Wednesbury and the engine cut out 3 time and the last time was on my way back from west brom going down the hill towards the tesco garage in stone cross and i nearly filled my trousers has it took nearly 30 seconds to start the engine again. . . Bloody Wessex Connect cast-off. >:(
Quote from: Martin Morris on February 01, 2013, 08:50:32 PM
I got onto 20606 today on the 40 to go to Wednesbury and the engine cut out 3 time and the last time was on my way back from west brom going down the hill towards the tesco garage in stone cross and i nearly filled my trousers has it took nearly 30 seconds to start the engine again. . . Bloody Wessex Connect cast-off. >:(
Looks like bad maintenance, the only bus to cut out on me was diamond's mcv 30613 when it cut out on the 404E and that was a new bus at the time, in respect shame they got rid of them as they were new buses but the quality of them was poor from the passengers point of view and heard the drivers didn't like driving them either.
I saw a blue diamond ALX200 in Redditch today, not sure what route it was on... the 5*
Rotala are too focused on vehicle age. For instance, these darts are newer than the R...YRP ones yet these buses were fantastic-reliable, no rattles, comfy and they go and replace them with vehicles like solos that are on paper better yet are worse for passengers-is rotala a business being run for an office with no knowledge of what is actually going on down on the ground??
Quote from: Peter123 on February 01, 2013, 09:14:42 PM
Rotala are too focused on vehicle age. For instance, these darts are newer than the R...YRP ones yet these buses were fantastic-reliable, no rattles, comfy and they go and replace them with vehicles like solos that are on paper better yet are worse for passengers-is rotala a business being run for an office with no knowledge of what is actually going on down on the ground??
The problem with the R...YRP vehicles is that they don't have ramps for wheel chair access like newer buses do. Must admit the older darts are good in terms of comfort especially the refurbished ones such as V391SVV. The solo's aren't bad buses if used on the correct services which are an ideal allocation for them but putting them on the 4 and 301 two key services isn't brilliant. Good to see some of the 52 ex yourbus darts back with diamond there good buses with a good re trim apart from the poles inside where the purple is peeling off and showing the yellow/orange underneath.
Quote from: Ash on February 01, 2013, 09:45:57 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 01, 2013, 09:14:42 PM
Rotala are too focused on vehicle age. For instance, these darts are newer than the R...YRP ones yet these buses were fantastic-reliable, no rattles, comfy and they go and replace them with vehicles like solos that are on paper better yet are worse for passengers-is rotala a business being run for an office with no knowledge of what is actually going on down on the ground??
The problem with the R...YRP vehicles is that they don't have ramps for wheel chair access like newer buses do. Must admit the older darts are good in terms of comfort especially the refurbished ones such as V391SVV. The solo's aren't bad buses if used on the correct services which are an ideal allocation for them but putting them on the 4 and 301 two key services isn't brilliant. Good to see some of the 52 ex yourbus darts back with diamond there good buses with a good re trim apart from the poles inside where the purple is peeling off and showing the yellow/orange underneath.
The thing is do buses really need those wheelchair ramps. When was the last time anyone saw them being used-instead they just collect dirt just for one person a year to use them. Most wheelchairs can get on anyway
Quote from: Peter123 on February 01, 2013, 09:48:35 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 01, 2013, 09:45:57 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 01, 2013, 09:14:42 PM
Rotala are too focused on vehicle age. For instance, these darts are newer than the R...YRP ones yet these buses were fantastic-reliable, no rattles, comfy and they go and replace them with vehicles like solos that are on paper better yet are worse for passengers-is rotala a business being run for an office with no knowledge of what is actually going on down on the ground??
The problem with the R...YRP vehicles is that they don't have ramps for wheel chair access like newer buses do. Must admit the older darts are good in terms of comfort especially the refurbished ones such as V391SVV. The solo's aren't bad buses if used on the correct services which are an ideal allocation for them but putting them on the 4 and 301 two key services isn't brilliant. Good to see some of the 52 ex yourbus darts back with diamond there good buses with a good re trim apart from the poles inside where the purple is peeling off and showing the yellow/orange underneath.
The thing is do buses really need those wheelchair ramps. When was the last time anyone saw them being used-instead they just collect dirt just for one person a year to use them. Most wheelchairs can get on anyway
Another 'sod the disabled because I like old buses' quote.
What happens if someone gets on in the City Centre with bus level with the kerb, but then needs to get off on a road like the Alum Rock Road with loads of illegal parking and the bus cannot get into the kerb. Is the wheelchair user supposed to drop down over 20cm risking going face first into the tarmac,... or just stay on the bus until it can next get into the kerb a long away away from where they are going?
Quote from: Tony on February 01, 2013, 09:57:54 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 01, 2013, 09:48:35 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 01, 2013, 09:45:57 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 01, 2013, 09:14:42 PM
Rotala are too focused on vehicle age. For instance, these darts are newer than the R...YRP ones yet these buses were fantastic-reliable, no rattles, comfy and they go and replace them with vehicles like solos that are on paper better yet are worse for passengers-is rotala a business being run for an office with no knowledge of what is actually going on down on the ground??
The problem with the R...YRP vehicles is that they don't have ramps for wheel chair access like newer buses do. Must admit the older darts are good in terms of comfort especially the refurbished ones such as V391SVV. The solo's aren't bad buses if used on the correct services which are an ideal allocation for them but putting them on the 4 and 301 two key services isn't brilliant. Good to see some of the 52 ex yourbus darts back with diamond there good buses with a good re trim apart from the poles inside where the purple is peeling off and showing the yellow/orange underneath.
The thing is do buses really need those wheelchair ramps. When was the last time anyone saw them being used-instead they just collect dirt just for one person a year to use them. Most wheelchairs can get on anyway
Another 'sod the disabled because I like old buses' quote.
What happens if someone gets on in the City Centre with bus level with the kerb, but then needs to get off on a road like the Alum Rock Road with loads of illegal parking and the bus cannot get into the kerb. Is the wheelchair user supposed to drop down over 20cm risking going face first into the tarmac,... or just stay on the bus until it can next get into the kerb a long away away from where they are going?
Yes disabled access is important but seriously most wheelchair users find the ramps extemely difficult as they have a dip where the ramp cover has been so actually they arent really a good solution-the london style pull out ramps seem better to be honest.
This week i saw the ramp being used on a number 12 NX Coventry trident a man got on in pool meadow using the ramp because he had a electric wheelchair and was severely disabled and the ramp was definitely needed due to gap between the bus on the stand and the bus station and the bus couldn't lower itself enough to make both the bus and the platform of the bus station completely level, even assistance from the driver was needed to help the man in the wheelchair get on.
Has anyone noticed over the past month or two the 002's front digital display has changed from '002' to 'oo2' (letter o's rather than numbers)? What's the point in this? Just looks strange
Yes, I did notice that, yet rear and side numbers remained the same
The only reasoning I can give is that the service is called the double o 2 so may be having some relations to that. Also it's lost it's scrolling via destinations and shows just the one (via Halesowen). They got changed with the recent Sandwell review with them needing to change most of the service numbers and destinations on them. If you ever see a cadet or dart on the 002 it will most likely have the normal 002 as there Hanover displays.
I've seen all sorts of destinations on the display lately; Woodgate, Weoley Castle, Merry Hill, Halesowen, seen them with a blank display too...
Not much chance of seeing anything other than the 002 branded B7RLEs on the 002 either, been months since the last time I saw anything other than that
Quote from: thetruth on February 08, 2013, 03:52:38 PM
On VOSA today.
PD1028090/129 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Moor Street and Tile Cross given service number 17 effective from 01-Apr-2013.
There's literally going to be hardly anything left at Long Acre (commercial services).
Tbf the 17 is a dead duck and did I hear theyre cancelling the 10/10H too as well??!! I think this and the loss of nat ex work is perhaps a prelude to shutting long acre. The 50 can go to redditch, as can 19 tendered service and perhaps even the 16. Other routes can be returned to tividale. Perhaps the coaching stuff can be moved elsewhere, although with the loss of nat ex work I doubt theres as much as there was.
If long acre was to close the 16 would probably return to Tividale along with the black diamond hybirds. Not sure what would happen to the signature services and the X30.
Quote from: Ash on February 08, 2013, 04:37:49 PM
If long acre was to close the 16 would probably return to Tividale along with the black diamond hybirds. Not sure what would happen to the signature services and the X30.
Sorry yes forgot the 16 will probably go back to Tividale but the X30 has tonnes of dead mileage as it is-I wouldnt be surprised if Rotala didnt bid again for this contract as theres so much dead mileage and they gave up their other coventry services. Would it be closer to run the signature stuff from redditch?
Well apparently according to unreliable sources such as Wikipedia that the red diamond name is no more and is now known as Diamond Worcestershire hence the blue buses that will be put into service upon takeover.
im really not surprised that the 17 has been axed. I have only used it in town but see it by the radleys and around and its completely dead. should of kept the 97 going as that actually seemed to carry people and if the staff actually given a dam about actually picking up passengers then I honestly believe it would make them a nice little packet, was completely mad to keep 17. what on earth is happening to diamond in the west midlands, is the new investment the start of them giving up, for example arriva is now the second biggest operator in Walsall are they gonna get over taken by arriva?
real shame clearly need scott dunn back as he seemed to do a cracking job at tivadale!!
Quote from: dannygill on February 08, 2013, 08:48:02 PM
im really not surprised that the 17 has been axed. I have only used it in town but see it by the radleys and around and its completely dead. should of kept the 97 going as that actually seemed to carry people and if the staff actually given a dam about actually picking up passengers then I honestly believe it would make them a nice little packet, was completely mad to keep 17. what on earth is happening to diamond in the west midlands, is the new investment the start of them giving up, for example arriva is now the second biggest operator in Walsall are they gonna get over taken by arriva?
real shame clearly need scott dunn back as he seemed to do a cracking job at tivadale!!
I thought arriva has always been bigger in Walsall, diamond main territory is around West Bromwich with in the Black Country mainly old Petes travel services.
Quote from: Ash on February 08, 2013, 04:09:57 PM
Quote from: thetruth on February 08, 2013, 03:52:38 PM
On VOSA today.
PD1028090/129 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Moor Street and Tile Cross given service number 17 effective from 01-Apr-2013.
There's literally going to be hardly anything left at Long Acre (commercial services).
They may as well do away with the Blue Diamond brand & Long Acre as an operational depot, there's very little other than tendered routes left now. Diamond bus is a shadow of its former self, it's just consistent withdrawals of long standing commercial services across the board, and it's a little bit more than just consolidation. I think Rotala are finding it tough going in the West Midlands, particularly since NX have fought back with return fares, new fleet investment, and frequency increases etc, whilst Arriva have swiped a number of tendered routes formerly operated by Diamond and no doubt put down pressure on tender prices as a result. There are a few commercial route pockets where Diamond seems to do well i.e. the 4/4H/4M, 41/42, 56 & 301 etc, they desperately need to invest in some new vehicles & make sure the correct coloured/branded vehicles are operating in the correct areas.
I also think Rotala may have a shock in Kidderminster, I think Whittles may turn up the pressure & increase competition. I'm not so sure the combined First/Diamond Redditch business will get the monopoly Rotala are expecting, the soon to be vacated Church Road depot is screaming for someone else to set up in the town
Do you mean the 40/42/43 Winston not the 41 as that is a NXWM service. But agree investment in vehicles is definitely needed. The buses on the 4/4H/4M are worse than the buses they had in Petes Travel days as they were X631/2/4/6-9/41AKW now it seeing mostly darts that are around 15 Years old such a shame and when the warm weather comes these old darts will struggle with the heat and the long runs on the 4H and 4M which both have significant hill climbs. Would have been fantastic if they still had 801-820 for their West Bromwich services of which they were first purchased for.
Quote from: Winston on February 08, 2013, 11:50:14 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 08, 2013, 04:09:57 PM
Quote from: thetruth on February 08, 2013, 03:52:38 PM
On VOSA today.
PD1028090/129 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Moor Street and Tile Cross given service number 17 effective from 01-Apr-2013.
There's literally going to be hardly anything left at Long Acre (commercial services).
They may as well do away with the Blue Diamond brand & Long Acre as an operational depot, there's very little other than tendered routes left now. Diamond bus is a shadow of its former self, it's just consistent withdrawals of long standing commercial services across the board, and it's a little bit more than just consolidation. I think Rotala are finding it tough going in the West Midlands, particularly since NX have fought back with return fares, new fleet investment, and frequency increases etc, whilst Arriva have swiped a number of tendered routes formerly operated by Diamond and no doubt put down pressure on tender prices as a result. There are a few commercial route pockets where Diamond seems to do well i.e. the 4/4H/4M, 41/42, 56 & 301 etc, they desperately need to invest in some new vehicles & make sure the correct coloured/branded vehicles are operating in the correct areas.
I also think Rotala may have a shock in Kidderminster, I think Whittles may turn up the pressure & increase competition. I'm not so sure the combined First/Diamond Redditch business will get the monopoly Rotala are expecting, the soon to be vacated Church Road depot is screaming for someone else to set up in the town
You are probberly right winston Whittles may turn up the wick and with Redditch yes a gaping gap has been left open possible bigger operator may move in. It just depends if they think its worth it being First have sold up there.
Do people think diamond will increase their ticket prices now there Redditch operations may increase in size if it all goes through. At the moment it's £1.80 for a day ticket how can anyone compete with this for example Whittles as it seems so cheap and would need very high patronage surely to make any sort of reasonable profit in return.
Quote from: Ash on February 09, 2013, 01:51:56 PM
Do you mean the 40/42/43 Winston not the 41 as that is a NXWM service. But agree investment in vehicles is definitely needed. The buses on the 4/4H/4M are worse than the buses they had in Petes Travel days as they were X631/2/4/6-9/41AKW now it seeing mostly darts that are around 15 Years old such a shame and when the warm weather comes these old darts will struggle with the heat and the long runs on the 4H and 4M which both have significant hill climbs. Would have been fantastic if they still had 801-820 for their West Bromwich services of which they were first purchased for.
It gets confusing with all these reviews its so easy to make a mistake nice one centro at least when you said number 1 in the old system it was the Acocks green service now it could be a wolverhampton route, walsall/cannock route help!!!
Quote from: Ash on February 09, 2013, 01:51:56 PM
Do you mean the 40/42/43 Winston not the 41 as that is a NXWM service. But agree investment in vehicles is definitely needed. The buses on the 4/4H/4M are worse than the buses they had in Petes Travel days as they were X631/2/4/6-9/41AKW now it seeing mostly darts that are around 15 Years old such a shame and when the warm weather comes these old darts will struggle with the heat and the long runs on the 4H and 4M which both have significant hill climbs. Would have been fantastic if they still had 801-820 for their West Bromwich services of which they were first purchased for.
Yes, still haven't go my head around the new route numbers, the new numbers for the 401/402
Quote from: Ash on February 09, 2013, 01:51:56 PM
Do you mean the 40/42/43 Winston not the 41 as that is a NXWM service. But agree investment in vehicles is definitely needed. The buses on the 4/4H/4M are worse than the buses they had in Petes Travel days as they were X631/2/4/6-9/41AKW now it seeing mostly darts that are around 15 Years old such a shame and when the warm weather comes these old darts will struggle with the heat and the long runs on the 4H and 4M which both have significant hill climbs. Would have been fantastic if they still had 801-820 for their West Bromwich services of which they were first purchased for.
Yes Wessex swiped 9 of them (812-820) when the Royale spec B7RLE's were delivered in 2009, little after a year in service with Black Diamond
Things were looking up when the 23 x MAN/MCV were taking delivery of (even though the internal layout was a little cramped), I still think there was more to them leaving than them being un-reliable, as you'd think Rotala would have replaced them with another type, but instead there were replaced by cascaded Darts due to Centro tender losses & commercial route withdrawals
Quote from: Winston on February 09, 2013, 02:27:02 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 09, 2013, 01:51:56 PM
Do you mean the 40/42/43 Winston not the 41 as that is a NXWM service. But agree investment in vehicles is definitely needed. The buses on the 4/4H/4M are worse than the buses they had in Petes Travel days as they were X631/2/4/6-9/41AKW now it seeing mostly darts that are around 15 Years old such a shame and when the warm weather comes these old darts will struggle with the heat and the long runs on the 4H and 4M which both have significant hill climbs. Would have been fantastic if they still had 801-820 for their West Bromwich services of which they were first purchased for.
Yes Wessex swiped 9 of them (812-820) when the Royale spec B7RLE's were delivered in 2009, little after a year in service with Black Diamond
Things were looking up when the 23 x MAN/MCV were taking delivery of (even though the internal layout was a little cramped), I still think there was more to them leaving than them being un-reliable, as you'd think Rotala would have replaced them with another type, but instead there were replaced by cascaded Darts due to Centro tender losses & commercial route withdrawals
I just can't see any of the black diamond services getting any new buses anytime in the near future investment is so badly needed and it wouldn't take that many new buses to make a significant improvement. Service 4/4H/4M one of diamond's key services 7 days a wek daytime and evening services now has the oldest buses allocated to it red and white darts even the cadets are rare on it now your lucky to get 2/3 daily on it. Although the mcv's were not that great I thought the purple colour and the black country connection branding was excellent especially the interior branding was something different in the west midlands shame it has gone.
Quote from: Ash on February 09, 2013, 01:58:29 PM
Do people think diamond will increase their ticket prices now there Redditch operations may increase in size if it all goes through. At the moment it's £1.80 for a day ticket how can anyone compete with this for example Whittles as it seems so cheap and would need very high patronage surely to make any sort of reasonable profit in return.
I think its without doubt that fares will go up once the competition has gone (i.e. First), the frequency's, number of buses operating the 57/58 will be cut and a number of First employees will need to find alternative employment where positions overlap/are duplicated with the current Diamond business. £1:80 for a day ticket is not a realistic price that can cover all their costs unless it attracts a significant increase in passenger numbers.....
Quote from: Discodave on February 09, 2013, 01:54:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 08, 2013, 11:50:14 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 08, 2013, 04:09:57 PM
Quote from: thetruth on February 08, 2013, 03:52:38 PM
On VOSA today.
PD1028090/129 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Moor Street and Tile Cross given service number 17 effective from 01-Apr-2013.
There's literally going to be hardly anything left at Long Acre (commercial services).
They may as well do away with the Blue Diamond brand & Long Acre as an operational depot, there's very little other than tendered routes left now. Diamond bus is a shadow of its former self, it's just consistent withdrawals of long standing commercial services across the board, and it's a little bit more than just consolidation. I think Rotala are finding it tough going in the West Midlands, particularly since NX have fought back with return fares, new fleet investment, and frequency increases etc, whilst Arriva have swiped a number of tendered routes formerly operated by Diamond and no doubt put down pressure on tender prices as a result. There are a few commercial route pockets where Diamond seems to do well i.e. the 4/4H/4M, 41/42, 56 & 301 etc, they desperately need to invest in some new vehicles & make sure the correct coloured/branded vehicles are operating in the correct areas.
I also think Rotala may have a shock in Kidderminster, I think Whittles may turn up the pressure & increase competition. I'm not so sure the combined First/Diamond Redditch business will get the monopoly Rotala are expecting, the soon to be vacated Church Road depot is screaming for someone else to set up in the town
You are probberly right winston Whittles may turn up the wick and with Redditch yes a gaping gap has been left open possible bigger operator may move in. It just depends if they think its worth it being First have sold up there.
Whittles seem to have developed quite a decent following in Kidderminster, I can't seen Rotala/Diamond doing anything to turn that around, I think Whittles may take the opportunity to turn up the heat. If it was NX, Arriva or Stagecoach that had bought Kidderminster I think Whittles may think twice, but as Rotala haven't got the financial muscle I reckon Whittles may grab the opportunity, after all Whittles parent company the EYMS group isn't actually that much smaller than Rotala group.
As for Redditch, once Church Rd is vacated you have a purpose built bus depot available for lease in a prime town centre location, its just asking for someone else to setup in the town. It could be a relatively low cost exercise to set up a new operation / competing network in the town, the fact the depot can be leased would mean the financial risks are reduced.
Unless eyms buy or lease , or get secondhand buses do not think they have enough spare vehicles to send down to whittles
. and as For the First routes in Kidderminster whittles already run on the 3 Kidderminster Stourport
and on the Kidderminster -Bewdley route First is the 2 whittles is the 2A/2C, these are more direct than firsts
Does anybody know if any more diamond buses have been withdrawn recently or does anybody know of any specific buses that will be transferred over to red diamond either from Long Acre or Tividale for the start of the takeover.
just seen a Wessex dart being towed on the Sutton road (Walsall) plus one of the 52 darts and one of the old nec ones....anyone know whats happening?
Quote from: dannygill on February 11, 2013, 08:16:51 PM
just seen a Wessex dart being towed on the Sutton road (Walsall) plus one of the 52 darts and one of the old nec ones....anyone know whats happening?
They will be going off to new owners.
I have the January changes but the way I receive them takes some sorting to see what has actually moved, they will be on the website in the next couple of days
The 52 reg dart is not one of the ones from Yourbus is it? Are diamond getting any more second enviro 200's bone shakers. I must admit I was so disappointed with diamond's all blue enviro 200 when I had a ride on it no where near as nice as the NXWM ones. Mind you any bus with urban 90 seats are not designed for comfort.
Quote from: Ash on February 11, 2013, 09:08:18 PM
The 52 reg dart is not one of the ones from Yourbus is it? Are diamond getting any more second enviro 200's bone shakers. I must admit I was so disappointed with diamond's all blue enviro 200 when I had a ride on it no where near as nice as the NXWM ones. Mind you any bus with urban 90 seats are not designed for comfort.
I must say that those early enviro200darts are awful. A real back step from a dart slf in my opinion-uglier, rattlier-mind u i prefer the pre-2001/2 ish darts which sound different and rattle an awful lot less. I wonder which 52 reg dart has been sold as I can think of the yourbus ones or possibly the blue diamond one.
Quote from: Ash on February 11, 2013, 09:08:18 PM
Mind you any bus with urban 90 seats are not designed for comfort.
This is so true ;D
KX08HMY and MX07OYT are at First Redditch depot for Driver Training.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/calumbus/8454371870/ - KX08HMY is now blue, not sure if its been reported!
Quote from: jc on February 13, 2013, 08:30:05 PM
KX08HMY and MX07OYT are at First Redditch depot for Driver Training.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/calumbus/8454371870/ - KX08HMY is now blue, not sure if its been reported!
Either this means the 50 is moving to red diamond (redditch) or the 50 is losing its centro's and stopping at Long Acre.
I didn't relies until today that the 40 service operates a £2.50 return ticket I have just seen it on their website. Is it me or am I missing the reason why diamond are not advertising these special return fares on the buses getting awareness of the offers surely should be first priority.
Quote from: Ash on February 14, 2013, 07:56:32 PM
I didn't relies until today that the 40 service operates a £2.50 return ticket I have just seen it on their website. Is it me or am I missing the reason why diamond are not advertising these special return fares on the buses getting awareness of the offers surely should be first priority.
They absolutely should. They need adverts on buses, branding, leaflets, return information scrolling on displays and stickers on buses.
According to the Diamond website, the 10 will continue during peaks only with another operator. Has anyone heard who might be taking it over? Nothing mention on the NWM site.
I went to Redditch today and I must say that rotala seems to be doing well there. Most of the buses were busy as were FMR's so when diamond own the whole thing I think they will do quite well. I just wonder how First managed to make a loss there.??
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 06:11:55 PM
I went to Redditch today and I must say that rotala seems to be doing well there. Most of the buses were busy as were FMR's so when diamond own the whole thing I think they will do quite well. I just wonder how First managed to make a loss there.??
What services in particular i'm guessing the 57/58 but diamond's fares in the Redditch are so low i'm not surprised there well used. I caught a 301 yesterday (30207) and the amount of people boarding at Walsall with a return ticket amazed me nearly all of the passengers had them with only 6 buses on the service as well must be making a lot of money out of the service. Also was on a 4H yesterday from Oldbury (30516) was the bus and were about 10 passengers on when leaving Oldbury We picked no body up at West Brom as another route 4 diamond bus was on the stand but then on the way to Walsall nearly every seat was taken and we were leaving people at stops as I think we were running late and another red and white dart was right behind just wished there were some investment on both the 4 and 301 especially as service 4/4H/4M covers nearly most of the black country would give a good impression and when the summer comes there will be breakdowns daily as the 4H/4M doesn't seem to be the most generous timetable especially with 15 year old darts and up and down the black country hills.
Quote from: Ash on February 16, 2013, 06:30:32 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 06:11:55 PM
I went to Redditch today and I must say that rotala seems to be doing well there. Most of the buses were busy as were FMR's so when diamond own the whole thing I think they will do quite well. I just wonder how First managed to make a loss there.??
What services in particular i'm guessing the 57/58 but diamond's fares in the Redditch are so low i'm not surprised there well used. I caught a 301 yesterday (30207) and the amount of people boarding at Walsall with a return ticket amazed me nearly all of the passengers had them with only 6 buses on the service as well must be making a lot of money out of the service. Also was on a 4H yesterday from Oldbury (30516) was the bus and were about 10 passengers on when leaving Oldbury We picked no body up at West Brom as another route 4 diamond bus was on the stand but then on the way to Walsall nearly every seat was taken and we were leaving people at stops as I think we were running late and another red and white dart was right behind just wished there were some investment on both the 4 and 301 especially as service 4/4H/4M covers nearly most of the black country would give a good impression and when the summer comes there will be breakdowns daily as the 4H/4M doesn't seem to be the most generous timetable especially with 15 year old darts and up and down the black country hills.
I used the 4 and 301 a few weeks ago and I totally agree with you Ash. They need to buy circa 20 decent new buses for these routes and today I was on the 57/58/51 and 70. All well used with standing loads on board 57 and 58. Saw a lot of diamond passes around. Tho coming back onto the topic of the 301 and 4 it seems surprising that everyone knows about the returns when diamond do little to advertise them.
They also need to sell all those buses they wish to sell to ensign as theyre spending money advertising them which seems pointless unless ensign really dont offer them a good deal. Then they could buy some of these http://www.ensignbus.com/#!singlebus8/c1ed0
and possibly order a few new buses as well. They need to ditch the solos completely, shut long acre, and brand up some half decent buses for the 301/56/4/50/16 services. They need to advertise the returns and there needs to be a redditch network review as personally I think that there is a major problem with redditch bus station which is hopelessly inadequate. Information seems out of date and something needs to be done. Id also like to see diamond having printed leaflets on buses telling them useful stuff. On that note I saw the nbb dart in redditch today still with timetable holders with NBB notices on about the 113X which I thought was interesting.
The other thing-I was on the 50 corridor today as well and diamond seemed to be doing well. There was a period in september/october when green bus seemed to have tonnes of buses on the route-with both green buses and red darts and tridents. There seem to be less now and diamond seem to be doing better again although I couldnt see 801 anywhere although ovv and hmz were back on, obvioudly returned from yourbus. Wondered if anyone had seen 801 anywhere.
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 06:53:58 PM
They also need to sell all those buses they wish to sell to ensign as theyre spending money advertising them which seems pointless unless ensign really dont offer them a good deal. Then they could buy some of these http://www.ensignbus.com/#!singlebus8/c1ed0
and possibly order a few new buses as well. They need to ditch the solos completely, shut long acre, and brand up some half decent buses for the 301/56/4/50/16 services. They need to advertise the returns and there needs to be a redditch network review as personally I think that there is a major problem with redditch bus station which is hopelessly inadequate. Information seems out of date and something needs to be done. Id also like to see diamond having printed leaflets on buses telling them useful stuff. On that note I saw the nbb dart in redditch today still with timetable holders with NBB notices on about the 113X which I thought was interesting.
You seem to think Ensign will just buy anything? - The last thing Ensign need at the moment is non-sellable old darts. They have enough of them already with their bulk purchases from the big London ops. If Rotala cannot sell them why should Ensign be able to
One cadet i think it was 30211 still has an information advert about senior citizens using there pass before 9:30am for 50p and this was when Birmingham coach company owned the vehicles it's on the side blind. Surely there must be some second hand centro's for sale somewhere which would be ideal for the black diamond operations it's pointless having just one enviro 200 even though I heard several more may be entering service with diamond I think it was mentioned on here a while ago. The hybrid versa's are being wasted at blue diamond using them on the X30 and the 82 as well as the 16. If the 16 is struggling put some solo's on there a and move the versa's to the 301 using all 8 vehicles at an 8 minute frequency. Return branding could be put on the cadets as there mainly used on the 4/40 and 301 which all offer the £2.50 return ticket. The solo's i would keep but ensure there used on centro funded services and not on the main stream commercial services. I would even think about transferring some of the presidents acquired from the first takeover and use them on the 002 and 301 transferring the enviro 200 and the acquired darts from your bus to Red diamond moving the cadets and centro's from the 002/301 to be used on the 4/4H and 4M.
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2013, 07:07:23 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 06:53:58 PM
They also need to sell all those buses they wish to sell to ensign as theyre spending money advertising them which seems pointless unless ensign really dont offer them a good deal. Then they could buy some of these http://www.ensignbus.com/#!singlebus8/c1ed0
and possibly order a few new buses as well. They need to ditch the solos completely, shut long acre, and brand up some half decent buses for the 301/56/4/50/16 services. They need to advertise the returns and there needs to be a redditch network review as personally I think that there is a major problem with redditch bus station which is hopelessly inadequate. Information seems out of date and something needs to be done. Id also like to see diamond having printed leaflets on buses telling them useful stuff. On that note I saw the nbb dart in redditch today still with timetable holders with NBB notices on about the 113X which I thought was interesting.
You seem to think Ensign will just buy anything? - The last thing Ensign need at the moment is non-sellable old darts. They have enough of them already with their bulk purchases from the big London ops. If Rotala cannot sell them why should Ensign be able to
Id have thought that the rotala ones would be far more appealing as they havent been thrashed around like the ones in London and operators outside cities dont want to buy dual door darts and as for the caetano compass ones ensign have-who on earth wants them!! Rotalas are single door and in good nick and ensign have a far better chance of selling them as everyones heard of them and they are britains biggest bus seller. Theyve got a far bigger chance of selling them
Quote from: Ash on February 16, 2013, 07:10:42 PM
One cadet i think it was 30211 still has an information advert about senior citizens using there pass before 9:30am for 50p and this was when Birmingham coach company owned the vehicles it's on the side blind. Surely there must be some second hand centro's for sale somewhere which would be ideal for the black diamond operations it's pointless having just one enviro 200 even though I heard several more may be entering service with diamond I think it was mentioned on here a while ago. The hybrid versa's are being wasted at blue diamond using them on the X30 and the 82 as well as the 16. If the 16 is struggling put some solo's on there a and move the versa's to the 301 using all 8 vehicles at an 8 minute frequency. Return branding could be put on the cadets as there mainly used on the 4/40 and 301 which all offer the £2.50 return ticket. The solo's i would keep but ensure there used on centro funded services and not on the main stream commercial services. I would even think about transferring some of the presidents acquired from the first takeover and use them on the 002 and 301 transferring the enviro 200 and the acquired darts from your bus to Red diamond moving the cadets and centro's from the 002/301 to be used on the 4/4H and 4M.
I agree they should look for secondhand centros and I agree that the versas are wasted at blue diamond. I dont think that solos should be put on the 16 as this would just make it worse-stick some darts on there, brand em up and advertise and try to see grs off the route. I agree also that the versas should be put on something like the 301 and the solos confined to contracts and tbh i think the deckers are needed at redditch although some of these seem in a bad way-one of them had the interior lights all flickering on and off today.
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 07:17:30 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 16, 2013, 07:10:42 PM
One cadet i think it was 30211 still has an information advert about senior citizens using there pass before 9:30am for 50p and this was when Birmingham coach company owned the vehicles it's on the side blind. Surely there must be some second hand centro's for sale somewhere which would be ideal for the black diamond operations it's pointless having just one enviro 200 even though I heard several more may be entering service with diamond I think it was mentioned on here a while ago. The hybrid versa's are being wasted at blue diamond using them on the X30 and the 82 as well as the 16. If the 16 is struggling put some solo's on there a and move the versa's to the 301 using all 8 vehicles at an 8 minute frequency. Return branding could be put on the cadets as there mainly used on the 4/40 and 301 which all offer the £2.50 return ticket. The solo's i would keep but ensure there used on centro funded services and not on the main stream commercial services. I would even think about transferring some of the presidents acquired from the first takeover and use them on the 002 and 301 transferring the enviro 200 and the acquired darts from your bus to Red diamond moving the cadets and centro's from the 002/301 to be used on the 4/4H and 4M.
I agree they should look for secondhand centros and I agree that the versas are wasted at blue diamond. I dont think that solos should be put on the 16 as this would just make it worse-stick some darts on there, brand em up and advertise and try to see grs off the route. I agree also that the versas should be put on something like the 301 and the solos confined to contracts and tbh i think the deckers are needed at redditch although some of these seem in a bad way-one of them had the interior lights all flickering on and off today.
With the emission ruling diamond would be struggling to put full size single deckers on the 16 as the older dart can't be used I recon thats the reason they have the hybrid versa's in the first place. I can't see any investment happening in the near future either and I don't get why they sold already painted black diamond darts such as X639AKW and W448DOP and keep the poor appearance darts such as S404JUA that bus is in a bad state every seat is different and looks very tatty on the outside, very poor.
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 07:13:24 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2013, 07:07:23 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 06:53:58 PM
They also need to sell all those buses they wish to sell to ensign as theyre spending money advertising them which seems pointless unless ensign really dont offer them a good deal. Then they could buy some of these http://www.ensignbus.com/#!singlebus8/c1ed0
and possibly order a few new buses as well. They need to ditch the solos completely, shut long acre, and brand up some half decent buses for the 301/56/4/50/16 services. They need to advertise the returns and there needs to be a redditch network review as personally I think that there is a major problem with redditch bus station which is hopelessly inadequate. Information seems out of date and something needs to be done. Id also like to see diamond having printed leaflets on buses telling them useful stuff. On that note I saw the nbb dart in redditch today still with timetable holders with NBB notices on about the 113X which I thought was interesting.
You seem to think Ensign will just buy anything? - The last thing Ensign need at the moment is non-sellable old darts. They have enough of them already with their bulk purchases from the big London ops. If Rotala cannot sell them why should Ensign be able to
Id have thought that the rotala ones would be far more appealing as they havent been thrashed around like the ones in London and operators outside cities dont want to buy dual door darts and as for the caetano compass ones ensign have-who on earth wants them!! Rotalas are single door and in good nick and ensign have a far better chance of selling them as everyones heard of them and they are britains biggest bus seller. Theyve got a far bigger chance of selling them
You seriously think Rotala's are in better nick than London's? London's buses don't get thrashed, they spend most of their time just trundling around. All darts coming out of London are LEZ compliant (none of the stuff Roatal have for sale is).
This entry in Ensign's January sales
Darts S367ONL / Y239NLK / R147RLY Trident T122KLD: MC Tractors, Ely, for
scrap.tells you where more than ten year old darts tend to end up and Ensign are business people who will normally sell a vehicle for more than they buy it for. If they are selling a dart for scrap for about £800 imagine what they are buying them for.
As for being dual door that is no problem to Ensign with their workshops. You're probably correct about the Nimbus bodies, although First Group seem happy to single door their ex London ones and put them back in service in the Potteries!
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2013, 07:39:48 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 07:13:24 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2013, 07:07:23 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 06:53:58 PM
They also need to sell all those buses they wish to sell to ensign as theyre spending money advertising them which seems pointless unless ensign really dont offer them a good deal. Then they could buy some of these http://www.ensignbus.com/#!singlebus8/c1ed0
and possibly order a few new buses as well. They need to ditch the solos completely, shut long acre, and brand up some half decent buses for the 301/56/4/50/16 services. They need to advertise the returns and there needs to be a redditch network review as personally I think that there is a major problem with redditch bus station which is hopelessly inadequate. Information seems out of date and something needs to be done. Id also like to see diamond having printed leaflets on buses telling them useful stuff. On that note I saw the nbb dart in redditch today still with timetable holders with NBB notices on about the 113X which I thought was interesting.
You seem to think Ensign will just buy anything? - The last thing Ensign need at the moment is non-sellable old darts. They have enough of them already with their bulk purchases from the big London ops. If Rotala cannot sell them why should Ensign be able to
Id have thought that the rotala ones would be far more appealing as they havent been thrashed around like the ones in London and operators outside cities dont want to buy dual door darts and as for the caetano compass ones ensign have-who on earth wants them!! Rotalas are single door and in good nick and ensign have a far better chance of selling them as everyones heard of them and they are britains biggest bus seller. Theyve got a far bigger chance of selling them
You seriously think Rotala's are in better nick than London's? London's buses don't get thrashed, they spend most of their time just trundling around. All darts coming out of London are LEZ compliant (none of the stuff Roatal have for sale is).
This entry in Ensign's January sales
Darts S367ONL / Y239NLK / R147RLY Trident T122KLD: MC Tractors, Ely, for
scrap.
tells you where more than ten year old darts tend to end up and Ensign are business people who will normally sell a vehicle for more than they buy it for. If they are selling a dart for scrap for about £800 imagine what they are buying them for.
As for being dual door that is no problem to Ensign with their workshops. You're probably correct about the Nimbus bodies, although First Group seem happy to single door their ex London ones and put them back in service in the Potteries!
I really didnt know that darts were going so cheap. Begs the question then why dont travel express sell all their current fleet and upgrade cheaply while theyve got the chance. And I didnt mean the nimbus ones which look nice I meant the uvg/caetano compass ones with the sort of sagging windscreen front thing. Theyre ex go north east and have been sat around ages. The nimbus ones do look quite smart when repainted and refurbed in the potteries and I think first had the right idea sending them there.
Or how about this for Rotala West Midlands http://www.ensignbus.com/#!bus6/c1jly I'm sure they could find a route for it.
Quote from: tank90 on February 16, 2013, 08:36:05 PM
Or how about this for Rotala West Midlands http://www.ensignbus.com/#!bus6/c1jly I'm sure they could find a route for it.
Even though it looks nice I cant help feeling that it just looks tacky and the seating capacity is too low for a bus that size.
Quote from: Peter123 on February 16, 2013, 09:12:11 PM
Quote from: tank90 on February 16, 2013, 08:36:05 PM
Or how about this for Rotala West Midlands http://www.ensignbus.com/#!bus6/c1jly I'm sure they could find a route for it.
Even though it looks nice I cant help feeling that it just looks tacky and the seating capacity is too low for a bus that size.
The seating capacity is low because it has table and facing seats. In Ensign's magazine adverts they are also offering it fully seated
A black diamond dart was parked up in the withdrawn section of buses at Long Acre it looks to be T445EBD I thought I hadn't seen this bus for a while and now know why.
Quote from: Ash on February 18, 2013, 06:18:01 PM
A black diamond dart was parked up in the withdrawn section of buses at Long Acre it looks to be T445EBD I thought I hadn't seen this bus for a while and now know why.
I had a look at the main Black Diamond depot & overflow bus park opposite today at Tividale, both resemble a used bus sales site / scrap yard rather than an operational base
Just checked some of the video's people have put on and one of them was on a 4/4M and started watching and even spotted myself on the exact bus sitting in front of the person who was filming lol. Has this happened to anyone else on here?
Think I was at the front of the Nifty50 centro video
Quote from: Ash on February 18, 2013, 08:59:20 PM
Just checked some of the video's people have put on and one of them was on a 4/4M and started watching and even spotted myself on the exact bus sitting in front of the person who was filming lol. Has this happened to anyone else on here?
There has been plenty.of occasions when i have gone past people filming and taking photos plus i film on the buses aswell. Bus spotters in wolverhampton are.usually in the same spot, pipers row opposite the bus station
Quote from: Ash on February 18, 2013, 08:59:20 PM
Just checked some of the video's people have put on and one of them was on a 4/4M and started watching and even spotted myself on the exact bus sitting in front of the person who was filming lol. Has this happened to anyone else on here?
Have you got a link to the video.
I think it was the member on here called JC I think it was there youtube account.
Blue Diamond withdrawing from the 17:
http://www.networkwestmidlands.co.uk/web/FILES/BusServiceChanges/ServiceChanges31032013.pdf
Does anyone know who is operating the 10 after Diamond finish?
According to Diamond website there is to be a peak time only route with a new company?
Thanks
I know I am going to be roasted for this but, how can a CHARITY be allowed to compete against regular commercial companies ( who have to pay regular rates & tax ). How can anyone compete on such an unequal footing. I mean they even compete head to head with NXWM on a commercial service the 900, ok it's only a very limited service but that's not the point.
Quote from: gc802002 on February 22, 2013, 06:34:05 PM
Does anyone know who is operating the 10 after Diamond finish?
According to Diamond website there is to be a peak time only route with a new company?
Thanks
From the press release, it appears to be an off peak service.
Strange i was in the Harbourne area today and saw several 10H s and they were well loaded.
Quote from: Steveminor on February 22, 2013, 07:46:37 PM
I know I am going to be roasted for this but, how can a CHARITY be allowed to compete against regular commercial companies ( who have to pay regular rates & tax ). How can anyone compete on such an unequal footing. I mean they even compete head to head with NXWM on a commercial service the 900, ok it's only a very limited service but that's not the point.
You're not going to be roasted for it by me. Its totally unfair I agree with you and needs to be stopped.
Quote from: Peter123 on February 22, 2013, 08:26:40 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on February 22, 2013, 07:46:37 PM
I know I am going to be roasted for this but, how can a CHARITY be allowed to compete against regular commercial companies ( who have to pay regular rates & tax ). How can anyone compete on such an unequal footing. I mean they even compete head to head with NXWM on a commercial service the 900, ok it's only a very limited service but that's not the point.
Do Walsall community transport come under the same banner as WMSNT?
You're not going to be roasted for it by me. Its totally unfair I agree with you and needs to be stopped.
To ascertain extent yes although they don't compete for tenders across the whole west midlands & they don't operate commercial or competitive services
Quote from: tank90 on February 16, 2013, 08:36:05 PM
Or how about this for Rotala West Midlands http://www.ensignbus.com/#!bus6/c1jly I'm sure they could find a route for it.
Now that could be quite a treat painted in Black Diamond livery if they did it right. However, Diamond seem uninterested in double deckers and so I doubt you'll see an E400 in all black any time soon.
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 08:34:06 PM
Quote from: tank90 on February 16, 2013, 08:36:05 PM
Or how about this for Rotala West Midlands http://www.ensignbus.com/#!bus6/c1jly I'm sure they could find a route for it.
Now that could be quite a treat painted in Black Diamond livery if they did it right. However, Diamond seem uninterested in double deckers and so I doubt you'll see an E400 in all black any time soon.
Maybe diamond could increase there size of bus on the 56, to show up NXWM or do the 140 daytime.
There's one service I just don't understand why it doesn't operate on a Sunday or later in the evening (Monday to Saturday) and that is the 002. It's one of diamond's most popular services and with more and more people choosing to shop on a Sunday it's a no brainier for me even if it's just trialled out at every 30 minutes to start with.
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 09:24:51 PM
There's one service I just don't understand why it doesn't operate on a Sunday or later in the evening (Monday to Saturday) and that is the 002. It's one of diamond's most popular services and with more and more people choosing to shop on a Sunday it's a no brainier for me even if it's just trialled out at every 30 minutes to start with.
Couldn't agree more, I'm sure it would get a decent amount of passengers, even if it was hourly
Quote from: Shaun on February 27, 2013, 09:31:52 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 09:24:51 PM
There's one service I just don't understand why it doesn't operate on a Sunday or later in the evening (Monday to Saturday) and that is the 002. It's one of diamond's most popular services and with more and more people choosing to shop on a Sunday it's a no brainier for me even if it's just trialled out at every 30 minutes to start with.
Couldn't agree more, I'm sure it would get a decent amount of passengers, even if it was hourly
Diamond just don't seem interested in trying anything out like this they have dedicated vehicles for the service as well of which they could promote the new Sunday service have a Sunday Special return fare of £2.50 to entice people to use it for trial period and go from there perhaps it's just too simple from an enthusiasts point of view and the people making the decisions at diamond can't see the same opportunity or perhaps they know for fact it wouldn't pay to try it out.
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 09:36:27 PM
Quote from: Shaun on February 27, 2013, 09:31:52 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 09:24:51 PM
There's one service I just don't understand why it doesn't operate on a Sunday or later in the evening (Monday to Saturday) and that is the 002. It's one of diamond's most popular services and with more and more people choosing to shop on a Sunday it's a no brainier for me even if it's just trialled out at every 30 minutes to start with.
Couldn't agree more, I'm sure it would get a decent amount of passengers, even if it was hourly
Diamond just don't seem interested in trying anything out like this they have dedicated vehicles for the service as well of which they could promote the new Sunday service have a Sunday Special return fare of £2.50 to entice people to use it for trial period and go from there perhaps it's just too simple from an enthusiasts point of view and the people making the decisions at diamond can't see the same opportunity or perhaps they know for fact it wouldn't pay to try it out.
and later in evenings with shops being open till around 8pm in (Worcestershire)
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 09:36:27 PM
Quote from: Shaun on February 27, 2013, 09:31:52 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 09:24:51 PM
There's one service I just don't understand why it doesn't operate on a Sunday or later in the evening (Monday to Saturday) and that is the 002. It's one of diamond's most popular services and with more and more people choosing to shop on a Sunday it's a no brainier for me even if it's just trialled out at every 30 minutes to start with.
Couldn't agree more, I'm sure it would get a decent amount of passengers, even if it was hourly
Diamond just don't seem interested in trying anything out like this they have dedicated vehicles for the service as well of which they could promote the new Sunday service have a Sunday Special return fare of £2.50 to entice people to use it for trial period and go from there perhaps it's just too simple from an enthusiasts point of view and the people making the decisions at diamond can't see the same opportunity or perhaps they know for fact it wouldn't pay to try it out.
They should pull their game together as the 002 is a good service I've never understood why NX haven't ran on it even when ludlows ran it but if arriva want to expand its doubtful they will go at NX at first they will go for diamond and could potentially loose a lot of customers from the 002
Quote from: richie on February 27, 2013, 10:06:43 PM
They should pull their game together as the 002 is a good service I've never understood why NX haven't ran on it even when ludlows ran it but if arriva want to expand its doubtful they will go at NX at first they will go for diamond and could potentially loose a lot of customers from the 002
If there was more than one operator on the 002 I (and probably most other people) would just do the same as I do for any other route with multiple operators and get on the first one to come.
Quote from: richie on February 27, 2013, 10:06:43 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 09:36:27 PM
Quote from: Shaun on February 27, 2013, 09:31:52 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 09:24:51 PM
There's one service I just don't understand why it doesn't operate on a Sunday or later in the evening (Monday to Saturday) and that is the 002. It's one of diamond's most popular services and with more and more people choosing to shop on a Sunday it's a no brainier for me even if it's just trialled out at every 30 minutes to start with.
Couldn't agree more, I'm sure it would get a decent amount of passengers, even if it was hourly
Diamond just don't seem interested in trying anything out like this they have dedicated vehicles for the service as well of which they could promote the new Sunday service have a Sunday Special return fare of £2.50 to entice people to use it for trial period and go from there perhaps it's just too simple from an enthusiasts point of view and the people making the decisions at diamond can't see the same opportunity or perhaps they know for fact it wouldn't pay to try it out.
They should pull their game together as the 002 is a good service I've never understood why NX haven't ran on it even when ludlows ran it but if arriva want to expand its doubtful they will go at NX at first they will go for diamond and could potentially loose a lot of customers from the 002
TWM did run over part of the 002/004 route with the 109 (B'ham -Merry Hill) which was introduced back with the Hagley Road branded B10L's, obviously a few years ago now. The 002 would be a good route for NX to hit back at Rotala with, NX could even offer the later evening & Sunday services that have bee suggested above
Diamond did Sunday services back on the 002/004 when ludlows was merged. Each were every 90 minutes and were interworked
Quote from: trainbasher on February 27, 2013, 10:24:41 PM
Diamond did Sunday services back on the 002/004 when ludlows was merged. Each were every 90 minutes and were interworked
I think the 002 could support a 30 min frequency on a Sunday, a 90 min frequency isn't going to attract any prospective new passengers and if a bus were to breakdown the whole thing falls apart and passengers would get left stranded
It could possibly be inter worked with the 4M with drivers changing over at West Bromwich but usually the 4/4H/4M has the same group of drivers on it not sure they would know the 002 route and vice versa.
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 10:34:55 PM
It could possibly be inter worked with the 4M with drivers changing over at West Bromwich but usually the 4/4H/4M has the same group of drivers on it not sure they would know the 002 route and vice versa.
They could easily learn it, nothing to stop Pensnett operating it either.
Supprised NXWM have not looked at routes like the 002 to take out diamond that is one that does quite well.
Quote from: Discodave on February 28, 2013, 12:47:49 PM
Supprised NXWM have not looked at routes like the 002 to take out diamond that is one that does quite well.
It's only fair if Diamond was to launch new competition / increase frequencies on a NXWM service that NXWM can retaliate on a busy Diamond service like the 002, 56 etc
Quote from: Winston on February 28, 2013, 01:42:53 PM
Quote from: Discodave on February 28, 2013, 12:47:49 PM
Supprised NXWM have not looked at routes like the 002 to take out diamond that is one that does quite well.
It’s only fair if Diamond was to launch new competition / increase frequencies on a NXWM service that NXWM can retaliate on a busy Diamond service like the 002, 56 etc
The routes that diamond compete with NXWM on commercially have been operated by diamond and its predecessors for quite a few years well into the 1990's some of them at the moment it seems like diamond are keeping themselves to themselves in the West Midlands and not challenging on any commercial services.
Also 30209 broke down in Stone Cross this evening with panels removed on the far side.
It appears Rotala may have now have lost some/all of the Signature work in Solihull to Central Buses, these registrations have appeared on VOSA today. As I understand it all the Signature work is Centro tendered, so I wouldn't have thought that they would be competing services, can anyone confirm?
PD1021409/58 - CEN GROUP LIMITED, UNIT 14A, TAMEBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ALDRIDGE ROAD, PERRY BARR, BIRMINGHAM, B42 2TX
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Coventry
Via:
Service Number: 82
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
PD1021409/59 - CEN GROUP LIMITED, UNIT 14A, TAMEBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ALDRIDGE ROAD, PERRY BARR, BIRMINGHAM, B42 2TX
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull, Poplar Road
Finish Point: Dorridge (S2)/Hockley Heath (S3)
Via:
Service Number: S2
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Wonder what will happen to the buses on those services will
The buses move to central buses & be painted in there livery
Or will central have some more buses
Quote from: Solo1 on March 01, 2013, 02:28:24 PM
Wonder what will happen to the buses on those services will
The buses move to central buses & be painted in there livery
Or will central have some more buses
Aren't the buses currently used on those services owned by Rotala/Blue Diamond/Central Connect/whatever they wanna call themselves? So I imagine Central Buses will need to invest in more buses. Saying that, wasn't there something about them ordering new E200s a few months back?
Quote from: JackC on March 01, 2013, 02:35:57 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on March 01, 2013, 02:28:24 PM
Wonder what will happen to the buses on those services will
The buses move to central buses & be painted in there livery
Or will central have some more buses
Aren't the buses currently used on those services owned by Rotala/Blue Diamond/Central Connect/whatever they wanna call themselves? So I imagine Central Buses will need to invest in more buses. Saying that, wasn't there something about them ordering new E200s a few months back?
Yes on the ADL website announcing orders received to date, the date the registrations are due to commence is also more than 56 days away.
It is looking as though Rotala have lost further work, Central Buses do seem to be a quality / well run independent, the buses are always well turned out & they have a very modern fleet
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 02:56:39 PM
Quote from: JackC on March 01, 2013, 02:35:57 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on March 01, 2013, 02:28:24 PM
Wonder what will happen to the buses on those services will
The buses move to central buses & be painted in there livery
Or will central have some more buses
Aren't the buses currently used on those services owned by Rotala/Blue Diamond/Central Connect/whatever they wanna call themselves? So I imagine Central Buses will need to invest in more buses. Saying that, wasn't there something about them ordering new E200s a few months back?
Yes on the ADL website announcing orders received to date, the date the registrations are due to commence is also more than 56 days away.
It is looking as though Rotala have lost further work, Central Buses do seem to be a quality / well run independent, the buses are always well turned out & they have a very modern fleet
i agree with BIB - Central buses seem to have expanded more slowly than Red/Blue/Black/Insert any other colour Here Diamond,Central buses have been going for around 10 years now,i think rotola have been going for around 6-7 years now?
Quote from: CRP2012 on March 01, 2013, 03:25:14 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 02:56:39 PM
Quote from: JackC on March 01, 2013, 02:35:57 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on March 01, 2013, 02:28:24 PM
Wonder what will happen to the buses on those services will
The buses move to central buses & be painted in there livery
Or will central have some more buses
Aren't the buses currently used on those services owned by Rotala/Blue Diamond/Central Connect/whatever they wanna call themselves? So I imagine Central Buses will need to invest in more buses. Saying that, wasn't there something about them ordering new E200s a few months back?
Yes on the ADL website announcing orders received to date, the date the registrations are due to commence is also more than 56 days away.
It is looking as though Rotala have lost further work, Central Buses do seem to be a quality / well run independent, the buses are always well turned out & they have a very modern fleet
i agree with BIB - Central buses seem to have expanded more slowly than Red/Blue/Black/Insert any other colour Here Diamond,Central buses have been going for around 10 years now,i think rotola have been going for around 6-7 years now?
Rotala first bought in to buses on 20th Oct 2006 with the acquisition of Zaks bus & coach (which was what formed the basis of Central Connect & now Blue Diamond), Rotala bought Flights Hallmark coaches back in Aug 2005
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
I don't think Central Buses will have any issues stepping up to the mantel on the Signature services, Central Buses appear to offer a consistently high standard across the board, not just just on certain routes. I presume Rotala have lost the tenders on price alone?
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 06:15:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
I don't think Central Buses will have any issues stepping up to the mantel on the Signature services, Central Buses appear to offer a consistently high standard across the board, not just just on certain routes. I presume Rotala have lost the tenders on price alone?
I agree I think Central buses are very professional and do a brilliant job on the services they operate. With Rotala could it be the fact they want to make there bus operation specific to the Black Country and Redditch and Kidderminster and losing signature services is one way to streamline the operations to allow them to do this. I can't see the point in keeping Long Acre open transfer the 16 back to Tividale and the 50 to Redditch and any subsidiary services move to Tividale. May be rent out the arriva Hill Top garage to provide more space for black diamond. What will happen to all the drivers that drive the signature services will they move to Tividale or will Long Acre take on more services possibly the 56 as that enters Birmingham from Black diamond, just a thought.
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
I agree with you, but i am starting to think that blue diamond are cooking something big,which is why they have made withdrawls on the 123, 37, 97,82 to free up more recources, such for something big, or give up Blue diamond fully, just keeping signiture.
Quote from: dgss1 on March 01, 2013, 06:51:14 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
I agree with you, but i am starting to think that blue diamond are cooking something big,which is why they have made withdrawls on the 123, 37, 97,82 to free up more recources, such for something big, or give up Blue diamond fully, just keeping signiture.
Well it looks like signature is all to go so I wonder what will happen to the current buses on their routes. I bet the solo srs, versas and mercs all go to preston as they operate all these types already
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 06:27:41 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 06:15:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
I don't think Central Buses will have any issues stepping up to the mantel on the Signature services, Central Buses appear to offer a consistently high standard across the board, not just just on certain routes. I presume Rotala have lost the tenders on price alone?
I agree I think Central buses are very professional and do a brilliant job on the services they operate. With Rotala could it be the fact they want to make there bus operation specific to the Black Country and Redditch and Kidderminster and losing signature services is one way to streamline the operations to allow them to do this. I can't see the point in keeping Long Acre open transfer the 16 back to Tividale and the 50 to Redditch and any subsidiary services move to Tividale. May be rent out the arriva Hill Top garage to provide more space for black diamond. What will happen to all the drivers that drive the signature services will they move to Tividale or will Long Acre take on more services possibly the 56 as that enters Birmingham from Black diamond, just a thought.
With the loss of the Signature services Rotala may as well cut overheads & close Long Acre, move all that remains to Tividale. Tividale can accommodate 200+ buses as they have the overflow site opposite the main depot, this just needs emptying of all the withdrawn/for sale stuff, Tividale housed the entire Go West Midlands fleet when hill Top was closed with I think was around 228? Should be nay need for any other sites to be sourced. There can't be much left in the way of coaching activities at Long Acre either, I thought that the NX 210 & 777 work should have transferred to DeCourcey by now unless plans have changed?
Quote from: Peter123 on March 01, 2013, 07:02:04 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on March 01, 2013, 06:51:14 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
I agree with you, but i am starting to think that blue diamond are cooking something big,which is why they have made withdrawls on the 123, 37, 97,82 to free up more recources, such for something big, or give up Blue diamond fully, just keeping signiture.
Well it looks like signature is all to go so I wonder what will happen to the current buses on their routes. I bet the solo srs, versas and mercs all go to preston as they operate all these types already
I agree, I think that stands a very good chance of happening
Quote from: Peter123 on March 01, 2013, 07:02:04 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on March 01, 2013, 06:51:14 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
I agree with you, but i am starting to think that blue diamond are cooking something big,which is why they have made withdrawls on the 123, 37, 97,82 to free up more recources, such for something big, or give up Blue diamond fully, just keeping signiture.
Well it looks like signature is all to go so I wonder what will happen to the current buses on their routes. I bet the solo srs, versas and mercs all go to preston as they operate all these types already
Preston get ex-signature buses & Diamond gets standerd solos? 8)
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 07:03:07 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 06:27:41 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 06:15:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Such a shame blue diamond will not be operating the 82 after they have lost the service. The citaro's are the best in the group in my opinion, the buses are always on time and the drivers very friendly with most passengers that seem to use the service daily having a good rapport with them I think Central buses will have to live up to the high precedent set by diamond on the service. I hope the citaro's don't get sold off as they would be nicely suited to be used on the 56 or 301 with black diamond. Surely Long Acre can't stay open for much longer after losing all these services.
I don't think Central Buses will have any issues stepping up to the mantel on the Signature services, Central Buses appear to offer a consistently high standard across the board, not just just on certain routes. I presume Rotala have lost the tenders on price alone?
I agree I think Central buses are very professional and do a brilliant job on the services they operate. With Rotala could it be the fact they want to make there bus operation specific to the Black Country and Redditch and Kidderminster and losing signature services is one way to streamline the operations to allow them to do this. I can't see the point in keeping Long Acre open transfer the 16 back to Tividale and the 50 to Redditch and any subsidiary services move to Tividale. May be rent out the arriva Hill Top garage to provide more space for black diamond. What will happen to all the drivers that drive the signature services will they move to Tividale or will Long Acre take on more services possibly the 56 as that enters Birmingham from Black diamond, just a thought.
With the loss of the Signature services Rotala may as well cut overheads & close Long Acre, move all that remains to Tividale. Tividale can accommodate 200+ buses as they have the overflow site opposite the main depot, this just needs emptying of all the withdrawn/for sale stuff, Tividale housed the entire Go West Midlands fleet when hill Top was closed with I think was around 228? Should be nay need for any other sites to be sourced. There can't be much left in the way of coaching activities at Long Acre either, I thought that the NX 210 & 777 work should have transferred to DeCourcey by now unless plans have changed?
It would make sense to shut long acre and transfer drivers to tividale or redditch if that is possible and to be honest the singature work would have involved considerable dead mileage although central seem to be popping up everywhere at the moment! And as much as I would like to think that rotala have something big planned using Long Acre I distinctly doubt it. They can't really be running much can they? The 10's being cancelled along with 17 and signature stuff, the nifty fifty which would appear to be going to redditch-it must only be the X30, a few coaches, bit of tendered work and the 119 and another sutton route. I would place quite a bit of money on them shutting long acre and running everything from tividale, kidderminster, redditch x2 for the moment as they will be reluctant to change anything in case the oft intervene and they have to sell it off again.
Does anyone know what buses are on the 50 at the moment? Are the MANs for driver training in worcestershire or are they back on-just interested as deciding whether to go a ride on this tomorrow or to Chelmsley wood on claribels. Cheers ;)
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 11:49:06 AM
It appears Rotala may have now have lost some/all of the Signature work in Solihull to Central Buses, these registrations have appeared on VOSA today. As I understand it all the Signature work is Centro tendered, so I wouldn't have thought that they would be competing services, can anyone confirm?
PD1021409/58 - CEN GROUP LIMITED, UNIT 14A, TAMEBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ALDRIDGE ROAD, PERRY BARR, BIRMINGHAM, B42 2TX
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Coventry
Via:
Service Number: 82
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
PD1021409/59 - CEN GROUP LIMITED, UNIT 14A, TAMEBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ALDRIDGE ROAD, PERRY BARR, BIRMINGHAM, B42 2TX
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull, Poplar Road
Finish Point: Dorridge (S2)/Hockley Heath (S3)
Via:
Service Number: S2
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Worth noting that this registration has the S2 as finishing at Dorridge, so presumably there will be some new service to serve Balsall Common?
Also the registration is for Monday to Saturday only, so who will operate the S3 on Sundays?
There is a double decker parked up at Tividale at the moment it might be a Preston one but couldn't see as it was too dark. The citaro's and singature solo's might go to Preston but not sure why they need anymore more buses there are badly needed at Tividale reliability of the older darts is not great R530YRP has broke down at least twice in the last 3 days this time on the 42/3 in West Bromwich bus station and on Wednesday it was the 40.
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 09:06:03 PM
There is a double decker parked up at Tividale at the moment it might be a Preston one but couldn't see as it was too dark. The citaro's and singature solo's might go to Preston but not sure why they need anymore more buses there are badly needed at Tividale reliability of the older darts is not great R530YRP has broke down at least twice in the last 3 days this time on the 42/3 in West Bromwich bus station and on Wednesday it was the 40.
I know this suggestion is ridicouls but the 56 comes to mind for the double decker
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 09:06:03 PM
There is a double decker parked up at Tividale at the moment it might be a Preston one but couldn't see as it was too dark. The citaro's and singature solo's might go to Preston but not sure why they need anymore more buses there are badly needed at Tividale reliability of the older darts is not great R530YRP has broke down at least twice in the last 3 days this time on the 42/3 in West Bromwich bus station and on Wednesday it was the 40.
To be fair R530 YRP is a great bus-good interior and absolutely no rattles whatsoever
Quote from: dgss1 on March 01, 2013, 09:09:54 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 09:06:03 PM
There is a double decker parked up at Tividale at the moment it might be a Preston one but couldn't see as it was too dark. The citaro's and singature solo's might go to Preston but not sure why they need anymore more buses there are badly needed at Tividale reliability of the older darts is not great R530YRP has broke down at least twice in the last 3 days this time on the 42/3 in West Bromwich bus station and on Wednesday it was the 40.
I know this suggestion is ridicouls but the 56 comes to mind for the double decker
Maybe they actually did go and buy that E400 from Ensign! ;D
(fat chance ::))
Quote from: Peter123 on March 01, 2013, 09:16:00 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 09:06:03 PM
There is a double decker parked up at Tividale at the moment it might be a Preston one but couldn't see as it was too dark. The citaro's and singature solo's might go to Preston but not sure why they need anymore more buses there are badly needed at Tividale reliability of the older darts is not great R530YRP has broke down at least twice in the last 3 days this time on the 42/3 in West Bromwich bus station and on Wednesday it was the 40.
To be fair R530 YRP is a great bus-good interior and absolutely no rattles whatsoever
Yeah R530YRP is normally quite a reliable bus and quite powerful and like you said the interior is quite good but just having a bad week. Although the bus has been sold for a long time now but is still with diamond similar to R532YRP.
Quote from: JackC on March 01, 2013, 09:26:52 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on March 01, 2013, 09:09:54 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 09:06:03 PM
There is a double decker parked up at Tividale at the moment it might be a Preston one but couldn't see as it was too dark. The citaro's and singature solo's might go to Preston but not sure why they need anymore more buses there are badly needed at Tividale reliability of the older darts is not great R530YRP has broke down at least twice in the last 3 days this time on the 42/3 in West Bromwich bus station and on Wednesday it was the 40.
I know this suggestion is ridicouls but the 56 comes to mind for the double decker
Maybe they actually did go and buy that E400 from Ensign! ;D
(fat chance ::))
I imagine at long acre it was one of the presidents rotala are trying to sell
Quote from: Peter123It would make sense to shut long acre and transfer drivers to tividale or redditch if that is possible and to be honest the singature work would have involved considerable dead mileage although central seem to be popping up everywhere at the moment! And as much as I would like to think that rotala have something big planned using Long Acre I distinctly doubt it. They can't really be running much can they? The 10's being cancelled along with 17 and signature stuff, the nifty fifty which would appear to be going to redditch-it must only be the X30, a few coaches, bit of tendered work and the 119 and another sutton route. I would place quite a bit of money on them shutting long acre and running everything from tividale, kidderminster, redditch x2 for the moment as they will be reluctant to change anything in case the oft intervene and they have to sell it off again.
I'm not sure Diamonds Nifty 50 is particularly viable in its current form. A dozen passengers being carted up and down the A435 per journey and a bit of Centro pass income does not look like bringing in much income to pay for the driver and fuel. Of course Green Bus are competing as well with their double deckers and discounted fares. If NXWM decide to target the 50 with a batch of new buses that may finish them off.
True but it can do well even with all the other companies on.
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on March 02, 2013, 12:24:02 PM
Quote from: Peter123It would make sense to shut long acre and transfer drivers to tividale or redditch if that is possible and to be honest the singature work would have involved considerable dead mileage although central seem to be popping up everywhere at the moment! And as much as I would like to think that rotala have something big planned using Long Acre I distinctly doubt it. They can't really be running much can they? The 10's being cancelled along with 17 and signature stuff, the nifty fifty which would appear to be going to redditch-it must only be the X30, a few coaches, bit of tendered work and the 119 and another sutton route. I would place quite a bit of money on them shutting long acre and running everything from tividale, kidderminster, redditch x2 for the moment as they will be reluctant to change anything in case the oft intervene and they have to sell it off again.
I'm not sure Diamonds Nifty 50 is particularly viable in its current form. A dozen passengers being carted up and down the A435 per journey and a bit of Centro pass income does not look like bringing in much income to pay for the driver and fuel. Of course Green Bus are competing as well with their double deckers and discounted fares. If NXWM decide to target the 50 with a batch of new buses that may finish them off.
No their 50 does well I was talking to one driver today and Im not going to say the figures he told me but trust me it is doing well-the centros were pretty much all full today and people do buy their returns.
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on March 02, 2013, 12:24:02 PM
Quote from: Peter123It would make sense to shut long acre and transfer drivers to tividale or redditch if that is possible and to be honest the singature work would have involved considerable dead mileage although central seem to be popping up everywhere at the moment! And as much as I would like to think that rotala have something big planned using Long Acre I distinctly doubt it. They can't really be running much can they? The 10's being cancelled along with 17 and signature stuff, the nifty fifty which would appear to be going to redditch-it must only be the X30, a few coaches, bit of tendered work and the 119 and another sutton route. I would place quite a bit of money on them shutting long acre and running everything from tividale, kidderminster, redditch x2 for the moment as they will be reluctant to change anything in case the oft intervene and they have to sell it off again.
I'm not sure Diamonds Nifty 50 is particularly viable in its current form. A dozen passengers being carted up and down the A435 per journey and a bit of Centro pass income does not look like bringing in much income to pay for the driver and fuel. Of course Green Bus are competing as well with their double deckers and discounted fares. If NXWM decide to target the 50 with a batch of new buses that may finish them off.
Green bus only go as far as Maypole tho.
Think this is one for Tony but in this picture http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20844.html what is the bus behind the solo? I can see it is a centro and it is blue but which one will kidderminster have as I thought they were going to redditch. Thanks
Quote from: Peter123 on March 02, 2013, 09:28:52 PM
Think this is one for Tony but in this picture http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20844.html what is the bus behind the solo? I can see it is a centro and it is blue but which one will kidderminster have as I thought they were going to redditch. Thanks
The title underneath the photo is incorrect, it should say Redditch
Quote from: Winston on March 02, 2013, 09:33:17 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 02, 2013, 09:28:52 PM
Think this is one for Tony but in this picture http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20844.html what is the bus behind the solo? I can see it is a centro and it is blue but which one will kidderminster have as I thought they were going to redditch. Thanks
The title underneath the photo is incorrect, it should say Redditch
Fair enough sorry tho cant help feeling that depot looks a bit decrepit
Quote from: Peter123 on March 02, 2013, 09:56:03 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 02, 2013, 09:33:17 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 02, 2013, 09:28:52 PM
Think this is one for Tony but in this picture http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20844.html what is the bus behind the solo? I can see it is a centro and it is blue but which one will kidderminster have as I thought they were going to redditch. Thanks
The title underneath the photo is incorrect, it should say Redditch
Fair enough sorry tho cant help feeling that depot looks a bit decrepit
That's the current depot not the First one in Plymouth Road
With the 57/58 services in Redditch did First used to operate the service in the evening as I know diamond stopped there's if so does that mean that diamond will start up again in the evening on the 57/58 just wondering.
Worcestershires bus timetable site shows that there are two 57/58 timetables in Place, the Diamond one & the Diamond former First one. The Diamond former First timetable is running in the evenings.
It does seem silly though having 2 sets of registrations for the same route I know it won't last but surely (as with Arriva when they took over Midland) They knew what they were buying & what routes were duplicated so why not de-register one of them. They must have money to burn.
Quote from: Steveminor on March 03, 2013, 07:07:50 AM
Worcestershires bus timetable site shows that there are two 57/58 timetables in Place, the Diamond one & the Diamond former First one. The Diamond former First timetable is running in the evenings.
It does seem silly though having 2 sets of registrations for the same route I know it won't last but surely (as with Arriva when they took over Midland) They knew what they were buying & what routes were duplicated so why not de-register one of them. They must have money to burn.
Perhaps it was to keep the Competition authorities off their backs? De-registering the competing services on the 57/58 as well as the 51 may have been too much on day 1.
Both sets of services running today, First Drivers were driving Diamond buses with 'On hire to First Midland Red' in the window
Should be KX08HMY, another two Centros in the First depot today with 516, 428, a red b7rle and several other various Darts ...
Solo was gone today by mid-day but could have been in service?
4 Kidderminster Darts arrived for i assume re-branding, however they were 3 x PMLA and 42455 so may be moving for scrap?
32885 - 40917 - T885 KLF - http://www.flickr.com/photos/55059449@N06/8524578536/in/photostream
Quote from: jc on March 03, 2013, 01:09:39 PM
Both sets of services running today, First Drivers were driving Diamond buses with 'On hire to First Midland Red' in the window
Should be KX08HMY, another two Centros in the First depot today with 516, 428, a red b7rle and several other various Darts ...
Solo was gone today by mid-day but could have been in service?
4 Kidderminster Darts arrived for i assume re-branding, however they were 3 x PMLA and 42455 so may be moving for scrap?
32885 - 40917 - T885 KLF - http://www.flickr.com/photos/55059449@N06/8524578536/in/photostream
Sounds crackers still running both sets of services, has the Church Road allocation been moved to in Plymouth Road yet or are they maintaining separate operations until they know for certain that the Oft will not intervene?
I wounder how they have sorted out the (f) logo on the glass panel on the stair cases of the Presidents lol. It would make me laugh if they just stick a <> sticker over it.
They were putting diamond names on the buses in Kidderminster today seen on my way to Sourport for a visit and now a new colour diamond livery, Barbie Diamond ;D T418HNH was on 3 service in Stourport (red diamond).
Diamond were working out of both depots today, apparently they are going to keep both garage ... not sure how true that is though.
Quote from: Discodave on March 03, 2013, 08:00:25 PM
They were putting diamond names on the buses in Kidderminster today seen on my way to Sourport for a visit and now a new colour diamond livery, Barbie Diamond ;D T418HNH was on 3 service in Stourport (red diamond).
A red and white diamond bus at Redditch will this mean newer buses on the 4 or the will the midi darts and solo's start becoming regulars once again.
Quote from: jc on March 03, 2013, 08:15:12 PM
Diamond were working out of both depots today, apparently they are going to keep both garage ... not sure how true that is though.
maybe they might be going to use church road for storage and major engineering work like midland red west/ first did at one time
Has the bus wash broken at Tividale as the buses are in a disgusting state externally I don't think they have been washed for weeks you literally are struggling to see through the windows there that bad. Someone needs to find a bucket and a sponge lol.
Quote from: jc on March 03, 2013, 08:15:12 PM
Diamond were working out of both depots today, apparently they are going to keep both garage ... not sure how true that is though.
Jc,
I wonder if that is the case until Rotala are certain that the Oft will get involved on the takeover of Redditch or to prevent anyone else from using it?
30021 AE10KHB is reported to be at Tividale has anyone saw the bus in service?
Quote from: Winston on March 04, 2013, 11:03:55 PM
Quote from: jc on March 03, 2013, 08:15:12 PM
Diamond were working out of both depots today, apparently they are going to keep both garage ... not sure how true that is though.
Jc,
I wonder if that is the case until Rotala are certain that the Oft will get involved on the takeover of Redditch or to prevent anyone else from using it?
Also MRW and FMR did that too it ment that Plymouth Road could hold more buses in service as the VORS and MOTs and Repaints were up in Church Road out of the way. But Diamond do need to use there bus washers and get the cleaning staff into some of the ex FMR buses as they were a state inside, this afternoons S93 Bus was the same as Fridays because my brother saw what someone had put on the floor was still there. Also 503 needs a clean at the back to it was alittle oily for a bus that only rattles when the road surface is bad.
Quote from: Ash on March 04, 2013, 11:15:25 PM
30021 AE10KHB is reported to be at Tividale has anyone saw the bus in service?
There was aslo one very much like this in blue on the 57 at about 15:00 today with a double in front and a dart thing behind.
Also Ex 67645 ticket Machines Bus number 11111 only noticed as ive just looked at my week ticket, strange I would have thought the new number would have been used.
Quote from: Ash on March 04, 2013, 10:55:16 PM
Has the bus wash broken at Tividale as the buses are in a disgusting state externally I don't think they have been washed for weeks you literally are struggling to see through the windows there that bad. Someone needs to find a bucket and a sponge lol.
I know it seems to be a lot of buses. On the 002's the other day you couldn't see out of the back windows at all and the side windows were pretty bad. There in a terrible state.
Quote from: Mike360 on March 04, 2013, 11:38:56 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 04, 2013, 10:55:16 PM
Has the bus wash broken at Tividale as the buses are in a disgusting state externally I don't think they have been washed for weeks you literally are struggling to see through the windows there that bad. Someone needs to find a bucket and a sponge lol.
I know it seems to be a lot of buses. On the 002's the other day you couldn't see out of the back windows at all and the side windows were pretty bad. There in a terrible state.
One of the Royale Centros has had a bit of dirt cleaned off so you can see the rear number display but the rest of the back end and bus itself is still filthy ::)
Quote from: Mike360 on March 04, 2013, 11:38:56 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 04, 2013, 10:55:16 PM
Has the bus wash broken at Tividale as the buses are in a disgusting state externally I don't think they have been washed for weeks you literally are struggling to see through the windows there that bad. Someone needs to find a bucket and a sponge lol.
I know it seems to be a lot of buses. On the 002's the other day you couldn't see out of the back windows at all and the side windows were pretty bad. There in a terrible state.
There's got to be some sort of issue I saw 30213 this evening and the back was that bad someone has had to clean the bit where the fleet names are so you can see them. I don't think they have been washed since we have had that snow in late Jan.
Quote from: tank90 on March 04, 2013, 11:37:33 PM
Also Ex 67645 ticket Machines Bus number 11111 only noticed as ive just looked at my week ticket, strange I would have thought the new number would have been used.
I had a ticket on the 4m today issued on (according to the machine) 31525!
Quote from: trainbasher on March 05, 2013, 12:05:48 AM
Quote from: tank90 on March 04, 2013, 11:37:33 PM
Also Ex 67645 ticket Machines Bus number 11111 only noticed as ive just looked at my week ticket, strange I would have thought the new number would have been used.
I had a ticket on the 4m today issued on (according to the machine) 31525!
Was there many people on the 4M never quite sure if the service is popular enough some buses seem well used and other hardly anyone on suppose it depends on the gaps in the service and time of day. For example last week there was about 5 on by the time we got to merry hill then the week before that nearly every seat was taken.
Me and about 3 others. The dart was 20849 that I had with 31525s ticket machine
Oh so it was the black diamond dart recently acquired form your bus so looks to be using an older ticket machine from 31525.
Yep because 31525 left didn't it
Yeah it got sold at around a similar time to when these yourbus darts were brought in.
Quote from: D10 on March 03, 2013, 10:45:34 AM
Quote from: Steveminor on March 03, 2013, 07:07:50 AM
Worcestershires bus timetable site shows that there are two 57/58 timetables in Place, the Diamond one & the Diamond former First one. The Diamond former First timetable is running in the evenings.
It does seem silly though having 2 sets of registrations for the same route I know it won't last but surely (as with Arriva when they took over Midland) They knew what they were buying & what routes were duplicated so why not de-register one of them. They must have money to burn.
Perhaps it was to keep the Competition authorities off their backs? De-registering the competing services on the 57/58 as well as the 51 may have been too much on day 1.
First's KR & RH service cancellations & Diamond's new registrations are now all showing on VOSA as of this morning, therefore there shouldn't be any need for buses to be displaying on hire notices any longer
That was quick.
AE10KHB 30021 seen on the 40 today in the new blue livery looking very smart. So the return of the mcv evolutions back at black diamond.
Quote from: Ash on March 05, 2013, 06:06:14 PM
AE10KHB 30021 seen on the 40 today in the new blue livery looking very smart. So the return of the mcv evolutions back at black diamond.
Must say Ive always liked MCV evolutions and rotala have another 12 of these at Heathrow so it would be nice for these to pop up to redditch or kidderminster if heathrow justifies new buses. Anyone got a picture of this??
I was going to take one but would never have got my camera up on my phone in time not sure if any more will get transferred up to Tividale but now there is an odd enviro200 and an odd mcv evolution. Was on the 4 this morning at it was YT51EAO a midi dart and it was absolutely rammed by the time it reached West Bromwich and filled up again at West Bromwich as it was a 4M hope these smaller buses don't become a regular occurrence again, not seen the enviro 200 for a couple of weeks unless it's on the 301 or something.
Quote from: Ash on March 05, 2013, 06:22:27 PM
I was going to take one but would never have got my camera up on my phone in time not sure if any more will get transferred up to Tividale but now there is an odd enviro200 and an odd mcv evolution. Was on the 4 this morning at it was YT51EAO a midi dart and it was absolutely rammed by the time it reached West Bromwich and filled up again at West Bromwich as it was a 4M hope these smaller buses don't become a regular occurrence again, not seen the enviro 200 for a couple of weeks unless it's on the 301 or something.
Someone mentioned on here there being 2 enviro200s now and there are about 3 mcv evolutions-1 at redditch, long acre and tividale
Quote from: Stu on March 01, 2013, 08:41:23 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 11:49:06 AM
It appears Rotala may have now have lost some/all of the Signature work in Solihull to Central Buses, these registrations have appeared on VOSA today. As I understand it all the Signature work is Centro tendered, so I wouldn't have thought that they would be competing services, can anyone confirm?
PD1021409/58 - CEN GROUP LIMITED, UNIT 14A, TAMEBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ALDRIDGE ROAD, PERRY BARR, BIRMINGHAM, B42 2TX
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Coventry
Via:
Service Number: 82
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
PD1021409/59 - CEN GROUP LIMITED, UNIT 14A, TAMEBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ALDRIDGE ROAD, PERRY BARR, BIRMINGHAM, B42 2TX
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull, Poplar Road
Finish Point: Dorridge (S2)/Hockley Heath (S3)
Via:
Service Number: S2
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Worth noting that this registration has the S2 as finishing at Dorridge, so presumably there will be some new service to serve Balsall Common?
Also the registration is for Monday to Saturday only, so who will operate the S3 on Sundays?
According to the NWM Facebook the 82 is a commercial registration so I guess the S2/3 are also.
Quote from: Ash on March 05, 2013, 06:06:14 PM
AE10KHB 30021 seen on the 40 today in the new blue livery looking very smart. So the return of the mcv evolutions back at black diamond.
That must have been what I saw coming out of Wednesbury tonight. Thought I was seeing things ::)
Quote from: neale95 on March 05, 2013, 06:54:19 PM
Quote from: Stu on March 01, 2013, 08:41:23 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 11:49:06 AM
It appears Rotala may have now have lost some/all of the Signature work in Solihull to Central Buses, these registrations have appeared on VOSA today. As I understand it all the Signature work is Centro tendered, so I wouldn't have thought that they would be competing services, can anyone confirm?
PD1021409/58 - CEN GROUP LIMITED, UNIT 14A, TAMEBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ALDRIDGE ROAD, PERRY BARR, BIRMINGHAM, B42 2TX
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Coventry
Via:
Service Number: 82
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
PD1021409/59 - CEN GROUP LIMITED, UNIT 14A, TAMEBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ALDRIDGE ROAD, PERRY BARR, BIRMINGHAM, B42 2TX
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull, Poplar Road
Finish Point: Dorridge (S2)/Hockley Heath (S3)
Via:
Service Number: S2
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Worth noting that this registration has the S2 as finishing at Dorridge, so presumably there will be some new service to serve Balsall Common?
Also the registration is for Monday to Saturday only, so who will operate the S3 on Sundays?
According to the NWM Facebook the 82 is a commercial registration so I guess the S2/3 are also.
I would also presume that is the case also. The South Solihull contracts are all up for renewal at the same time, and Network West Midlands stated in their reply that the tenders hadn't been awarded yet. Central Buses must be convinced they can make a success of these routes, maybe they have applied for the tendered contracts also, as that must be appealing to Centro if they don't have to subsidise every journey.
I have looked at that little network & I had come to the same conclusion that Central Buses have obviously come to which is the 82 & S3 have been built up into commercially viable services. The S2 certainly isn't but it inter works with the S3 so if you do one you have to do the other. Having looked at the figures the combined S2/S3 is just about profitable.
Quote from: neale95 on March 05, 2013, 06:54:19 PMAccording to the NWM Facebook the 82 is a commercial registration so I guess the S2/3 are also.
Nope, the 82 is tendered.
I for one will not be surprised to see 'Signature' disappear this year, the two main protagonists behind the concept no longer work for Rotala.
Quote from: JackC on March 05, 2013, 07:30:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 05, 2013, 06:06:14 PM
AE10KHB 30021 seen on the 40 today in the new blue livery looking very smart. So the return of the mcv evolutions back at black diamond.
That must have been what I saw coming out of Wednesbury tonight. Thought I was seeing things ::)
They must have re converted them to right hand drive too as there is a picture of one of them in new zealand on the forum must have been one put in storage somewhere takes a while to ship a bus back and then re convert it mechanically and bodywise.
Quote from: Discodave on March 06, 2013, 12:43:48 PM
Quote from: JackC on March 05, 2013, 07:30:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 05, 2013, 06:06:14 PM
AE10KHB 30021 seen on the 40 today in the new blue livery looking very smart. So the return of the mcv evolutions back at black diamond.
That must have been what I saw coming out of Wednesbury tonight. Thought I was seeing things ::)
They must have re converted them to right hand drive too as there is a picture of one of them in new zealand on the forum must have been one put in storage somewhere takes a while to ship a bus back and then re convert it mechanically and bodywise.
Discodave,
The majority of the Rotala MCV Evolutions that went to New Zealand were on MAN chassis, supplemented by a small number on ADL Dart chassis. It's more likely that this is one of a few that were retained by Wessex Connect, I understand that Rotala's Heathrow operation also still has a batch on ADL Dart chassis
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jongraham890/6816462200/
The three ex first enviros are up for sale see this week's route one, along with the citybuses.
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 05:19:57 PM
The three ex first enviros are up for sale see this week's route one, along with the citybuses.
I knew this would happen it was the same when they acquired ludlows the omnicity's were sold straight away to arriva.
Quote from: Ash on March 06, 2013, 05:30:35 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 05:19:57 PM
The three ex first enviros are up for sale see this week's route one, along with the citybuses.
I knew this would happen it was the same when they acquired ludlows the omnicity's were sold straight away to arriva.
Why bother to buy the Enviros in the first place to advertise them for sale after a week?
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 01:25:35 PM
Quote from: Discodave on March 06, 2013, 12:43:48 PM
Quote from: JackC on March 05, 2013, 07:30:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 05, 2013, 06:06:14 PM
AE10KHB 30021 seen on the 40 today in the new blue livery looking very smart. So the return of the mcv evolutions back at black diamond.
That must have been what I saw coming out of Wednesbury tonight. Thought I was seeing things ::)
They must have re converted them to right hand drive too as there is a picture of one of them in new zealand on the forum must have been one put in storage somewhere takes a while to ship a bus back and then re convert it mechanically and bodywise.
Discodave,
The majority of the Rotala MCV Evolutions that went to New Zealand were on MAN chassis, supplemented by a small number on ADL Dart chassis. It's more likely that this is one of a few that were retained by Wessex Connect, I understand that Rotala's Heathrow operation also still has a batch on ADL Dart chassis
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jongraham890/6816462200/
The uk and New Zealand drive on the same side of the road so no conversions would have to take place would they?
Quote from: richie on March 06, 2013, 06:01:40 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 01:25:35 PM
Quote from: Discodave on March 06, 2013, 12:43:48 PM
Quote from: JackC on March 05, 2013, 07:30:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 05, 2013, 06:06:14 PM
AE10KHB 30021 seen on the 40 today in the new blue livery looking very smart. So the return of the mcv evolutions back at black diamond.
That must have been what I saw coming out of Wednesbury tonight. Thought I was seeing things ::)
They must have re converted them to right hand drive too as there is a picture of one of them in new zealand on the forum must have been one put in storage somewhere takes a while to ship a bus back and then re convert it mechanically and bodywise.
Discodave,
The majority of the Rotala MCV Evolutions that went to New Zealand were on MAN chassis, supplemented by a small number on ADL Dart chassis. It's more likely that this is one of a few that were retained by Wessex Connect, I understand that Rotala's Heathrow operation also still has a batch on ADL Dart chassis
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jongraham890/6816462200/
The uk and New Zealand drive on the same side of the road so no conversions would have to take place would they?
Never clocked that one, some of the examples that went to New Zealand were converted to dual door though
Looks as though they have the Tridents from First for sale as well!
And, if I'm right, K123 URP and K126 URP as well as R445 CCV
Diamond need to be carefull getting rid of buses from Redditch as the DDs are needed for school bus loadings and the 57 58 too.
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on March 06, 2013, 08:10:58 AM
Quote from: neale95 on March 05, 2013, 06:54:19 PMAccording to the NWM Facebook the 82 is a commercial registration so I guess the S2/3 are also.
Nope, the 82 is tendered.
The current Diamond 82 service is subsidised by Centro, what was meant is that Central Buses have registered their 82 service commercially, without any subsidy from Centro. The Centro contract is still up for tender.
Quote from: tank90 on March 06, 2013, 07:12:51 PM
Diamond need to be carefull getting rid of buses from Redditch as the DDs are needed for school bus loadings and the 57 58 too.
The presidents for sale might not be first ones but ex preston ones which have been withdrawn and are awaiting sale. What needs to happen with redditch and kidderminster is plenty of good low floor darts around W/X reg to cope with loadings should be fine, couple of deckers. Solos are too small in my opinion and even MPDS seem bigger even tho they probably seat about the same as they are a proper big bus layout. How are diamond doing with their new operations now any more news?
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:16:57 PM
Quote from: tank90 on March 06, 2013, 07:12:51 PM
Diamond need to be carefull getting rid of buses from Redditch as the DDs are needed for school bus loadings and the 57 58 too.
The presidents for sale might not be first ones but ex preston ones which have been withdrawn and are awaiting sale. What needs to happen with redditch and kidderminster is plenty of good low floor darts around W/X reg to cope with loadings should be fine, couple of deckers. Solos are too small in my opinion and even MPDS seem bigger even tho they probably seat about the same as they are a proper big bus layout. How are diamond doing with their new operations now any more news?
buses getting missed I have been for 6 since Monday 2 did not show, blinds not working scaners on ticket machines not working, and that is just on the times I have gone for a bus. in kidderminster
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:16:57 PM
Quote from: tank90 on March 06, 2013, 07:12:51 PM
Diamond need to be carefull getting rid of buses from Redditch as the DDs are needed for school bus loadings and the 57 58 too.
The presidents for sale might not be first ones but ex preston ones which have been withdrawn and are awaiting sale. What needs to happen with redditch and kidderminster is plenty of good low floor darts around W/X reg to cope with loadings should be fine, couple of deckers. Solos are too small in my opinion and even MPDS seem bigger even tho they probably seat about the same as they are a proper big bus layout. How are diamond doing with their new operations now any more news?
Preston only have 5 x Trident/Plaxton & only four appear to be withdrawn at present. If the 3 x Enviro 300's plus the Lances are also going, Diamond need to draft in more full size single deckers
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 07:31:23 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:16:57 PM
Quote from: tank90 on March 06, 2013, 07:12:51 PM
Diamond need to be carefull getting rid of buses from Redditch as the DDs are needed for school bus loadings and the 57 58 too.
The presidents for sale might not be first ones but ex preston ones which have been withdrawn and are awaiting sale. What needs to happen with redditch and kidderminster is plenty of good low floor darts around W/X reg to cope with loadings should be fine, couple of deckers. Solos are too small in my opinion and even MPDS seem bigger even tho they probably seat about the same as they are a proper big bus layout. How are diamond doing with their new operations now any more news?
Preston only have 5 x Trident/Plaxton & only four appear to be withdrawn at present. If the 3 x Enviro 300's plus the Lances are also going, Diamond need to draft in more full size single deckers
I agree about this. Rotala could do with cascading a few centros, evolutions or esteems from wessex/heathrow or preston and giving them new buses and transferring the older ones to the WMids
Is it me though that thinks that Go-Ahead's policy of standardising the fleet with some good low floor darts was the right idea and not buying unreliable optares!!
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:50:25 PM
Is it me though that thinks that Go-Ahead's policy of standardising the fleet with some good low floor darts was the right idea and not buying unreliable optares!!
Darts are alright for urban operations, but they are not really suitable for some of the longer distance inter urban routes that Diamond have inherited off First, those need to be run by heavy weight single deckers
Ive also thought that if rotala do not have a great deal of money then leasing buses would allow new buses where the costs are known and not excessive plus vehicles can be returned etc. Didnt pete's travel do this quite a lot?? id agree Winston tho for most of the redditch stuff darts could go on the local routes and the existing eclipses put on stuff like the X3 and 143-which needs deckers really tho!!
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:56:04 PM
Ive also thought that if rotala do not have a great deal of money then leasing buses would allow new buses where the costs are known and not excessive plus vehicles can be returned etc. Didnt pete's travel do this quite a lot?? id agree Winston tho for most of the redditch stuff darts could go on the local routes and the existing eclipses put on stuff like the X3 and 143-which needs deckers really tho!!
The 57/58 needs to stay full size single deckers supplemented by double deckers for schools/peak workings especially once Diamond have reduced the total Pvr. Diamond also need to use full size heavy weight single deckers on longer distance routes 142, 143, 145, 146, 247, 292, 294, 295 & 303.
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:56:04 PM
Ive also thought that if rotala do not have a great deal of money then leasing buses would allow new buses where the costs are known and not excessive plus vehicles can be returned etc. Didnt pete's travel do this quite a lot?? id agree Winston tho for most of the redditch stuff darts could go on the local routes and the existing eclipses put on stuff like the X3 and 143-which needs deckers really tho!!
The 57/58 needs to stay full size single deckers supplemented by double deckers for schools/peak workings especially once Diamond have reduced the total Pvr. Diamond also need to use full size heavy weight single deckers on longer distance routes 142, 143, 145, 146, 247, 292, 294, 295 & 303.
The problem being that diamond do not have sufficient heavyweight single deckers and will not have many/any deckers left which could be a problem. In the interim, leasing a few buses may be a step forward
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 08:22:51 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:56:04 PM
Ive also thought that if rotala do not have a great deal of money then leasing buses would allow new buses where the costs are known and not excessive plus vehicles can be returned etc. Didnt pete's travel do this quite a lot?? id agree Winston tho for most of the redditch stuff darts could go on the local routes and the existing eclipses put on stuff like the X3 and 143-which needs deckers really tho!!
The 57/58 needs to stay full size single deckers supplemented by double deckers for schools/peak workings especially once Diamond have reduced the total Pvr. Diamond also need to use full size heavy weight single deckers on longer distance routes 142, 143, 145, 146, 247, 292, 294, 295 & 303.
The problem being that diamond do not have sufficient heavyweight single deckers and will not have many/any deckers left which could be a problem. In the interim, leasing a few buses may be a step forward
Many of those routes are an hour or over in duration, I certainly wouldn't want to be sat on a Dart for that length of time of faster A-roads of winding country roads between the major towns KR & RH serve. It certainly wont attract any new passengers. Leasing some new/newer buses would certinly give them some beathing space to update the fleet, but if Rotala are planning to run the Redditch & Kidderminster services with 12 x B7RLE, various length Darts & Solos, I can only see problems ahead. I think Whittles will be watching developments closely in Kidderminster as well
I guess redditch could have the signature buses like the citaros when these contracts finish as well but 25 or so new or recent heavyweight buses are needed
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 08:42:02 PM
I guess redditch could have the signature buses like the citaros when these contracts finish as well but 25 or so new or recent heavyweight buses are needed
They could do, but as there's only 3 its not really going to help & Rotala seem unlikely to purchase anymore. I'd be inclined to send those to Preston or retrieve the sole Preston example & re-deploy them in Redditch or Kidderminster.
Rotala should have tried to buy/offered to buy all the Enviro 300's, at least that would have bought them some time and allowed them to buy smaller batches of new buses each year. The Tividale fleet desperately needs updating with new/newer full size single deckers particularly on routes 4/4H/4M, 301 etc. All the buses are getting old & unreliable all at the same time.......
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 08:48:20 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 08:42:02 PM
I guess redditch could have the signature buses like the citaros when these contracts finish as well but 25 or so new or recent heavyweight buses are needed
They could do, but as there's only 3 its not really going to help & Rotala seem unlikely to purchase anymore. I'd be inclined to send those to Preston or retrieve the sole Preston example & re-deploy them in Redditch or Kidderminster.
Rotala should have tried to buy/offered to buy all the Enviro 300's, at least that would have bought them some time and allowed them to buy smaller batches of new buses each year. The Tividale fleet desperately needs updating with new/newer full size single deckers particularly on routes 4/4H/4M, 301 etc. All the buses are getting old & unreliable all at the same time.......
I agree and although I am a big fan of diamond's darts, I can see that new buses are needed and ones that will be good, solid reliable buses-not solos, versas etc. Leasing would be a good solution I think for diamond
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 08:54:41 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 08:48:20 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 08:42:02 PM
I guess redditch could have the signature buses like the citaros when these contracts finish as well but 25 or so new or recent heavyweight buses are needed
They could do, but as there's only 3 its not really going to help & Rotala seem unlikely to purchase anymore. I'd be inclined to send those to Preston or retrieve the sole Preston example & re-deploy them in Redditch or Kidderminster.
Rotala should have tried to buy/offered to buy all the Enviro 300's, at least that would have bought them some time and allowed them to buy smaller batches of new buses each year. The Tividale fleet desperately needs updating with new/newer full size single deckers particularly on routes 4/4H/4M, 301 etc. All the buses are getting old & unreliable all at the same time.......
I agree and although I am a big fan of diamond's darts, I can see that new buses are needed and ones that will be good, solid reliable buses-not solos, versas etc. Leasing would be a good solution I think for diamond
And ones which will present a higher quality image
The darts are struggling to cope on the 4h and 4m hence i think the use of more cadets on the
as the darts keep breaking down daily
There was a 57 reg solo new blue diamond livery solo on the 40 today I think it might have been one of the 57 reg ones already at Tividale but been repainted from black to the new blue livery.
AE10 KHB
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8540076230
LG02 FFD
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8538972757
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 08:29:31 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 08:22:51 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:56:04 PM
Ive also thought that if rotala do not have a great deal of money then leasing buses would allow new buses where the costs are known and not excessive plus vehicles can be returned etc. Didnt pete's travel do this quite a lot?? id agree Winston tho for most of the redditch stuff darts could go on the local routes and the existing eclipses put on stuff like the X3 and 143-which needs deckers really tho!!
The 57/58 needs to stay full size single deckers supplemented by double deckers for schools/peak workings especially once Diamond have reduced the total Pvr. Diamond also need to use full size heavy weight single deckers on longer distance routes 142, 143, 145, 146, 247, 292, 294, 295 & 303.
The problem being that diamond do not have sufficient heavyweight single deckers and will not have many/any deckers left which could be a problem. In the interim, leasing a few buses may be a step forward
Many of those routes are an hour or over in duration, I certainly wouldn't want to be sat on a Dart for that length of time of faster A-roads of winding country roads between the major towns KR & RH serve. It certainly wont attract any new passengers. Leasing some new/newer buses would certinly give them some beathing space to update the fleet, but if Rotala are planning to run the Redditch & Kidderminster services with 12 x B7RLE, various length Darts & Solos, I can only see problems ahead. I think Whittles will be watching developments closely in Kidderminster as well
Winston
Everyone is entitled to their opinions but when I mention about dart of some of Arrivas long routes such as the 76 people say the are efficent for that route. I am talking not just from a passenger but from a driver whom once worked these routes. The 76 runs on fast A roads and darts are not known for comfort and with an engine screaming at full chat must not be a pleasent exepriance for anyone. I try to give a balanced view I am not perfect but I am sick of being slagged off by Karma etc. I do not rate anyone but looking at the forum even if I have not commented things alter.
Quote from: Discodave on March 09, 2013, 11:44:19 AM
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 08:29:31 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 08:22:51 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 06, 2013, 07:56:04 PM
Ive also thought that if rotala do not have a great deal of money then leasing buses would allow new buses where the costs are known and not excessive plus vehicles can be returned etc. Didnt pete's travel do this quite a lot?? id agree Winston tho for most of the redditch stuff darts could go on the local routes and the existing eclipses put on stuff like the X3 and 143-which needs deckers really tho!!
The 57/58 needs to stay full size single deckers supplemented by double deckers for schools/peak workings especially once Diamond have reduced the total Pvr. Diamond also need to use full size heavy weight single deckers on longer distance routes 142, 143, 145, 146, 247, 292, 294, 295 & 303.
The problem being that diamond do not have sufficient heavyweight single deckers and will not have many/any deckers left which could be a problem. In the interim, leasing a few buses may be a step forward
Many of those routes are an hour or over in duration, I certainly wouldn't want to be sat on a Dart for that length of time of faster A-roads of winding country roads between the major towns KR & RH serve. It certainly wont attract any new passengers. Leasing some new/newer buses would certinly give them some beathing space to update the fleet, but if Rotala are planning to run the Redditch & Kidderminster services with 12 x B7RLE, various length Darts & Solos, I can only see problems ahead. I think Whittles will be watching developments closely in Kidderminster as well
Winston
Everyone is entitled to their opinions but when I mention about dart of some of Arrivas long routes such as the 76 people say the are efficent for that route. I am talking not just from a passenger but from a driver whom once worked these routes. The 76 runs on fast A roads and darts are not known for comfort and with an engine screaming at full chat must not be a pleasent exepriance for anyone. I try to give a balanced view I am not perfect but I am sick of being slagged off by Karma etc. I do not rate anyone but looking at the forum even if I have not commented things alter.
Discodave,
I agree everyone is entitled to an opinion and no one is right or wrong...... I'm not really familiar with Arriva's routes outside of the West Midlands. But I'd agree with your comments, Darts are good around towns for urban work, but not really suitable for longer distance work on fast roads, they are not designed for speed and being lighter you tend to feel every bump in the road at speed. Long Darts are essentially a cheaper equivalent of full size heavy duty single deckers
AE10KHB on the 4M today probably not going to be unusual but good to see the type back on the 4/H/M makes a change from the darts.
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2012, 07:25:16 AM
All Diamonds MCVs have been sold to New Zealand, just not all have left yet
As Tony said these supposed to have all gone where did this one come from.
Quote from: Discodave on March 10, 2013, 06:28:40 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2012, 07:25:16 AM
All Diamonds MCVs have been sold to New Zealand, just not all have left yet
As Tony said these supposed to have all gone where did this one come from.
No, not all gone, still 11 on dart chassis in the Rotala group
I think elsewhere in the group, im sure they still have 2 for the Signiture services also. They may not have sold these anyways as these are on Dart chasis instead on the MAN chasis.
Thankyou.
Blue diamond's b7rle on rail replacement today
I saw 2 midi darts both 05 reg parked up in the overflow car park at Tividale today looks like there from Wessex but just parked up alongside the other withdrawn touchwood connection darts. Not sure if these are for sale or going to be reinstated.
Quote from: nobody on March 10, 2013, 10:34:48 PM
Bring back Pete's Travel. They were far superior to Diamond in their current state. They had a bit of fight in them and an identity.
I remember the Pete's Travel days on the 404E the competition was fierce with then Travel West Midlands blocking each other in at Stone Cross drivers of both companies arguing with each other. Travel west midlands even ran 2 extra 404E services between Walsall and West Bromwich to try and take custom off Pete's Travel. Although Pete's travel had quite a newish fleet back then the buses were usually dirty, drivers wore what they wanted but did seem to be more fierce in terms of competition with travel west midlands. To be fair the 404E used to get the newest buses that Pete's Travel has back in 1999 8 X reg darts were introduced and now it's 2013 and what does the 4/4H/4M typically get S/T/W reg darts so older buses than those 14 years ago.
Quote from: Ash on March 10, 2013, 10:43:02 PM
Quote from: nobody on March 10, 2013, 10:34:48 PM
Bring back Pete's Travel. They were far superior to Diamond in their current state. They had a bit of fight in them and an identity.
I remember the Pete's Travel days on the 404E the competition was fierce with then Travel West Midlands blocking each other in at Stone Cross drivers of both companies arguing with each other. Travel west midlands even ran 2 extra 404E services between Walsall and West Bromwich to try and take custom off Pete's Travel. Although Pete's travel had quite a newish fleet back then the buses were usually dirty, drivers wore what they wanted but did seem to be more fierce in terms of competition with travel west midlands. To be fair the 404E used to get the newest buses that Pete's Travel has back in 1999 8 X reg darts were introduced and now it's 2013 and what does the 4/4H/4M typically get S/T/W reg darts so older buses than those 14 years ago.
I remember more than once when pete's travel ran the sunday 192/292 Birmingham to Ludlow , and the 300 Kidderminster to worcetershire royal hospital I show them the way to bewdley
I miss Petes Travel, at least the fleet had new buses and was kept in one livery (and a simple livery at that). Slightly off topic but wish Rotala would bring back the Diamond livery that Go-Ahead intoruced, always prefered it to all the Blue, Black and Red liveries and would make it easier for buses to swap garages (which does seem to happen quite a bit).
I just wonder how long it will be before we see a Preston Bus on the streets of the West Midlands
Quote from: Steveminor on March 12, 2013, 07:30:20 AM
I just wonder how long it will be before we see a Preston Bus on the streets of the West Midlands
We had a blue and white Wessex Connect MPD on the 326 Yesterday.
Simon Dunn has sent me an email with answers to some of the comments posted on here recently. I hope they answer some of the queries
1. We are moving the whole business West Midlands business over time to one single identity. Although we like the different colour variations, you always end up with a mismatch and confuse customers with the different colours, especially if they end up on the wrong route or depot.
2. We are looking to replace all the First deckers in Redditch. We are not 100% sure how many the business actually needs, this is under review. The buses seen from Preston have gone for repaint for Redditch, a 4th will follow this week
3. Rotala does not have a problem getting the right deal on new buses. At present we are looking at options, for both Worcestershire and the West Midlands. Our preference is to repaint only the 6, 54 plate First vehicles we acquired. In reality the business cannot support all new so some will be newer, but still old darts replacing P, R reg darts.
4. Over the last year, we have been focused on the quality of what we deliver. We have worked hard at Driver and vehicle presentation. We have wanted to get right what we do.
5. We sold the MCV's because of the quality of the product.
6. The Solos put into Kidderminster are to replace Lances. They should be primarily to operate WCC contracts
7. Rotala has facilities for both New buses and acquisitions
8. We did not acquire all the E300's, as we did not believe they were worth what First did. From our actions so far we have modernised the whole fleet.
9. The Church Road depot is one of the few properties we do not own. The lease has 2 or 3 years to run.
10. I run the whole Rotala business, that has not changed since 2005/6. So there is a Dunn in charge. Like most businesses in most sectors there has been considerable funding changes, which has meant the operating dynamics of our business has changed. We have had to take a step back to move forward. Through out that time, I believe the quality of our service delivery has improved and the business has continued to move forward. Yes, the business has shrunk but in the West Midlands most of that has come around as the result of other people being prepared to work far too cheap. There are comments on your forum about our margin, what does that say when operators in some circumstances were 25% cheaper than a Rotala subsidiary! I clearly have a view on what this will mean for them.
Well said! ;)
Great news about the preston tridents being repainted for redditch and glad to see that they are reviewing options for new buses. This seems good news. It would be good however for these new buses to arrive fairly soon
So Rotala do actually keep note of what is mentioned in this forum then which is pleasing as I think it's a great tool for bus companies to actually get an insight to what bus enthusiasts and passengers actually think of local bus services. As at the end of the day all our suggestions are positive as we all want a better bus service. So according to Mr Dunn diamond are looking into getting the right deal on new buses which is excellent news.
Quote from: Peter123 on March 12, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
Great news about the preston tridents being repainted for redditch and glad to see that they are reviewing options for new buses. This seems good news. It would be good however for these new buses to arrive fairly soon
As regards the ex Preston Tridents they are virtually the same age as the ex First Tridents they may/may not be replacing unless they initially will allow for the withdrawal of the one remaining N-reg Olympian & two K-reg Citybuses? 'Riewing options for new buses' doesn't necessarily equate to signing on the dotted line & committing to placing new vehicle orders, no one can dispute the investment levels put in to the Preston & Wessex fleets when required, but at present the West Midlands appears to be the poor relation, let's hope this changes. No one expects Rotala to bring a brand new fleet from day one, but they do need to start buying batches of new buses to upgrade certain corridors / routes on a continual basis annually. Although the MCV's were said to be poor quality product, the proceeds of the disposals could have been re-injected back in to the business to buy something more superior in essence we had 23 x MCV out from Black/Red Diamond whilst only 8 x Hybrid Versa in (those have always seemed to struggle to find permanent home), if I remember right wasn't this also around the time that Arriva appeared on the WM scene & Diamonds pvr was reduced due Centro tender losses & the closure of the Worcester operation. If the 25% cheaper refers to the Arriva win of Centro Tenders, that's just business, Arriva wanted to establish a presence in the WM tendering system & needed a sizeable win to justify the cost of setting up a new outstation, they achieved that & will no doubt make a loss on that operation, but due to the size of Arriva & its parent company backing they can easily afford to swallow this loss & obviously must have higher aspirations for the future......
Diamond are still taking a slating on their FB page in relation in the Redditch services, the Kidderminster ones seem to have bedded in much better with only ticketing issuing problems been reported. Most of the complaints seem to refer to 20 min gaps in services, late/none running, buses when they do turn up arriving packed. Judging by the recent advert for drivers in Redditch I suspect they are short which is now adding to the change of ownership problems
Quote from: Winston on March 12, 2013, 09:44:58 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 12, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
Great news about the preston tridents being repainted for redditch and glad to see that they are reviewing options for new buses. This seems good news. It would be good however for these new buses to arrive fairly soon
As regards the ex Preston Tridents they are virtually the same age as the ex First Tridents they may/may not be replacing unless they initially will allow for the withdrawal of the one remaining N-reg Olympian & two K-reg Citybuses? 'Riewing options for new buses' doesn't necessarily equate to signing on the dotted line & committing to placing new vehicle orders, no one can dispute the investment levels put in to the Preston & Wessex fleets when required, but at present the West Midlands appears to be the poor relation, let's hope this changes. No one expects Rotala to bring a brand new fleet from day one, but they do need to start buying batches of new buses to upgrade certain corridors / routes on a continual basis annually. Although the MCV's were said to be poor quality product, the proceeds of the disposals could have been re-injected back in to the business to buy something more superior in essence we had 23 x MCV out from Black/Red Diamond whilst only 8 x Hybrid Versa in (those have always seemed to struggle to find permanent home), if I remember right wasn't this also around the time that Arriva appeared on the WM scene & Diamonds pvr was reduced due Centro tender losses & the closure of the Worcester operation. If the 25% cheaper refers to the Arriva win of Centro Tenders, that's just business, Arriva wanted to establish a presence in the WM tendering system & needed a sizeable win to justify the cost of setting up a new outstation, they achieved that & will no doubt make a loss on that operation, but due to the size of Arriva & its parent company backing they can easily afford to swallow this loss & obviously must have higher aspirations for the future......
Diamond are still taking a slated on their FB page in relation in the Redditch services, the Kidderminster seem to have bedded in much better with only ticketing issuing problems been reported. Most of the complaints seem to refer to 20 min gaps in services, late/none running, buses when they do turn up arriving packed. Judging by the recent advert for drivers in Redditch I suspect they are short which is now adding to the change of ownership problems
Well said maybe rotala need a Winston in charge?
I've noticed 20851 has gone to Kidderminster as it was on the 3 today and back with black diamond the 4/4H/4M had two solo's on it. Hope the 4 is not going to revert back to having solo's on it on a regular basis.
Well it may have a message some one sent to them as well ::)
Yeah good news about the E300s tho as they are a heavy dart at heart tho I think the livery may change again after everything is all blue.
At least one ex Lothian decker in service this morning at Redditch in Blue
Quote from: Peter123 on March 12, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
Great news about the preston tridents being repainted for redditch and glad to see that they are reviewing options for new buses. This seems good news. It would be good however for these new buses to arrive fairly soon
seen one today V542 ESC
V541ESC also running round Redditch, although had been taken to the depot by 10am
Quote from: richie on March 12, 2013, 09:50:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 12, 2013, 09:44:58 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 12, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
Great news about the preston tridents being repainted for redditch and glad to see that they are reviewing options for new buses. This seems good news. It would be good however for these new buses to arrive fairly soon
As regards the ex Preston Tridents they are virtually the same age as the ex First Tridents they may/may not be replacing unless they initially will allow for the withdrawal of the one remaining N-reg Olympian & two K-reg Citybuses? 'Riewing options for new buses' doesn't necessarily equate to signing on the dotted line & committing to placing new vehicle orders, no one can dispute the investment levels put in to the Preston & Wessex fleets when required, but at present the West Midlands appears to be the poor relation, let's hope this changes. No one expects Rotala to bring a brand new fleet from day one, but they do need to start buying batches of new buses to upgrade certain corridors / routes on a continual basis annually. Although the MCV's were said to be poor quality product, the proceeds of the disposals could have been re-injected back in to the business to buy something more superior in essence we had 23 x MCV out from Black/Red Diamond whilst only 8 x Hybrid Versa in (those have always seemed to struggle to find permanent home), if I remember right wasn't this also around the time that Arriva appeared on the WM scene & Diamonds pvr was reduced due Centro tender losses & the closure of the Worcester operation. If the 25% cheaper refers to the Arriva win of Centro Tenders, that's just business, Arriva wanted to establish a presence in the WM tendering system & needed a sizeable win to justify the cost of setting up a new outstation, they achieved that & will no doubt make a loss on that operation, but due to the size of Arriva & its parent company backing they can easily afford to swallow this loss & obviously must have higher aspirations for the future......
Diamond are still taking a slating on their FB page in relation in the Redditch services, the Kidderminster ones seem to have bedded in much better with only ticketing issuing problems been reported. Most of the complaints seem to refer to 20 min gaps in services, late/none running, buses when they do turn up arriving packed. Judging by the recent advert for drivers in Redditch I suspect they are short which is now adding to the change of ownership problems
Well said maybe rotala need a Winston in charge?
Hardly Rich, I'm no expert..... It's just you get out of a business what you put in, whilst Rotala have been concentrating on improving driver & vehicle presentation I'm sure that their customers would benefit/would notice more if vehicles allocations were improved on the busier routes, no one wants to be shoehorned on to a Solo on busy routes like the 4/4H/4M & 301. I suspect that Tividale could also do with further 10.6M Darts & more full size heavy duty buses. It's all well & good updating the fleet with newer second-hand buses, but it's highly unlikely you'd ever be able to lay your hands on any sizeable batches, therefore you'll end up buying one's & two's of everything, all different lengths / different seating capacities & in some cases different drivelines. The more variations you have the less likely you are to have the parts in stock when a failure occurs, therefore vehicles will be sat around in the depot non revenue earning awaiting parts to be ordered/delivered
Quote from: Winston on March 13, 2013, 10:51:19 AM
Quote from: richie on March 12, 2013, 09:50:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 12, 2013, 09:44:58 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 12, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
Great news about the preston tridents being repainted for redditch and glad to see that they are reviewing options for new buses. This seems good news. It would be good however for these new buses to arrive fairly soon
As regards the ex Preston Tridents they are virtually the same age as the ex First Tridents they may/may not be replacing unless they initially will allow for the withdrawal of the one remaining N-reg Olympian & two K-reg Citybuses? 'Riewing options for new buses' doesn't necessarily equate to signing on the dotted line & committing to placing new vehicle orders, no one can dispute the investment levels put in to the Preston & Wessex fleets when required, but at present the West Midlands appears to be the poor relation, let's hope this changes. No one expects Rotala to bring a brand new fleet from day one, but they do need to start buying batches of new buses to upgrade certain corridors / routes on a continual basis annually. Although the MCV's were said to be poor quality product, the proceeds of the disposals could have been re-injected back in to the business to buy something more superior in essence we had 23 x MCV out from Black/Red Diamond whilst only 8 x Hybrid Versa in (those have always seemed to struggle to find permanent home), if I remember right wasn't this also around the time that Arriva appeared on the WM scene & Diamonds pvr was reduced due Centro tender losses & the closure of the Worcester operation. If the 25% cheaper refers to the Arriva win of Centro Tenders, that's just business, Arriva wanted to establish a presence in the WM tendering system & needed a sizeable win to justify the cost of setting up a new outstation, they achieved that & will no doubt make a loss on that operation, but due to the size of Arriva & its parent company backing they can easily afford to swallow this loss & obviously must have higher aspirations for the future......
Diamond are still taking a slating on their FB page in relation in the Redditch services, the Kidderminster ones seem to have bedded in much better with only ticketing issuing problems been reported. Most of the complaints seem to refer to 20 min gaps in services, late/none running, buses when they do turn up arriving packed. Judging by the recent advert for drivers in Redditch I suspect they are short which is now adding to the change of ownership problems
Well said maybe rotala need a Winston in charge?
Hardly Rich, I'm no expert..... It's just you get out of a business what you put in, whilst Rotala have been concentrating on improving driver & vehicle presentation I'm sure that their customers would benefit/would notice more if vehicles allocations were improved on the busier routes, no one wants to be shoehorned on to a Solo on busy routes like the 4/4H/4M & 301. I suspect that Tividale could also do with further 10.6M Darts & more full size heavy duty buses. It's all well & good updating the fleet with newer second-hand buses, but it's highly unlikely you'd ever be able to lay your hands on any sizeable batches, therefore you'll end up buying one's & two's of everything, all different lengths / different seating capacities & in some cases different drivelines. The more variations you have the less likely you are to have the parts in stock when a failure occurs, therefore vehicles will be sat around in the depot non revenue earning awaiting parts to be ordered/delivered
I agree totally to this but I think you can get away with the solo's/mpd's on the 4 compared to the 301 because of the 6 minute frequency but then when the 4 interworks with the 4H/4M you get the problem as often especially the 4H needs a far bigger bus than a solo/mpd between West Bromwich and Hayley Green. The 301 is very busy service for diamond minimum cadets for this service. All diamond commercial service should be full sized single deckers leaving the tendered services to the solo's and mpd's and looking at the fleet do diamond even have enough full size single decker buses for the daily commercial PVR.
Quote from: Ash on March 13, 2013, 11:27:51 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 13, 2013, 10:51:19 AM
Quote from: richie on March 12, 2013, 09:50:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 12, 2013, 09:44:58 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 12, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
Great news about the preston tridents being repainted for redditch and glad to see that they are reviewing options for new buses. This seems good news. It would be good however for these new buses to arrive fairly soon
As regards the ex Preston Tridents they are virtually the same age as the ex First Tridents they may/may not be replacing unless they initially will allow for the withdrawal of the one remaining N-reg Olympian & two K-reg Citybuses? 'Riewing options for new buses' doesn't necessarily equate to signing on the dotted line & committing to placing new vehicle orders, no one can dispute the investment levels put in to the Preston & Wessex fleets when required, but at present the West Midlands appears to be the poor relation, let's hope this changes. No one expects Rotala to bring a brand new fleet from day one, but they do need to start buying batches of new buses to upgrade certain corridors / routes on a continual basis annually. Although the MCV's were said to be poor quality product, the proceeds of the disposals could have been re-injected back in to the business to buy something more superior in essence we had 23 x MCV out from Black/Red Diamond whilst only 8 x Hybrid Versa in (those have always seemed to struggle to find permanent home), if I remember right wasn't this also around the time that Arriva appeared on the WM scene & Diamonds pvr was reduced due Centro tender losses & the closure of the Worcester operation. If the 25% cheaper refers to the Arriva win of Centro Tenders, that's just business, Arriva wanted to establish a presence in the WM tendering system & needed a sizeable win to justify the cost of setting up a new outstation, they achieved that & will no doubt make a loss on that operation, but due to the size of Arriva & its parent company backing they can easily afford to swallow this loss & obviously must have higher aspirations for the future......
Diamond are still taking a slating on their FB page in relation in the Redditch services, the Kidderminster ones seem to have bedded in much better with only ticketing issuing problems been reported. Most of the complaints seem to refer to 20 min gaps in services, late/none running, buses when they do turn up arriving packed. Judging by the recent advert for drivers in Redditch I suspect they are short which is now adding to the change of ownership problems
Well said maybe rotala need a Winston in charge?
Hardly Rich, I'm no expert..... It's just you get out of a business what you put in, whilst Rotala have been concentrating on improving driver & vehicle presentation I'm sure that their customers would benefit/would notice more if vehicles allocations were improved on the busier routes, no one wants to be shoehorned on to a Solo on busy routes like the 4/4H/4M & 301. I suspect that Tividale could also do with further 10.6M Darts & more full size heavy duty buses. It's all well & good updating the fleet with newer second-hand buses, but it's highly unlikely you'd ever be able to lay your hands on any sizeable batches, therefore you'll end up buying one's & two's of everything, all different lengths / different seating capacities & in some cases different drivelines. The more variations you have the less likely you are to have the parts in stock when a failure occurs, therefore vehicles will be sat around in the depot non revenue earning awaiting parts to be ordered/delivered
I agree totally to this but I think you can get away with the solo's/mpd's on the 4 compared to the 301 because of the 6 minute frequency but then when the 4 interworks with the 4H/4M you get the problem as often especially the 4H needs a far bigger bus than a solo/mpd between West Bromwich and Hayley Green. The 301 is very busy service for diamond minimum cadets for this service. All diamond commercial service should be full sized single deckers leaving the tendered services to the solo's and mpd's and looking at the fleet do diamond even have enough full size single decker buses for the daily commercial PVR.
Most if not all of the newer single deckers Tividale have received in recent months have been MPD's & Solo's
Quote from: Winston on March 13, 2013, 11:51:06 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 13, 2013, 11:27:51 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 13, 2013, 10:51:19 AM
Quote from: richie on March 12, 2013, 09:50:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 12, 2013, 09:44:58 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 12, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
Great news about the preston tridents being repainted for redditch and glad to see that they are reviewing options for new buses. This seems good news. It would be good however for these new buses to arrive fairly soon
As regards the ex Preston Tridents they are virtually the same age as the ex First Tridents they may/may not be replacing unless they initially will allow for the withdrawal of the one remaining N-reg Olympian & two K-reg Citybuses? 'Riewing options for new buses' doesn't necessarily equate to signing on the dotted line & committing to placing new vehicle orders, no one can dispute the investment levels put in to the Preston & Wessex fleets when required, but at present the West Midlands appears to be the poor relation, let's hope this changes. No one expects Rotala to bring a brand new fleet from day one, but they do need to start buying batches of new buses to upgrade certain corridors / routes on a continual basis annually. Although the MCV's were said to be poor quality product, the proceeds of the disposals could have been re-injected back in to the business to buy something more superior in essence we had 23 x MCV out from Black/Red Diamond whilst only 8 x Hybrid Versa in (those have always seemed to struggle to find permanent home), if I remember right wasn't this also around the time that Arriva appeared on the WM scene & Diamonds pvr was reduced due Centro tender losses & the closure of the Worcester operation. If the 25% cheaper refers to the Arriva win of Centro Tenders, that's just business, Arriva wanted to establish a presence in the WM tendering system & needed a sizeable win to justify the cost of setting up a new outstation, they achieved that & will no doubt make a loss on that operation, but due to the size of Arriva & its parent company backing they can easily afford to swallow this loss & obviously must have higher aspirations for the future......
Diamond are still taking a slating on their FB page in relation in the Redditch services, the Kidderminster ones seem to have bedded in much better with only ticketing issuing problems been reported. Most of the complaints seem to refer to 20 min gaps in services, late/none running, buses when they do turn up arriving packed. Judging by the recent advert for drivers in Redditch I suspect they are short which is now adding to the change of ownership problems
Well said maybe rotala need a Winston in charge?
Hardly Rich, I'm no expert..... It's just you get out of a business what you put in, whilst Rotala have been concentrating on improving driver & vehicle presentation I'm sure that their customers would benefit/would notice more if vehicles allocations were improved on the busier routes, no one wants to be shoehorned on to a Solo on busy routes like the 4/4H/4M & 301. I suspect that Tividale could also do with further 10.6M Darts & more full size heavy duty buses. It's all well & good updating the fleet with newer second-hand buses, but it's highly unlikely you'd ever be able to lay your hands on any sizeable batches, therefore you'll end up buying one's & two's of everything, all different lengths / different seating capacities & in some cases different drivelines. The more variations you have the less likely you are to have the parts in stock when a failure occurs, therefore vehicles will be sat around in the depot non revenue earning awaiting parts to be ordered/delivered
I agree totally to this but I think you can get away with the solo's/mpd's on the 4 compared to the 301 because of the 6 minute frequency but then when the 4 interworks with the 4H/4M you get the problem as often especially the 4H needs a far bigger bus than a solo/mpd between West Bromwich and Hayley Green. The 301 is very busy service for diamond minimum cadets for this service. All diamond commercial service should be full sized single deckers leaving the tendered services to the solo's and mpd's and looking at the fleet do diamond even have enough full size single decker buses for the daily commercial PVR.
Most if not all of the newer single deckers Tividale have received in recent months have been MPD's & Solo's
Apart from the enviro200, mcv evolution and 4 full size darts from your bus of which at least 1 seems to be at Kidderminster and I have only ever saw 20849/51 in service. The rest like you mentioned are MPD's and solo's.
Had a ride on 30801 on the 82 today and it seriously seemed to lack any power the fans were making a loud noise and certainly didn't sound like a typical MAN engine but also when climbing any incline the bus was nearly coming to a complete standstill I thought I was on a dart.
Diamond are now withdrawing off the 4 / 4H & 4M on evenings & Sundays from 28th April
Quote from: Winston on March 20, 2013, 10:38:30 AM
Diamond are now withdrawing off the 4 / 4H & 4M on evenings & Sundays from 28th April
its a great shame I think personally, ive used the diamond service on the 4 loads, but when the timetable was changed when it changed to the 4 I haven't used it due to the timetable. why on earth run a commercial service in competition 5/10 mins behind your competition, stupid tbh. I think diamonds problem at the moment has to be the management at tivadale, they are going to be assigning solo's to the 4 etc.....
but at the same time the route is dead at night so I can understand!
20850 in service in Redditch tonight.
B7RLE on an all day 143 board ...
Quote from: dannygill on March 20, 2013, 12:44:39 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 20, 2013, 10:38:30 AM
Diamond are now withdrawing off the 4 / 4H & 4M on evenings & Sundays from 28th April
its a great shame I think personally, ive used the diamond service on the 4 loads, but when the timetable was changed when it changed to the 4 I haven't used it due to the timetable. why on earth run a commercial service in competition 5/10 mins behind your competition, stupid tbh. I think diamonds problem at the moment has to be the management at tivadale, they are going to be assigning solo's to the 4 etc.....
but at the same time the route is dead at night so I can understand!
Danny I couldn't agree more I could see this coming a mile off and have stated it would happen before. When it was the 404E between Walsall and West Bromwich on a sunday buses used to be well used, i used to catch the 10am departure from the delves on a sunday and by the time we got to West Bromwich the mcv evolution was full every seat taken they have spoiled it made it every 30 minutes run it 10 minutes behind NXWM what do they expect to happen, bring the 4 back between Walsall and West Bromwich operate it every 15 minutes on a sunday and it will work no issue it did for a couple of years before the change. At night it struggles but again 10 minutes behind NXWM. They way it's going if i was rotala I would throw the towel in with diamond as they just don't know how to compete with NXWM. So in my view fair play NXWM and this is the start or addition to the decline of diamond in my opinion which saddens me.
The way things are going, Diamond may just stick to Redditch and Kiddiminster work.
Quote from: Ash on March 12, 2013, 09:53:12 PM
I've noticed 20851 has gone to Kidderminster as it was on the 3 today and back with black diamond the 4/4H/4M had two solo's on it. Hope the 4 is not going to revert back to having solo's on it on a regular basis.
seen 20853 on the 3 this afternoon
Today this I witnessed concessionary pass users deciding not to go on a 4 diamond to West Bromwich and chose the 4 NXWM not because they wanted Blackheath as they both got off at West Bromwich and the diamond was in front it was more so that it was a tatty red and white diamond darts and the NXWM bus was a well presented omnilink. No wonder the 4 is struggling and withdrawing off on sundays and evenings with the state of some of their buses, Presentation is awful and still think the bus wash has broken as the buses are filthy on the outside.
Quote from: Ash on March 21, 2013, 07:42:49 PM
Today this I witnessed concessionary pass users deciding not to go on a 4 diamond to West Bromwich and chose the 4 NXWM not because they wanted Blackheath as they both got off at West Bromwich and the diamond was in front it was more so that it was a tatty red and white diamond darts and the NXWM bus was a well presented omnilink. No wonder the 4 is struggling and withdrawing off on sundays and evenings with the state of some of their buses, Presentation is awful and still think the bus wash has broken as the buses are filthy on the outside.
I think Diamond's 4 needs a dedicated bus type, instead of a mix of cadets, darts and whatever else they put on it. Centros would be good on the 4
Quote from: Shaun on March 21, 2013, 11:24:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 21, 2013, 07:42:49 PM
Today this I witnessed concessionary pass users deciding not to go on a 4 diamond to West Bromwich and chose the 4 NXWM not because they wanted Blackheath as they both got off at West Bromwich and the diamond was in front it was more so that it was a tatty red and white diamond darts and the NXWM bus was a well presented omnilink. No wonder the 4 is struggling and withdrawing off on sundays and evenings with the state of some of their buses, Presentation is awful and still think the bus wash has broken as the buses are filthy on the outside.
I think Diamond's 4 needs a dedicated bus type, instead of a mix of cadets, darts and whatever else they put on it. Centros would be good on the 4
Get the Versas back from Long Acre and brand them up for the 4 maybe? Or use Centros instead. Some branding might help their cause a little bit. Especially if they advertise Day Returns.
Quote from: JackC on March 22, 2013, 12:00:35 AM
Quote from: Shaun on March 21, 2013, 11:24:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 21, 2013, 07:42:49 PM
Today this I witnessed concessionary pass users deciding not to go on a 4 diamond to West Bromwich and chose the 4 NXWM not because they wanted Blackheath as they both got off at West Bromwich and the diamond was in front it was more so that it was a tatty red and white diamond darts and the NXWM bus was a well presented omnilink. No wonder the 4 is struggling and withdrawing off on sundays and evenings with the state of some of their buses, Presentation is awful and still think the bus wash has broken as the buses are filthy on the outside.
I think Diamond's 4 needs a dedicated bus type, instead of a mix of cadets, darts and whatever else they put on it. Centros would be good on the 4
Get the Versas back from Long Acre and brand them up for the 4 maybe? Or use Centros instead. Some branding might help their cause a little bit. Especially if they advertise Day Returns.
The way they are going it wouldn't surprise me if they withdraw off the 4 altogether. For me it's nothing to do with NXWM and the competition they provide as it has always been there it's down to timetable changes and the quality of buses there using. Some of the darts are in a terrible state mix match seats, generally dirty inside and the exterior paintwork looking shabby. They are withdrawing off the evening/sunday 4/4M services just a few months after the changes but before the changes they operated evenings and sunday from late 2010 and all of a sudden it's not financially viable. Ok the evenings struggle but they have wrecked the sunday service bring the 4 back just between Walsall and West Bromwich every 15 minutes all thats needed is 4 buses and I'm sure it would work. Advertise returns and the cadets as there generally used on the 4 and 301 so wouldn't have the wrong return branding on them. Investment is desperately needed sticking the odd centro on will not make any difference it's a shame but it just seems a downwards spiral. I think if diamond every did come off the 4 would be a great opportunity for someone to set up on the service even now i still think there is an opportunity of someone to jut run a Sunday service between Walsall and West Bromwich maybe arriva.
Quote from: Ash on March 22, 2013, 12:30:04 AM
Quote from: JackC on March 22, 2013, 12:00:35 AM
Quote from: Shaun on March 21, 2013, 11:24:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 21, 2013, 07:42:49 PM
Today this I witnessed concessionary pass users deciding not to go on a 4 diamond to West Bromwich and chose the 4 NXWM not because they wanted Blackheath as they both got off at West Bromwich and the diamond was in front it was more so that it was a tatty red and white diamond darts and the NXWM bus was a well presented omnilink. No wonder the 4 is struggling and withdrawing off on sundays and evenings with the state of some of their buses, Presentation is awful and still think the bus wash has broken as the buses are filthy on the outside.
I think Diamond's 4 needs a dedicated bus type, instead of a mix of cadets, darts and whatever else they put on it. Centros would be good on the 4
Get the Versas back from Long Acre and brand them up for the 4 maybe? Or use Centros instead. Some branding might help their cause a little bit. Especially if they advertise Day Returns.
The way they are going it wouldn't surprise me if they withdraw off the 4 altogether. For me it's nothing to do with NXWM and the competition they provide as it has always been there it's down to timetable changes and the quality of buses there using. Some of the darts are in a terrible state mix match seats, generally dirty inside and the exterior paintwork looking shabby. They are withdrawing off the evening/sunday 4/4M services just a few months after the changes but before the changes they operated evenings and sunday from late 2010 and all of a sudden it's not financially viable. Ok the evenings struggle but they have wrecked the sunday service bring the 4 back just between Walsall and West Bromwich every 15 minutes all thats needed is 4 buses and I'm sure it would work. Advertise returns and the cadets as there generally used on the 4 and 301 so wouldn't have the wrong return branding on them. Investment is desperately needed sticking the odd centro on will not make any difference it's a shame but it just seems a downwards spiral. I think if diamond every did come off the 4 would be a great opportunity for someone to set up on the service even now i still think there is an opportunity of someone to jut run a Sunday service between Walsall and West Bromwich maybe arriva.
Wouldn't Arriva have similar problems to Diamond tho?
I think you are right tho Rotala need to invest in Tividale for some if not all there routes and them look at Redditch.
On a sunday when diamond used to operate the 404E every 15 minutes it always seemed popular and well used it lasted for from 2010 until the changes when they now run around 10 minutes behind NXWM all the way to Merry Hill it was obvious that this was going to fail, although on some occasions when the NXWM 4M 10 minutes in front has been late and the diamond have over taken it people catch the diamond 4M and the bus gets well used so it shows to me that the timetable needed changing or just revert back to the 4 every 15 minutes on a Sunday. I wouldn't be surprised if another tries to run some sunday services on the 4 so just suggested Arriva as an example. It's the West Bromwich to Merry Hill section that doesn't seem well used not the Walsall to West Bromwich section. Surely rotala must have compared passenger numbers of when they operated the 404E on a sunday to the current 4M on a sunday and i'm sure they would notice a huge difference.
Oh I had gathered you were using Arriva as an example, but your last point, you'd think they would wouldnt you but with what has happened since January I think they have taken there eyes off the ball big time and I wouldnt like to say it but I think it will hit them hard.
Arriva would just use knackered Darts on it
Why would Arriva go on the 4? If Diamond, who have been on it years in various guises, cannot make it work anymore why would Arriva try, and ultimately risk retaliation on their own current routes eg 110, 112 + Walsall to Cannock which are obvious money earners for them. The fact NXWM operate on it so regularly makes it a virtual non starter for any new company.
Quote from: bob on March 22, 2013, 04:14:53 PM
Arriva would just use knackered Darts on it
Nothing new then just like for like
Quote from: j789 on March 22, 2013, 04:38:13 PM
Why would Arriva go on the 4? If Diamond, who have been on it years in various guises, cannot make it work anymore why would Arriva try, and ultimately risk retaliation on their own current routes eg 110, 112 + Walsall to Cannock which are obvious money earners for them. The fact NXWM operate on it so regularly makes it a virtual non starter for any new company.
Sorry I probably am confusing people I meant on a sunday only although passenger numbers don't seem that high like they used to be Monday to Saturday. It could be any company just used Arriva as an example.
V544ESC has joined the others at Redditch ... I assume 540 is to follow?
I really don't think people understand Arriva's might!!! with the backing of DB the sky is the limit. as soon as Arriva opened in west Bromwich I said that would be the start of the end to diamond. I personally don't think Arriva are going to compete that much with nx I think its going to be diamond. Arriva take second place in the west mids market then work on 1st place. since db have taken over Arriva has undergone such dramtic changes. I have used buses since I was 11 we have petes travel and arriva on the same route, and I have grown up with them so I know how bad they have been. However as I said major changes have happened. look firstly at arriva trains wales.....they went from a 60% odd realiability on the Cambrian route to now is brilliant. Arriva trains wales was dreadful I know because I worked there!! then you have the new buses that are coming in.....ok optare may be heavly hated by drivers and enthuistasts but to the punter its a smart looking bus, they are warm and comfortable, they are also cheap so customers can benefit from having more newer buses are arriva will get more bus for there money. then the recent delivery of citaro's wow!!! I personally think citaros are they best bus out there and they also have a big merc badge screaming at the passenger!!
So yes I could see Arriva starting on the 4, because at the moment arriva is a baby in the west midlands, and its ready to grow, and when they start I honestly believe every operator should watch out because they have the money to do anything!!!
Quote from: JackC on March 22, 2013, 12:00:35 AM
Quote from: Shaun on March 21, 2013, 11:24:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 21, 2013, 07:42:49 PM
Today this I witnessed concessionary pass users deciding not to go on a 4 diamond to West Bromwich and chose the 4 NXWM not because they wanted Blackheath as they both got off at West Bromwich and the diamond was in front it was more so that it was a tatty red and white diamond darts and the NXWM bus was a well presented omnilink. No wonder the 4 is struggling and withdrawing off on sundays and evenings with the state of some of their buses, Presentation is awful and still think the bus wash has broken as the buses are filthy on the outside.
I think Diamond's 4 needs a dedicated bus type, instead of a mix of cadets, darts and whatever else they put on it. Centros would be good on the 4
Get the Versas back from Long Acre and brand them up for the 4 maybe? Or use Centros instead. Some branding might help their cause a little bit. Especially if they advertise Day Returns.
its a really shame I think Scott Dunn left Rotala hes won awards for his marketing!! obviously something is now missing diamond really upt there game with all of there branding:
nifty50
black country connection
Stourbridge shuttle
yew tree connection
16
002
there buses instantly stud out to the punter you instantly knew where the bus went you knew how often they was and you knew how much for a return....now whats left...... whilst at yourbus its all there and even marketing events at univericties to attract new customers where has this gone?
its all well and good "improving the images of drivers"but if you have no customers left there is no need for drivers.
I really must stress I am completely gutted I am a massive rotala fan and a big support I really want them to work and work well!!!
Quote from: dannygill on March 22, 2013, 09:36:53 PM
I really don't think people understand Arriva's might!!! with the backing of DB the sky is the limit. as soon as Arriva opened in west Bromwich I said that would be the start of the end to diamond. I personally don't think Arriva are going to compete that much with nx I think its going to be diamond. Arriva take second place in the west mids market then work on 1st place. since db have taken over Arriva has undergone such dramtic changes. I have used buses since I was 11 we have petes travel and arriva on the same route, and I have grown up with them so I know how bad they have been. However as I said major changes have happened. look firstly at arriva trains wales.....they went from a 60% odd realiability on the Cambrian route to now is brilliant. Arriva trains wales was dreadful I know because I worked there!! then you have the new buses that are coming in.....ok optare may be heavly hated by drivers and enthuistasts but to the punter its a smart looking bus, they are warm and comfortable, they are also cheap so customers can benefit from having more newer buses are arriva will get more bus for there money. then the recent delivery of citaro's wow!!! I personally think citaros are they best bus out there and they also have a big merc badge screaming at the passenger!!
So yes I could see Arriva starting on the 4, because at the moment arriva is a baby in the west midlands, and its ready to grow, and when they start I honestly believe every operator should watch out because they have the money to do anything!!!
This is my view and may be totally wrong but I feel may be with diamond and especially the 4 service they take for granted the passengers they have on the service thinking because they have operated on it for so long the passengers will always be there and so feel there's not a problem to put the old red and white darts that are 15+ years old on it with tatty exteriors and interiors in my view you look after the services that are bringing in the high passenger numbers and high revenue and not take for granted what they built up from previous operators on the service, NXWM in my view have not turned up the pressure on diamond's 4 as they have no need to there doing the damage to thereselves the black country connection branding and mcv's were smart and showed great presence on the service even though they weren't the best buses.
This just sums it up
http://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/7322754080/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/7315717196/in/photostream/
Taken in 2002 an an X reg dart and 51 reg president era 2000-8
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/8424428236/
Around 2010 era 2008-2010, big investment smart black diamond centro's
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/8424894570/in/photostream/
Around late 2010 era 2010-early 2012, very smart trent barton looking black country connect brand
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20912.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photography_by_tom/5941251740/
At present, a solo which has smaller capacity to the buses used in 2002 and a dart which is older than the buses introduced by petes travel in 2000 shown in the 2002 images. Era 2013-Present day
The 404E (now the 4) was a showcase service for Pete's Travel talking buses etc and was for diamond and rotala in 2008 and the re-investment in 2010 with evening and sunday services that worked now in 2013 old worn out darts and a sunday and evening service that is being withdrawn it's going backwards such a shame
Currently there are two midi 05 reg darts parked in the over flow car park across the road from Tividale and don't look in great condition also some royal bath midi darts any ideas what will happen to these vehicles i'm guessing the 05 reg ones might see further service with Rotala somewhere in the group.
Quote from: Ash on March 27, 2013, 12:16:18 AM
Currently there are two midi 05 reg darts parked in the over flow car park across the road from Tividale and don't look in great condition also some royal bath midi darts any ideas what will happen to these vehicles i'm guessing the 05 reg ones might see further service with Rotala somewhere in the group.
The two 05 plate MPD's are former Travel London, I think they are only missing a few panels here & there, they would be useful in allowing the withdrawal of S & T-reg MPD's, certainly not by increasing the size of the MPD fleet
30213 broke down on the 4 today at Stone Cross. These buses cadets are being unreliable 30205 broke down earlier on in the week on the 301 in Walsall. With tight timetables for both the 4H and 4M i'm not surprised as the cadets seem to get thrashed just to allow the drivers to arrive on time leading to overheating especially to the cadets.
The interesting thing about Travel London vehicles is their TWM-spec interiors, complete with standard moquette.
Quote from: Stevo on March 29, 2013, 06:00:37 PM
The interesting thing about Travel London vehicles is their TWM-spec interiors, complete with standard moquette.
They don't look as if they will be put into service anytime soon as they have been parked up with the other touchwood connection darts for a while now. Good to see the b7rle's starting to arrive at Long Acre.
Saw a few 4M vehicles today for diamond between Walsall and West Brom and most had quite a few passengers on with some of diamond's 4M infront of NXWM 4M and some not. I think it's the West Bromwich to MerryHill section that's the issue but instead of comparing passenger numbers to when it was a sunday 404E at every 15 minutes there just withdrawing off it altogether instead of reverting back to every 15 minutes between Walsall and West Bromwich with one less vehicle than the 4M currently uses on a Sunday.
Although 2 years ago why was 30804 parked up in a scrapyard for.
http://john-glover.smugmug.com/Buses/PVS/19732985_2STdn8/1/1549441537_p6g7SXS#!i=1549441537&k=p6g7SXS
R532YRP now with select bus operating in Wolverhampton still with diamond fleetnames on the front and diamond route branding.
Cadet yj51ekb 30202 sounds really bad and is pulling rubbish up hill on the 4 today but for how much longer, can see that coming off the road today hopefully making way for another new eclipse to come on!
30202 hasn't sound well for some time and really struggles for power definitely the worst cadet diamond has.
Diamond are loaning R532 untill select low
Floors are ready
Quote from: Solo1 on April 25, 2013, 10:32:27 PM
Diamond are loaning R532 untill select low
Floors are ready
I dont get what you mean the bus was on loan to select, do you mean diamond are taking the bus back?
Quote from: Ash on April 25, 2013, 11:20:05 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on April 25, 2013, 10:32:27 PM
Diamond are loaning R532 untill select low
Floors are ready
I dont get what you mean the bus was on loan to select, do you mean diamond are taking the bus back?
nooo he means that Select have loaned r532 whilst there low floors are sorted and put into service.
People have been complaining on the facebook page for diamond about the 4M not turning up on Sunday morning with people being left stranded with the likelihood of them having a diamond pass. The communication about the service being cancelled in an evening and on a sunday is poor. On the facebook page and diamond home page it states timetable changes not about the cancellation of the evening and sunday service after over 2 years of running it, the sunday service was not that badly used and now passengers are being stranded looks like more people buying a NXWM pass instead of a diamond one.
Waited 40 minutes in Halesowen this afternoon (20 minute frequency) for a 4H towards Hayley Green, then two came at once - both were late, one twenty minutes more than the other!
Its completely shocking yet again a demonstaration of the dreadful management currently running the day to day operations of diamond. Im not saying its senior management mainly im pointing the finger at the duty managers who are allocating buses to routes etc. Diamond is being run into the ground and if they continue I really don't see how they are going to survive with Arriva
Buses running late today was not helped by Bradford Place bus stop changes buses were being stuck entering the bus station and then queuing to load with passengers. Also there was an accident in Halesowen today involving a bus which is not going to help traffic. If extreme events happen like this you can't blame diamond fully for buses running late in one positive at least they turned up at all even if they were together.
http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/archive/2013/04/29/Latets+%28redd_news_latest%29/10385680.Redditch_councillor_sends_list_of_complaints_to_bus_company/
http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/archive/2013/04/25/Letters+%28redd_news_letters%29/10375019.Nightmare_on_the_number_57/
Diamond's problems in Redditch.
The big issue is are diamond arent' going to invest in double deckers or up the frequency for the 57/58 until everything is cleared with diamonds takeover.
Had a half hour wait for a 57 Sunday ... There meant to be every ten, in the end I gave up and got the 248
Caught the 1750 "swift" 226 from Merry Hill today, having seen drivers play the "no ticket - machine Kaput" game before in order to pocket the money as the tickets wouldnt go through the machine. This is a new low - the driver was giving passengers scrumpled up used tickets, presumably in order to pocket the fares himself. Driver was also driving very aggressively.
Vehicle No. Diamond 20535 driven by a black driver with shades on and a bald head. I have passed this on to Centro and Diamond.
Quote from: bususer12 on May 01, 2013, 06:21:50 PM
Caught the 1750 "swift" 226 from Merry Hill today, having seen drivers play the "no ticket - machine Kaput" game before in order to pocket the money as the tickets wouldnt go through the machine. This is a new low - the driver was giving passengers scrumpled up used tickets, presumably in order to pocket the fares himself. Driver was also driving very aggressively.
Aha, another job for the Tividale (ex Long Acre) coverts to investigate.
Oh, ermm.......
Quote from: bususer12 on May 01, 2013, 06:21:50 PM
Caught the 1750 "swift" 226 from Merry Hill today, having seen drivers play the "no ticket - machine Kaput" game before in order to pocket the money as the tickets wouldnt go through the machine. This is a new low - the driver was giving passengers scrumpled up used tickets, presumably in order to pocket the fares himself. Driver was also driving very aggressively.
Vehicle No. Diamond 20535 driven by a black driver with shades on and a bald head. I have passed this
on to Centro and Diamond.
Should contact diamond to inform them of the going's on, hopefully that could be another dreadful driver out! Ive watched a few times drivers take money and not issue tickets on the 97 and gladly reported it everytime!
Quote from: bususer12 on May 01, 2013, 06:21:50 PM
Caught the 1750 "swift" 226 from Merry Hill today, having seen drivers play the "no ticket - machine Kaput" game before in order to pocket the money as the tickets wouldnt go through the machine. This is a new low - the driver was giving passengers scrumpled up used tickets, presumably in order to pocket the fares himself. Driver was also driving very aggressively.
Vehicle No. Diamond 20535 driven by a black driver with shades on and a bald head. I have passed this on to Centro and Diamond.
Ha think I know which driver u mean He used to drive for golden line and Ive seen him do this before. Usually diamond drivers are very honest all the polish ones I know on the 50 are and use ticket books if the machine is broken
Quote from: Mike360 on April 30, 2013, 11:15:50 PM
http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/archive/2013/04/29/Latets+%28redd_news_latest%29/10385680.Redditch_councillor_sends_list_of_complaints_to_bus_company/
http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/archive/2013/04/25/Letters+%28redd_news_letters%29/10375019.Nightmare_on_the_number_57/
Diamond's problems in Redditch.
The actual problem is not that buses are over crowded the actually issue is that the average joe wont actually know how many people buses can carry. for example the new wright eclipse buses at long achere, tivadale and Wessex hold 100 people, that's going to be bad, but the bus is running as normal. This is actually a better capacity than double deckers so would deckers actually be any use if its really that bad?
The other thing is when buses get busy you still get people with bags on seats and people who chose to stand rather than sit down. this makes the bus seem more busy that it really is. If everyone used every seat and when they stand actually stand as far to the back as possible I honestly believe the problem would go. But sadly passengers aren't educated enough on how to travel on a bus efficiently!
Quote from: dannygill on May 01, 2013, 07:30:38 PM
Quote from: Mike360 on April 30, 2013, 11:15:50 PM
http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/archive/2013/04/29/Latets+%28redd_news_latest%29/10385680.Redditch_councillor_sends_list_of_complaints_to_bus_company/
http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/archive/2013/04/25/Letters+%28redd_news_letters%29/10375019.Nightmare_on_the_number_57/
Diamond's problems in Redditch.
The actual problem is not that buses are over crowded the actually issue is that the average joe wont actually know how many people buses can carry. for example the new wright eclipse buses at long achere, tivadale and Wessex hold 100 people, that's going to be bad, but the bus is running as normal. This is actually a better capacity than double deckers so would deckers actually be any use if its really that bad?
The other thing is when buses get busy you still get people with bags on seats and people who chose to stand rather than sit down. this makes the bus seem more busy that it really is. If everyone used every seat and when they stand actually stand as far to the back as possible I honestly believe the problem would go. But sadly passengers aren't educated enough on how to travel on a bus efficiently!
Diamond need to watch out though as the oft will see people are complaining and block the takeover if theyre not careful
Quote from: Peter123 on May 01, 2013, 07:32:05 PM
Diamond need to watch out though as the oft will see people are complaining and block the takeover
Only if they're lucky.....
Are drivers able to cancel a ticket when they issued one on the wayfarer ticket machines, especially when children have boarded and given them a £1 coin and boarded without a ticket, no ticket gets issued and I wonder where the money goes ::), also saw drivers issue tickets that are not proper tickets just blank tickets essentially.
Well after the changes to Bradford Place in Walsall I have to say although chaotic diamond seems to have gained in passenger numbers 30204 cadet arrived in on the 4 this afternoon in Walsall no other 4's of either diamond or NXWM was present and picked up as many passengers as it could with a queue of about 60 this bus left absolutely rammed to the front window with standing room only if people could squeeze on. In the opposite direction as i got the diamond after a NXWM was heading towards Walsall absolutely rammed full missing out people in the stops in Caldmore. At the moment the NXWM buses seem to be stuck in 2's and 3's and diamond seems to be catching the passengers in the gaps where NXWM are missing out due to the grouping of buses at this rate diamond will need some double deckers :).
Also John-s-91's the photo of BK13NZT you have uploaded onto your flickr account has me on it sitting on the front seat on the 4M at the time. I didn't see anyone with a camera either there were 2 lads that looked liked spotters unless you were one of them. Then you might have saw 30204 leave full the bus I commented on earlier that left about 10 mins before this one did.
I notice from the latest fleet changes that Rotala have now sold a further two Dart SLF/MCV to New Zealand i.e. 30018 (Signature Livery) & 30021 in new Diamond blue livery & re-instated four of the ex First P--MLA Darts/Plaxton to Redditch
Wonder if if 30111 has also been sold as I didn't see it in
Redditch & wasn't about as I asked in the depot
Why on earth have they done that?
Quote from: Peter123 on May 05, 2013, 07:25:56 PM
Why on earth have they done that?
No idea, they buy new full size single deckers then sell some of their newest full length darts. Why repaint a bus you're intending to sell? Crackers.....
The P-reg Darts have been reinstated due to the possible dft/mmc investigation
It is completely crazy yes standardisation is one thing but still-maybe that enviro 200 could also go as it is a bit of a shed. Good job i went on one while they were here as they are very nice buses and very fast. Diamond's main priority is emerging unscathed from this investigation and hopefully it will be cleared so as a much needed comprehensive network review can happen where no stone is left unturned-it is certainly needed so as diamond can provide a network. Do we think it will be cleared though?
Quote from: Ash on May 03, 2013, 06:09:52 PM
Also John-s-91's the photo of BK13NZT you have uploaded onto your flickr account has me on it sitting on the front seat on the 4M at the time. I didn't see anyone with a camera either there were 2 lads that looked liked spotters unless you were one of them. Then you might have saw 30204 leave full the bus I commented on earlier that left about 10 mins before this one did.
I was with my mate, yes so could have been me, standing on the corner :) I don't remember seeing a Cadet. More than likely wasn't paying attention, but do remember seeing a small Dart heaving on the 4H.
So i guess the enviro 200 was sent to Long Acre to replace the mcv leaving for New Zealand, I hope more eclipses are purchased second hand from the sales of the mcv's although 3 more eclipses are expected from Wessex.
Quote from: bususer12 on May 01, 2013, 06:21:50 PM
Caught the 1750 "swift" 226 from Merry Hill today, having seen drivers play the "no ticket - machine Kaput" game before in order to pocket the money as the tickets wouldnt go through the machine. This is a new low - the driver was giving passengers scrumpled up used tickets, presumably in order to pocket the fares himself. Driver was also driving very aggressively.
Vehicle No. Diamond 20535 driven by a black driver with shades on and a bald head. I have passed this on to Centro and Diamond.
Well done for catching a Diamond running on there own time.Its easier to pocket more money if you make it a 25/5 minute split.
Darts reinstated at Redditch? ... Were they ever taken of the road? O.o
Be a shame to see the MCV go but not surprised when there was just one at each depot
Quote from: jc on May 06, 2013, 07:25:56 PM
Darts reinstated at Redditch? ... Were they ever taken of the road? O.o
Be a shame to see the MCV go but not surprised when there was just one at each depot
I think a couple may have been reported parked up in Kiddi depots for a day or so, but generally the majority appeared to remain in service
do not think they where ever of road and the ex first darts seam to get moved between Kidderminster and Redditch a lot
even the lance is still on the road
I would have thought some of the darts parked up at Tividale the ex touchwood connection V reg ones and some of ex travel london 05 midi darts would be ideal for Kidderminster to replace the older P reg ones but I guess no movements will be made until everything is passed even then I guess the move suggested would not happen.
Quote from: bewminster on May 06, 2013, 07:54:41 PM
do not think they where ever of road and the ex first darts seam to get moved between Kidderminster and Redditch a lot
even the lance is still on the road
Ex First darts 42405 and 42404 have been off the road for at least a week now.
They are round the back of Kidderminster Garage with stickers in the windscreen and one has a body panel missing.
I'd say they are withdrawn, the rest seem to be in use still though.
I have seen P401 MLA, P403 MLA, R610 YCR, R220 MSA and R475 CAH in Stourport last week.
Quote from: Peter123 on May 05, 2013, 08:13:41 PM
It is completely crazy yes standardisation is one thing but still-maybe that enviro 200 could also go as it is a bit of a shed. Good job i went on one while they were here as they are very nice buses and very fast. Diamond's main priority is emerging unscathed from this investigation and hopefully it will be cleared so as a much needed comprehensive network review can happen where no stone is left unturned-it is certainly needed so as diamond can provide a network. Do we think it will be cleared though?
Kiddiminster will not be an issue, but I'll be surprised if the Redditch part of the deal gets cleared without any intervention from the Dft/MMC, especially given all the negative press against Diamond/Rotala since taking over from First
Quote from: Ash on May 05, 2013, 11:13:39 PM
So i guess the enviro 200 was sent to Long Acre to replace the mcv leaving for New Zealand, I hope more eclipses are purchased second hand from the sales of the mcv's although 3 more eclipses are expected from Wessex.
Volvo Bus, Warwick are currently advertising another brand new 5 x B7RLE as currently in stock, I assume they may be the allover white ones currently coming through Heysham Docks
5 more for Diamond @ Tividale would be perfect to allow all of the 4, 4H & 4M running boards to be converted to B7RLE
Seems like the loadings on the 4 from walsall seemed to have picked him since the changes i was on a dart today and left full without the need to sit in the bus stand for about 10 minutes in fact we left without another diamond or nxwm in sight so both stands were empty when we departed although goung through caldmore 4x service 4 nxwm buses one behind each other and 2 diamond vehicles
Quote from: Ash on May 06, 2013, 09:10:49 PM
I would have thought some of the darts parked up at Tividale the ex touchwood connection V reg ones and some of ex travel london 05 midi darts would be ideal for Kidderminster to replace the older P reg ones but I guess no movements will be made until everything is passed even then I guess the move suggested would not happen.
on the ukbus news website diamond fleet list it shows ex first 42404 in the withdrawn section it is the only one showing on there as withdrawn
I noticed diamond have updated there wayfarers to a slightly different system not sure what benefits it brings as I know very little about how the machines work just know they are issuing slightly different tickets and have different features.
Quote from: Ash on May 07, 2013, 07:15:02 PM
I noticed diamond have updated there wayfarers to a slightly different system not sure what benefits it brings as I know very little about how the machines work just know they are issuing slightly different tickets and have different features.
I believe that Diamond Wayfarers can issue any ticket on the whole diamond ticket (i.e. a Blue Diamond 16 bus could issue a ConnectA ticket only valid down the Worcestershire part) and it stores all routes inside it
Quote from: vinh1000 on May 07, 2013, 07:31:47 PM
Quote from: Ash on May 07, 2013, 07:15:02 PM
I noticed diamond have updated there wayfarers to a slightly different system not sure what benefits it brings as I know very little about how the machines work just know they are issuing slightly different tickets and have different features.
I believe that Diamond Wayfarers can issue any ticket on the whole diamond ticket (i.e. a Blue Diamond 16 bus could issue a ConnectA ticket only valid down the Worcestershire part) and it stores all routes inside it
the connecta tickets there area ones for different areas of Worcestershire and various types and they are valid on any operators vehicles .for more info on this go to Worcestershire county council website as there is too much to put here
Have Diamond withdrawn the 4H's loop around Hayley Green? Because looking at the timetable on the Network West Midlands site, it seems to terminate at the bus station
Quote from: nitromatt1 on May 10, 2013, 11:24:53 PM
Have Diamond withdrawn the 4H's loop around Hayley Green? Because looking at the timetable on the Network West Midlands site, it seems to terminate at the bus station
Don't think so, timetables on Diamonds own website still show it terminating at Hayley Green
Quote from: Winston on May 10, 2013, 11:37:52 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on May 10, 2013, 11:24:53 PM
Have Diamond withdrawn the 4H's loop around Hayley Green? Because looking at the timetable on the Network West Midlands site, it seems to terminate at the bus station
Don't think so, timetables on Diamonds own website still show it terminating at Hayley Green
Errr never mind, think I clicked the NXWM 4H by accident! Sorry about that
Does anyone know when the b7rle's from Wessex Red are going to be making there way up to diamond since the new b7rle's have entered service down south.
Any news on 30212 as I think this might have been the bus that was involved in the accident on the 301 as I haven't seen it for a while and was 1 of 2 buses it could of been on that day when the incident occurred.
Bf60ofa has finally had its central connect branding removed and re done as diamond
The 07 reg diamond enviro 200 now back at tividale on the 4 today
Diamond / Signature service changes from 9th June
PD1028090/155 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and S2 Dorridge S2C Balsall Common given service number S2 , S2A, S2C effective from 09-Jun-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD1028090/156 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Dorridge Hockley heath given service number S3 effective from 09-Jun-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD1028090/157 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 82 effective from 09-Jun-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD1028090/158 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Cheswick Green given service number S4 effective from 09-Jun-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD1028090/185 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A Birmingham Motor Traction, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull Rail Station
Finish Point: Balsall Common Island
Via:
Service Number: 88
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 09-JUN-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays except bank holidays.
So Blue Diamond retain the services; good as some of the drivers are excellent. I assume with this more buses may be needed?
A conversation with a diamond customer services lady said that there are no changes happening to the 82 at least as they have not been told anything different by centro. I have to say I shocked why the even put the 82 up for tender now I think it is a solid route and should be commercial and should maybe even look at a couple of sunday services on the route? I think it would be a nice outing for people from Coventry to travel to Solihull (or vice versa) on a warm summers sunday day ?
The 82 could do with being every 30 mins can get quite busy at times and blue diamond have 3 citaros just need a hybrid along side them to allow the increase in the frequency
Quote from: Ash on May 17, 2013, 09:37:27 PM
The 82 could do with being every 30 mins can get quite busy at times and blue diamond have 3 citaros just need a hybrid along side them to allow the increase in the frequency
I think they may be putting extra buses on at peak times but not sure if thats still the case.
Quote from: Ash on May 17, 2013, 09:37:27 PM
The 82 could do with being every 30 mins can get quite busy at times and blue diamond have 3 citaros just need a hybrid along side them to allow the increase in the frequency
There was a hybrid on there today ('GUF), will that do for you? :)
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on May 17, 2013, 10:13:31 PM
Quote from: Ash on May 17, 2013, 09:37:27 PM
The 82 could do with being every 30 mins can get quite busy at times and blue diamond have 3 citaros just need a hybrid along side them to allow the increase in the frequency
There was a hybrid on there today ('GUF), will that do for you? :)
The hybrids appear on their quite a bit along with the X30 but the 82 is the most unsuitable route diamond could use them on. Long stretches of road with 50/60 mph speed limits which the citaro's manage but the hybrids are not designed for this usage in terms of fuel consumption, last time I caught a hybrid on the 82 all you heard was whining from the engine for most of the journey as it was being thrashed.
Certainly Blue Diamond should (and have) kept the route; looks busy and the Citaros are excellent buses to ride on. I agree with you that maybe a few Sunday services may be a good idea. I think this 88 route will be a failure, as there's very few people who currently use the S2 to go down to Balsall Common.
Just seen a hybrid in Solihull in signature livery
It is YJ12 GUG
Quote from: neale95 on May 18, 2013, 02:01:58 PM
Just seen a hybrid in Solihull in signature livery
It is YJ12 GUG
Looking very smart indeed!!! Just saw in in catherine de barnes . Wonder if anymore will be repainted? Also will the centros go into signature colour as they are high spec, and ditch the royale brand which is cpearly on the way out!
Quote from: dannygill on May 18, 2013, 06:49:42 PM
Quote from: neale95 on May 18, 2013, 02:01:58 PM
Just seen a hybrid in Solihull in signature livery
It is YJ12 GUG
Looking very smart indeed!!! Just saw in in catherine de barnes . Wonder if anymore will be repainted? Also will the centros go into signature colour as they are high spec, and ditch the royale brand which is cpearly on the way out!
Pic to follow in a bit
Quote from: John on May 18, 2013, 07:00:29 PM
Pic to follow in a bit
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8751569848/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8750443827/
I'm not sure whether the royale centros will get the signature branding as the signature branded buses are at long acre not tividale but I suppose it would make more sense for the 56 to be operated out of Long Acre due to the mileage covered returning to Tividale I'm sure Long Acre would be closer. So I guess there is going to be two brands diamond (blue livery) and signature. Does this mean the 16 service will be classed as part of the signature network as this service uses the hybrids unless only 2 are going to get repainted out of the 8 leaving the other 6 for the 16 service.
I suppose it would make more sense for the 56 to be operated out of Long Acre due to the mileage covered returning to Tividale I'm sure Long Acre would be closer.
Tividale is a few miles nearerbut not much in it
While on the subject of 56 what service does
the extra 56's come off
I think one might come of the 67 wednesbury to yew tree as sonetimes this service sees cadets etc probably due to going on the 56 as the 67 could get away with a car
They might just have the one Versa painted in Signiture livery as its usually 6 for the 16 and one usually operates the 600 (Erdington Circular) and the i belive does peaks on the 108.
Quote from: Lukeee on May 20, 2013, 08:28:47 PM
They might just have the one Versa painted in Signiture livery as its usually 6 for the 16 and one usually operates the 600 (Erdington Circular) and the i belive does peaks on the 108.
It might be a replacement for 30018 in Signature Livery that is now sold.
I think more buses will be needed for the Signature services from June. Also I am told the Centro contracts say vehicles used have to be less than 2 years old, not sure if this is true though.
I doubt the buses have to be less than two years old; it would mean that two Citaros couldn't run the route and the 4 optare solo SRs. Although I'd like to be shot of those SRs. These SRs aren't the best buses, have faulty doors due to air pressure issues and remember one of the drivers telling me once that one of the engines had to be "rebuilt" in order to fix a problem. Shame they've gotten rid of AE10 CTO, used to love riding that bus!
what are the changes with the signature services S2 S3 S4 82
Quote from: Solo1 on May 21, 2013, 02:37:39 AM
what are the changes with the signature services S2 S3 S4 82
If you look back on page 40 of this thread I posted them there when they originally appeared on VOSA
Found the new S3 timetable here http://www.wythall-parish-council.org.uk/transport/ So they're running from Wythall to Hockley Heath and not on Sundays in summary. Also they're only every hour now although there'll be the 88 going to Knowle and the S2 to Dorridge.
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 21, 2013, 05:42:39 PM
Found the new S3 timetable here http://www.wythall-parish-council.org.uk/transport/ So they're running from Wythall to Hockley Heath and not on Sundays in summary. Also they're only every hour now although there'll be the 88 going to Knowle and the S2 to Dorridge.
Thanks for the link to this.
It looks like the timetable is the one from the Worcestershire CC website, so only shows the routes on this corridor within Worcs.
I haven't saw S396HVV in a while I suspect it may have been withdrawn, also S404JUA has been smartened up internally I think using the seats from withdrawn S393HVV there not great but at least they now match. Also the cadets now seem to be appearing on alot of diamond services now not so many are needed on the 4 at least one was on the 24/40/43 today.
Quote from: Ash on May 20, 2013, 01:02:03 PM
I think one might come of the 67 wednesbury to yew tree as sonetimes this service sees cadets etc probably due to going on the 56 as the 67 could get away with a car
I think another is the service around Brownhills 23 (I think) that goes to Walsall wood
Hybrid YJ12 GUH is also in the Signature grey livery, saw it at lunch time on the 16 in Moor Street.
Yeah I would think there all going to be repainted into the signature livery, not sure about the royale black diamond centro's though as the signature brand has never been ran from Tividale and really no need for them to be repainted and rebranded.
Quote from: Ash on May 22, 2013, 10:49:11 PM
Yeah I would think there all going to be repainted into the signature livery, not sure about the royale black diamond centro's though as the signature brand has never been ran from Tividale and really no need for them to be repainted and rebranded.
Royale is to be got rid of unless that has changed in the last month or so, Royale buses are to be put in the same pool as the Signature buses.
Ensign Bus appear to have 2 x 05 plate Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse for sale ex Transdev Lancashire United and they appear to be in excellent condition, they would make an ideal purchase for Rotala to increase the number of full single deckers in the Diamond fleet and are standard to the most recent purchases new & used. the advert say's 20, but think that is a typo as there are only 2 i.e. PL05UBR & PL05UBS
http://www.ensignbus.com/#!singlebus8/c1ed0
I agree some more eclipses would be great services like the 301 would really benefit from them and then move all the cadets over to the 40/42/43 along with some running boards on the 4/4H/4M.
The E300 wouldnt be a bad to buy either if it runs well as it would fit in well to Redditch even tho the OFT are looking at Redditch, Tho I cant see much coming out of it as it would be up to Worcestershire CC to retender the ex diamond 51 (every 15 Minutes) 57 & 58 (every 10 Minutes each way), which in a way should have happened.
More B7rles would be a brilliant idea especially if they are from such a reputable operator such as transdev. I think there must be 2 not 20 although 20 for rotala group fleets would be a good investment especially as they look pretty much new
Any idea when the ones from Wessex will make their up to Tividale I guess it may be when the universities break up over the summer as I would think less buses will be needed. More eclipses would be nice but only a handful of services really need the capacity of them services such as the 4/4H/4M/40/42/43/226/301 would all benefit from them as the 56/002 uses the centro's already.
The changes in Solihull from 9th June.: http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/SignatureGoesGreeninSolihull_98.html
Looks like all the hybrids will be used on the Signature Services. Interesting to read that they will be having next stop announcements for the services.
The next stop announcements have already been installed on them ages ago when they had the screens installed in them. I wonder what buses the 16 will now use I'm guessing solo's.
Quote from: Ash on May 30, 2013, 11:29:45 PM
The next stop announcements have already been installed on them ages ago when they had the screens installed in them. I wonder what buses the 16 will now use I'm guessing solo's.
Whats the PVR for the 16?
Quote from: tank90 on May 30, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Whats the PVR for the 16?
Isn't is around 5 or 6, as there were 4 x Super 16 branded MAN/MCV's, but that wasn't enough to cover the whole PVR.
I wonder where the 3 x Citaro's will end up? unless the Citaro's and the 2 x Signature Versa's move on the 16
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:12:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 30, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Whats the PVR for the 16?
Isn't is around 5 or 6, as there were 4 x Super 16 branded MAN/MCV's, but that wasn't enough to cover the whole PVR.
I wonder where the 3 x Citaro's will end up? unless the Citaro's and the 2 x Signature Versa's move on the 16
Well that had crossed my mind although the Citaros would be better off on the 82, but the other type as long as they get to keep them is the 3 E300s from Redditch :/
Quote from: tank90 on May 31, 2013, 12:19:17 AM
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:12:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 30, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Whats the PVR for the 16?
Isn't is around 5 or 6, as there were 4 x Super 16 branded MAN/MCV's, but that wasn't enough to cover the whole PVR.
I wonder where the 3 x Citaro's will end up? unless the Citaro's and the 2 x Signature Versa's move on the 16
Well that had crossed my mind although the Citaros would be better off on the 82, but the other type as long as they get to keep them is the 3 E300s from Redditch :/
I'm reading the Diamond announcement that all Solihull services including the 82 are being converted to Hybrid Versa operation, so it does seem the ex Signature buses may have to find new routes
Quote from: tank90 on May 31, 2013, 12:19:17 AM
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:12:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 30, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Whats the PVR for the 16?
Isn't is around 5 or 6, as there were 4 x Super 16 branded MAN/MCV's, but that wasn't enough to cover the whole PVR.
I wonder where the 3 x Citaro's will end up? unless the Citaro's and the 2 x Signature Versa's move on the 16
Well that had crossed my mind although the Citaros would be better off on the 82, but the other type as long as they get to keep them is the 3 E300s from Redditch :/
I think the Citaros will stay on the 82 as I think 8 buses will be needed for the S2/3/4. The Standard versas will, I'm told, go back onto the 30. 3 Citaros for the 82/88 although I dont know whats happening with fws: seems to have been off the road for a while.
This then leaves the 4 SRs, 1 may be used on the S11/15 with the other 3 maybe going on to the 16. Thats how i see it, I dont know how it will pan out.
Quote from: tank90 on May 30, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Quote from: Ash on May 30, 2013, 11:29:45 PM
The next stop announcements have already been installed on them ages ago when they had the screens installed in them. I wonder what buses the 16 will now use I'm guessing solo's.
Whats the PVR for the 16?
The 16 PVR is 6, I would think the citaro's will stay on the 82 also there has been an extra journey added in the afternoon i think at 15:50 from Solihull but no return journey at Coventry for this journey so whether it works a X30 or is driven elsewhere to take up another service around the Solihull area.
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:22:23 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 31, 2013, 12:19:17 AM
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:12:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 30, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Whats the PVR for the 16?
Isn't is around 5 or 6, as there were 4 x Super 16 branded MAN/MCV's, but that wasn't enough to cover the whole PVR.
I wonder where the 3 x Citaro's will end up? unless the Citaro's and the 2 x Signature Versa's move on the 16
Well that had crossed my mind although the Citaros would be better off on the 82, but the other type as long as they get to keep them is the 3 E300s from Redditch :/
I'm reading the Diamond announcement that all Solihull services including the 82 are being converted to Hybrid Versa operation, so it does seem the ex Signature buses may have to find new routes
I read it to mean that the hybrids are boosting the number of Signature buses ie that some would stay and other go. Or its going to be all versa and the 82 gets a mix of non/hybrid Versas.
Quote from: tank90 on May 31, 2013, 12:35:51 AM
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:22:23 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 31, 2013, 12:19:17 AM
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:12:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 30, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Whats the PVR for the 16?
Isn't is around 5 or 6, as there were 4 x Super 16 branded MAN/MCV's, but that wasn't enough to cover the whole PVR.
I wonder where the 3 x Citaro's will end up? unless the Citaro's and the 2 x Signature Versa's move on the 16
Well that had crossed my mind although the Citaros would be better off on the 82, but the other type as long as they get to keep them is the 3 E300s from Redditch :/
I'm reading the Diamond announcement that all Solihull services including the 82 are being converted to Hybrid Versa operation, so it does seem the ex Signature buses may have to find new routes
I read it to mean that the hybrids are boosting the number of Signature buses ie that some would stay and other go. Or its going to be all versa and the 82 gets a mix of non/hybrid Versas.
Sounds like you may be right... ;)
Hmm, find it a bit dumb to ask this question but what about optare versa hybrids that is at Preston, isn't they belongs to the Diamond? Because I have seen in the pictures that their seats stitched Diamond logo...
The hybrids have never really had a settled route since their introduction into service so hopefully the signature services will be where they stay for a while. The 56 service was one of the worst services they could of been allocated to as they couldn't cope with the capacity that was needed and the 16 they just seem wasted along with a couple appearing on the X30.
Quote from: Sayeed_M on May 31, 2013, 12:47:39 AM
Hmm, find it a bit dumb to ask this question but what about optare versa hybrids that is at Preston, isn't they belongs to the Diamond? Because I have seen in the pictures that their seats stitched Diamond logo...
One of them had the wrong style seating and had diamond logos thats why there is no 30133 within the diamond fleet as it should have been 30128 with Preston and 30133 with Diamond but 30133 now has the correct seating headrests with the Preston Bus logo.
Quote from: Ash on May 31, 2013, 12:49:39 AM
One of them had the wrong style seating and had diamond logos thats why there is no 30133 within the diamond fleet as it should have been 30128 with Preston and 30133 with Diamond but 30133 now has the correct seating headrests with the Preston Bus logo.
Thank you, I stand corrected.
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:39:42 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 31, 2013, 12:35:51 AM
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:22:23 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 31, 2013, 12:19:17 AM
Quote from: Winston on May 31, 2013, 12:12:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on May 30, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Whats the PVR for the 16?
Isn't is around 5 or 6, as there were 4 x Super 16 branded MAN/MCV's, but that wasn't enough to cover the whole PVR.
I wonder where the 3 x Citaro's will end up? unless the Citaro's and the 2 x Signature Versa's move on the 16
Well that had crossed my mind although the Citaros would be better off on the 82, but the other type as long as they get to keep them is the 3 E300s from Redditch :/
I'm reading the Diamond announcement that all Solihull services including the 82 are being converted to Hybrid Versa operation, so it does seem the ex Signature buses may have to find new routes
I read it to mean that the hybrids are boosting the number of Signature buses ie that some would stay and other go. Or its going to be all versa and the 82 gets a mix of non/hybrid Versas.
Sounds like you may be right... ;)
I only say that because after a quick count there are nine Signature buses at the min (excludes any Hybrids) 4 solos 3 Mercs and 2 Versas. Now if my maths is right then if the 8 Hybrids and the 2 non Hybrid versas where to stay on the S's and 30 82/8 then that gives them 10 buses 1 more than the current number. But then again this is Rotala and anything can happen in the next half hour..... yes that was liking them to Stingray lol
I hope the citaro's don't get replaced on the 82 as knowing Rotala they will probably sell the vehicles rather than upgrading another service with them, it will be interesting to see if the Royale black diamond centro's get branded for the signature services I know currently it's just the hybrids but being hi-spec buses you never know. The enviro 200 which was on loan from Tividale although now returned and the current enviro 300 on loan may be to allow some of the hybrids to get repainted into the signature livery.
Quote from: Ash on May 31, 2013, 01:25:57 AM
I hope the citaro's don't get replaced on the 82 as knowing Rotala they will probably sell the vehicles rather than upgrading another service with them, it will be interesting to see if the Royale black diamond centro's get branded for the signature services I know currently it's just the hybrids but being hi-spec buses you never know. The enviro 200 which was on loan from Tividale although now returned and the current enviro 300 on loan may be to allow some of the hybrids to get repainted into the signature livery.
You maybe right but I can see the Mercs heading north if not needed down here.
Changing the flow here slightly but Mistral has 3 used buses ideal for Kidderminster 2x 37 seat Streetlites and 1x 37 seat E200
I also hope the Citaros stay; excellent buses, they've also appeared on the S2 and S3 before and miles better than any Optare. I'm hoping this announcement will mean that the current Solo SRs are off, hate them. Looking at the S2 and S4 timetables, I'm going to guess that they'll be inter worked with each other. For example
S4 gets into Solihull at 01 and 31. The S2s leaving Solihull for Dorridge are at 08 and 38.
S2 coming into Solihull from Dorridge arrive at the station at 51 and 21.
S4 for Cheswick leave at 25 and 55.
So it looks as if the S2 and S4 will interwork, as I can't see an S4 waiting from 01 to 25 till the next departure.
I am surprised T418MNH 30445 has gone to Redditch and it means another livery being introduced there 'the old go-ahead diamond livery' not sure what has replaced it a Tividale as the mcv evolution has gone along with S396HVV.
The S2 buses have been Solo SRs today; typical as for the last few weeks its been the excellent Hybrids and now we've seemed to have lost out.
T418 in service on the 58 this morning, SF54ORK on the 51 which has come from L.A ... ex first 32877 still in service here, 30855 also back in service!
30929 now seems to have been transferred back to Long Acre I think it was on the 16 today, probably due to the versa's move onto the signature services replacement buses with the emission requirements are being drafted in within the group.
Quote from: jc on June 10, 2013, 06:22:01 PM
T418 in service on the 58 this morning, SF54ORK on the 51 which has come from L.A ... ex first 32877 still in service here, 30855 also back in service!
Have LA gone totally bonkers? A DD on the 51 was a mad idea but I could see the sense in it, but a 20 seater Solo. Heeee they aren't helping them selves keep a hole of the current Redditch network having buses that small on one of the routes that was shared.
There was at least 2 midi darts on the 4 service today, which is unusual these days but hopefully will not become a regular occurrence.
Quote from: Ash on June 14, 2013, 10:44:23 PM
There was at least 2 midi darts on the 4 service today, which is unusual these days but hopefully will not become a regular occurrence.
If the some of the choices in Redditch for the 57/58 are to go by erm then it will happen more often then not.
Quote from: tank90 on June 14, 2013, 10:49:22 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 14, 2013, 10:44:23 PM
There was at least 2 midi darts on the 4 service today, which is unusual these days but hopefully will not become a regular occurrence.
If the some of the choices in Redditch for the 57/58 are to go by erm then it will happen more often then not.
In the past the 404E was operated by solo's when diamond still had the Preston ones but now the PVR for the 4/4H/4M is 15 then I guess the odd solo or mpd will appear as it is already a service with a mix bag of buses used.
Quote from: Ash on June 14, 2013, 10:44:23 PM
There was at least 2 midi darts on the 4 service today, which is unusual these days but hopefully will not become a regular occurrence.
I see quite a lot of MPD's on the 4H
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 14, 2013, 10:57:48 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 14, 2013, 10:44:23 PM
There was at least 2 midi darts on the 4 service today, which is unusual these days but hopefully will not become a regular occurrence.
I see quite a lot of MPD's on the 4H
The 4/4H/4M all interwork so will see all types of buses used on the service at least at some point during the day. I saw an mcv on the 16 yesterday leave Birmingham with no passengers has this service picked up at all as I'm surprised it's still being operated especially when the 17/97 have been recently withdrawn which seem to carry similar numbers.
I agree there and it's not as if they let the 16 die with old buses
Quote from: Ash on June 14, 2013, 11:06:41 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 14, 2013, 10:57:48 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 14, 2013, 10:44:23 PM
There was at least 2 midi darts on the 4 service today, which is unusual these days but hopefully will not become a regular occurrence.
I see quite a lot of MPD's on the 4H
The 4/4H/4M all interwork so will see all types of buses used on the service at least at some point during the day. I saw an mcv on the 16 yesterday leave Birmingham with no passengers has this service picked up at all as I'm surprised it's still being operated especially when the 17/97 have been recently withdrawn which seem to carry similar numbers.
The 16 does seem to be really struggling in contrast to the 4 services which seem to have picked up. Today it was eclipses and a couple of cadets and darts-a vgx one and the other day the ex pete's euro 3 black diamond dart was on there as well which was good.
Seen quite a few newer buses on 16 today as opposed to older ones
Most of time all in Blue
Quote from: vinh1000 on June 15, 2013, 07:03:18 PM
Seen quite a few newer buses on 16 today as opposed to older ones
Most of time all in Blue
Which buses were on there today? Newer solos etc or any proper buses?
Quote from: Peter123 on June 15, 2013, 07:06:07 PM
Which buses were on there today? Newer solos etc or any proper buses?
The Enviro200 30929 and Centro 30704 on there today. These along with MCV 30111 are usually on the 16 most days, the rest are usually Darts or Solos
Quote from: John on June 15, 2013, 07:14:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 15, 2013, 07:06:07 PM
Which buses were on there today? Newer solos etc or any proper buses?
The Enviro200 30929 and Centro 30704 on there today. These along with MCV 30111 are usually on the 16 most days, the rest are usually Darts or Solos
How about on the 50-is that 804 and then the akw darts and mpds?
Quote from: Peter123 on June 15, 2013, 07:36:54 PM
How about on the 50-is that 804 and then the akw darts and mpds?
Yes, 30804 was on there today, as well as 30637. The rest are usually MPDs yes Peter
Quote from: John on June 15, 2013, 07:53:20 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 15, 2013, 07:36:54 PM
How about on the 50-is that 804 and then the akw darts and mpds?
Yes, 30804 was on there today, as well as 30637. The rest are usually MPDs yes Peter
Thought so-havent been on the 50 for a while instead prefer bus spotting/photography in the black country as there is a lot more variety over there and particularly for me as Im more insterested in diamond than more national express stuff
Quote from: John on June 15, 2013, 07:14:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 15, 2013, 07:06:07 PM
Which buses were on there today? Newer solos etc or any proper buses?
The Enviro200 30929 and Centro 30704 on there today. These along with MCV 30111 are usually on the 16 most days, the rest are usually Darts or Solos
This photo probably says something about expected passenger loads
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20912.html
Quote from: Tony on June 15, 2013, 08:35:49 PM
Quote from: John on June 15, 2013, 07:14:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 15, 2013, 07:06:07 PM
Which buses were on there today? Newer solos etc or any proper buses?
The Enviro200 30929 and Centro 30704 on there today. These along with MCV 30111 are usually on the 16 most days, the rest are usually Darts or Solos
This photo probably says something about expected passenger loads
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20912.html
Its a real pity how this service has gone downhill as it is a service that has been operated for 29 years by bcc/diamond-were grs the final straw as they seemed to do well before this??
20912 seems to have gone to Long Acre from Tividale if it was operating on the 16. The problem with diamond on the 16 and the 50 is that the frequency is too low. If it was every 8 minutes for example passenger number's would pick up as only 6 buses are used on the 16 currently and as shown in Tony photo 2 of the solo's were bunched together.
Quote from: Ash on June 15, 2013, 09:47:40 PM
20912 seems to have gone to Long Acre from Tividale if it was operating on the 16. The problem with diamond on the 16 and the 50 is that the frequency is too low. If it was every 8 minutes for example passenger number's would pick up as only 6 buses are used on the 16 currently and as shown in Tony photo 2 of the solo's were bunched together.
I agree they need to take the risk and up the frequency and paint the buses colours that stand out something fluorescent or yellow or orange or something and advertise the returns
Im not sure how successful GRS travel are on the 16 as they have even less buses than diamond on the service and use 15 year old darts which are all multicolored.
Quote from: Ash on June 15, 2013, 10:02:06 PM
Im not sure how successful GRS travel are on the 16 as they have even less buses than diamond on the service and use 15 year old darts which are all multicolored.
They often seem busy though
Quote from: Peter123 on June 15, 2013, 10:15:04 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 15, 2013, 10:02:06 PM
Im not sure how successful GRS travel are on the 16 as they have even less buses than diamond on the service and use 15 year old darts which are all multicolored.
They often seem busy though
Yeah they seem to do ok not sure if they stick to a timetable though or whether they try to run directly in front of a NXWM or diamond bus or perhaps they just run a good service and people want to catch them :o
I'm not sure an increased frequency would help out on the 16 Diamond have been losing ground to NX for some time now & I think the reduced frequency is a result in the lower passenger numbers rather than the other way round. It's a shame really as I believe at one time BCC outnumbered TWM on the route. It does seem like over the years NXWM have regained lost ground like the 50 which Petes ran ever 8 mins, the 97 which Petes ran every 8 mins, the 9 which BCC ran every 10 mins just to name a few.
I have to admit NX are a lot harder to compete against than they used to be in part due to the Travelcard.
Quote from: Steveminor on June 16, 2013, 04:55:13 PM
I'm not sure an increased frequency would help out on the 16 Diamond have been losing ground to NX for some time now & I think the reduced frequency is a result in the lower passenger numbers rather than the other way round. It's a shame really as I believe at one time BCC outnumbered TWM on the route. It does seem like over the years NXWM have regained lost ground like the 50 which Petes ran ever 8 mins, the 97 which Petes ran every 8 mins, the 9 which BCC ran every 10 mins just to name a few.
I have to admit NX are a lot harder to compete against than they used to be in part due to the Travelcard.
What's different about the NX travelcards now than in previous years? NX/TWM did go through periods where they didn't appear to put up much fight against competing operators such as BCC. Competition from NX does seem to have intensified for the likes of Rotala since NX group troubles in 2009 & Dean Finch turning the performance of UK bus around
The Travelcards now are much better value for money now than they used to be, Tony may correct me but back in the 90s they were only really any value if you were going to catch more than 2 buses every day over 5 days. Now they are cheaper than buying a daysaver everyday.
A lot more people have travelcards now than in the past making the percentage of passengers that a competitor can get off NXWM a lot smaller.
Quote from: Steveminor on June 16, 2013, 05:42:09 PM
The Travelcards now are much better value for money now than they used to be, Tony may correct me but back in the 90s they were only really any value if you were going to catch more than 2 buses every day over 5 days. Now they are cheaper than buying a daysaver everyday.
A lot more people have travelcards now than in the past making the percentage of passengers that a competitor can get off NXWM a lot smaller.
I always thought the 'Faresaver' was always as equally good value for money back in WMT/Yourbus/Metrowest day's, I presume by NXWM reducing the price of travelcards further, it's another sign of them squeezing the competition by encouraging further daily cash paying passengers to buy monthly NX travelcards. In addition to that NX have a comprehensive network generally operating 18 hrs a day / 7 days a week, which no other operators can compete with in offering their own travelcards
Quote from: Steveminor on June 16, 2013, 04:55:13 PM
I'm not sure an increased frequency would help out on the 16 Diamond have been losing ground to NX for some time now & I think the reduced frequency is a result in the lower passenger numbers rather than the other way round. It's a shame really as I believe at one time BCC outnumbered TWM on the route. It does seem like over the years NXWM have regained lost ground like the 50 which Petes ran ever 8 mins, the 97 which Petes ran every 8 mins, the 9 which BCC ran every 10 mins just to name a few.
I have to admit NX are a lot harder to compete against than they used to be in part due to the Travelcard.
If you look at the service diamond do well on against NXWM it's mainly due to matching the frequency i.e the 4/40/42/43/301/401E so that every other bus is a diamond in most cases as a passenger I wouldn't buy a return ticket on the 50 if i know there every 15 minutes and NXWM are every couple of minutes whereas on the 4 diamond run every 6 minutes and so do NXWM. Also it's all about who get to the bus stops first if diamond match NXWM in frequency then they will pick up more passengers per bus or at least willing passengers who will be a return due to the high frequency. I don't think I got my point across well though as it's hard to explain.
Quote from: Ash on June 16, 2013, 06:52:42 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on June 16, 2013, 04:55:13 PM
I'm not sure an increased frequency would help out on the 16 Diamond have been losing ground to NX for some time now & I think the reduced frequency is a result in the lower passenger numbers rather than the other way round. It's a shame really as I believe at one time BCC outnumbered TWM on the route. It does seem like over the years NXWM have regained lost ground like the 50 which Petes ran ever 8 mins, the 97 which Petes ran every 8 mins, the 9 which BCC ran every 10 mins just to name a few.
I have to admit NX are a lot harder to compete against than they used to be in part due to the Travelcard.
If you look at the service diamond do well on against NXWM it's mainly due to matching the frequency i.e the 4/40/42/43/301/401E so that every other bus is a diamond in most cases as a passenger I wouldn't buy a return ticket on the 50 if i know there every 15 minutes and NXWM are every couple of minutes whereas on the 4 diamond run every 6 minutes and so do NXWM. Also it's all about who get to the bus stops first if diamond match NXWM in frequency then they will pick up more passengers per bus or at least willing passengers who will be a return due to the high frequency. I don't think I got my point across well though as it's hard to explain.
I agree with you Ash and I do understand your point. It is about passenger perception-with more buses on the route passengers will think oh look theres a diamond bus and lots of them so contemplate a return whereas on the 50 why would anyone buy a return when diamond are not particularly frequent. I simply dont buy the argument that competing with national express is impossible-it is down to route choice, good vehicles and colour schemes and marketing and building up a customer base over several years and being prepared to take commercial risks.
If its down to frequencies explain the 37. Very frequent Rotal designed a good livery, the buses were well turned out & they started off with a VERY cheap single fare. Yet they still lost out badly to NX.
I do agree it isn't impossible to compete with NXWM, just harder than it used to be, especially on core corridors
Quote from: Steveminor on June 16, 2013, 08:03:29 PM
If its down to frequencies explain the 37. Very frequent Rotal designed a good livery, the buses were well turned out & they started off with a VERY cheap single fare. Yet they still lost out badly to NX.
I do agree it isn't impossible to compete with NXWM, just harder than it used to be, especially on core corridors
badly run and wrong route choice-a long route that has a high percentage of travelcard users on it and in the latter days it was run badly and the service was unreliable. You have to remember pete's had already pulled off this route once for a reason and was a complete dead duck compared to 17/97/16/50.
I have to say that I think Diamond removing the 50p fare if you have a twm ticket was silly and adds to there downfall on many services including 16, 17, 37,97 and 404. At the time they removed them I thought was silly and to me has proven a bad move. That could be why GRS seem more busier. Virtually all passengers in my mind have no loyalty to a bus operator I honestly believe they just want to jump on the first bus that arrive that is cheap! But again the 16 looks completely dead why on earth did the 97 go which had decent loading and the 16 remain. Daft to be honest and a really shame to see diamond still struggling.
There is a very good reason for getting rid of the 50p TWM supplement. Centro pay concessions at a percentage of an operators average fare. If you are getting a lot of 50p fares this lowers your average fare & so lowers your concessionary reimbursement, not by much but when you consider how many pensioners are carried, it does add up. Add to that people who pay 50p for a pass are less likely to wait for their ticket, which will increase the chances of a driver pocketing the money.
On the 37 front it was well managed at the beginning & reliable however my short workings @ AMPM would leave Solihull after a Diamond with more passengers.
Also the reason the 4/40/42/43/301 and 401E are quite successful is that there is a network of services around Walsall and West Bromwich covering most of the black country where as in Birmingham you buy a pass for the 16 their is no diamond service from Hamstead and you have the 50 or 56 from Birmingham not much selection where as for example you can get from Bloxwich to Merry Hill using 2 diamond buses or Weoley castle to West Bromwich changing at Halesowen or alot of other combinations with more selections.
Quote from: Ash on June 16, 2013, 09:56:28 PM
Also the reason the 4/40/42/43/301 and 401E are quite successful is that there is a network of services around Walsall and West Bromwich covering most of the black country where as in Birmingham you buy a pass for the 16 their is no diamond service from Hamstead and you have the 50 or 56 from Birmingham not much selection where as for example you can get from Bloxwich to Merry Hill using 2 diamond buses or Weoley castle to West Bromwich changing at Halesowen or alot of other combinations with more selections.
Also because half of the routes mentioned (4/40/42/43) have the same frequencies as their NXWM counterparts, therefore it is a level playing field, whereas if you look at the 50, passengers are more likely to use the NXWM service, as it's 3 times more frequent than the Diamond service
Quote from: Shaun on June 16, 2013, 10:53:01 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 16, 2013, 09:56:28 PM
Also the reason the 4/40/42/43/301 and 401E are quite successful is that there is a network of services around Walsall and West Bromwich covering most of the black country where as in Birmingham you buy a pass for the 16 their is no diamond service from Hamstead and you have the 50 or 56 from Birmingham not much selection where as for example you can get from Bloxwich to Merry Hill using 2 diamond buses or Weoley castle to West Bromwich changing at Halesowen or alot of other combinations with more selections.
Also because half of the routes mentioned (4/40/42/43) have the same frequencies as their NXWM counterparts, therefore it is a level playing field, whereas if you look at the 50, passengers are more likely to use the NXWM service, as it's 3 times more frequent than the Diamond service
Exactly Shaun,I just wished diamond would advertise there return tickets quite a few people wait for the NXWM bus and pay £2.90 for a return ticker because they think diamond just don't do return tickets.
the new livery just looks unappealing too compared to previous attempts and brandings. I think people are reluctant to take the leap of buying a pass for any length of time partly due to smaller operators withdrawing at short notice, leaving customers high and dry.
If I was in charge, I would concentrate on the more profitable routes, run at a good frequency with low fares and make a point of these such as eye catching adverts and branding.
I feel they are too big but not big enough compared to NXWM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on June 17, 2013, 12:03:47 AM
the new livery just looks unappealing too compared to previous attempts and brandings. I think people are reluctant to take the leap of buying a pass for any length of time partly due to smaller operators withdrawing at short notice, leaving customers high and dry.
If I was in charge, I would concentrate on the more profitable routes, run at a good frequency with low fares and make a point of these such as eye catching adverts and branding.
I feel they are too big but not big enough compared to NXWM
The services diamond operate commercially have been around for many years so are not likely to be withdrawn so passengers should feel confident in buying longer term passes but agree higher frequencies and some catchy branding would be good.
Quote from: Ash on June 17, 2013, 12:14:28 AM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on June 17, 2013, 12:03:47 AM
the new livery just looks unappealing too compared to previous attempts and brandings. I think people are reluctant to take the leap of buying a pass for any length of time partly due to smaller operators withdrawing at short notice, leaving customers high and dry.
If I was in charge, I would concentrate on the more profitable routes, run at a good frequency with low fares and make a point of these such as eye catching adverts and branding.
I feel they are too big but not big enough compared to NXWM
The services diamond operate commercially have been around for many years so are not likely to be withdrawn so passengers should feel confident in buying longer term passes but agree higher frequencies and some catchy branding would be good.
Ash, but so were routes such as the 9, 17, 64, 74, 87, 97 120 etc they've all gone
Quote from: Winston on June 17, 2013, 12:18:43 AM
Quote from: Ash on June 17, 2013, 12:14:28 AM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on June 17, 2013, 12:03:47 AM
the new livery just looks unappealing too compared to previous attempts and brandings. I think people are reluctant to take the leap of buying a pass for any length of time partly due to smaller operators withdrawing at short notice, leaving customers high and dry.
If I was in charge, I would concentrate on the more profitable routes, run at a good frequency with low fares and make a point of these such as eye catching adverts and branding.
I feel they are too big but not big enough compared to NXWM
The services diamond operate commercially have been around for many years so are not likely to be withdrawn so passengers should feel confident in buying longer term passes but agree higher frequencies and some catchy branding would be good.
Ash, but so were routes such as the 9, 17, 64, 74, 87, 97 120 etc they've all gone
Diamond generally do better in the black country and not on services that enter Birmingham also all these services didn't match NXWM frequency in most cases.
"all these services didn't match NXWM frequency in most cases."
They used to @ one point but buses were gradually withdrawn as passenger numbers fell until eventually the routes themselves were withdrawn.
Maybe Diamond have become a little complacent with their commercial routes & just expect their drivers will compete with NXWM. In my experience that is never the case. Unless you give the drivers some incentive to compete or have someone monitoring them more then drivers will just become lazy & follow each other around.
When Thann their inspector was in Birmingham pushing the drivers to compete they did a lot better, but as soon as he was gone you would all too often see then bunch up behind each other or following NXWM.
At Tile Cross I would often see Diamond wait in the terminus until about 2 mins after a NX 17 had left before leaving themselves & very seldom see Diamond leave in front.
Even the other week on the 4 Diamond left West Brom behind NX & just followed it (even stopping at stops behind it when there was no one to get on or off) until Caldmore. When we pulled into Walsall there was another NX 4 on the stand & guess what, the Diamond bus I had just got off followed it out empty.
How do you get passengers if you follow another bus.
Perhaps because they have to follow to a timetable?
Well the 4 I was on was actually running late & if they were timetabled to run behind NXWM on so many occasions then the scheduler deserves to be sacked. I would never timetable a bus so close behind the competition it's pointless
Quote from: Steveminor on June 17, 2013, 09:48:40 AM
"all these services didn't match NXWM frequency in most cases."
They used to @ one point but buses were gradually withdrawn as passenger numbers fell until eventually the routes themselves were withdrawn.
Maybe Diamond have become a little complacent with their commercial routes & just expect their drivers will compete with NXWM. In my experience that is never the case. Unless you give the drivers some incentive to compete or have someone monitoring them more then drivers will just become lazy & follow each other around.
When Thann their inspector was in Birmingham pushing the drivers to compete they did a lot better, but as soon as he was gone you would all too often see then bunch up behind each other or following NXWM.
At Tile Cross I would often see Diamond wait in the terminus until about 2 mins after a NX 17 had left before leaving themselves & very seldom see Diamond leave in front.
Even the other week on the 4 Diamond left West Brom behind NX & just followed it (even stopping at stops behind it when there was no one to get on or off) until Caldmore. When we pulled into Walsall there was another NX 4 on the stand & guess what, the Diamond bus I had just got off followed it out empty.
How do you get passengers if you follow another bus.
See it happen way to much on many routes and you also see nx drivers doing it too! maybe some commission incetive could would giving the drivers a bonus if they see so many tickets per day?
I believe they used to have a bonus system but decided to do away with it.
Quote from: Steveminor on June 17, 2013, 05:22:17 PM
I believe they used to have a bonus system but decided to do away with it.
Probably because such a system will inevitably lead to drivers not sticking to a timetable and the company ultimately ending up in trouble. If you were driving and had incentives based on revenue taken would a driver stick to their running time or try to overtake the late running NXWM bus in front who is getting all the passengers?
That was the situation in the late 80s and 90s when it was a free for all.
Diamond aren't a bad company but they, and their predecessors, tried to operate in far too large an area for a small company - they have had routes in a huge area eg Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester and everywhere in between. They should just focus on a few core routes not try and be a new Midland Red.
Petes travel managed to operate over a wide area so that isn't the problem. I think as has been said before I think it comes down to losing some key personnel to their Your Bus operation.
As for the bonus system then the way I have operated it before is that any driver caught over the TCs tolerance level -1 or +5 automatically forfeit their bonus for that week.
That has kept my guys in line whilst keeping them productive.
Slightly off topic but I imagine the Diamond 22 Wolverhampton to Russels Hall is tendered as I have in all honesty only ever ever seen one passenger on the service so if its not why are they running it
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on June 17, 2013, 09:20:58 PM
Slightly off topic but I imagine the Diamond 22 Wolverhampton to Russels Hall is tendered as I have in all honesty only ever ever seen one passenger on the service so if its not why are they running it
Yes i believe it is tendered.
Quote from: Steveminor on June 17, 2013, 07:22:39 PM
Petes travel managed to operate over a wide area so that isn't the problem. I think as has been said before I think it comes down to losing some key personnel to their Your Bus operation.
As for the bonus system then the way I have operated it before is that any driver caught over the TCs tolerance level -1 or +5 automatically forfeit their bonus for that week.
That has kept my guys in line whilst keeping them productive.
Petes Travel "managed"?
Surprised to see today there was not one red and white dart on the 4, but since the 289 has been withdrawn the loadings on the 4M seems to have increased by quite a bit.
was the 4 blue ones out today as my friend didn't any of them
Quote from: Solo1 on June 19, 2013, 09:30:13 PM
was the 4 blue ones out today as my friend didn't any of them
All 7 of the b7rle's seem to be out on the 4/4H/4M today although I caught 4 diamond buses on the 4 today and 3 were darts and 1 cadet.
Quote from: Steveminor on June 17, 2013, 09:48:40 AM
"all these services didn't match NXWM frequency in most cases."
They used to @ one point but buses were gradually withdrawn as passenger numbers fell until eventually the routes themselves were withdrawn.
Maybe Diamond have become a little complacent with their commercial routes & just expect their drivers will compete with NXWM. In my experience that is never the case. Unless you give the drivers some incentive to compete or have someone monitoring them more then drivers will just become lazy & follow each other around.
When Thann their inspector was in Birmingham pushing the drivers to compete they did a lot better, but as soon as he was gone you would all too often see then bunch up behind each other or following NXWM.
At Tile Cross I would often see Diamond wait in the terminus until about 2 mins after a NX 17 had left before leaving themselves & very seldom see Diamond leave in front.
Even the other week on the 4 Diamond left West Brom behind NX & just followed it (even stopping at stops behind it when there was no one to get on or off) until Caldmore. When we pulled into Walsall there was another NX 4 on the stand & guess what, the Diamond bus I had just got off followed it out empty.
How do you get passengers if you follow another bus.
I agree with you steve they need to try to encourage drivers to increade their takings through bonuses though not remembering that reliability is important as well. To be fair though on the 4 as NX/diamond are pretty much at same frequency its probably pointless a diamond driver overtaking a national express driver as there will be a diamond in front anyway. As such, it is best to hold back about 5 minutes/until the next nx is in the mirror and then go
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
To be fair I was talking about the core west brom to walsall section of the route
Quote from: Peter123 on June 21, 2013, 07:43:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
To be fair I was talking about the core west brom to walsall section of the route
Ah ok fair enough, I don't know so much about that part of the route. In fact I have only ever done the Hayley Green - Halesowen part of the route
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 21, 2013, 07:43:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
To be fair I was talking about the core west brom to walsall section of the route
Ah ok fair enough, I don't know so much about that part of the route. In fact I have only ever done the Hayley Green - Halesowen part of the route
The 4H does seen to be the most profitible route out of the 3. Would it be a good idea to only do the 4H on sundays because the two busiest parts of the route would then be served
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 07:55:21 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 21, 2013, 07:43:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
To be fair I was talking about the core west brom to walsall section of the route
Ah ok fair enough, I don't know so much about that part of the route. In fact I have only ever done the Hayley Green - Halesowen part of the route
The 4H does seen to be the most profitible route out of the 3. Would it be a good idea to only do the 4H on sundays because the two busiest parts of the route would then be served
The Hasbury part can't be that busy surely
When diamond operated the 404E on a sunday every 15 minutes is was very well used i remember catching several mcv evolutions which operated it at the time and they were absolutely rammed when reaching West Bromwich, they changed it to the 4M operate it every 30 minutes and run it about 10 minutes behind NXWM 4M and guess what it fails, if they reverted back to the 4 every 15 minutes run it 5 minutes before the NXWM bus they would have a success one again. Previously the 404E lasted from 2010-2012 when it changed to the 4M and lasted about 6 months surely this must tell diamond something.
Quote from: richie on June 21, 2013, 10:38:01 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 07:55:21 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 21, 2013, 07:43:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
To be fair I was talking about the core west brom to walsall section of the route
Ah ok fair enough, I don't know so much about that part of the route. In fact I have only ever done the Hayley Green - Halesowen part of the route
The 4H does seen to be the most profitible route out of the 3. Would it be a good idea to only do the 4H on sundays because the two busiest parts of the route would then be served
The Hasbury part can't be that busy surely
Busiest part from what I've seen!
Quote from: richie on June 21, 2013, 10:38:01 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 07:55:21 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 21, 2013, 07:43:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
To be fair I was talking about the core west brom to walsall section of the route
Ah ok fair enough, I don't know so much about that part of the route. In fact I have only ever done the Hayley Green - Halesowen part of the route
The 4H does seen to be the most profitible route out of the 3. Would it be a good idea to only do the 4H on sundays because the two busiest parts of the route would then be served
The Hasbury part can't be that busy surely
Rich,
The Hasbury section can carry reasonable loads, but the majority are normally concessionary only
Quote from: Winston on June 22, 2013, 12:43:44 AM
Quote from: richie on June 21, 2013, 10:38:01 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 07:55:21 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 21, 2013, 07:43:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
To be fair I was talking about the core west brom to walsall section of the route
Ah ok fair enough, I don't know so much about that part of the route. In fact I have only ever done the Hayley Green - Halesowen part of the route
The 4H does seen to be the most profitible route out of the 3. Would it be a good idea to only do the 4H on sundays because the two busiest parts of the route would then be served
The Hasbury part can't be that busy surely
Rich,
The Hasbury section can carry reasonable loads, but the majority are normally concessionary only
A large proportion of the population of Hayley Green/Hasbury seem to be elderly people who use the 244, 4H, 142 and 217 (and even my school bus once or twice!) just to hop into town to do their shopping
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 12:46:18 AM
Quote from: Winston on June 22, 2013, 12:43:44 AM
Quote from: richie on June 21, 2013, 10:38:01 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 07:55:21 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 21, 2013, 07:43:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 21, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
Diamond are every 20 minutes on the 4H whereas NX are every 30
To be fair I was talking about the core west brom to walsall section of the route
Ah ok fair enough, I don't know so much about that part of the route. In fact I have only ever done the Hayley Green - Halesowen part of the route
The 4H does seen to be the most profitible route out of the 3. Would it be a good idea to only do the 4H on sundays because the two busiest parts of the route would then be served
The Hasbury part can't be that busy surely
Rich,
The Hasbury section can carry reasonable loads, but the majority are normally concessionary only
A large proportion of the population of Hayley Green/Hasbury seem to be elderly people who use the 244, 4H, 142 and 217 (and even my school bus once or twice!) just to hop into town to do their shopping
A lot of people who buses from Hasbury are generally OAP's, additionally a lot of elderly people that I know of have passed away with younger people moving in who don't use buses. Hasbury doesn't haven't have anywhere near the choice of routes it once had as a result
Are the your bus presidents at Long acre for sale as i believe they were for part exchange for the 04 reg b7rle's from Wessex so wondered if they will see service within the Rotala group. The presidents would be ideal for the 301 or for use on services such as the 56 or 002 and then repaint the centro's on the 002 and use them on the 4/4H/4M along with the b7rle's currently being used.
Quote from: Ash on June 22, 2013, 10:53:24 PM
Are the your bus presidents at Long acre for sale as i believe they were for part exchange for the 04 reg b7rle's from Wessex so wondered if they will see service within the Rotala group. The presidents would be ideal for the 301 or for use on services such as the 56 or 002 and then repaint the centro's on the 002 and use them on the 4/4H/4M along with the b7rle's currently being used.
Presidents past my house on the 002, now that would be awesome!
Quote from: Ash on June 22, 2013, 10:53:24 PM
Are the your bus presidents at Long acre for sale as i believe they were for part exchange for the 04 reg b7rle's from Wessex so wondered if they will see service within the Rotala group. The presidents would be ideal for the 301 or for use on services such as the 56 or 002 and then repaint the centro's on the 002 and use them on the 4/4H/4M along with the b7rle's currently being used.
The Yourbus Yahoo group suggested that those Presidents were destined for Wessex, surprise, surprise..... but plans may have now changed unless they are being prepared to go at the start of the new term.
They are not listed for sale on the Rotala group disposals, only the 10 ex First Tridents still
Thanks Winston, Yes Wessex seems to get anything decent and the West Midlands seems to suffer apart from the Signature group of services. The 4 service gets 4 brand new b7rle's and 3 ex midland classic ones when the PVR is 15 so you still see cadets and the old red and white darts so if your unlucky you can still get a 15 year old dart or 12 year old cadet.
Quote from: Ash on June 22, 2013, 11:15:36 PM
Thanks Winston, Yes Wessex seems to get anything decent and the West Midlands seems to suffer apart from the Signature group of services. The 4 service gets 4 brand new b7rle's and 3 ex midland classic ones when the PVR is 15 so you still see cadets and the old red and white darts so if your unlucky you can still get a 15 year old dart or 12 year old cadet.
Exactly, and still no sign of the other ex Wessex B7RLE either. Diamond just seems to get a token investment these days in new vehicles
Diamond is the biggest business within the Rotala group it may not be the most profitable although I'm not sure about that but the investment especially in full size single deckers is minimal. Decent second hand vehicles would be ideal more 5/6 year old centro's or b7rle's would be great for the 301 and the 4/4H/4M moving the cadets to services such as the 226/40/42/43.
Quote from: Ash on June 22, 2013, 11:34:06 PM
Diamond is the biggest business within the Rotala group it may not be the most profitable although I'm not sure about that but the investment especially in full size single deckers is minimal. Decent second hand vehicles would be ideal more 5/6 year old centro's or b7rle's would be great for the 301 and the 4/4H/4M moving the cadets to services such as the 226/40/42/43.
It is the biggest and always has been, you would think that 15 new buses a year for Diamond shouldn't break the bank.....
I was thinking how they have the signature branding for the Solihull group of services it's a shame they couldn't do something similar for the services in West Bromwich may be using the old black country connection branding as they have the 4/4H/4M/19/53/54/A/40/42/43/64/226W to name a few services of which diamond operate that serve West Bromwich.
Quote from: Winston on June 22, 2013, 11:37:46 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 22, 2013, 11:34:06 PM
Diamond is the biggest business within the Rotala group it may not be the most profitable although I'm not sure about that but the investment especially in full size single deckers is minimal. Decent second hand vehicles would be ideal more 5/6 year old centro's or b7rle's would be great for the 301 and the 4/4H/4M moving the cadets to services such as the 226/40/42/43.
It is the biggest and always has been, you would think that 15 new buses a year for Diamond shouldn't break the bank.....
And out of the three doesn't it have the most oldest average fleet age or one of the oldest as I know preston has a Lynx and Olympians, but bare them its the youngest?
Surely if they spent money on newer buses more people would travel Diamond, because if I had a choice between a V,X,51,01,02,52,03 reg dart that looked clapped out or a newer reg Id go newer reg if the fares were similar.
The S and T reg darts that appear on the 4 aren't too bad and are quite reliable I have never seen them brake down S377TMB or S404JUA compared to the cadets which break down daily but I'm surprised Rotala did't buy all the 02/52 reg darts back from Yourbus as they only took 4 off them they would have been ideal for the 4 along side the b7rle's.
Quote from: Ash on June 23, 2013, 12:43:01 PM
The S and T reg darts that appear on the 4 aren't too bad and are quite reliable I have never seen them brake down S377TMB or S404JUA compared to the cadets which break down daily but I'm surprised Rotala did't buy all the 02/52 reg darts back from Yourbus as they only took 4 off them they would have been ideal for the 4 along side the b7rle's.
I agree there I would take darts over cadets any day and they really are good, reliable buses.
Those cadets must have clocked up some really high mileage as there in use nearly every day and they never sounds too good when you travel on them, the best cadet in my opinion is 30207 always sounds good and seems quite reliable the worst is 30202 and sounds awful I'm surprised it's still on the road. Does anyone know apart from the b7rle's that should be coming from Wessex any other buses that might be coming to Tividale as at least one solo and an enviro 200 has been lost to Long Acre.
Quote from: Ash on June 23, 2013, 01:06:05 PM
Those cadets must have clocked up some really high mileage as there in use nearly every day and they never sounds too good when you travel on them, the best cadet in my opinion is 30207 always sounds good and seems quite reliable the worst is 30202 and sounds awful I'm surprised it's still on the road. Does anyone know apart from the b7rle's that should be coming from Wessex any other buses that might be coming to Tividale as at least one solo and an enviro 200 has been lost to Long Acre.
That is true-on the subject has anyone seen/heard 30201 for a while as I haven't seen it out recently?? I haven't heard of any other buses set to join the fleet
30201 has been on the 4 in the last week or so, not the most reliable cadet though remember it breaking down multiple times within it's first few weeks in service with diamond.
Quote from: Ash on June 23, 2013, 03:49:48 PM
30201 has been on the 4 in the last week or so, not the most reliable cadet though remember it breaking down multiple times within it's first few weeks in service with diamond.
Yeah same-I'll see if I can see it over in west brom tomorrow and hopefully get a picture or two. Thanks
No Probs, there are only about 3/4 cadets on the 4/4H/4M daily now with 6 normally on the 301 and not sure where the other 3 are used I have saw them appear on the 42/43 from time to time.
Basically, in the diamond fleet the buses I want are the full length darts-where do you think the best place to photo as many of these as possible is?
You mean the red and white darts and W567JVV, V377/391SVV. The full length darts are always on the 4/4H/4M/42/43 they rarely appear on the 40 now as that service only sees the mpd darts. KU52RYH is mostly on the 4 as well.
Quote from: Ash on June 23, 2013, 04:07:55 PM
You mean the red and white darts and W567JVV, V377/391SVV. The full length darts are always on the 4/4H/4M/42/43 they rarely appear on the 40 now as that service only sees the mpd darts. KU52RYH is mostly on the 4 as well.
Yeah so West Brom bus station sounds the best bet
Definitely the 226 seems the same 2 full size darts and 2 midi darts but apart from that West Brom is your best bet.
In west brom today other than the presence of a lot of darts out and about-some on the 4/H/M route(s) but the 4H's came in to west brom then looped around the ringroad? by the polski shop and then came back and up to the 4H stand. have they always done this?
Quote from: Peter123 on June 28, 2013, 06:10:56 PM
In west brom today other than the presence of a lot of darts out and about-some on the 4/H/M route(s) but the 4H's came in to west brom then looped around the ringroad? by the polski shop and then came back and up to the 4H stand. have they always done this?
They will be going in different directions the 4H leaves that way to head towards Halesowen but goes past the Polski shop on it's return from Halesowen to the bus station. The 4M is the same.
A vist here wouldnt go a miss for the Rotala fleet, as there are loads of buses that would fit the bill including Centros
http://coachandbusmarket.com/dealers/arriva-buses/
If anything most of the larger buses on there would be ideal to replace the mini darts in most of the diamond fleet.
They should get looking on that website! One of the Optare solo SRs 10 reg, has broken down (again) on the S2 this afternoon on the service before mine. I assume it overheated, wouldn't surprise me. The air con on the things never works either, despite they're meant to have air con. It amazes me how at only 3 years old they break down frequently whilst the NXWM Scanias are miles better; the air con actually works and they rarely break down seemingly. Rant over!
Quote from: Liberator9 on July 09, 2013, 07:13:40 PM
They should get looking on that website! One of the Optare solo SRs 10 reg, has broken down (again) on the S2 this afternoon on the service before mine. I assume it overheated, wouldn't surprise me. The air con on the things never works either, despite they're meant to have air con. It amazes me how at only 3 years old they break down frequently whilst the NXWM Scanias are miles better; the air con actually works and they rarely break down seemingly. Rant over!
Im not sure the omnilinks have air con if they do the ones on the 4 don't have them.
All omnilinks have a small air con pod on them operated by nxwm however I think its just drivers air con! Amd the solos dont have aor cond the big thing to why that is is there is no pod!!!
I mean the ones on the 37; at the back there seems to be a large pod which could be air con. http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/1750-1953/1948.html Although if anyone can clarify there is no air con that would be helpful
Hahaha 'pod'
Diamond cadets 30204 and 30209 broke down one behind each other both on the 4 at the same stop near Tame Bridge, both have rear engine covers up and water all over the floor.
I'm pretty sure none of NXWM's buses have 'proper' air-con.
Really; always found the Scanias and the Wright Eclipse Urbans very cool even in the summer. Although the Tridents are awful, rode one the other day on the 76 and it was boiling hot!
the Enviro400 all have an air cooling system too with the exception of the leathers at Walsall which are full air con
New Diamond School service
PD0001374/310 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Barnt Green/Lickey/Bromsgrove
Finish Point: St Bedes Middle School/Redditch Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 181
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2013
Other Details: School days
Quote from: Winston on July 11, 2013, 01:19:18 PM
New Diamond School service
PD0001374/310 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Barnt Green/Lickey/Bromsgrove
Finish Point: St Bedes Middle School/Redditch Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 181
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2013
Other Details: School days
Could be a good sign.
Will probably be operated by Redditch and may need a decker.
Quote from: dannygill on July 10, 2013, 07:36:11 PM
the Enviro400 all have an air cooling system too with the exception of the leathers at Walsall which are full air con
Hasn't Tony at one point stated that no NX bus has full Air Conditioning?
I've travelled on a couple of Arriva's B5LH Gemini 2 hybrids while I was in London, and I know they have 'proper' air-conditioning installed, because there is a big air-con unit over the stairs on the top deck, and they were lovely and cool to travel on. I never saw one of those on any of NXWM's hybrids. ;)
Has anyone else noticed that recently a lot of diamond buses are issuing tickets with bus number 1111 meaning they havent been set up. I even bought a day ticket on 31507 in redditch yesterday and it said that it was issued by 20232...
Diamond have been moving the ticket machines around and they dont get reprogrammed.
W902 JNF in service in Redditch today in what looks like a fresh coat of paint and new fleetnames
Quote from: jc on July 15, 2013, 09:52:27 AM
W902 JNF in service in Redditch today in what looks like a fresh coat of paint and new fleetnames
Thats a good plan as these darts are in good nick to be honest-they should repaint W903JNF as well.
To be honest, I hope they bring back some other darts into service as many are in very good condition and seems a shame to withdraw them as nothing has really been bought to replace them
Quote from: Peter123 on July 15, 2013, 04:27:10 PM
Quote from: jc on July 15, 2013, 09:52:27 AM
W902 JNF in service in Redditch today in what looks like a fresh coat of paint and new fleetnames
Thats a good plan as these darts are in good nick to be honest-they should repaint W903JNF as well.
I think I have seen W903JNF freshly repainted blue in Long Acre from the train, will see when I get the next fleetlist from them
Quote from: Tony on July 15, 2013, 05:52:30 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 15, 2013, 04:27:10 PM
Quote from: jc on July 15, 2013, 09:52:27 AM
W902 JNF in service in Redditch today in what looks like a fresh coat of paint and new fleetnames
Thats a good plan as these darts are in good nick to be honest-they should repaint W903JNF as well.
I think I have seen W903JNF freshly repainted blue in Long Acre from the train, will see when I get the next fleetlist from them
Thats potentially good news-hope they go to redditch as S405JUA needs to be withdrawn-yes I love darts but this things in awful condition had an awful ride on it on saturday-beepers going crazy and rattled a lot and scarcely any opening windows so very hot and the heating was on. 31507 was the opposite-interior in amazing condition-it could pass as a bus which was far far newer than the reg might suggest. They should use the ramps etc from the rubbish darts and use them to make the ex first mark 2's dda compliant as they are far too good to be withdrawn.
What I think they should do though is correct the label on the side of MW52PZP as it says the website is diamondbus.com which it isnt and this doesnt work and also they should get the blue diamond labels off all the blue buses and replace them with the new diamond ones as it would give a better impression. Then, do something with the cadets and as they all look such a battered mess more than any other buses in the fleet-the red/white darts look far better-replace the logos on the side with big diamond ones on all buses not currently with them. Then, what needs to happen is promotion-timetables and stickers and a network guide for b'ham and black country and kiddie plus the one or two redditch routes that arent covered. Then, I would sell all the for sale buses to a dealer and use the money to buy some more eclipses or enviros possibly newer darts. Then, long term, I would withdraw the ex first tridents as they are useless and buy more lothian ones or something that are in good condition. Then 15 new/newish eclipses/deckers for redditch and existing eclipses all to tividale. At long acre, send OVS to redditch along with OVV and the CSF dart and the centros to tividale and transfer the 19 to redditch depot. Longer term plan to shut long acre and run things out of redditch/kiddie/tividale. I would then reinstate evening/sunday routes on 4 group and try it out on the 002 which could have one of the 07 centros freeing up 30806 to go to redditch standardising the fleet there you go feel free to discuss!!
30454 cutting out on the 226 today, as was 30489 on the 4H-this bus was pounding round the 4H and 4M today with no breaks....
30486 has been on the 4/4H/4M nearly all week along with 30439 and they seem to do well with no issues so probably the reason there kept on that service. 30216 also seems to be kept on the 4 most of the week not seen many of the 02 cadets apart from 30214 they don't seem that reliable so may be thats one of the reasons there being kept away. The swift 226 dart are awful but are in service night and day on the 226 7 days a week they should be debranded and used elsewhere.
Quote from: Ash on July 19, 2013, 11:17:18 PM
30486 has been on the 4/4H/4M nearly all week along with 30439 and they seem to do well with no issues so probably the reason there kept on that service. 30216 also seems to be kept on the 4 most of the week not seen many of the 02 cadets apart from 30214 they don't seem that reliable so may be thats one of the reasons there being kept away. The swift 226 dart are awful but are in service night and day on the 226 7 days a week they should be debranded and used elsewhere.
Yeah the VGX darts are generally very good and 30439 is a good one as well as the wright ones which are in good nick and the svv darts as well Yeah the 02 cadets do seem worse than the 51 euro 2 ones and the swift 226 darts have obviously taken a pounding on that service and seem to be some of the worst darts in the fleet-maybe the route should be debranded so as the wear can be spread over more buses??
A weird bus is Y274FJN though-sounds like a dart but different to the others even though it is still a dart??
Diamond have at least 2 of the 4 buses on the 226 not running as of 3pm, whats going on?
Quote from: bususer12 on July 20, 2013, 03:51:29 PM
Diamond have at least 2 of the 4 buses on the 226 not running as of 3pm, whats going on?
What do you mean? There are only 2 diamond buses on the route or there are non-branded buses on the route??
2 branded, 1 black solo and 20602 on the 226
Solo's will be more unreliable than the swift branded darts already being used on it. Any idea if 30929 will return to Tividale.
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
They were not reliable at all!
Quote from: DJ trainbasher on July 21, 2013, 10:01:37 PM
They were not reliable at all!
I didn't think they were, I'm sure one of those two or the 03 plate example that left first was plagued with electrical problems
It also appears that Rotala may have traded in the ex Yourbus Tridents to pay for the E300's
http://www.staffordbuscentre.com/Buses-For-Sale.html
I'd have kept those myself
The advert for the 08 plate ex Premiere E300 seems to suggest there are four for sale & all have since been sold? Could Rotala have taken all four?
http://www.staffordbuscentre.com/Buses-For-Sale.html
It's also interesting that the current E300's in the Diamond Bus fleet are based at Redditch, with the current acquisitions of extra E300 this could suggest news from the Oft may be forthcoming soon & favourable to Rotala?
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 04:57:52 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Yeah I just checked their website after finding out that the enviros at stafford bus centre had been sold to rotala having known ensign had one for sale as well and yes you're right that has been sold too so maybe rotala have snapped that one up as well. The interior is horrid though-it would need some new moquette etc although would you buy a second hand bus you knew had been with premiere? Hansons yes but premiere was hardly the worlds greatest operator
What would be the chances of the ex hansons enviro 300's being used at Tividale for a while and appearing on the 226 :D
Quote from: Ash on July 22, 2013, 05:17:38 PM
What would be the chances of the ex hansons enviro 300's being used at Tividale for a while and appearing on the 226 :D
That would be a bit of deja vu-seeing old hansons buses on 226 and old diamond(petes) darts with hansons on the 226 as well!!!! That would definitely merit a picture
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 05:12:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 04:57:52 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Yeah I just checked their website after finding out that the enviros at stafford bus centre had been sold to rotala having known ensign had one for sale as well and yes you're right that has been sold too so maybe rotala have snapped that one up as well. The interior is horrid though-it would need some new moquette etc although would you buy a second hand bus you knew had been with premiere? Hansons yes but premiere was hardly the worlds greatest operator
If they were poorly maintained it will no doubt have to be reflected in the purchase price.
With the recent activity at Long Acre & more second-hand full size bus acquisitions, which appear to be destined for the former First operations at either KR or RH, it does seem as though something is going on in the background or Diamond are picking up on some of the criticisms/complaints re lack of full size single deckers
First Group have acquired two E300's from Ensign ex Premiere, one of those is an 08 plate. So not sure how accurate the Stafford Bus Centre advert is, as Premiere only had 3 x 08 plate E300's in total, FJ08VPZ (Rotala), FJ08VRD(?????????), FN08AZZ (First Group)
FN08 AZZ - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
PT59 JPT - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 05:47:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 05:12:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 04:57:52 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Yeah I just checked their website after finding out that the enviros at stafford bus centre had been sold to rotala having known ensign had one for sale as well and yes you're right that has been sold too so maybe rotala have snapped that one up as well. The interior is horrid though-it would need some new moquette etc although would you buy a second hand bus you knew had been with premiere? Hansons yes but premiere was hardly the worlds greatest operator
If they were poorly maintained it will no doubt have to be reflected in the purchase price.
With the recent activity at Long Acre & more second-hand full size bus acquisitions, which appear to be destined for the former First operations at either KR or RH, it does seem as though something is going on in the background or Diamond are picking up on some of the criticisms/complaints re lack of full size single deckers
First Group have acquired two E300's from Ensign ex Premiere, one of those is an 08 plate. So not sure how accurate the Stafford Bus Centre advert is, as Premiere only had 3 x 08 plate E300's in total, FJ08VPZ (Rotala), FJ08VRD(?????????), FN08AZZ (First Group)
FN08 AZZ - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
PT59 JPT - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
What did you mean by something is going on in the background? Just interested tho I agree about them picking up on needing more full size single decks. So to confirm, rotala have only bought 3 enviro300s from stafford bus centre none from ensignbus and they just have the 3 of them-2 from hansons and 1 from premiere
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 06:57:22 PM
What did you mean by something is going on in the background? Just interested tho I agree about them picking up on needing more full size single decks. So to confirm, rotala have only bought 3 enviro300s from stafford bus centre none from ensignbus and they just have the 3 of them-2 from hansons and 1 from premiere
Peter 123,
I meant that the number of repainted buses in Diamond Blue being moved over to Redditch seems to have picked up again i.e. W902/3JNF (both pulled out of withdrawn fleet), we think at least 3 secondhand Enviro 300's have been purchased with the most logical allocation being Redditch. I have also seen a report that the Oft decision on the Rotala takeover was originally due by the end of this week
Wonder if the 3 envrios will end up on
146 service replacing the first ones
Quote from: Solo1 on July 23, 2013, 12:56:08 PM
Wonder if the 3 envrios will end up on
146 service replacing the first ones
or the 247 as the enviros sometimes share the 247 (generally though 146)
Someone at work said they said a diamond
bus in blue with a pink roof any one know
any info or got a photo thanks
Quote from: Solo1 on July 23, 2013, 02:21:36 PM
Someone at work said they said a diamond
bus in blue with a pink roof any one know
any info or got a photo thanks
It will more than likely have a pink roof as they haven't bothered to paint the roof from its previous owners/livery
W905JNF in blue diamond livery on the 301 today with full displays may be put into service at Tividale.
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 02:27:03 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on July 23, 2013, 02:21:36 PM
Someone at work said they said a diamond
bus in blue with a pink roof any one know
any info or got a photo thanks
It will more than likely have a pink roof as they haven't bothered to paint the roof from its previous owners/livery
Might be one of the touchwood ones or depending on location could be one of the ex yourbus ones as they have a sort of purple/pink livery
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 06:57:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 05:47:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 05:12:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 04:57:52 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Yeah I just checked their website after finding out that the enviros at stafford bus centre had been sold to rotala having known ensign had one for sale as well and yes you're right that has been sold too so maybe rotala have snapped that one up as well. The interior is horrid though-it would need some new moquette etc although would you buy a second hand bus you knew had been with premiere? Hansons yes but premiere was hardly the worlds greatest operator
If they were poorly maintained it will no doubt have to be reflected in the purchase price.
With the recent activity at Long Acre & more second-hand full size bus acquisitions, which appear to be destined for the former First operations at either KR or RH, it does seem as though something is going on in the background or Diamond are picking up on some of the criticisms/complaints re lack of full size single deckers
First Group have acquired two E300's from Ensign ex Premiere, one of those is an 08 plate. So not sure how accurate the Stafford Bus Centre advert is, as Premiere only had 3 x 08 plate E300's in total, FJ08VPZ (Rotala), FJ08VRD(?????????), FN08AZZ (First Group)
FN08 AZZ - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
PT59 JPT - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
What did you mean by something is going on in the background? Just interested tho I agree about them picking up on needing more full size single decks. So to confirm, rotala have only bought 3 enviro300s from stafford bus centre none from ensignbus and they just have the 3 of them-2 from hansons and 1 from premiere
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 06:57:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 05:47:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 05:12:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 04:57:52 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Yeah I just checked their website after finding out that the enviros at stafford bus centre had been sold to rotala having known ensign had one for sale as well and yes you're right that has been sold too so maybe rotala have snapped that one up as well. The interior is horrid though-it would need some new moquette etc although would you buy a second hand bus you knew had been with premiere? Hansons yes but premiere was hardly the worlds greatest operator
If they were poorly maintained it will no doubt have to be reflected in the purchase price.
With the recent activity at Long Acre & more second-hand full size bus acquisitions, which appear to be destined for the former First operations at either KR or RH, it does seem as though something is going on in the background or Diamond are picking up on some of the criticisms/complaints re lack of full size single deckers
First Group have acquired two E300's from Ensign ex Premiere, one of those is an 08 plate. So not sure how accurate the Stafford Bus Centre advert is, as Premiere only had 3 x 08 plate E300's in total, FJ08VPZ (Rotala), FJ08VRD(?????????), FN08AZZ (First Group)
FN08 AZZ - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
PT59 JPT - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
What did you mean by something is going on in the background? Just interested tho I agree about them picking up on needing more full size single decks. So to confirm, rotala have only bought 3 enviro300s from stafford bus centre none from ensignbus and they just have the 3 of them-2 from hansons and 1 from premiere
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
Surely if Rotala are now buying fleet replacements for Redditch the Oft decision must be in Rotala's favour with an announcement due imminently?
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 06:57:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 05:47:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 05:12:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 04:57:52 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Yeah I just checked their website after finding out that the enviros at stafford bus centre had been sold to rotala having known ensign had one for sale as well and yes you're right that has been sold too so maybe rotala have snapped that one up as well. The interior is horrid though-it would need some new moquette etc although would you buy a second hand bus you knew had been with premiere? Hansons yes but premiere was hardly the worlds greatest operator
If they were poorly maintained it will no doubt have to be reflected in the purchase price.
With the recent activity at Long Acre & more second-hand full size bus acquisitions, which appear to be destined for the former First operations at either KR or RH, it does seem as though something is going on in the background or Diamond are picking up on some of the criticisms/complaints re lack of full size single deckers
First Group have acquired two E300's from Ensign ex Premiere, one of those is an 08 plate. So not sure how accurate the Stafford Bus Centre advert is, as Premiere only had 3 x 08 plate E300's in total, FJ08VPZ (Rotala), FJ08VRD(?????????), FN08AZZ (First Group)
FN08 AZZ - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
PT59 JPT - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
What did you mean by something is going on in the background? Just interested tho I agree about them picking up on needing more full size single decks. So to confirm, rotala have only bought 3 enviro300s from stafford bus centre none from ensignbus and they just have the 3 of them-2 from hansons and 1 from premiere
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
Wouldnt it have made more sense to number them 30936-30939, after the ex first enviros and before the eclipse 2's?? Tho glad they have bought 4-it should boost the number of larger buses at redditch. They must be hopeful then that the decision due tomorrow will be favourable to them then!!
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 06:57:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 05:47:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 05:12:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 04:57:52 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Yeah I just checked their website after finding out that the enviros at stafford bus centre had been sold to rotala having known ensign had one for sale as well and yes you're right that has been sold too so maybe rotala have snapped that one up as well. The interior is horrid though-it would need some new moquette etc although would you buy a second hand bus you knew had been with premiere? Hansons yes but premiere was hardly the worlds greatest operator
If they were poorly maintained it will no doubt have to be reflected in the purchase price.
With the recent activity at Long Acre & more second-hand full size bus acquisitions, which appear to be destined for the former First operations at either KR or RH, it does seem as though something is going on in the background or Diamond are picking up on some of the criticisms/complaints re lack of full size single deckers
First Group have acquired two E300's from Ensign ex Premiere, one of those is an 08 plate. So not sure how accurate the Stafford Bus Centre advert is, as Premiere only had 3 x 08 plate E300's in total, FJ08VPZ (Rotala), FJ08VRD(?????????), FN08AZZ (First Group)
FN08 AZZ - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
PT59 JPT - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
What did you mean by something is going on in the background? Just interested tho I agree about them picking up on needing more full size single decks. So to confirm, rotala have only bought 3 enviro300s from stafford bus centre none from ensignbus and they just have the 3 of them-2 from hansons and 1 from premiere
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
FJ08VOZ-that doesnt exist... And is tonights update the full rotala fleetlist update as there seem to have been a fair few fleet changes recently
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 06:20:36 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
FJ08VOZ-that doesnt exist... And is tonights update the full rotala fleetlist update as there seem to have been a fair few fleet changes recently
[/quote]
It's FJ08VPZ - see my list
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 06:22:30 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 06:20:36 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
FJ08VOZ-that doesnt exist... And is tonights update the full rotala fleetlist update as there seem to have been a fair few fleet changes recently
It's FJ08VPZ - see my list
[/quote]
Yes it is a mistype on the Rotala fleetlist, they have it as VOZ, yes I will be doing a full Rotala update. Because the person who sends me the details is on holiday from today he has sent me the July list today, As soon as I have checked all changes I will put them on
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 06:22:30 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 06:20:36 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
FJ08VOZ-that doesnt exist... And is tonights update the full rotala fleetlist update as there seem to have been a fair few fleet changes recently
It's FJ08VPZ - see my list
[/quote]
Thought it would be. I still have doubts about what anything from premiere will be like reliability wise. In many ways though an interesting couple of buses the ex premiere ones. They could be the last original style euro 3 plaxton designed enviro 300s and they were operated originally by stagecoach, bought by nottingham county council. Must admit Im a big fan of the original style enviro300-much nicer looking than the more bland looking current one
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 06:15:00 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 06:57:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 05:47:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 05:12:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 22, 2013, 04:57:52 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 22, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
For non members of WMBus Yahoo Group, info courtesy of Daniel Louch
Rotala have acquired the following:
hi all,
3 more enviro 300s acquired via stafford bus centre, are ex hansons PO54 NNM, MX55 NWL, and ex premiere nottingham FJ08 VPZ
I was under the impression that the two ex Hanson examples weren't that popular amongst staff or reliable
Good news-some large capacity buses for redditch which will go down well. Presumably, these will be next into the paintshop for paintin in the new livery. Always been a fan of original enviro300s so glad they have bought some. Also glad those presidents have gone-rotala clearly dont want these older short wheelbase deckers-preferring the ex preston ones which were in far better condition. Saw a picture of one of the yourbus ones on flickr and it didnt look in great condition externally. Shame rotala didnt take all 4 and yes hopefully it means the acquisition will be passed by the oft. Perhaps also rotala would be better to learn from this experience and sell the buses on their own for sale list if and when they can to trade them in for newer buses at ensignbus or at stafford bus centre
I don't know whether there is any significance? But the 03 plate E300 with a nasty coloured green/yellow interior that has been for sale with Ensign for a while also appears to have been sold. As it has been removed off Ensign adverts/website in the last week or so, this was also ex Premiere
Yeah I just checked their website after finding out that the enviros at stafford bus centre had been sold to rotala having known ensign had one for sale as well and yes you're right that has been sold too so maybe rotala have snapped that one up as well. The interior is horrid though-it would need some new moquette etc although would you buy a second hand bus you knew had been with premiere? Hansons yes but premiere was hardly the worlds greatest operator
If they were poorly maintained it will no doubt have to be reflected in the purchase price.
With the recent activity at Long Acre & more second-hand full size bus acquisitions, which appear to be destined for the former First operations at either KR or RH, it does seem as though something is going on in the background or Diamond are picking up on some of the criticisms/complaints re lack of full size single deckers
First Group have acquired two E300's from Ensign ex Premiere, one of those is an 08 plate. So not sure how accurate the Stafford Bus Centre advert is, as Premiere only had 3 x 08 plate E300's in total, FJ08VPZ (Rotala), FJ08VRD(?????????), FN08AZZ (First Group)
FN08 AZZ - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
PT59 JPT - Alexander Dennis Enviro300
What did you mean by something is going on in the background? Just interested tho I agree about them picking up on needing more full size single decks. So to confirm, rotala have only bought 3 enviro300s from stafford bus centre none from ensignbus and they just have the 3 of them-2 from hansons and 1 from premiere
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
Wouldnt it have made more sense to number them 30936-30939, after the ex first enviros and before the eclipse 2's?? Tho glad they have bought 4-it should boost the number of larger buses at redditch. They must be hopeful then that the decision due tomorrow will be favourable to them then!!
Sorry there are other eclispes at wessex with those numbers...
Latest Rotala changes are now on the main front page
Really useful with the links to the pictures by the way!
So, theyve sold one of the plaxton coaches they were trying to shift.
One of the levantes has gone to volvo-maybe they could have got rid of the lot to them?? Good news that theyre starting to shift though
Couple of sprinters withdrawn-not really proper buses anyway
Theyve got shot of those 2 MPDs they clearly didnt rate very highly-though we still don't know why they never saw service with rotala
Lots of streetlites from maytree of bolton-?renowned for its maintainance. The earlier ones at preston must have impressed-they add a bit of variety and cannot be any worse than solos which don't seem to be being purchased any more ;D
Another ex park and ride centro withdrawn-perhaps this will be transferred up to the west midlands
Another older dart withdrawn
30902 to enter service at redditch and coincidentally 30904/1 withdrawn at wessex-perhaps to transfer up keeping the batch together
Got shot of more darts and buses they were trying to sell
3 of the 6 presidents sold-wonder what will happen to the rest??
Has any mention been made of the cadet involved in a major accident or W335VGX as havent seen or heard anything about that for months?
Overall, roughly the same number of vehicles in as out-some for sale vehicles gone yet still a lot more to go. If rotala can shift these then it means that more better larger buses will be able to enter the fleet.
Wonder what will happen to the other three presidents, when the second centro at long acre will enter service, if two more JNF's will move to redditch, if W903JNF has been repainted or not and if any more eclispes are due at tividale as one was reported a few days ago
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 07:52:28 PM
Latest Rotala changes are now on the main front page
Thanks Tony!
I see Wessex gets 8 x 2 year old Wright Streetlites whilst Diamond gets a motley alsortment of 4 x 5-8 year old E300's & a re-instated 13 year old ALX200
I personally think Rotala should try & part exchange the rest of the 13 x Volvo/Caetano Levante for further new B7RLE from Volvo dealer stock
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 08:18:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 07:52:28 PM
Latest Rotala changes are now on the main front page
Thanks Tony!
I see Wessex gets 8 x 2 year old Wright Streetlites whilst Diamond gets a motley alsortment of 4 x 5-8 year old E300's & a re-instated 13 year old ALX200
I personally think Rotala should try & part exchange the rest of the 13 x Volvo/Caetano Levante for further new B7RLE from dealer stock
To be fair the WM division has done quite well-potentially there may be more eclipses from wessex plus the centro withdrawn there as well may be moving up here as well. Yes, I think that rotala should try and get shot of some of these for sale buses as they are assets just sat there depreciating hardly working hard and adding value for the company. I dont necessarily think that lots of b7rles are a great idea for tividale/long acre. redditch should have them as the services there really need them and will make them pay whereas on routes like the 4 etc b7rles could just increase costs for no actual increase in earnings and thus damage what are profitable routes
Oooop, missed one of the initial list, 31309, on long term hire to Select
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 08:34:32 PM
Oooop, missed one of the initial list, 31309, on long term hire to Select
No worries-rotala seem to quite like hiring out buses-arent some of the plaxton primos hired to WMSNT. Though on the subject of the primos, these should be put on the for sale list as rotala clearly dont want them so maybe they should try to get shot of them as well
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 08:22:23 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 08:18:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 07:52:28 PM
Latest Rotala changes are now on the main front page
Thanks Tony!
I see Wessex gets 8 x 2 year old Wright Streetlites whilst Diamond gets a motley alsortment of 4 x 5-8 year old E300's & a re-instated 13 year old ALX200
I personally think Rotala should try & part exchange the rest of the 13 x Volvo/Caetano Levante for further new B7RLE from dealer stock
To be fair the WM division has done quite well-potentially there may be more eclipses from wessex plus the centro withdrawn there as well may be moving up here as well. Yes, I think that rotala should try and get shot of some of these for sale buses as they are assets just sat there depreciating hardly working hard and adding value for the company. I dont necessarily think that lots of b7rles are a great idea for tividale/long acre. redditch should have them as the services there really need them and will make them pay whereas on routes like the 4 etc b7rles could just increase costs for no actual increase in earnings and thus damage what are profitable routes
Me personally, If the Oft decision goes in Rotala's favour I'd attempt to part exchange the 13 x NX spec Levantes for say a batch of 20 new B7RLE from Volvo Bus & Coach (take whatever dealer stock Volvo have, rest new build). Allocate 12 new B7RLE to Redditch (Brand some for the 57/58), put 3 new B7RLE in to KR for the X3, ex First 54 plate Darts to remain at KR. Remaining 5 new B7RLE go to Tividale along with 4 ex Red Diamond 08 plate B7RLE to complete the conversion of the 4, 4H & 4M
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 08:43:04 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 08:22:23 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 08:18:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 07:52:28 PM
Latest Rotala changes are now on the main front page
Thanks Tony!
I see Wessex gets 8 x 2 year old Wright Streetlites whilst Diamond gets a motley alsortment of 4 x 5-8 year old E300's & a re-instated 13 year old ALX200
I personally think Rotala should try & part exchange the rest of the 13 x Volvo/Caetano Levante for further new B7RLE from dealer stock
To be fair the WM division has done quite well-potentially there may be more eclipses from wessex plus the centro withdrawn there as well may be moving up here as well. Yes, I think that rotala should try and get shot of some of these for sale buses as they are assets just sat there depreciating hardly working hard and adding value for the company. I dont necessarily think that lots of b7rles are a great idea for tividale/long acre. redditch should have them as the services there really need them and will make them pay whereas on routes like the 4 etc b7rles could just increase costs for no actual increase in earnings and thus damage what are profitable routes
Me personally, If the Oft decision goes in Rotala's favour I'd attempt to part exchange the 13 x NX spec Levantes for say a batch of 20 new B7RLE from Volvo Bus & Coach (take whatever dealer stock Volvo have, rest new build). Allocate 12 new B7RLE to Redditch (Brand some for the 57/58), put 3 new B7RLE in to KR for the X3, ex First 54 plate Darts to remain at KR. Remaining 5 new B7RLE go to Tividale along with 4 ex Red Diamond 08 plate B7RLE to complete the conversion of the 4, 4H & 4M
They wouldnt get 20 b7rles for 13 levantes would they? Dont know how the prices compare.
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 08:38:57 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 08:34:32 PM
Oooop, missed one of the initial list, 31309, on long term hire to Select
No worries-rotala seem to quite like hiring out buses-arent some of the plaxton primos hired to WMSNT. Though on the subject of the primos, these should be put on the for sale list as rotala clearly dont want them so maybe they should try to get shot of them as well
They are done on a 'Rent to buy' basis. You pay so much a month for them, once you have paid the asking price in rent you get to keep it. If you never clear the wanted price it returns to Rotala, hence some long time hire vehicles suddenly reappearing in the fleet
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 08:51:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 08:43:04 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 08:22:23 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 08:18:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 07:52:28 PM
Latest Rotala changes are now on the main front page
Thanks Tony!
I see Wessex gets 8 x 2 year old Wright Streetlites whilst Diamond gets a motley alsortment of 4 x 5-8 year old E300's & a re-instated 13 year old ALX200
I personally think Rotala should try & part exchange the rest of the 13 x Volvo/Caetano Levante for further new B7RLE from dealer stock
To be fair the WM division has done quite well-potentially there may be more eclipses from wessex plus the centro withdrawn there as well may be moving up here as well. Yes, I think that rotala should try and get shot of some of these for sale buses as they are assets just sat there depreciating hardly working hard and adding value for the company. I dont necessarily think that lots of b7rles are a great idea for tividale/long acre. redditch should have them as the services there really need them and will make them pay whereas on routes like the 4 etc b7rles could just increase costs for no actual increase in earnings and thus damage what are profitable routes
Me personally, If the Oft decision goes in Rotala's favour I'd attempt to part exchange the 13 x NX spec Levantes for say a batch of 20 new B7RLE from Volvo Bus & Coach (take whatever dealer stock Volvo have, rest new build). Allocate 12 new B7RLE to Redditch (Brand some for the 57/58), put 3 new B7RLE in to KR for the X3, ex First 54 plate Darts to remain at KR. Remaining 5 new B7RLE go to Tividale along with 4 ex Red Diamond 08 plate B7RLE to complete the conversion of the 4, 4H & 4M
They wouldnt get 20 b7rles for 13 levantes would they? Dont know how the prices compare.
No, they'd shouldn't be far off, they may have to top it up with some cash?
20 x B7RLE @ £150k = £3 Million
I'm guessing the Levante are around £280-£300k brand new. 2 year old coaches may go for £225k ish with above average mileage due to NX work = £2.95Million
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 08:56:48 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 23, 2013, 08:38:57 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 08:34:32 PM
Oooop, missed one of the initial list, 31309, on long term hire to Select
No worries-rotala seem to quite like hiring out buses-arent some of the plaxton primos hired to WMSNT. Though on the subject of the primos, these should be put on the for sale list as rotala clearly dont want them so maybe they should try to get shot of them as well
They are done on a 'Rent to buy' basis. You pay so much a month for them, once you have paid the asking price in rent you get to keep it. If you never clear the wanted price it returns to Rotala, hence some long time hire vehicles suddenly reappearing in the fleet
Thats quite a clever idea to be honest-must be why one of the V...JWK darts returned from tees valley. Do we know if the primos are on this arrangement with WMSNT and if the primos are to be sold
So, to buy the 20 b7rles to upgrade the WM operation they could sell the 13 levantes and one plaxton coach that is unsold on their buses for sale list.
Then, 20182, 20232, 20490, 20523, 20807, 20808, 20812, 20846, 30436, 30520, 30929 needs to go as well...., 30111 as they clearly dont like these, 31134, 31181, 31401, 31410, 31490, 31495, 31502-6, 31508, 31516, then 40610-8, 40623, 42564/5
From the rotala fleet more generally, more sprinters and old darts plus the remaining ex yourbus presidents and other deckers that have been withdrawn. Theres about 50 buses here that could do with going and the money from them could buy 20 b7rles plus other assorted second hand stuff such as centros, newer darts, streetlites, enviro300s, more ex lothian deckers. I really think they should try and shift some of the for sale/withdrawn stuff as it is depreciating and perhaps it is better to get rid of these assets so as the fleet can be updated and some of the older/tatty/odd one out stuff can be removed and sold, updating the fleet and standardising it as well. Because currently their fleet list is a bit messy with all sorts of stuff everywhere with odd numbers-types not numbered similarly.
It does make you think though rotala have a lot of vehicles sat about not really doing much-i feel winston's idea of the 20 b7rles just for the WM region makes complete sense to be honest. New buses for the 57 and 58 possibly even a couple of new enviros for stuff like the 51?? out of sale of older buses. Upgrade the X3 and brand it possibly even the 142/143 and the 247. Then, rotala should do something with the 146 alter the timetabling of it and give it darts or something like that. Then, moving buses around to standardise and update the fleet
Its just good to see more new buses coming in at last, and something which Im personally disappointed with is that they now seem to be favouring Wright built bodies!
Are these BK13NZM buses on loan or are they staying and if they are why on earth are the at lon achere?
Quote from: dannygill on July 25, 2013, 12:20:09 AM
Its just good to see more new buses coming in at last, and something which Im personally disappointed with is that they now seem to be favouring Wright built bodies!
Are these BK13NZM buses on loan or are they staying and if they are why on earth are the at lon achere?
I agree even though the new buses are a bit boring if I'm being honest-the earlier centros were more interesting and even the wright bodied ones looked and sounded better. However, any new vehicles are good and I understand that rotala are making a good investment in new modern buses. They must be on loan from wessex or heathrow in the case of the centro but what I find weird is that they have just been left plain white. Yes, the centro should be white as the buses there have no livery just white +vinyls but wessex has a good livery..... Maybe they are moving up to diamond-it is possible though unlikely. They would be put to better use at tividale as would the two b7rles/centros that long acre have plus the MAN centros and the evolution, not to mention the eclipse 2 on that contract when it could be put to good use on the 4/H/M
Quote from: Peter123 on July 25, 2013, 05:56:29 PM
Quote from: dannygill on July 25, 2013, 12:20:09 AM
Its just good to see more new buses coming in at last, and something which Im personally disappointed with is that they now seem to be favouring Wright built bodies!
Are these BK13NZM buses on loan or are they staying and if they are why on earth are the at lon achere?
I agree even though the new buses are a bit boring if I'm being honest-the earlier centros were more interesting and even the wright bodied ones looked and sounded better. However, any new vehicles are good and I understand that rotala are making a good investment in new modern buses. They must be on loan from wessex or heathrow in the case of the centro but what I find weird is that they have just been left plain white. Yes, the centro should be white as the buses there have no livery just white +vinyls but wessex has a good livery..... Maybe they are moving up to diamond-it is possible though unlikely. They would be put to better use at tividale as would the two b7rles/centros that long acre have plus the MAN centros and the evolution, not to mention the eclipse 2 on that contract when it could be put to good use on the 4/H/M
Having said that, their 16 was busier today, far more than GRS which seemed to be running round empty behind diamond but the ex petes akw dart at long acre was pretty packed this afternoon after quite big gaps had opened up in the 16 service for some reason-showing that these commercial routes can do well but just need improving a bit with advertising for returns etc
Just saw a NXWM service 4 departure at 20:30 from West Brom the bus was 1765 and was absolutely rammed people were standing to the door, do all these passengers have NXWM passes if not shows that there is potential custom for diamond on the service.
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
Typical
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
The thing is, it should be passed on a common sense note. Diamond clearly have plans for the area as they have said and i have heard that they want to take it back to how it was before there-before first made a dog's dinner of it. They have been to community meetings and engaged with the public more than first ever did in the town and yes there have been problems but what did people expect when timetables etc couldnt be changed and diamond have never been used to being the dominant operator in any area. The thing is, if they say no rotala can't acquire then will first really want it back? It was an admittedly small loss maker that Giles Fearnley clearly didnt want to focus on-they will get back a non-dda compliant fleet which is missing buses as rotala have sold some and the buses from redditch have replaced b7rles at worcester which have moved on. So it will require massive reorganisation for little financial return. NXWM were interested initially as apparently were stagecoach-though would first just close and diamond or someone else move in? NX have a massive WM monopoly-far more than diamond ever do or will have-and stagecoach are very active in the area as well. In Kidderminster, Whittles will keep diamond on their toes and the fact that in worcestershire there is stagecoach, johnsons and little to prohibit a new entrant should surely mean that the acquisition is passed? I guess we don't know-we can only wait and hope it is passed
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
I agree with you Winston they must have had feedback from the oft. how many ex first buses have been repainted I know of only one in Kidderminster and none in Redditch
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
Is this the same thing that's already been put back a few months or is it something different I'm thinking of?
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on July 26, 2013, 12:04:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
Is this the same thing that's already been put back a few months or is it something different I'm thinking of?
In fairness, I think this is the first time the deadline has been put back but still must be irritating for all involved at rotala when they want to get involved and give redditch and kidderminster the high quality service they deserve
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:14:56 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
The thing is, it should be passed on a common sense note. Diamond clearly have plans for the area as they have said and i have heard that they want to take it back to how it was before there-before first made a dog's dinner of it. They have been to community meetings and engaged with the public more than first ever did in the town and yes there have been problems but what did people expect when timetables etc couldnt be changed and diamond have never been used to being the dominant operator in any area. The thing is, if they say no rotala can't acquire then will first really want it back? It was an admittedly small loss maker that Giles Fearnley clearly didnt want to focus on-they will get back a non-dda compliant fleet which is missing buses as rotala have sold some and the buses from redditch have replaced b7rles at worcester which have moved on. So it will require massive reorganisation for little financial return. NXWM were interested initially as apparently were stagecoach-though would first just close and diamond or someone else move in? NX have a massive WM monopoly-far more than diamond ever do or will have-and stagecoach are very active in the area as well. In Kidderminster, Whittles will keep diamond on their toes and the fact that in worcestershire there is stagecoach, johnsons and little to prohibit a new entrant should surely mean that the acquisition is passed? I guess we don't know-we can only wait and hope it is passed
Peter123,
I doesn't work like that, First Group have sold the business, therefore it is no longer their problem. If the Oft do decide to go against the Rotala deal, it will be Rotala that will have to divest the business (sell it on as per Stagecoach did with Prestonbus to Rotala). Additionally Rotala may not get the offers they ideally want as prospective purchasers will know that they have to sell the business within a set time frame.
Another options, may be the Oft impose undetakings where Rotala can keep the business, but have to agree not to reduce current frequencies / raises fares beyond a set level annually etc
Quote from: bewminster on July 26, 2013, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
I agree with you Winston they must have had feedback from the oft. how many ex first buses have been repainted I know of only one in Kidderminster and none in Redditch
There's the one 54 plate ex First Dart at KR, did one of RH's E300's not get repainted blue prior to the Oft undertakings? or was this a mis-report?
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: bewminster on July 26, 2013, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
I agree with you Winston they must have had feedback from the oft. how many ex first buses have been repainted I know of only one in Kidderminster and none in Redditch
There's the one 54 plate ex First Dart at KR, did one of RH's E300's not get repainted blue prior to the Oft undertakings? or was this a mis-report?
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 12:32:07 PM
have not heard of a e300 being repaint the dart is 30932 as yesterday still not fleet name on sides all other lettering and fleet number on
Quote from: bewminster on July 26, 2013, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
I agree with you Winston they must have had feedback from the oft. how many ex first buses have been repainted I know of only one in Kidderminster and none in Redditch
There's the one 54 plate ex First Dart at KR, did one of RH's E300's not get repainted blue prior to the Oft undertakings? or was this a mis-report?
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 12:30:14 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:14:56 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
The thing is, it should be passed on a common sense note. Diamond clearly have plans for the area as they have said and i have heard that they want to take it back to how it was before there-before first made a dog's dinner of it. They have been to community meetings and engaged with the public more than first ever did in the town and yes there have been problems but what did people expect when timetables etc couldnt be changed and diamond have never been used to being the dominant operator in any area. The thing is, if they say no rotala can't acquire then will first really want it back? It was an admittedly small loss maker that Giles Fearnley clearly didnt want to focus on-they will get back a non-dda compliant fleet which is missing buses as rotala have sold some and the buses from redditch have replaced b7rles at worcester which have moved on. So it will require massive reorganisation for little financial return. NXWM were interested initially as apparently were stagecoach-though would first just close and diamond or someone else move in? NX have a massive WM monopoly-far more than diamond ever do or will have-and stagecoach are very active in the area as well. In Kidderminster, Whittles will keep diamond on their toes and the fact that in worcestershire there is stagecoach, johnsons and little to prohibit a new entrant should surely mean that the acquisition is passed? I guess we don't know-we can only wait and hope it is passed
Peter123,
I doesn't work like that, First Group have sold the business, therefore it is no longer their problem. If the Oft do decide to go against the Rotala deal, it will be Rotala that will have to divest the business (sell it on as per Stagecoach did with Prestonbus to Rotala). Additionally Rotala may not get the offers they ideally want as prospective purchasers will know that they have to sell the business within a set time frame.
Another options, may be the Oft impose undetakings where Rotala can keep the business, but have to agree not to reduce current frequencies / raises fares beyond a set level annually etc
Oh sorry Winston I got confused cos I was thinking north devon ie first didnt want it and had to shut it down but then they hadnt sold it like rotala sold redditch and kidderminster. There would of course be nothing to stop rotala selling it to someone like Scott Dunn or Yourbus that are not rotala but there are vague links to the organisation and then rotala buying yourbus when all the fuss had died down in a few years time. There must be loads of ways to get around it-yes rotala could sell it having first registered commerically the whole network operated by first so no one would really want to buy it. If say the oft said they had to sell and then rotala registered everything and then no one wanted to buy it, what would actually happen? I'm sure first that it will go ahead and that if it doesnt, rotala wont go down without a fight
Quote from: bewminster on July 26, 2013, 12:57:25 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: bewminster on July 26, 2013, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
I agree with you Winston they must have had feedback from the oft. how many ex first buses have been repainted I know of only one in Kidderminster and none in Redditch
There's the one 54 plate ex First Dart at KR, did one of RH's E300's not get repainted blue prior to the Oft undertakings? or was this a mis-report?
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 12:32:07 PM
have not heard of a e300 being repaint the dart is 30932 as yesterday still not fleet name on sides all other lettering and fleet number on
Quote from: bewminster on July 26, 2013, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
I agree with you Winston they must have had feedback from the oft. how many ex first buses have been repainted I know of only one in Kidderminster and none in Redditch
There's the one 54 plate ex First Dart at KR, did one of RH's E300's not get repainted blue prior to the Oft undertakings? or was this a mis-report?
Don't know if any enviro300s have been repainted-maybe not as until recently the plan was to sell them though now rotala have clearly realised they are really good and that selling further long single decks isnt a good idea-better instead to shift those ghastly ex london tridents
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 01:29:37 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 12:30:14 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:14:56 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
The thing is, it should be passed on a common sense note. Diamond clearly have plans for the area as they have said and i have heard that they want to take it back to how it was before there-before first made a dog's dinner of it. They have been to community meetings and engaged with the public more than first ever did in the town and yes there have been problems but what did people expect when timetables etc couldnt be changed and diamond have never been used to being the dominant operator in any area. The thing is, if they say no rotala can't acquire then will first really want it back? It was an admittedly small loss maker that Giles Fearnley clearly didnt want to focus on-they will get back a non-dda compliant fleet which is missing buses as rotala have sold some and the buses from redditch have replaced b7rles at worcester which have moved on. So it will require massive reorganisation for little financial return. NXWM were interested initially as apparently were stagecoach-though would first just close and diamond or someone else move in? NX have a massive WM monopoly-far more than diamond ever do or will have-and stagecoach are very active in the area as well. In Kidderminster, Whittles will keep diamond on their toes and the fact that in worcestershire there is stagecoach, johnsons and little to prohibit a new entrant should surely mean that the acquisition is passed? I guess we don't know-we can only wait and hope it is passed
Peter123,
I doesn't work like that, First Group have sold the business, therefore it is no longer their problem. If the Oft do decide to go against the Rotala deal, it will be Rotala that will have to divest the business (sell it on as per Stagecoach did with Prestonbus to Rotala). Additionally Rotala may not get the offers they ideally want as prospective purchasers will know that they have to sell the business within a set time frame.
Another options, may be the Oft impose undetakings where Rotala can keep the business, but have to agree not to reduce current frequencies / raises fares beyond a set level annually etc
Oh sorry Winston I got confused cos I was thinking north devon ie first didnt want it and had to shut it down but then they hadnt sold it like rotala sold redditch and kidderminster. There would of course be nothing to stop rotala selling it to someone like Scott Dunn or Yourbus that are not rotala but there are vague links to the organisation and then rotala buying yourbus when all the fuss had died down in a few years time. There must be loads of ways to get around it-yes rotala could sell it having first registered commerically the whole network operated by first so no one would really want to buy it. If say the oft said they had to sell and then rotala registered everything and then no one wanted to buy it, what would actually happen? I'm sure first that it will go ahead and that if it doesnt, rotala wont go down without a fight
Its not going to work like that either, if Rotala are told to sell by the Oft, they will have to sell regardless within the time frame setout by the Oft, they certainly wont be able to register all the former First journey's to reduce the attractiveness to prospective buyers. If no buyers came forward I have no idea what would happen, but there will always be buyers if the price is right.
Where does all this Rotala fight come from? we haven't seen much evidence of 'fight' on the streets of the West Midlands of late
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 01:44:04 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 01:29:37 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 12:30:14 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:14:56 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
A post on another forum, suggests that the Oft decision on the Rotala acquisition of First Groups Redditch & Kidderminster operation has now been put back until 9th August
How stupid is that-tho I think rotala do seem incredibly confident/hopeful-new timetable guides for redditch and kidderminster and more enviros plus some ex first buses repainted.
It does seem that Rotala may have had some feedback from the Oft on the positive front given all the recent activity in Redditch
The thing is, it should be passed on a common sense note. Diamond clearly have plans for the area as they have said and i have heard that they want to take it back to how it was before there-before first made a dog's dinner of it. They have been to community meetings and engaged with the public more than first ever did in the town and yes there have been problems but what did people expect when timetables etc couldnt be changed and diamond have never been used to being the dominant operator in any area. The thing is, if they say no rotala can't acquire then will first really want it back? It was an admittedly small loss maker that Giles Fearnley clearly didnt want to focus on-they will get back a non-dda compliant fleet which is missing buses as rotala have sold some and the buses from redditch have replaced b7rles at worcester which have moved on. So it will require massive reorganisation for little financial return. NXWM were interested initially as apparently were stagecoach-though would first just close and diamond or someone else move in? NX have a massive WM monopoly-far more than diamond ever do or will have-and stagecoach are very active in the area as well. In Kidderminster, Whittles will keep diamond on their toes and the fact that in worcestershire there is stagecoach, johnsons and little to prohibit a new entrant should surely mean that the acquisition is passed? I guess we don't know-we can only wait and hope it is passed
Peter123,
I doesn't work like that, First Group have sold the business, therefore it is no longer their problem. If the Oft do decide to go against the Rotala deal, it will be Rotala that will have to divest the business (sell it on as per Stagecoach did with Prestonbus to Rotala). Additionally Rotala may not get the offers they ideally want as prospective purchasers will know that they have to sell the business within a set time frame.
Another options, may be the Oft impose undetakings where Rotala can keep the business, but have to agree not to reduce current frequencies / raises fares beyond a set level annually etc
Oh sorry Winston I got confused cos I was thinking north devon ie first didnt want it and had to shut it down but then they hadnt sold it like rotala sold redditch and kidderminster. There would of course be nothing to stop rotala selling it to someone like Scott Dunn or Yourbus that are not rotala but there are vague links to the organisation and then rotala buying yourbus when all the fuss had died down in a few years time. There must be loads of ways to get around it-yes rotala could sell it having first registered commerically the whole network operated by first so no one would really want to buy it. If say the oft said they had to sell and then rotala registered everything and then no one wanted to buy it, what would actually happen? I'm sure first that it will go ahead and that if it doesnt, rotala wont go down without a fight
Its not going to work like that either, if Rotala are told to sell by the Oft, they will have to sell regardless within the time frame setout by the Oft, they certainly wont be able to register all the former First journey's to reduce the attractiveness to prospective buyers. If no buyers came forward I have no idea what would happen, but there will always be buyers if the price is right.
Where does all this Rotala fight come from? we haven't seen much evidence of 'fight' on the streets of the West Midlands of late
My point is that rotala could easily set it at a stupid price so it wouldnt sell and so they will have to keep it and in a deregulated environment they could quite easily register the entire network like stagecoach did when darlington was for sale. That way no one would buy it and the oft would have to back down-it would be quite funny to be honest if the oft could only look and watch. do we honestly think that after what rotala have done in redditch over the past 5 years, they are just going to give in to a bunch of quangos. And yes actually stagecoach did nick a few of preston bus's routes before they sold it
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 02:01:57 PM
The thing is, it should be passed on a common sense note. Diamond clearly have plans for the area as they have said and i have heard that they want to take it back to how it was before there-before first made a dog's dinner of it. They have been to community meetings and engaged with the public more than first ever did in the town and yes there have been problems but what did people expect when timetables etc couldnt be changed and diamond have never been used to being the dominant operator in any area. The thing is, if they say no rotala can't acquire then will first really want it back? It was an admittedly small loss maker that Giles Fearnley clearly didnt want to focus on-they will get back a non-dda compliant fleet which is missing buses as rotala have sold some and the buses from redditch have replaced b7rles at worcester which have moved on. So it will require massive reorganisation for little financial return. NXWM were interested initially as apparently were stagecoach-though would first just close and diamond or someone else move in? NX have a massive WM monopoly-far more than diamond ever do or will have-and stagecoach are very active in the area as well. In Kidderminster, Whittles will keep diamond on their toes and the fact that in worcestershire there is stagecoach, johnsons and little to prohibit a new entrant should surely mean that the acquisition is passed? I guess we don't know-we can only wait and hope it is passed
Peter123,
I doesn't work like that, First Group have sold the business, therefore it is no longer their problem. If the Oft do decide to go against the Rotala deal, it will be Rotala that will have to divest the business (sell it on as per Stagecoach did with Prestonbus to Rotala). Additionally Rotala may not get the offers they ideally want as prospective purchasers will know that they have to sell the business within a set time frame.
Another options, may be the Oft impose undetakings where Rotala can keep the business, but have to agree not to reduce current frequencies / raises fares beyond a set level annually etc
Oh sorry Winston I got confused cos I was thinking north devon ie first didnt want it and had to shut it down but then they hadnt sold it like rotala sold redditch and kidderminster. There would of course be nothing to stop rotala selling it to someone like Scott Dunn or Yourbus that are not rotala but there are vague links to the organisation and then rotala buying yourbus when all the fuss had died down in a few years time. There must be loads of ways to get around it-yes rotala could sell it having first registered commerically the whole network operated by first so no one would really want to buy it. If say the oft said they had to sell and then rotala registered everything and then no one wanted to buy it, what would actually happen? I'm sure first that it will go ahead and that if it doesnt, rotala wont go down without a fight
Its not going to work like that either, if Rotala are told to sell by the Oft, they will have to sell regardless within the time frame setout by the Oft, they certainly wont be able to register all the former First journey's to reduce the attractiveness to prospective buyers. If no buyers came forward I have no idea what would happen, but there will always be buyers if the price is right.
Where does all this Rotala fight come from? we haven't seen much evidence of 'fight' on the streets of the West Midlands of late
My point is that rotala could easily set it at a stupid price so it wouldnt sell and so they will have to keep it and in a deregulated environment they could quite easily register the entire network like stagecoach did when darlington was for sale. That way no one would buy it and the oft would have to back down-it would be quite funny to be honest if the oft could only look and watch. do we honestly think that after what rotala have done in redditch over the past 5 years, they are just going to give in to a bunch of quangos. And yes actually stagecoach did nick a few of preston bus's routes before they sold it
I can see where you're coming from, the Darlington example that you're using was a completely different scenario without any Oft intervention. If Rotala made all reasonable attempts to sell the business and no buyers could be found, I'd expect the Oft would have to allow them to keep it, but may impose restrictions on the changes they are allowed to make particularly frequencies & fares. Or they may have to seek approval from the Oft for any future changes that wish to make to the business. I'm not sure on Preston bus as some of the two operators routes had already been absorbed, but Stagecoach would have only been able to keep complementary services
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2013, 02:12:23 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 02:01:57 PM
The thing is, it should be passed on a common sense note. Diamond clearly have plans for the area as they have said and i have heard that they want to take it back to how it was before there-before first made a dog's dinner of it. They have been to community meetings and engaged with the public more than first ever did in the town and yes there have been problems but what did people expect when timetables etc couldnt be changed and diamond have never been used to being the dominant operator in any area. The thing is, if they say no rotala can't acquire then will first really want it back? It was an admittedly small loss maker that Giles Fearnley clearly didnt want to focus on-they will get back a non-dda compliant fleet which is missing buses as rotala have sold some and the buses from redditch have replaced b7rles at worcester which have moved on. So it will require massive reorganisation for little financial return. NXWM were interested initially as apparently were stagecoach-though would first just close and diamond or someone else move in? NX have a massive WM monopoly-far more than diamond ever do or will have-and stagecoach are very active in the area as well. In Kidderminster, Whittles will keep diamond on their toes and the fact that in worcestershire there is stagecoach, johnsons and little to prohibit a new entrant should surely mean that the acquisition is passed? I guess we don't know-we can only wait and hope it is passed
Peter123,
I doesn't work like that, First Group have sold the business, therefore it is no longer their problem. If the Oft do decide to go against the Rotala deal, it will be Rotala that will have to divest the business (sell it on as per Stagecoach did with Prestonbus to Rotala). Additionally Rotala may not get the offers they ideally want as prospective purchasers will know that they have to sell the business within a set time frame.
Another options, may be the Oft impose undetakings where Rotala can keep the business, but have to agree not to reduce current frequencies / raises fares beyond a set level annually etc
Oh sorry Winston I got confused cos I was thinking north devon ie first didnt want it and had to shut it down but then they hadnt sold it like rotala sold redditch and kidderminster. There would of course be nothing to stop rotala selling it to someone like Scott Dunn or Yourbus that are not rotala but there are vague links to the organisation and then rotala buying yourbus when all the fuss had died down in a few years time. There must be loads of ways to get around it-yes rotala could sell it having first registered commerically the whole network operated by first so no one would really want to buy it. If say the oft said they had to sell and then rotala registered everything and then no one wanted to buy it, what would actually happen? I'm sure first that it will go ahead and that if it doesnt, rotala wont go down without a fight
[/quote]
Its not going to work like that either, if Rotala are told to sell by the Oft, they will have to sell regardless within the time frame setout by the Oft, they certainly wont be able to register all the former First journey's to reduce the attractiveness to prospective buyers. If no buyers came forward I have no idea what would happen, but there will always be buyers if the price is right.
Where does all this Rotala fight come from? we haven't seen much evidence of 'fight' on the streets of the West Midlands of late
[/quote]
My point is that rotala could easily set it at a stupid price so it wouldnt sell and so they will have to keep it and in a deregulated environment they could quite easily register the entire network like stagecoach did when darlington was for sale. That way no one would buy it and the oft would have to back down-it would be quite funny to be honest if the oft could only look and watch. do we honestly think that after what rotala have done in redditch over the past 5 years, they are just going to give in to a bunch of quangos. And yes actually stagecoach did nick a few of preston bus's routes before they sold it
[/quote]
I can see where you're coming from, the Darlington example that you're using was a completely different scenario without any Oft intervention. If Rotala made all reasonable attempts to sell the business and no buyers could be found, I'd expect the Oft would have to allow them to keep it, but may impose restrictions on the changes they are allowed to make particularly frequencies & fares. Or they may have to seek approval from the Oft for any future changes that wish to make to the business. I'm not sure on Preston bus as some of the two operators routes had already been absorbed, but Stagecoach would have only been able to keep complementary services
[/quote]
They kept the most profitable routes preston bus had... I'm just trying to think how the oft can simply force a sale through and how rotala could just ignore them totally though hopefully it wont come to that
Quote from: Peter123 on July 26, 2013, 02:20:27 PM
The thing is, it should be passed on a common sense note. Diamond clearly have plans for the area as they have said and i have heard that they want to take it back to how it was before there-before first made a dog's dinner of it. They have been to community meetings and engaged with the public more than first ever did in the town and yes there have been problems but what did people expect when timetables etc couldnt be changed and diamond have never been used to being the dominant operator in any area. The thing is, if they say no rotala can't acquire then will first really want it back? It was an admittedly small loss maker that Giles Fearnley clearly didnt want to focus on-they will get back a non-dda compliant fleet which is missing buses as rotala have sold some and the buses from redditch have replaced b7rles at worcester which have moved on. So it will require massive reorganisation for little financial return. NXWM were interested initially as apparently were stagecoach-though would first just close and diamond or someone else move in? NX have a massive WM monopoly-far more than diamond ever do or will have-and stagecoach are very active in the area as well. In Kidderminster, Whittles will keep diamond on their toes and the fact that in worcestershire there is stagecoach, johnsons and little to prohibit a new entrant should surely mean that the acquisition is passed? I guess we don't know-we can only wait and hope it is passed
Peter123,
I doesn't work like that, First Group have sold the business, therefore it is no longer their problem. If the Oft do decide to go against the Rotala deal, it will be Rotala that will have to divest the business (sell it on as per Stagecoach did with Prestonbus to Rotala). Additionally Rotala may not get the offers they ideally want as prospective purchasers will know that they have to sell the business within a set time frame.
Another options, may be the Oft impose undetakings where Rotala can keep the business, but have to agree not to reduce current frequencies / raises fares beyond a set level annually etc
Oh sorry Winston I got confused cos I was thinking north devon ie first didnt want it and had to shut it down but then they hadnt sold it like rotala sold redditch and kidderminster. There would of course be nothing to stop rotala selling it to someone like Scott Dunn or Yourbus that are not rotala but there are vague links to the organisation and then rotala buying yourbus when all the fuss had died down in a few years time. There must be loads of ways to get around it-yes rotala could sell it having first registered commerically the whole network operated by first so no one would really want to buy it. If say the oft said they had to sell and then rotala registered everything and then no one wanted to buy it, what would actually happen? I'm sure first that it will go ahead and that if it doesnt, rotala wont go down without a fight
Its not going to work like that either, if Rotala are told to sell by the Oft, they will have to sell regardless within the time frame setout by the Oft, they certainly wont be able to register all the former First journey's to reduce the attractiveness to prospective buyers. If no buyers came forward I have no idea what would happen, but there will always be buyers if the price is right.
Where does all this Rotala fight come from? we haven't seen much evidence of 'fight' on the streets of the West Midlands of late
My point is that rotala could easily set it at a stupid price so it wouldnt sell and so they will have to keep it and in a deregulated environment they could quite easily register the entire network like stagecoach did when darlington was for sale. That way no one would buy it and the oft would have to back down-it would be quite funny to be honest if the oft could only look and watch. do we honestly think that after what rotala have done in redditch over the past 5 years, they are just going to give in to a bunch of quangos. And yes actually stagecoach did nick a few of preston bus's routes before they sold it
I can see where you're coming from, the Darlington example that you're using was a completely different scenario without any Oft intervention. If Rotala made all reasonable attempts to sell the business and no buyers could be found, I'd expect the Oft would have to allow them to keep it, but may impose restrictions on the changes they are allowed to make particularly frequencies & fares. Or they may have to seek approval from the Oft for any future changes that wish to make to the business. I'm not sure on Preston bus as some of the two operators routes had already been absorbed, but Stagecoach would have only been able to keep complementary services
They kept the most profitable routes preston bus had... I'm just trying to think how the oft can simply force a sale through and how rotala could just ignore them totally though hopefully it wont come to that
I'm pretty confident KR wont be a problem with the competition from Whittle's. It may be that Rotala get to keep the majority of the former First RH operation and may have to sell the former Red Diamond 57/58 routes to a new entrant, that said, as both Red Diamond & ex First Redditch operations have already been merged I'm not sure how the could/would split it?
Just a quick question, Are Centros usual on the 4H?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 26, 2013, 06:24:58 PM
Just a quick question, Are Centros usual on the 4H?
In total how many Centro's do Tividale have
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 26, 2013, 06:24:58 PM
Just a quick question, Are Centros usual on the 4H?
I wouldnt say they are usual but I wouldnt say they were mega unusual to be honest. Since the start of june, they have been on a few times especially 30825-the unbranded one. Why? Which one did you see on there out of interest...
30824 was on the 4/4H/4M today so thats the centro that was probably seen, they haven't been used on the 301 much recently.
Quote from: Ash on July 26, 2013, 11:07:49 PM
30824 was on the 4/4H/4M today so thats the centro that was probably seen, they haven't been used on the 301 much recently.
Couldn't remember the fleetnumber but saw it in Halesowen so probably was the bus i saw ash :)
Also i spotted an ALX200 Blue Diamond livered dart on the 4H
That was probably W905JNF that you saw was on the 301 a couple of days back there not bad buses shame W906JNF went to Redditch.
Quote from: Ash on July 26, 2013, 11:49:01 PM
That was probably W905JNF that you saw was on the 301 a couple of days back there not bad buses shame W906JNF went to Redditch.
Yes i think it was. Saw it going up towards hayley green while i was in Halesowen Bus Station.
Definetley a W-JNF dart
Quote from: Ash on July 26, 2013, 11:49:01 PM
That was probably W905JNF that you saw was on the 301 a couple of days back there not bad buses shame W906JNF went to Redditch.
Agree here and glad that one has reentered service, one is rumoured to have been repainted and the other two have been withdrawn at wessex so will probably be moving up to the west midlands
Hopefully that will happen they seem more solid buses compared to the ones on the dennis dart chasis and have good capacity ideal may be for service 226 to replace the unreliable darts on there.
These are on a Dennis Dart chassis too...
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
The two ex Hanson's E300's came from Ensign bus rather than Stafford Bus & Coach
Quote from: a220 on July 27, 2013, 02:18:44 PM
These are on a Dennis Dart chassis too...
He means plaxton pointer
Quote from: dgss1 on July 27, 2013, 05:48:39 PM
Quote from: a220 on July 27, 2013, 02:18:44 PM
These are on a Dennis Dart chassis too...
He means plaxton pointer
Sorry yeah that what i meant thanks
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
The two ex Hanson's E300's came from Ensign bus rather than Stafford Bus & Coach
Really? Have ensign had any enviro300s for sale other than the ex premiere one?
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 06:40:39 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
The two ex Hanson's E300's came from Ensign bus rather than Stafford Bus & Coach
Really? Have ensign had any enviro300s for sale other than the ex premiere one?
Yes they had a 03 plate one with a horrid green/yellow interior, that has been removed off webpage/trade press adverts but doesn't appear on Ensign's July sales list.
They had a least two ex Premiere E300's i.e. ST08AZZ & PT59JPT both of which First Group have snapped up for Worcester
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 08:24:11 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 06:40:39 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
The two ex Hanson's E300's came from Ensign bus rather than Stafford Bus & Coach
Really? Have ensign had any enviro300s for sale other than the ex premiere one?
Yes they had a 03 plate one with a horrid green/yellow interior, that has been removed off webpage/trade press adverts but doesn't appear on Ensign's July sales list.
They had a least two ex Premiere E300's i.e. ST08AZZ & PT59JPT both of which First Group have snapped up for Worcester
oh right thats interesting cos I dont think i ever saw 08/59 reg enviros advertised on their website/in any advert. They had one 55 reg one which could be the hansons one but that was supposed to have come from stafford bus centre. What I cannot understand is why jpt buys new buses such as the enviro with the select reg only to sell them and buy buses like R562XOM??
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 08:26:09 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 08:24:11 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 06:40:39 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
The two ex Hanson's E300's came from Ensign bus rather than Stafford Bus & Coach
Really? Have ensign had any enviro300s for sale other than the ex premiere one?
Yes they had a 03 plate one with a horrid green/yellow interior, that has been removed off webpage/trade press adverts but doesn't appear on Ensign's July sales list.
They had a least two ex Premiere E300's i.e. ST08AZZ & PT59JPT both of which First Group have snapped up for Worcester
oh right thats interesting cos I dont think i ever saw 08/59 reg enviros advertised on their website/in any advert. They had one 55 reg one which could be the hansons one but that was supposed to have come from stafford bus centre. What I cannot understand is why jpt buys new buses such as the enviro with the select reg only to sell them and buy buses like R562XOM??
I think First Group snapped them up before they were even advertised. I saw the 55 plate example advertised.
I can only assume with JPT that they needed to raise cash by selling off their more expense assets to be replaced by cheaper ones
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 08:31:31 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 08:26:09 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 08:24:11 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 06:40:39 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
The two ex Hanson's E300's came from Ensign bus rather than Stafford Bus & Coach
Really? Have ensign had any enviro300s for sale other than the ex premiere one?
Yes they had a 03 plate one with a horrid green/yellow interior, that has been removed off webpage/trade press adverts but doesn't appear on Ensign's July sales list.
They had a least two ex Premiere E300's i.e. ST08AZZ & PT59JPT both of which First Group have snapped up for Worcester
oh right thats interesting cos I dont think i ever saw 08/59 reg enviros advertised on their website/in any advert. They had one 55 reg one which could be the hansons one but that was supposed to have come from stafford bus centre. What I cannot understand is why jpt buys new buses such as the enviro with the select reg only to sell them and buy buses like R562XOM??
I think First Group snapped them up before they were even advertised. I saw the 55 plate example advertised.
I can only assume with JPT that they needed to raise cash by selling off their more expense assets to be replaced by cheaper ones
Thats what must happen-the best stock companies probably ask to be kept informed of when certain types arrive and then buy them before they are advertised. Are the various Yahoo bus groups forums like this one?
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 08:37:14 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 08:31:31 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 08:26:09 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 08:24:11 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 06:40:39 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2013, 06:11:21 PM
Not correct, They have purchased four, all for Redditch. They have the two ex Hansons ones and FJ08 VOZ & FJ08 VRD fleetnumbers 30944-7, I will be updating the front page of the main site with full details later
The two ex Hanson's E300's came from Ensign bus rather than Stafford Bus & Coach
Really? Have ensign had any enviro300s for sale other than the ex premiere one?
Yes they had a 03 plate one with a horrid green/yellow interior, that has been removed off webpage/trade press adverts but doesn't appear on Ensign's July sales list.
They had a least two ex Premiere E300's i.e. ST08AZZ & PT59JPT both of which First Group have snapped up for Worcester
oh right thats interesting cos I dont think i ever saw 08/59 reg enviros advertised on their website/in any advert. They had one 55 reg one which could be the hansons one but that was supposed to have come from stafford bus centre. What I cannot understand is why jpt buys new buses such as the enviro with the select reg only to sell them and buy buses like R562XOM??
I think First Group snapped them up before they were even advertised. I saw the 55 plate example advertised.
I can only assume with JPT that they needed to raise cash by selling off their more expense assets to be replaced by cheaper ones
Thats what must happen-the best stock companies probably ask to be kept informed of when certain types arrive and then buy them before they are advertised. Are the various Yahoo bus groups forums like this one?
They're not forums as such, but more like message boards. Some you can read without joining, If you want me to send links to any message me off group what areas/operators you're interested in
What rotala should buy are some more euro 3 darts-drew wilson have got a couple and found one somewhere else as well-they seem to be reliable and are dda compliant and can enter the city centre
What I would do is buy 12 euro 3 darts 6 for the 16 and 5 for the 50 and 1 spare. Then the enviro 200, centro's and the mcv evolution to Tividale and release the 3 ex midland classic buses to Redditch also release some of the newer solo's and replace the 5 '03' reg ones sell them for what they can. I would then brand the solo's for network West Bromwich branding or local link and used them on the local subsidised services such as the 30 and 54/54A.
Quote from: Ash on July 27, 2013, 08:51:44 PM
What I would do is buy 12 euro 3 darts 6 for the 16 and 5 for the 50 and 1 spare. Then the enviro 200, centro's and the mcv evolution to Tividale and release the 3 ex midland classic buses to Redditch also release some of the newer solo's and replace the 5 '03' reg ones sell them for what they can. I would then brand the solo's for network West Bromwich branding or local link and used them on the local subsidised services such as the 30 and 54/54A.
Are the cadets euro 3 compliant?
Quote from: Ash on July 27, 2013, 08:51:44 PM
What I would do is buy 12 euro 3 darts 6 for the 16 and 5 for the 50 and 1 spare. Then the enviro 200, centro's and the mcv evolution to Tividale and release the 3 ex midland classic buses to Redditch also release some of the newer solo's and replace the 5 '03' reg ones sell them for what they can. I would then brand the solo's for network West Bromwich branding or local link and used them on the local subsidised services such as the 30 and 54/54A.
Theres some good 9.3m ones here
http://www.sigmaplantfinder.com/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m.html they could buy to replace some of the older MPDs at tividale they have got at least 10 for sale-a good buy in my opinion if a little overpriced??
The 51 and 02 and the odd 55 reg ones are I believe isn't generally anything made from 2001.
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 09:41:40 PM
http://www.sigmaplantfinder.com/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m.html they could buy to replace some of the older MPDs at tividale they have got at least 10 for sale-a good buy in my opinion if a little overpriced??
You never know, you might have seen those darts with NXWM if they had never sold their London operations, to replace older B6LEs, been Ex-Abellio/Travel London! ;)
Quote from: John on July 27, 2013, 09:57:06 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 09:41:40 PM
http://www.sigmaplantfinder.com/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m.html they could buy to replace some of the older MPDs at tividale they have got at least 10 for sale-a good buy in my opinion if a little overpriced??
You never know, you might have seen those darts with NXWM if they had never sold their London operations, to replace older B6LEs, been Ex-Abellio/Travel London! ;)
Exactly John and I would have been really happy about that as these darts look to be in amazing condition-right length for many of diamonds routes, nice seating and generally good nick-dda and euro 3 as well. They could even have replaced the existing ex london darts at west brom although if they were leased in the first place which these seem to be then they would probably just have returned to the leasor
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 10:03:04 PM
Quote from: John on July 27, 2013, 09:57:06 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 09:41:40 PM
http://www.sigmaplantfinder.com/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m.html they could buy to replace some of the older MPDs at tividale they have got at least 10 for sale-a good buy in my opinion if a little overpriced??
You never know, you might have seen those darts with NXWM if they had never sold their London operations, to replace older B6LEs, been Ex-Abellio/Travel London! ;)
Exactly John and I would have been really happy about that as these darts look to be in amazing condition-right length for many of diamonds routes, nice seating and generally good nick-dda and euro 3 as well. They could even have replaced the existing ex london darts at west brom although if they were leased in the first place which these seem to be then they would probably just have returned to the leasor
Looks like Dawson Rentals are trying all sorts of places to get rid of there
very large collection of buses that no-one seems to want to buy. Shows how difficult it is to sell Citaro bendis when a 54 plate plate dart is for sale at £45500 and the 05 plate bendis for £29000.
Also of interest if the older bendi shown is BX02 YYU which is one currently with CT Plus on park & Ride in Bristol so is presumably not actually for sale
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 09:41:40 PM
Quote from: Ash on July 27, 2013, 08:51:44 PM
What I would do is buy 12 euro 3 darts 6 for the 16 and 5 for the 50 and 1 spare. Then the enviro 200, centro's and the mcv evolution to Tividale and release the 3 ex midland classic buses to Redditch also release some of the newer solo's and replace the 5 '03' reg ones sell them for what they can. I would then brand the solo's for network West Bromwich branding or local link and used them on the local subsidised services such as the 30 and 54/54A.
Theres some good 9.3m ones here
http://www.sigmaplantfinder.com/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m.html they could buy to replace some of the older MPDs at tividale they have got at least 10 for sale-a good buy in my opinion if a little overpriced??
Don't forget Diamond had two 05 plate ex Travel London MPD's that they could have used to replace earlier ones, but chose to sell them instead
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 10:21:19 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 09:41:40 PM
Quote from: Ash on July 27, 2013, 08:51:44 PM
What I would do is buy 12 euro 3 darts 6 for the 16 and 5 for the 50 and 1 spare. Then the enviro 200, centro's and the mcv evolution to Tividale and release the 3 ex midland classic buses to Redditch also release some of the newer solo's and replace the 5 '03' reg ones sell them for what they can. I would then brand the solo's for network West Bromwich branding or local link and used them on the local subsidised services such as the 30 and 54/54A.
Theres some good 9.3m ones here
http://www.sigmaplantfinder.com/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m.html they could buy to replace some of the older MPDs at tividale they have got at least 10 for sale-a good buy in my opinion if a little overpriced??
Don't forget Diamond had two 05 plate ex Travel London MPD's that they could have used to replace earlier ones, but chose to sell them instead
They were bought off roadrunner werent they? Maybe it was them who didnt look after them as having seen a picture on flickr they didnt look in great nick
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 10:28:29 PM
They were bought off roadrunner werent they? Maybe it was them who didnt look after them as having seen a picture on flickr they didnt look in great nick
No sure where they came from, but they saw service with Wessex prior to being stored at the Tividale overflow bus park
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 10:30:01 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 10:28:29 PM
They were bought off roadrunner werent they? Maybe it was them who didnt look after them as having seen a picture on flickr they didnt look in great nick
No sure where they came from, but they saw service with Wessex prior to being stored at the Tividale overflow bus park
Does anyone know the registrations of these Ex Travel London Darts?
Quote from: John on July 27, 2013, 10:32:38 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 10:30:01 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 10:28:29 PM
They were bought off roadrunner werent they? Maybe it was them who didnt look after them as having seen a picture on flickr they didnt look in great nick
No sure where they came from, but they saw service with Wessex prior to being stored at the Tividale overflow bus park
Does anyone kno the registrations of these Ex Travel London Darts?
BU05HDO/V
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2013, 10:30:01 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 10:28:29 PM
They were bought off roadrunner werent they? Maybe it was them who didnt look after them as having seen a picture on flickr they didnt look in great nick
No sure where they came from, but they saw service with Wessex prior to being stored at the Tividale overflow bus park
Did they? They werent in wessex livery when they arrived-they were white with a blue skirt
What are the E300's going to be replacing
or are they extra buses
Quote from: Tony on July 27, 2013, 10:14:11 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 10:03:04 PM
Quote from: John on July 27, 2013, 09:57:06 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 27, 2013, 09:41:40 PM
http://www.sigmaplantfinder.com/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m.html they could buy to replace some of the older MPDs at tividale they have got at least 10 for sale-a good buy in my opinion if a little overpriced??
You never know, you might have seen those darts with NXWM if they had never sold their London operations, to replace older B6LEs, been Ex-Abellio/Travel London! ;)
Exactly John and I would have been really happy about that as these darts look to be in amazing condition-right length for many of diamonds routes, nice seating and generally good nick-dda and euro 3 as well. They could even have replaced the existing ex london darts at west brom although if they were leased in the first place which these seem to be then they would probably just have returned to the leasor
Looks like Dawson Rentals are trying all sorts of places to get rid of there very large collection of buses that no-one seems to want to buy. Shows how difficult it is to sell Citaro bendis when a 54 plate plate dart is for sale at £45500 and the 05 plate bendis for £29000.
Also of interest if the older bendi shown is BX02 YYU which is one currently with CT Plus on park & Ride in Bristol so is presumably not actually for sale
It does doesnt it!! They and other leasors do seem to have masses of unwanted buses especially artics. At least with all the leased citaros operators havent been left to foot the bill for them. They are great value though the citaros even considering the fuel consumption and costs for operators that can run them such as mcgills and go north east who have acquired young mercs for dirt cheap prices. I've never heard of the dealer though who I posted the link to-never seen an advert in any of the trade magazines. This is why the darts are probably unsold is people dont know they are for sale. They would be perfect for the diamond tividale fleet though to get rid of some of the old red diamond and red and white MPDs which are really starting to show their age now. I guess leasors may have already made their money back on the buses they lease but with more and more companies leasing there will be more and more ex lease buses for sale. At the moment, there are darts, citaros and even young tridents and omnicitys even some ex london geminis!! Good news for companies on a budget who can buy newer buses at reasonable prices. I guess though the KS03 solos do show that maybe some ex lease buses arent the most reliable-maybe operators havent really looked after them particularly well, and so some operators stay away from them
If I had a few hundred thousand of pounds spare I would buy those citaros and stick them straight on the 51 and the 529! both routes (51 with a very minor adjustment) can accomadate them and they are iconic too (thanks to borris)! The can pick up massive loads and with the right marketing the Mercedes badge on the front can work wonders!
Ive been screaming out for 4 years for another operator to come on the 51, and with even further cutbacks on the route by nxwm I really think there is a chance for someone to come it! I would love rotala but more realisticly think Arriva!
57 plate Solo on the 226W today. Usually branded darts isn't it?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 28, 2013, 07:34:28 PM
57 plate Solo on the 226W today. Usually branded darts isn't it?
Theyre probably broken lol
Quote from: dannygill on July 28, 2013, 07:27:49 PM
If I had a few hundred thousand of pounds spare I would buy those citaros and stick them straight on the 51 and the 529! both routes (51 with a very minor adjustment) can accomadate them and they are iconic too (thanks to borris)! The can pick up massive loads and with the right marketing the Mercedes badge on the front can work wonders!
Ive been screaming out for 4 years for another operator to come on the 51, and with even further cutbacks on the route by nxwm I really think there is a chance for someone to come it! I would love rotala but more realisticly think Arriva!
If you think a little round symbol on the front of a bus will attract passenger to wait for you you are very much mistaken. Nobody, other than bus enthusiasts give a **** who makes their buses, or if they do it is because they want British built buses to keep British people in work..
Perhaps you might like to tell what the cutback are you are on about. There are more buses running between Walsall and Birmingham on the 51/X51 now than there has ever been before with extra buses still to be introduced between the Scott Arms and Birmingham in a months time.
I would like to bet anybody competing against NXWM on the 51 with these would be off within a few months. The bulk of the passengers are between Perry Barr and Birmingham where you have to find a gap in between the 3.5 minute frequency of the 51/33 to find cash payers and a lot of people between the Clifton and Walsall will wait for an X51. Competeing against the X51 you would have to provide a very good service as a good percentage of X51 passengers have travelcards.
There is good reason why Diamond came off the 51 and why no-one else has gone on there. It is because it is a difficult route to compete and make money on.
Quote from: Tony on July 28, 2013, 07:47:15 PM
Quote from: dannygill on July 28, 2013, 07:27:49 PM
If I had a few hundred thousand of pounds spare I would buy those citaros and stick them straight on the 51 and the 529! both routes (51 with a very minor adjustment) can accomadate them and they are iconic too (thanks to borris)! The can pick up massive loads and with the right marketing the Mercedes badge on the front can work wonders!
Ive been screaming out for 4 years for another operator to come on the 51, and with even further cutbacks on the route by nxwm I really think there is a chance for someone to come it! I would love rotala but more realisticly think Arriva!
If you think a little round symbol on the front of a bus will attract passenger to wait for you you are very much mistaken. Nobody, other than bus enthusiasts give a **** who makes their buses, or if they do it is because they want British built buses to keep British people in work..
Perhaps you might like to tell what the cutback are you are on about. There are more buses running between Walsall and Birmingham on the 51/X51 now than there has ever been before with extra buses still to be introduced between the Scott Arms and Birmingham in a months time.
I would like to bet anybody competing against NXWM on the 51 with these would be off within a few months. The bulk of the passengers are between Perry Barr and Birmingham where you have to find a gap in between the 3.5 minute frequency of the 51/33 to find cash payers and a lot of people between the Clifton and Walsall will wait for an X51. Competeing against the X51 you would have to provide a very good service as a good percentage of X51 passengers have travelcards.
There is good reason why Diamond came off the 51 and why no-one else has gone on there. It is because it is a difficult route to compete and make money on.
Not going to argue about the 51 bit as I agree with Tony but people do care about the badge thats why oxford bus make a great play of having mercs on the X3 with branding saying "on a merc" and people look at this and get the impression of luxury. It is a marketing tool that can and has been used to great effect
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 28, 2013, 07:34:28 PM
57 plate Solo on the 226W today. Usually branded darts isn't it?
MX57UPW
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 28, 2013, 07:34:28 PM
57 plate Solo on the 226W today. Usually branded darts isn't it?
It was 20914 I spotted it remember!
Quote from: nitromatt1 on July 28, 2013, 09:26:27 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 28, 2013, 07:34:28 PM
57 plate Solo on the 226W today. Usually branded darts isn't it?
It was 20914 I spotted it remember!
And 20002 KP02PUY was on it too
There probably just been given a rest they must clock up a fair few miles on the 226.
Quote from: Peter123 on July 28, 2013, 08:08:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 28, 2013, 07:47:15 PM
Quote from: dannygill on July 28, 2013, 07:27:49 PM
If I had a few hundred thousand of pounds spare I would buy those citaros and stick them straight on the 51 and the 529! both routes (51 with a very minor adjustment) can accomadate them and they are iconic too (thanks to borris)! The can pick up massive loads and with the right marketing the Mercedes badge on the front can work wonders!
Ive been screaming out for 4 years for another operator to come on the 51, and with even further cutbacks on the route by nxwm I really think there is a chance for someone to come it! I would love rotala but more realisticly think Arriva!
If you think a little round symbol on the front of a bus will attract passenger to wait for you you are very much mistaken. Nobody, other than bus enthusiasts give a **** who makes their buses, or if they do it is because they want British built buses to keep British people in work..
Perhaps you might like to tell what the cutback are you are on about. There are more buses running between Walsall and Birmingham on the 51/X51 now than there has ever been before with extra buses still to be introduced between the Scott Arms and Birmingham in a months time.
I would like to bet anybody competing against NXWM on the 51 with these would be off within a few months. The bulk of the passengers are between Perry Barr and Birmingham where you have to find a gap in between the 3.5 minute frequency of the 51/33 to find cash payers and a lot of people between the Clifton and Walsall will wait for an X51. Competeing against the X51 you would have to provide a very good service as a good percentage of X51 passengers have travelcards.
There is good reason why Diamond came off the 51 and why no-one else has gone on there. It is because it is a difficult route to compete and make money on.
Not going to argue about the 51 bit as I agree with Tony but people do care about the badge thats why oxford bus make a great play of having mercs on the X3 with branding saying "on a merc" and people look at this and get the impression of luxury. It is a marketing tool that can and has been used to great effect
You may have a point, but speaking as a monthly-paying NX Faresaver pass holder, if a clapped out old B10L suddenly appeared on the 37 (which did used to happen!) I'd get on that, rather than waiting for one of the 'shiny newer' buses to appear.
Quote from: Stu on July 29, 2013, 08:57:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 28, 2013, 08:08:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 28, 2013, 07:47:15 PM
Quote from: dannygill on July 28, 2013, 07:27:49 PM
If I had a few hundred thousand of pounds spare I would buy those citaros and stick them straight on the 51 and the 529! both routes (51 with a very minor adjustment) can accomadate them and they are iconic too (thanks to borris)! The can pick up massive loads and with the right marketing the Mercedes badge on the front can work wonders!
Ive been screaming out for 4 years for another operator to come on the 51, and with even further cutbacks on the route by nxwm I really think there is a chance for someone to come it! I would love rotala but more realisticly think Arriva!
If you think a little round symbol on the front of a bus will attract passenger to wait for you you are very much mistaken. Nobody, other than bus enthusiasts give a **** who makes their buses, or if they do it is because they want British built buses to keep British people in work..
Perhaps you might like to tell what the cutback are you are on about. There are more buses running between Walsall and Birmingham on the 51/X51 now than there has ever been before with extra buses still to be introduced between the Scott Arms and Birmingham in a months time.
I would like to bet anybody competing against NXWM on the 51 with these would be off within a few months. The bulk of the passengers are between Perry Barr and Birmingham where you have to find a gap in between the 3.5 minute frequency of the 51/33 to find cash payers and a lot of people between the Clifton and Walsall will wait for an X51. Competeing against the X51 you would have to provide a very good service as a good percentage of X51 passengers have travelcards.
There is good reason why Diamond came off the 51 and why no-one else has gone on there. It is because it is a difficult route to compete and make money on.
Not going to argue about the 51 bit as I agree with Tony but people do care about the badge thats why oxford bus make a great play of having mercs on the X3 with branding saying "on a merc" and people look at this and get the impression of luxury. It is a marketing tool that can and has been used to great effect
You may have a point, but speaking as a monthly-paying NX Faresaver pass holder, if a clapped out old B10L suddenly appeared on the 37 (which did used to happen!) I'd get on that, rather than waiting for one of the 'shiny newer' buses to appear.
The Oxford thing is more about attracting car drivers onto an already successful service. A new start up competition service normally needs to go to one or other of the extremes. As cheap as possible like Travel Express with buses with holes on the floor. Or luxurious to better the existing operator and make people wait for you. An eleven year old bendibus from London with not very many uncomfortable seats in is neither. NXWMs Enviro 400s are far nicer inside with more seats AND cheaper to operate
Quote from: Tony on July 29, 2013, 09:30:30 PM
Quote from: Stu on July 29, 2013, 08:57:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 28, 2013, 08:08:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 28, 2013, 07:47:15 PM
Quote from: dannygill on July 28, 2013, 07:27:49 PM
If I had a few hundred thousand of pounds spare I would buy those citaros and stick them straight on the 51 and the 529! both routes (51 with a very minor adjustment) can accomadate them and they are iconic too (thanks to borris)! The can pick up massive loads and with the right marketing the Mercedes badge on the front can work wonders!
Ive been screaming out for 4 years for another operator to come on the 51, and with even further cutbacks on the route by nxwm I really think there is a chance for someone to come it! I would love rotala but more realisticly think Arriva!
If you think a little round symbol on the front of a bus will attract passenger to wait for you you are very much mistaken. Nobody, other than bus enthusiasts give a **** who makes their buses, or if they do it is because they want British built buses to keep British people in work..
Perhaps you might like to tell what the cutback are you are on about. There are more buses running between Walsall and Birmingham on the 51/X51 now than there has ever been before with extra buses still to be introduced between the Scott Arms and Birmingham in a months time.
I would like to bet anybody competing against NXWM on the 51 with these would be off within a few months. The bulk of the passengers are between Perry Barr and Birmingham where you have to find a gap in between the 3.5 minute frequency of the 51/33 to find cash payers and a lot of people between the Clifton and Walsall will wait for an X51. Competeing against the X51 you would have to provide a very good service as a good percentage of X51 passengers have travelcards.
There is good reason why Diamond came off the 51 and why no-one else has gone on there. It is because it is a difficult route to compete and make money on.
Not going to argue about the 51 bit as I agree with Tony but people do care about the badge thats why oxford bus make a great play of having mercs on the X3 with branding saying "on a merc" and people look at this and get the impression of luxury. It is a marketing tool that can and has been used to great effect
You may have a point, but speaking as a monthly-paying NX Faresaver pass holder, if a clapped out old B10L suddenly appeared on the 37 (which did used to happen!) I'd get on that, rather than waiting for one of the 'shiny newer' buses to appear.
The Oxford thing is more about attracting car drivers onto an already successful service. A new start up competition service normally needs to go to one or other of the extremes. As cheap as possible like Travel Express with buses with holes on the floor. Or luxurious to better the existing operator and make people wait for you. An eleven year old bendibus from London with not very many uncomfortable seats in is neither. NXWMs Enviro 400s are far nicer inside with more seats AND cheaper to operate
I agree that maybe the citaros are neither end of the market really-I would never use citaros to compete on the 51. I would go cheap and reliable with euro3 darts on a route like the 63 or 17/97 possibly even a few more buses on the 50 :P Starting up routes with mercs like yourbus do is one hell of a gamble and one that can only be afforded by people with substantial financial backing.
Saw two 002's today while waiting for the X96 at Merry Hill and both left packed as it usually does. I really think there is potential for NXWM to start on the 002 as it clearly is a money earner and is usually busy everytime i see it. Maybe NX should consider maybe competing on there?
Sorry :( Only making a suggestion but can't obviously do that on here as i get slated :'( Thanks for theunessicery upset :(
Oh ok that is your opinion and yes i never took that into acount (Just a quick thought plus i'm half asleep) and i now see your point and is very true but please don't lay into me like that by saying it wad rediculous. Could of put it in a say polite or nicer way. I feel like i have done something bad or something which i don't think i should have to feel. At the end of the day its a forum and i am entitled to an opinion
Sorry if you took it that way peter :( I wasn't trying to attack diamond as i am not that sort of person so i only innocently posted it and never maliciously meant anything by it. All i'm saying is basically yes you have your opinion but i don't want someone to make me feel rubbish by telling me (Seems like you are shouting at me although i don't feel like argueing) that it was rediculous. Could of just politley said that it maybe wasn't a good idea.
I think diamond a a great business and they do great on the 002 and maybe misjudged my facts so very sorry if it offended if thats what it did peter?
Quote from: Peter123 on July 30, 2013, 10:08:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 30, 2013, 10:00:34 PM
Saw two 002's today while waiting for the X96 at Merry Hill and both left packed as it usually does. I really think there is potential for NXWM to start on the 002 as it clearly is a money earner and is usually busy everytime i see it. Maybe NX should consider maybe competing on there?
What a ridiculous post. Maybe because diamond and ludlows built up a successful route NXWM can just barge onto the route, abuse its monopoly. WHAT IS THE NEED?? Diamond are doing a good job on the route-running times need adjusting but what is peoples problem with diamond? i really dont understand why you and someone else on here said that NX should have a go on the 002 or another of diamonds routes? Why can people not accept another company like diamond or hansons does a good job and not think in some kind of weird way that NX should operate every single bus route in the west midlands just so the travelcard mob can descend on the route. I would far rather diamond ran the route than NX try to barge on the route and cheaply time their buses ahead of diamond like on the 56.
Dog eat dog and in fairness diamond tend to bite first and generally more than they can chew.
Generally NXWM have never been that competitive with diamond they just seem to get on with there business on the services they compete with diamond. I ask the question can NXWM afford diamond to shrink to nothing as then it will be a monopoly and surely the OFT would have to step in as who would there be left to compete against NXWM. NXWM are trying out the 4H diamond's old 417 and diamonds old 404H now the 4M but both operators don't try and do everything to get in front as both operators try to keep to time.
Quote from: Peter123 on July 30, 2013, 10:08:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 30, 2013, 10:00:34 PM
Saw two 002's today while waiting for the X96 at Merry Hill and both left packed as it usually does. I really think there is potential for NXWM to start on the 002 as it clearly is a money earner and is usually busy everytime i see it. Maybe NX should consider maybe competing on there?
What a ridiculous post. Maybe because diamond and ludlows built up a successful route NXWM can just barge onto the route, abuse its monopoly. WHAT IS THE NEED?? Diamond are doing a good job on the route-running times need adjusting but what is peoples problem with diamond? i really dont understand why you and someone else on here said that NX should have a go on the 002 or another of diamonds routes? Why can people not accept another company like diamond or hansons does a good job and not think in some kind of weird way that NX should operate every single bus route in the west midlands just so the travelcard mob can descend on the route. I would far rather diamond ran the route than NX try to barge on the route and cheaply time their buses ahead of diamond like on the 56.
Like what Diamond did to Hansons on the 226, barge in and time buses 5 minutes infront, and run off route?
That soon got changed though and now every 15 minutes so has improved the service in terms of frequency for people with an n network/bus ticket or a concessionary pass thats if the bus makes a complete journey.
A little birdie tells me Diamond are about to get some competition.
Watch the registrations.
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 07:55:29 AM
A little birdie tells me Diamond are about to get some competition.
Watch the registrations.
Hope it's the 002!
Quote from: richie on July 30, 2013, 10:30:17 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 30, 2013, 10:08:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 30, 2013, 10:00:34 PM
Saw two 002's today while waiting for the X96 at Merry Hill and both left packed as it usually does. I really think there is potential for NXWM to start on the 002 as it clearly is a money earner and is usually busy everytime i see it. Maybe NX should consider maybe competing on there?
What a ridiculous post. Maybe because diamond and ludlows built up a successful route NXWM can just barge onto the route, abuse its monopoly. WHAT IS THE NEED?? Diamond are doing a good job on the route-running times need adjusting but what is peoples problem with diamond? i really dont understand why you and someone else on here said that NX should have a go on the 002 or another of diamonds routes? Why can people not accept another company like diamond or hansons does a good job and not think in some kind of weird way that NX should operate every single bus route in the west midlands just so the travelcard mob can descend on the route. I would far rather diamond ran the route than NX try to barge on the route and cheaply time their buses ahead of diamond like on the 56.
Dog eat dog and in fairness diamond tend to bite first and generally more than they can chew.
Yeah, just look at the 226
Quote from: bususer12 on July 30, 2013, 11:08:09 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 30, 2013, 10:08:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 30, 2013, 10:00:34 PM
Saw two 002's today while waiting for the X96 at Merry Hill and both left packed as it usually does. I really think there is potential for NXWM to start on the 002 as it clearly is a money earner and is usually busy everytime i see it. Maybe NX should consider maybe competing on there?
What a ridiculous post. Maybe because diamond and ludlows built up a successful route NXWM can just barge onto the route, abuse its monopoly. WHAT IS THE NEED?? Diamond are doing a good job on the route-running times need adjusting but what is peoples problem with diamond? i really dont understand why you and someone else on here said that NX should have a go on the 002 or another of diamonds routes? Why can people not accept another company like diamond or hansons does a good job and not think in some kind of weird way that NX should operate every single bus route in the west midlands just so the travelcard mob can descend on the route. I would far rather diamond ran the route than NX try to barge on the route and cheaply time their buses ahead of diamond like on the 56.
Like what Diamond did to Hansons on the 226, barge in and time buses 5 minutes infront, and run off route?
I hated it when they did that to be fair-the worst thing I think diamond have ever done so I agree
Quote from: nitromatt1 on July 31, 2013, 09:33:56 AM
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 07:55:29 AM
A little birdie tells me Diamond are about to get some competition.
Watch the registrations.
Hope it's the 002!
I certainly hope that NX dont attack one of diamonds most profitable routes. They are doing a good job on the route so no need and dont know why theres a need to hope its the 002.
Diamond have been "attacking" NXWM for years haven't they... 9, 74, 87, 120? If there is competition on the 002, I hope the other company provide an evening and Sunday service
Quote from: bususer12 on July 30, 2013, 11:08:09 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 30, 2013, 10:08:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 30, 2013, 10:00:34 PM
Saw two 002's today while waiting for the X96 at Merry Hill and both left packed as it usually does. I really think there is potential for NXWM to start on the 002 as it clearly is a money earner and is usually busy everytime i see it. Maybe NX should consider maybe competing on there?
What a ridiculous post. Maybe because diamond and ludlows built up a successful route NXWM can just barge onto the route, abuse its monopoly. WHAT IS THE NEED?? Diamond are doing a good job on the route-running times need adjusting but what is peoples problem with diamond? i really dont understand why you and someone else on here said that NX should have a go on the 002 or another of diamonds routes? Why can people not accept another company like diamond or hansons does a good job and not think in some kind of weird way that NX should operate every single bus route in the west midlands just so the travelcard mob can descend on the route. I would far rather diamond ran the route than NX try to barge on the route and cheaply time their buses ahead of diamond like on the 56.
Like what Diamond did to Hansons on the 226, barge in and time buses 5 minutes infront, and run off route?
Or in pre-Diamond days when BCC tried unsuccessfully to run Ludlow's off the road by registering 5 mins in front on every one of their routes
At the end of the end day, it works both ways, Diamond can't expect to compete on traditional NXWM services and not receive competition in return on routes they enjoy a monopoly on/do well from. Most are suggesting that someone possibly NXWM should start a competing service on the 002 as most feel that Diamond have missed the opportunity to extend the hours of operation to match centre opening times & introduce a Sunday time service at a decent frequency
This is what happens when you get a monopoly. Half of the people here want a monopoly so they can buy travel cards but aren't looking at the bigger picuture
All this talk of competition on the 002 diamons do have other routes all to themselves.
Diamond aren't really all that good at competing with anyone there seems like no business will for a fight & so give up too easily. IMO that's what happens when money hungry investors are involved with a company.
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 01:28:19 PM
All this talk of competition on the 002 diamons do have other routes all to themselves.
Diamond aren't really all that good at competing with anyone there seems like no business will for a fight & so give up too easily. IMO that's what happens when money hungry investors are involved with a company.
Diamond don't really have many other routes worth competing on that they operate commercially other than possibly the 56 (which now has competition from NX 936), 119, 202 or any of the Signature or Redditch routes
Diamond have missed a trick not running an evening and sunday service on the 002, even if just hourly. It is not just the Merry Hill end which is busy... the Weoley Castle - Halesowen section also picks up decent loads.
I would personally hate to see the 002 have competition from NXWM as I don't think the passenger loyalty is there for Diamond as it was for Ludlows, and can see it ending with Diamond withdrawing from the route.
Quote from: dgss1 on July 31, 2013, 12:33:44 PM
This is what happens when you get a monopoly. Half of the people here want a monopoly so they can buy travel cards but aren't looking at the bigger picuture
Finally someone I agree with :)
Quote from: sonic84 on July 31, 2013, 06:52:33 PM
Diamond have missed a trick not running an evening and sunday service on the 002, even if just hourly. It is not just the Merry Hill end which is busy... the Weoley Castle - Halesowen section also picks up decent loads.
I would personally hate to see the 002 have competition from NXWM as I don't think the passenger loyalty is there for Diamond as it was for Ludlows, and can see it ending with Diamond withdrawing from the route.
Same here unfortunately and I agree with Steve about investors potentially ruining competing bus operators.
Don't know if it has been reported yet but 30454 Y211HWJ has had swift 226 branding removed and is still in the base red livery with DIAMOND logos applied-from now on, unbranded buses on the 226 are no longer rare and it seems like rotala have realised these buses were being worked too hard-better to spread the wear over more buses as opposed to darts branded which run a long and demanding route day and night
Quote from: Winston on July 31, 2013, 05:17:18 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 01:28:19 PM
All this talk of competition on the 002 diamons do have other routes all to themselves.
Diamond aren't really all that good at competing with anyone there seems like no business will for a fight & so give up too easily. IMO that's what happens when money hungry investors are involved with a company.
Diamond don't really have many other routes worth competing on that they operate commercially other than possibly the 56 (which now has competition from NX 936), 119, 202 or any of the Signature or Redditch routes
Yes, you'll find that apart from the routes they already compete with NXWM on (like the 4, 16 and 50), the vast majority of the other routes they operate are the ones that NX simply weren't interested in operating commercially, and that includes the Solihull Signature services, 30, S2 and S3.
Quote from: Stu on July 31, 2013, 07:47:56 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 31, 2013, 05:17:18 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 01:28:19 PM
All this talk of competition on the 002 diamons do have other routes all to themselves.
Diamond aren't really all that good at competing with anyone there seems like no business will for a fight & so give up too easily. IMO that's what happens when money hungry investors are involved with a company.
Diamond don't really have many other routes worth competing on that they operate commercially other than possibly the 56 (which now has competition from NX 936), 119, 202 or any of the Signature or Redditch routes
Yes, you'll find that apart from the routes they already compete with NXWM on (like the 4, 16 and 50), the vast majority of the other routes they operate are the ones that NX simply weren't interested in operating commercially, and that includes the Solihull Signature services, 30, S2 and S3.
Cant think much in Kidderminster other than the X3 would support competition and Redditch there are the matchborough's/51 and 55/56. Signature network seems unlikely as NX ditched it as you have said Stu and diamond already have competition on the bham routes and also the west brom network is a pretty even match between operators-people seem to catch what comes first on 40/42/43. 4 is already very competitive so other than the 202/002/142/119/108/401E/226? cant really see what there would be competition on
I mentioned not so long ago about debranding the 226 swift darts as like mentioned they are being worked too hard. NXWM tried there own 305 service which took the same route as the 401E but metrobuses and b6le were mainly used it soon got withdrawn.
Quote from: Ash on July 31, 2013, 10:17:53 PM
I mentioned not so long ago about debranding the 226 swift darts as like mentioned they are being worked too hard. NXWM tried there own 305 service which took the same route as the 401E but metrobuses and b6le were mainly used it soon got withdrawn.
Its weird isnt it Ash how certainly we amongst others mentioned it and then it suddenly happened. Added to that one of the cadets with various bits of black diamond livery has had all the logos removed which I also suggested-get all the black/red/blue diamond logos off and put the smart new ones on
Didnt know about the 305-must be a bit before my time lol
Quote from: Peter123 on July 31, 2013, 10:27:16 PM
Quote from: Ash on July 31, 2013, 10:17:53 PM
I mentioned not so long ago about debranding the 226 swift darts as like mentioned they are being worked too hard. NXWM tried there own 305 service which took the same route as the 401E but metrobuses and b6le were mainly used it soon got withdrawn.
Its weird isnt it Ash how certainly we amongst others mentioned it and then it suddenly happened. Added to that one of the cadets with various bits of black diamond livery has had all the logos removed which I also suggested-get all the black/red/blue diamond logos off and put the smart new ones on
Didnt know about the 305-must be a bit before my time lol
Not weird at all Peter, Rotala read these message boards but don't participate...... other than on very odd occassions via Tony
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/5540528404/
There is the a photo of a b6le on the 305 a couple of years back the competing service to diamonds 401E
Theres a picture of an E400 (Think it was one at YW but used at WA without logos as they were in process of delivery from WA to YW) on the 305
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 31, 2013, 11:21:48 PM
Theres a picture of an E400 (Think it was one at YW but used at WA without logos as they were in process of delivery from WA to YW) on the 305
This one Nathan? 4739, 2nd from bottom picture
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4739.html
Quote from: John on August 01, 2013, 08:44:15 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 31, 2013, 11:21:48 PM
Theres a picture of an E400 (Think it was one at YW but used at WA without logos as they were in process of delivery from WA to YW) on the 305
This one Nathan? 4739, 2nd from bottom picture
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4739.html
Yes thats the one. Thanks John :)
Quote from: Ash on July 31, 2013, 11:08:34 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/5540528404/
There is the a photo of a b6le on the 305 a couple of years back the competing service to diamonds 401E
Cheers Ash-wasnt aware of this service so thanks for that. The b6 does seem quite empty-maybe giving it a different service number was one of the reasons it didnt take off. It must be a good moneyspinner the 401e as its such a quick turnaround and Ive seen it arrive in bradford place with a good full load admittedly on an MPD but still
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 31, 2013, 11:21:48 PM
Theres a picture of an E400 (Think it was one at YW but used at WA without logos as they were in process of delivery from WA to YW) on the 305
Thats a very interesting working though Ive never been on the 401e-I wondered if the reason diamond didnt use bigger buses was because it was a narrow route or something but this working dispels that myth-unless the travel 305 went a different route to the 401e. Maybe its because as we've said before, diamond have too many MPDs/solos and not enough longer darts
Quote from: Winston on July 31, 2013, 11:01:55 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 31, 2013, 10:27:16 PM
Quote from: Ash on July 31, 2013, 10:17:53 PM
I mentioned not so long ago about debranding the 226 swift darts as like mentioned they are being worked too hard. NXWM tried there own 305 service which took the same route as the 401E but metrobuses and b6le were mainly used it soon got withdrawn.
Its weird isnt it Ash how certainly we amongst others mentioned it and then it suddenly happened. Added to that one of the cadets with various bits of black diamond livery has had all the logos removed which I also suggested-get all the black/red/blue diamond logos off and put the smart new ones on
Didnt know about the 305-must be a bit before my time lol
Not weird at all Peter, Rotala read these message boards but don't participate...... other than on very odd occassions via Tony
Ha its a real pity as I think with most other companies we've got managers/drivers etc on here representing them. Whereas with diamond we've got no managers on here or even drivers
Quote from: Peter123 on August 01, 2013, 10:57:33 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 31, 2013, 11:21:48 PM
Theres a picture of an E400 (Think it was one at YW but used at WA without logos as they were in process of delivery from WA to YW) on the 305
Thats a very interesting working though Ive never been on the 401e-I wondered if the reason diamond didnt use bigger buses was because it was a narrow route or something but this working dispels that myth-unless the travel 305 went a different route to the 401e. Maybe its because as we've said before, diamond have too many MPDs/solos and not enough longer darts
Diamond use to use the centro's when new 801-820 and were even branded with the 404E with special return branding which was applied at the top of the front windscreen. Often when I used to see them go past they were fairly full but as they got branded for the 50 and 002 and some went to Wessex solo's 540-542 received the yew tree connection branding and with the solo's they limited the capacity. The tame bridge estate can easily cope with full size single deckers the roads are quite wide for an newly built estate. The 305 at the final stage of its existence followed the same route as the 401E when it was fully introduced it turned off at the Joseph leckie school and followed the same line as the 404 for a few stops and went on to the yew tree and tame bridge via greenside way and so made a loop.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/8629015176/
The photo above shows 30809 on the 401E with the return branding clearly shown on the front window.
Quote from: Ash on August 01, 2013, 03:04:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 01, 2013, 10:57:33 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 31, 2013, 11:21:48 PM
Theres a picture of an E400 (Think it was one at YW but used at WA without logos as they were in process of delivery from WA to YW) on the 305
Thats a very interesting working though Ive never been on the 401e-I wondered if the reason diamond didnt use bigger buses was because it was a narrow route or something but this working dispels that myth-unless the travel 305 went a different route to the 401e. Maybe its because as we've said before, diamond have too many MPDs/solos and not enough longer darts
Diamond use to use the centro's when new 801-820 and were even branded with the 404E with special return branding which was applied at the top of the front windscreen. Often when I used to see them go past they were fairly full but as they got branded for the 50 and 002 and some went to Wessex solo's 540-542 received the yew tree connection branding and with the solo's they limited the capacity. The tame bridge estate can easily cope with full size single deckers the roads are quite wide for an newly built estate. The 305 at the final stage of its existence followed the same route as the 401E when it was fully introduced it turned off at the Joseph leckie school and followed the same line as the 404 for a few stops and went on to the yew tree and tame bridge via greenside way and so made a loop.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/8629015176/
The photo above shows 30809 on the 401E with the return branding clearly shown on the front window.
That was all back in the days when Diamond/Rotala were showing signs of being a stronger force in the West Midlands and had a lot more fight & potential
Quote from: Ash on August 01, 2013, 03:04:47 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 01, 2013, 10:57:33 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 31, 2013, 11:21:48 PM
Theres a picture of an E400 (Think it was one at YW but used at WA without logos as they were in process of delivery from WA to YW) on the 305
Thats a very interesting working though Ive never been on the 401e-I wondered if the reason diamond didnt use bigger buses was because it was a narrow route or something but this working dispels that myth-unless the travel 305 went a different route to the 401e. Maybe its because as we've said before, diamond have too many MPDs/solos and not enough longer darts
Diamond use to use the centro's when new 801-820 and were even branded with the 404E with special return branding which was applied at the top of the front windscreen. Often when I used to see them go past they were fairly full but as they got branded for the 50 and 002 and some went to Wessex solo's 540-542 received the yew tree connection branding and with the solo's they limited the capacity. The tame bridge estate can easily cope with full size single deckers the roads are quite wide for an newly built estate. The 305 at the final stage of its existence followed the same route as the 401E when it was fully introduced it turned off at the Joseph leckie school and followed the same line as the 404 for a few stops and went on to the yew tree and tame bridge via greenside way and so made a loop.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/8629015176/
The photo above shows 30809 on the 401E with the return branding clearly shown on the front window.
I do wish they would bring back this branding and promotion-it really wouldnt cost a fortune and would have a huge impact on the business-full size singles could probably go back on the 401e-if they had enough. Out of interest, is reliability why the KS03 solos were removed from 401e and 142 as these routes still have buses of similar capacity so cant be capacity problems
I don't think it was reliability problems the reason the solo's were removed i believe it was due to capacity problem both the 401E and 142 needed bigger buses although now the 401E is back to solo's and the mpd's. The 03 solos are unreliable and struggle to get up to any speed.
Oh right assumed it wasnt as nothing bigger ever replaced them but they are horrid buses and should definitely be sold as a priority-even the solos at long acre and the 57 reg ones at tividale are nowhere near as bad. Theyre still awful but better than the KS03's
Is there a reason 30454 (Branded 226) has been debranded
Maybe 30454 needed a few panels replacing so would look untidy with bits of the branding missing so could be the reason it all got removed.
Quote from: Ash on August 01, 2013, 09:37:08 PM
Maybe 30454 needed a few panels replacing so would look untidy with bits of the branding missing so could be the reason it all got removed.
Is the base red livery for the 226 the same as red diamond red? Just out of interest as two of the swift darts were in red diamond livery before and they look like that again now? Is it the same red diamond livery that had branding which has now been removed?
Talking 226 buses did i see MX55NWL); ex Hansons bus yesterday in Yardley Wood Rd wearing its new blue livery? as its destined for redditch has any one seen it yet?
Quote from: hartshill busman on August 02, 2013, 05:08:03 AM
Talking 226 buses did i see MX55NWL); ex Hansons bus yesterday in Yardley Wood Rd wearing its new blue livery? as its destined for redditch has any one seen it yet?
Really? No havent seen them out and about yet-need another trip over to redditch soon anyway
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 07:55:29 AM
A little birdie tells me Diamond are about to get some competition.
Watch the registrations.
Your little birdie would be spot on then
PD1107088/1 - HARDEEP KHAKH T/A CITY LINE TRAVEL, BRITANNIA WORKS, UNIT 2-3, 2-4 BRIDGE STREET SOUTH, SMETHWICK, B66 3DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Redditch Bus Station
Finish Point: Redditch Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 57
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-SEP-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Wouldn't it have been more cost effective to locate the business closer to Redditch if that was the intended operating area, there's going to be quite a bit of dead mileage
No doubt Diamond will now use this as an argument to the Oft to allow them to keep the former First Redditch operation
Quote from: Winston on August 02, 2013, 04:24:25 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 07:55:29 AM
A little birdie tells me Diamond are about to get some competition.
Watch the registrations.
Your little birdie would be spot on then
PD1107088/1 - HARDEEP KHAKH T/A CITY LINE TRAVEL, BRITANNIA WORKS, UNIT 2-3, 2-4 BRIDGE STREET SOUTH, SMETHWICK, B66 3DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Redditch Bus Station
Finish Point: Redditch Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 57
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-SEP-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Wouldn't it have been more cost effective to locate the business closer to Redditch if that was the intended operating area, there's going to be quite a bit of dead mileage
No doubt Diamond will now use this as an argument to the Oft to allow them to keep the former First Redditch operation
Wonders what buses they will use :)
Operating Centre: 82 ROLFE STREET SMETHWICK B66 2AX
Authorisation:8 Vehicle(s).
Transport Manager(s): GOHEL SUBHASH
Quote from: vinh1000 on August 02, 2013, 06:52:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 02, 2013, 04:24:25 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 07:55:29 AM
A little birdie tells me Diamond are about to get some competition.
Watch the registrations.
Your little birdie would be spot on then
PD1107088/1 - HARDEEP KHAKH T/A CITY LINE TRAVEL, BRITANNIA WORKS, UNIT 2-3, 2-4 BRIDGE STREET SOUTH, SMETHWICK, B66 3DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Redditch Bus Station
Finish Point: Redditch Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 57
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-SEP-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Wouldn't it have been more cost effective to locate the business closer to Redditch if that was the intended operating area, there's going to be quite a bit of dead mileage
No doubt Diamond will now use this as an argument to the Oft to allow them to keep the former First Redditch operation
Wonders what buses they will use :)
Operating Centre: 82 ROLFE STREET SMETHWICK B66 2AX
Authorisation:8 Vehicle(s).
Transport Manager(s): GOHEL SUBHASH
Sure ive heard this operator before? Itll just be another cheap tacky operation badly run with maintenance problems. Hopefully it will ensure diamond can keep redditch and then they can be put off the road for maintenance/timekeeping. And they will presumably have to match diamonds bargain fares there and will therefore make no money at all combined with the dead mileage. Fair enough if travel were going on the route then they should worry but not this operator.
This operator is not going to succeed against diamond on the 57 I guess alot of people will buy diamond passes due to the network they have and to be fair diamond seem to offer cheap ticket prices which is fare to the people using the buses.
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 07:18:29 PM
This operator is not going to succeed against diamond on the 57 I guess alot of people will buy diamond passes due to the network they have and to be fair diamond seem to offer cheap ticket prices which is fare to the people using the buses.
It's no different to the scenario between Diamond & First when they were both competing and Diamond was the underdog because of First's network
Yeah but diamond had a lot of money and new buses and somehow I doubt this operator will
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 07:18:29 PM
This operator is not going to succeed against diamond on the 57 I guess alot of people will buy diamond passes due to the network they have and to be fair diamond seem to offer cheap ticket prices which is fare to the people using the buses.
I agree a lot have diamond passes and now the fares are so ridiculously cheap that diamond/first were making no money there so the newstart will have to match them and so need very deep pockets to survive. 20 new eclipses and free buses for a few months by diamond will sort them out well and truly
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:23:34 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 07:18:29 PM
This operator is not going to succeed against diamond on the 57 I guess alot of people will buy diamond passes due to the network they have and to be fair diamond seem to offer cheap ticket prices which is fare to the people using the buses.
I agree a lot have diamond passes and now the fares are so ridiculously cheap that diamond/first were making no money there so the newstart will have to match them and so need very deep pockets to survive. 20 new eclipses and free buses for a few months by diamond will sort them out well and truly
But Peter how realistic is this with Rotala's track record of new buses for Diamond :P
Quote from: Winston on August 02, 2013, 07:48:32 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:23:34 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 07:18:29 PM
This operator is not going to succeed against diamond on the 57 I guess alot of people will buy diamond passes due to the network they have and to be fair diamond seem to offer cheap ticket prices which is fare to the people using the buses.
I agree a lot have diamond passes and now the fares are so ridiculously cheap that diamond/first were making no money there so the newstart will have to match them and so need very deep pockets to survive. 20 new eclipses and free buses for a few months by diamond will sort them out well and truly
But Peter how realistic is this with Rotala's track record of new buses for Diamond :P
Not sure Winston haha though buying 20 new eclipses wouldnt actually as we've discussed on here before actually require any expenditure. And hopefully if theyre allowed to keep redditch and kidderminster they will kick up a fight to protect what is surely one of their best routes
I predict more darts then in Redditch!!! Wouldn't surprise me to see Whittles register some routes there too based around the x3.
Quote from: j789 on August 02, 2013, 07:59:17 PM
I predict more darts then in Redditch!!! Wouldn't surprise me to see Whittles register some routes there too based around the x3.
It is a possibility but I doubt whittles will try it on too much personally after eyms's recent admission of failure in manchester id think they would want to keep things steadily ticking over for a bit
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:57:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 02, 2013, 07:48:32 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:23:34 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 07:18:29 PM
This operator is not going to succeed against diamond on the 57 I guess alot of people will buy diamond passes due to the network they have and to be fair diamond seem to offer cheap ticket prices which is fare to the people using the buses.
I agree a lot have diamond passes and now the fares are so ridiculously cheap that diamond/first were making no money there so the newstart will have to match them and so need very deep pockets to survive. 20 new eclipses and free buses for a few months by diamond will sort them out well and truly
But Peter how realistic is this with Rotala's track record of new buses for Diamond :P
Not sure Winston haha though buying 20 new eclipses wouldnt actually as we've discussed on here before actually require any expenditure. And hopefully if theyre allowed to keep redditch and kidderminster they will kick up a fight to protect what is surely one of their best routes
Yep, we've proven 20 new Eclipse isn't out of there reach
I would transfer the new 13 reg and 3 ex midland classic b7rle's to Redditch for a start and replace these with 7 centro's from around the group including the 3/4 they currently have at Long Acre.
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 08:33:36 PM
I would transfer the new 13 reg and 3 ex midland classic b7rle's to Redditch for a start and replace these with 7 centro's from around the group including the 3/4 they currently have at Long Acre.
But then Tividale looses out again
Quickly to add diamond are doing kids for a quid with OAP passes and have a £5 family daysaver on offer for the west midlands operations. The swop would mean standardising the fleet thats all I would settle for centro's there good buses.
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 08:37:20 PM
Quickly to add diamond are doing kids for a quid with OAP passes and have a £5 family daysaver on offer for the west midlands operations. The swop would mean standardising the fleet thats all I would settle for centro's there good buses.
I agree with standarising the fleet but they are 07 plate, not so bad if only the ex Midland Classic B7RLE go
20542 appeared in Merry Hill on the 002 today - http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomsbusphotos/9422369971/
At least the college is on a break so the capacity should be reduced on the 002 surely there must be a couple of royale centro's spare as 6 are needed daily so normally 2 are free. At minimum a cadet should be used or take one of the b7rle's from the 4 or one from Long Acre as a temporary replacement. The midland classic ones are not the most reliable buses in the fleet but the 13 reg ones are superb but just think standardising is better also the 4 is still a mixture of buses even with 7 b7rle's or at the moment 6.
Got to compliment Diamond, the 9pm 205 was bang on time with Royale B7RLE (30827) & a nice friendly driver, prevented me from getting completely drenched! The things you do for a beer.....
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 08:45:05 PM
At least the college is on a break so the capacity should be reduced on the 002 surely there must be a couple of royale centro's spare as 6 are needed daily so normally 2 are free. At minimum a cadet should be used or take one of the b7rle's from the 4 or one from Long Acre as a temporary replacement. The midland classic ones are not the most reliable buses in the fleet but the 13 reg ones are superb but just think standardising is better also the 4 is still a mixture of buses even with 7 b7rle's or at the moment 6.
I wonder where all these royales end up must be on the 301 or something-the KS03 solos are awful anywhere especially on the 002 and the diamond tividale fleet needs some new buses such as 52 reg darts to upgrade the fleet. Any sign of the 08 eclipse?
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 08:45:05 PM
At least the college is on a break so the capacity should be reduced on the 002 surely there must be a couple of royale centro's spare as 6 are needed daily so normally 2 are free. At minimum a cadet should be used or take one of the b7rle's from the 4 or one from Long Acre as a temporary replacement. The midland classic ones are not the most reliable buses in the fleet but the 13 reg ones are superb but just think standardising is better also the 4 is still a mixture of buses even with 7 b7rle's or at the moment 6.
No the 002 still gets packed even in th School holidays even with Centros
Quote from: Winston on August 02, 2013, 07:48:32 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:23:34 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 07:18:29 PM
This operator is not going to succeed against diamond on the 57 I guess alot of people will buy diamond passes due to the network they have and to be fair diamond seem to offer cheap ticket prices which is fare to the people using the buses.
I agree a lot have diamond passes and now the fares are so ridiculously cheap that diamond/first were making no money there so the newstart will have to match them and so need very deep pockets to survive. 20 new eclipses and free buses for a few months by diamond will sort them out well and truly
But Peter how realistic is this with Rotala's track record of new buses for Diamond :P
20 new eclipses? And free buses for a few months? That's more than their profit
And judging by the photo further up the thread diamond want to turn the 002 into a mini bus route
wonder ids suny travel is closing & come back as this operator as it ther enough space at the op centre below for 2 op's
Quote from: vinh1000 on August 02, 2013, 06:52:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 02, 2013, 04:24:25 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 07:55:29 AM
A little birdie tells me Diamond are about to get some competition.
Watch the registrations.
Your little birdie would be spot on then
PD1107088/1 - HARDEEP KHAKH T/A CITY LINE TRAVEL, BRITANNIA WORKS, UNIT 2-3, 2-4 BRIDGE STREET SOUTH, SMETHWICK, B66 3DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Redditch Bus Station
Finish Point: Redditch Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 57
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-SEP-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Wouldn't it have been more cost effective to locate the business closer to Redditch if that was the intended operating area, there's going to be quite a bit of dead mileage
No doubt Diamond will now use this as an argument to the Oft to allow them to keep the former First Redditch operation
Wonders what buses they will use :)
Operating Centre: 82 ROLFE STREET SMETHWICK B66 2AX
Authorisation:8 Vehicle(s).
Transport Manager(s): GOHEL SUBHASH
Quote from: Solo1 on August 03, 2013, 02:12:07 AM
wonder ids suny travel is closing & come back as this operator as it ther enough space at the op centre below for 2 op's Quote from: vinh1000 on August 02, 2013, 06:52:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 02, 2013, 04:24:25 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on July 31, 2013, 07:55:29 AM
A little birdie tells me Diamond are about to get some competition.
Watch the registrations.
Your little birdie would be spot on then
PD1107088/1 - HARDEEP KHAKH T/A CITY LINE TRAVEL, BRITANNIA WORKS, UNIT 2-3, 2-4 BRIDGE STREET SOUTH, SMETHWICK, B66 3DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Redditch Bus Station
Finish Point: Redditch Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 57
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-SEP-2013
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
Wouldn't it have been more cost effective to locate the business closer to Redditch if that was the intended operating area, there's going to be quite a bit of dead mileage
No doubt Diamond will now use this as an argument to the Oft to allow them to keep the former First Redditch operation
Wonders what buses they will use :)
Operating Centre: 82 ROLFE STREET SMETHWICK B66 2AX
Authorisation:8 Vehicle(s).
Transport Manager(s): GOHEL SUBHASH
That is Right by my house and Redditch is a longish drive from my house
What you have to remember guys is that this is just what rotala need to keep the OFT off their back I'm sure the oft wouldn't look too favourable if they tried to push out any competition. Besides you have no idea how much money these guys have in their bank account.
Remember again everyone thought Petes travel would never succeed against First & look at Diamond now.
Regarding distance well it doesn't matter how far you travel as long as you get the revenue remember Petes operating in Telford or Bharat who used to run a few school runs in Worcester.
Quote from: richie on August 03, 2013, 12:02:52 AM
Quote from: Winston on August 02, 2013, 07:48:32 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:23:34 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 02, 2013, 07:18:29 PM
This operator is not going to succeed against diamond on the 57 I guess alot of people will buy diamond passes due to the network they have and to be fair diamond seem to offer cheap ticket prices which is fare to the people using the buses.
I agree a lot have diamond passes and now the fares are so ridiculously cheap that diamond/first were making no money there so the newstart will have to match them and so need very deep pockets to survive. 20 new eclipses and free buses for a few months by diamond will sort them out well and truly
But Peter how realistic is this with Rotala's track record of new buses for Diamond :P
20 new eclipses? And free buses for a few months? That's more than their profit
As has been said, out of the sale of the levantes many b7rles could be bought from volvo uk bus stock-probably up to 20
Quote from: DJ trainbasher on August 02, 2013, 08:41:28 PM
20542 appeared in Merry Hill on the 002 today - http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomsbusphotos/9422369971/
I wonder how that got on around lunch time (: when going from Merry Hill - Halesowen
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2013, 08:58:38 PM
No, they'd shouldn't be far off, they may have to top it up with some cash?
20 x B7RLE @ £150k = £3 Million
I'm guessing the Levante are around £280-£300k brand new. 2 year old coaches may go for £225k ish with above average mileage due to NX work = £2.95Million
Diamondart,
It seems my valuation was a bit out, see Rotala Levante feature in latest Routeone,
They are being advertised for sale for £180k/each, this still equates to £2.520 Million, but it seems to imply that there is very little interest even at that price. I'm surprised another NX contractor hasn't snapped them up for fleet replacement
A red and white Diamond Dart (VGX reg maybe) was involved in an Accident while on the 43 today, on Oxford Road, West Brom, at the traffic lights at Lodge Road, just down from NX West Bromwich garage. Looks like a car had run the red light and smashed into the drivers side at the front. Not major damage though, but the bus was still in situ blocking Lodge Road with police and paramedics there
03 plate Enviro 300 for sale
http://www.southdownpsv.co.uk/sales/bus_details.php?bus=247
I haven't seen W905JNF on any of the Tividale services for a bout a week now I wonder if this bus has gone back to Long Acre or possibly Redditch or Kidderminster.
One of the Ex First Enviros has been painted blue I think as Im sure I saw one on the M42 yesterday afternoon. Im quite sure it was VX54 MSU.
Its a shame the R reg Darts havent had ramps put in them as they would have gone on for a few more years with diamond no problem.
Quote from: tank90 on August 21, 2013, 12:53:37 AM
One of the Ex First Enviros has been painted blue I think as Im sure I saw one on the M42 yesterday afternoon. Im quite sure it was VX54 MSU.
Its a shame the R reg Darts havent had ramps put in them as they would have gone on for a few more years with diamond no problem.
It seems that buses don't need to have built-in ramps to be DDA compliant, folding portable ramps will suffice.
The revised Oft decision date is set for Fri this week (23rd) unless it gets put back again???
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 12:57:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on August 21, 2013, 12:53:37 AM
One of the Ex First Enviros has been painted blue I think as Im sure I saw one on the M42 yesterday afternoon. Im quite sure it was VX54 MSU.
Its a shame the R reg Darts havent had ramps put in them as they would have gone on for a few more years with diamond no problem.
It seems that buses don't need to have built-in ramps to be DDA compliant, folding portable ramps will suffice.
The revised Oft decision date is set for Fri this week (23rd) unless it gets put back again???
Do they not have to be fitted ramps? In that case, nx's mercs/b6s/b10s are all dda compliant? Im sure the ramps have to be fitted and headboards fitted for wheelchair users.
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 21, 2013, 11:02:03 AM
Do they not have to be fitted ramps? In that case, nx's mercs/b6s/b10s are all dda compliant? Im sure the ramps have to be fitted and headboards fitted for wheelchair users.
That's what I also thought.......
From a reply on another forum & further investigation it seems that they don't have to have built-in wheelchair ramps (unless anyone's differently), the current folding portable ramps comply. The only issues that I can see where NX's B6LE, B10L & Mercs don't meet DDA is the lack of side destination equipment other than the one's that have been fitted with LED's (front & side)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-coach-accessibility-faq
Relevant extracts from the above for your info:
Lifts and rampsWheelchair accessible vehicles are fitted with a lift, or a ramp (powered, manual or portable i.e. a detachable, usually folding ramp) stowed in a convenient place on the vehicle. If a portable ramp is used, a driver or conductor must ensure at the start of the service that it is being carried on the vehicle.
Whatever type of lift or ramp is provided, a driver or conductor must be familiar with the method of operation and must always ensure that a lift or ramp is returned to its correct stowage position and is secure in that position before the vehicle is driven. Power operated ramps will usually return to a safe stowage position automatically.
Safety of wheelchair users in transit
If a wheelchair user needs to travel seated in their wheelchair they must only be carried in a wheelchair space and facing either forwards of rearwards according to the instructions or diagram for the use of the space. Buses will usually be constructed with a backrest to enable a wheelchair to travel rearward facing. Coaches are likely to be designed for a forward facing wheelchair.
Route and destination displaysDrivers and conductors must ensure that the correct route number (if any) and the destination is correctly displayed in the positions provided on the vehicle.
If the route number and destination displays are provided with a means of illumination then they must be illuminated between sunset and sunrise.
If the vehicle is providing a temporary service (e.g. rail replacement) or is an emergency replacement vehicle on the route in question it may not be possible to display the route and destination in all the usual places. In such cases a temporary sign must be displayed and must show the correct route number (if any) and the correct destination displayed on the front or nearside of the vehicle as close as practicable to the front entrance. The route and destination need not be illuminated at night. These relaxations apply only for the first 21 days of operation of such services.
In summary:
- Low floor bus with kneeling suspension
- Designated wheechair space with back board / suitably positioned hand poles etc
- Fixed or portable wheelchair ramp must be carried
- Front & nearside destination equipment
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 11:30:04 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 21, 2013, 11:02:03 AM
Do they not have to be fitted ramps? In that case, nx's mercs/b6s/b10s are all dda compliant? Im sure the ramps have to be fitted and headboards fitted for wheelchair users.
That's what I also thought.......
From a reply on another forum & further investigation it seems that they don't have to have built-in wheelchair ramps (unless anyone's differently), the current folding portable ramps comply. The only issues that I can see where NX's B6LE, B10L & Mercs don't meet DDA is the lack of side destination equipment other than the one's that have been fitted with LED's (front & side)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-coach-accessibility-faq
Relevant extracts from the above for your info:
Lifts and ramps
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are fitted with a lift, or a ramp (powered, manual or portable i.e. a detachable, usually folding ramp) stowed in a convenient place on the vehicle. If a portable ramp is used, a driver or conductor must ensure at the start of the service that it is being carried on the vehicle.
Whatever type of lift or ramp is provided, a driver or conductor must be familiar with the method of operation and must always ensure that a lift or ramp is returned to its correct stowage position and is secure in that position before the vehicle is driven. Power operated ramps will usually return to a safe stowage position automatically.
Safety of wheelchair users in transit
If a wheelchair user needs to travel seated in their wheelchair they must only be carried in a wheelchair space and facing either forwards of rearwards according to the instructions or diagram for the use of the space. Buses will usually be constructed with a backrest to enable a wheelchair to travel rearward facing. Coaches are likely to be designed for a forward facing wheelchair.
Route and destination displays
Drivers and conductors must ensure that the correct route number (if any) and the destination is correctly displayed in the positions provided on the vehicle.
If the route number and destination displays are provided with a means of illumination then they must be illuminated between sunset and sunrise.
If the vehicle is providing a temporary service (e.g. rail replacement) or is an emergency replacement vehicle on the route in question it may not be possible to display the route and destination in all the usual places. In such cases a temporary sign must be displayed and must show the correct route number (if any) and the correct destination displayed on the front or nearside of the vehicle as close as practicable to the front entrance. The route and destination need not be illuminated at night. These relaxations apply only for the first 21 days of operation of such services.
In summary:
- Low floor bus with kneeling suspension
- Designated wheechair space with back board / suitably positioned hand poles etc
- Fixed or portable wheelchair ramp must be carried
- Front & nearside destination equipment
Oh right proved wrong then and thanks for posting this as i genuinely didnt realise. Guess it ensures that buses like diamonds crusaders such as the one with select will be able to operate longer
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 21, 2013, 11:51:50 AM
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 11:30:04 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 21, 2013, 11:02:03 AM
Do they not have to be fitted ramps? In that case, nx's mercs/b6s/b10s are all dda compliant? Im sure the ramps have to be fitted and headboards fitted for wheelchair users.
That's what I also thought.......
From a reply on another forum & further investigation it seems that they don't have to have built-in wheelchair ramps (unless anyone's differently), the current folding portable ramps comply. The only issues that I can see where NX's B6LE, B10L & Mercs don't meet DDA is the lack of side destination equipment other than the one's that have been fitted with LED's (front & side)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-coach-accessibility-faq
Relevant extracts from the above for your info:
Lifts and ramps
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are fitted with a lift, or a ramp (powered, manual or portable i.e. a detachable, usually folding ramp) stowed in a convenient place on the vehicle. If a portable ramp is used, a driver or conductor must ensure at the start of the service that it is being carried on the vehicle.
Whatever type of lift or ramp is provided, a driver or conductor must be familiar with the method of operation and must always ensure that a lift or ramp is returned to its correct stowage position and is secure in that position before the vehicle is driven. Power operated ramps will usually return to a safe stowage position automatically.
Safety of wheelchair users in transit
If a wheelchair user needs to travel seated in their wheelchair they must only be carried in a wheelchair space and facing either forwards of rearwards according to the instructions or diagram for the use of the space. Buses will usually be constructed with a backrest to enable a wheelchair to travel rearward facing. Coaches are likely to be designed for a forward facing wheelchair.
Route and destination displays
Drivers and conductors must ensure that the correct route number (if any) and the destination is correctly displayed in the positions provided on the vehicle.
If the route number and destination displays are provided with a means of illumination then they must be illuminated between sunset and sunrise.
If the vehicle is providing a temporary service (e.g. rail replacement) or is an emergency replacement vehicle on the route in question it may not be possible to display the route and destination in all the usual places. In such cases a temporary sign must be displayed and must show the correct route number (if any) and the correct destination displayed on the front or nearside of the vehicle as close as practicable to the front entrance. The route and destination need not be illuminated at night. These relaxations apply only for the first 21 days of operation of such services.
In summary:
- Low floor bus with kneeling suspension
- Designated wheechair space with back board / suitably positioned hand poles etc
- Fixed or portable wheelchair ramp must be carried
- Front & nearside destination equipment
Oh right proved wrong then and thanks for posting this as i genuinely didnt realise. Guess it ensures that buses like diamonds crusaders such as the one with select will be able to operate longer
It does, but existing buses may still need the internal layout modifying / folding ramps / LED's front & side at least t comply.
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 21, 2013, 11:02:03 AM
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 12:57:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on August 21, 2013, 12:53:37 AM
One of the Ex First Enviros has been painted blue I think as Im sure I saw one on the M42 yesterday afternoon. Im quite sure it was VX54 MSU.
Its a shame the R reg Darts havent had ramps put in them as they would have gone on for a few more years with diamond no problem.
It seems that buses don't need to have built-in ramps to be DDA compliant, folding portable ramps will suffice.
The revised Oft decision date is set for Fri this week (23rd) unless it gets put back again???
Do they not have to be fitted ramps? In that case, nx's mercs/b6s/b10s are all dda compliant? Im sure the ramps have to be fitted and headboards fitted for wheelchair users.
One of the biggest problems some early low floor buses have with being DDA compliant is the gap between the wheelarches. There is a minimum width of wheelchair that must be able to be carried and on some vehicles the gap between the wheel arches is less than this. At least solos do not have this problem!
Quote from: Tony on August 21, 2013, 12:23:52 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 21, 2013, 11:02:03 AM
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 12:57:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on August 21, 2013, 12:53:37 AM
One of the Ex First Enviros has been painted blue I think as Im sure I saw one on the M42 yesterday afternoon. Im quite sure it was VX54 MSU.
Its a shame the R reg Darts havent had ramps put in them as they would have gone on for a few more years with diamond no problem.
It seems that buses don't need to have built-in ramps to be DDA compliant, folding portable ramps will suffice.
The revised Oft decision date is set for Fri this week (23rd) unless it gets put back again???
Do they not have to be fitted ramps? In that case, nx's mercs/b6s/b10s are all dda compliant? Im sure the ramps have to be fitted and headboards fitted for wheelchair users.
One of the biggest problems some early low floor buses have with being DDA compliant is the gap between the wheelarches. There is a minimum width of wheelchair that must be able to be carried and on some vehicles the gap between the wheel arches is less than this. At least solos do not have this problem!
Thanks Tony,
Is that issue more likely confined to Midi's B6LE & Dart SLF's.
Is that why full size buses were increased to 2.55M wide?
Quote from: Tony on August 21, 2013, 12:23:52 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 21, 2013, 11:02:03 AM
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 12:57:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on August 21, 2013, 12:53:37 AM
One of the Ex First Enviros has been painted blue I think as Im sure I saw one on the M42 yesterday afternoon. Im quite sure it was VX54 MSU.
Its a shame the R reg Darts havent had ramps put in them as they would have gone on for a few more years with diamond no problem.
It seems that buses don't need to have built-in ramps to be DDA compliant, folding portable ramps will suffice.
The revised Oft decision date is set for Fri this week (23rd) unless it gets put back again???
Do they not have to be fitted ramps? In that case, nx's mercs/b6s/b10s are all dda compliant? Im sure the ramps have to be fitted and headboards fitted for wheelchair users.
One of the biggest problems some early low floor buses have with being DDA compliant is the gap between the wheelarches. There is a minimum width of wheelchair that must be able to be carried and on some vehicles the gap between the wheel arches is less than this. At least solos do not have this problem!
Oh right didnt know this Tony but with pointers they must all be dda as isnt the aisle width the same on old/new ones. Do crusaders not qualify then-i mean both the dart/b6 ones as I am just interested. And dont worry solos have plenty of other problems to contend with :P To be fair, pointers seem to have a very clever entrance layout with the gap underneath the cab allowing better accessibility but I saw a wheelchair on an EBD dart a few weeks ago and it was quite a big one and fitted in fine so maybe no real rush to scrap buses of this type. Having said that, I dont think travel express's carlyle darts qualify unfortunately :P
I know not that relevant but went on T443EBD on the 4 today and the bus flew with ease, there was an omnilink in front of us at the bus stop we both pulled off at the same time and we had to break and slow down as 30432 accelerated to quick for it. Hopefully these will stay a while longer.
W336VGX parked up at Long Acre now.
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 09:27:09 PM
I know not that relevant but went on T443EBD on the 4 today and the bus flew with ease, there was an omnilink in front of us at the bus stop we both pulled off at the same time and we had to break and slow down as 30432 accelerated to quick for it. Hopefully these will stay a while longer.
W336VGX parked up at Long Acre now.
Yeah its a great one T443EBD and the interior is in good condition as well and these are good on the 4 where competitive driving is absolutely necessary. Is W336VGX the one that was involved in an accident that was mentioned on here or is that 337?? Shame its a great bus in fact this batch is brilliant full stop.
With the 4, your best strategy is in a 4 hour shift or so, from walsall, watch all the NX ones bunch-there were 4 sat there the other week-is to drive straight off and discount any hope of getting any passengers there unless they flag the diamond one down and then drive fairly slowly and by reaching walsall u can get a full load by west brom and by doing this strategy for a 4 hour shift you're looking at taking over £50 which isnt bad
Im sure I have seen W337VGX in service recently so probably W336VGX was the dart involved in an accident. When I was on 30432 today people were moving out the way at several bus stops letting the NXWM bus past to use the diamond bus as they had passes and a couple wanted returns, was the same with me I let the NXWM bus pass to get a cheaper diamond return. NXWM always seem to bunch up in Walsall taking both stands as they take a while to change drivers and a few diamond buses leave empty and fill up on the way to West Brom or Hayley Green/Merry Hill.
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 09:49:48 PM
Im sure I have seen W337VGX in service recently so probably W336VGX was the dart involved in an accident. When I was on 30432 today people were moving out the way at several bus stops letting the NXWM bus past to use the diamond bus as they had passes and a couple wanted returns, was the same with me I let the NXWM bus pass to get a cheaper diamond return. NXWM always seem to bunch up in Walsall taking both stands as they take a while to change drivers and a few diamond buses leave empty and fill up on the way to West Brom or Hayley Green/Merry Hill.
Yeah people do do that because diamond have a presence on the route. Conversely on the 50 and 16 they don't. Yeah NX bunch in walsall cos they change drivers there whereas diamond do it in west brom annoying when it is just ahead of a NX. I do think based on current takings and loadings that some newer buses for the route are justified
The problem with the 4/4H/4M now is that the PVR is 15 I think so it would take a considerable investment where as it was 8/10 when it was the 404E and had the 10 mcv's although that soon went to 8. Within the group I'm sure newer buses could be found and a bit of swop around. The 301 is need of newer buses too the cadets do well but have seen better days.
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 10:08:32 PM
The problem with the 4/4H/4M now is that the PVR is 15 I think so it would take a considerable investment where as it was 8/10 when it was the 404E and had the 10 mcv's although that soon went to 8. Within the group I'm sure newer buses could be found and a bit of swop around. The 301 is need of newer buses too the cadets do well but have seen better days.
Yeah some of ensignbus's omnicities for wessex would be good for uni services moving centros to tividale
Although not part of Rotala your bus have started a new service the Y1 and again brought brand new 13 reg citaro's for it with free wi-fi, seems a gamble a new service and some of the most expensive single deckers to go with it. Back to diamond I can't see any investment coming soon or if there is only a couple of buses, I won't complain about the 4 new 13 reg b7rle's but it's hardly made a dent to the buses on the 4 service you rarely get to catch one like today I caught 30432 and 30213 coming back with 30206 just behind it. Haven't seen 30209 for a while although never gets used on the 4.
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 10:32:20 PM
Although not part of Rotala your bus have started a new service the Y1 and again brought brand new 13 reg citaro's for it with free wi-fi, seems a gamble a new service and some of the most expensive single deckers to go with it. Back to diamond I can't see any investment coming soon or if there is only a couple of buses, I won't complain about the 4 new 13 reg b7rle's but it's hardly made a dent to the buses on the 4 service you rarely get to catch one like today I caught 30432 and 30213 coming back with 30206 just behind it. Haven't seen 30209 for a while although never gets used on the 4.
You wonder how they keep paying for new buses as their services are far less proven than diamonds many of which have run for 20 years-more newer buses are needed 20 b7rles and 15 more darts would be great
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 21, 2013, 10:38:25 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 10:32:20 PM
Although not part of Rotala your bus have started a new service the Y1 and again brought brand new 13 reg citaro's for it with free wi-fi, seems a gamble a new service and some of the most expensive single deckers to go with it. Back to diamond I can't see any investment coming soon or if there is only a couple of buses, I won't complain about the 4 new 13 reg b7rle's but it's hardly made a dent to the buses on the 4 service you rarely get to catch one like today I caught 30432 and 30213 coming back with 30206 just behind it. Haven't seen 30209 for a while although never gets used on the 4.
You wonder how they keep paying for new buses as their services are far less proven than diamonds many of which have run for 20 years-more newer buses are needed 20 b7rles and 15 more darts would be great
That would be great and would allow all the commercial services at Tividale to benefit, the buses wouldn't have to be new just a few years old. The cadets etc could then be moved to Redditch or Kidderminster to replace the old first darts they currently have.
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 10:32:20 PM
Although not part of Rotala your bus have started a new service the Y1 and again brought brand new 13 reg citaro's for it with free wi-fi, seems a gamble a new service and some of the most expensive single deckers to go with it.
Yourbus gambled with 12 x new 62 plate Citaro's on the Citylink service, which has since been halved in frequency with 6 now being re-deployed/branded for the Y5. Yourbus certainly seem to be posing a threat to Trent Barton who have increased frequencies / launched a new route in response
I still can't help feel that the Yourbus operation is being backed by another party with all the cash being splashed around, possibly by someone with their sights on Trent Barton/Wellglade Group
May be we might see some investment into Diamond if the takeover from first gets passed in redditch and kidderminster.
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 11:02:32 PM
May be we might see some investment into Diamond if the takeover from first gets passed in redditch and kidderminster.
Don't be greedy, you've already seen it the shape of four used E300's :P
I'd be surprised if Rotala were forced to divest the former First Redditch business, but there are definitely concerns give then decision date keeps going back & back. If Rotala do get to keep RH they should be able to make some decent money there, but may have to consider upgrading the 57/58 with new buses with the new competition starting in Sept
Oh sorry forgot about the 4 enviro 300's :), I would think the b7rle's at Long Acre will return to Wessex but would be ideal for Redditch and the 57/58. I don't see the point in the 4x13 reg ones and the 2 midland classic ones on the 4 at the moment (theres 3 but he 08 one is nowhere to be seen) it hasn't upgraded the service as you still get 8/9 cadets or darts they would make more of an impact at Reddtich. In return send some centro's to Tividale and use them on the 4.
I still think the 4 x 13 plate B7RLE were the new buses to be provided by Rotala for the Brierley BBA scheme.
Yes, I agree the 13 plate white B7RLE will no doubt be heading back to Wessex from September for Uni work, Tividale never saw the extra three used B7RLE from Wessex either
There is an older Wessex red b7rle parked up at Long Acre not sure what going to happen with it. So may be the 4 x 13 plate B7RLE could be for 226 or at least were originally for that service.
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 11:24:30 PM
There is an older Wessex red b7rle parked up at Long Acre not sure what going to happen with it. So may be the 4 x 13 plate B7RLE could be for 226 or at least were originally for that service.
Is it an eclipse or centro out of interest Ash? And I hope theyre not-the 226 cant make much money they should just leave it to Hansons and take back the 004 instead.
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 22, 2013, 12:02:38 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 11:24:30 PM
There is an older Wessex red b7rle parked up at Long Acre not sure what going to happen with it. So may be the 4 x 13 plate B7RLE could be for 226 or at least were originally for that service.
Is it an eclipse or centro out of interest Ash? And I hope theyre not-the 226 cant make much money they should just leave it to Hansons and take back the 004 instead.
There is nothing that I've seen in the Brierley Hill BBA proposals to suggest Rotala/Diamond's new buses were ever going on the 226 in the first place. nothing was ever confirmed
Is it an eclipse or centro out of interest Ash? And I hope theyre not-the 226 cant make much money they should just leave it to Hansons and take back the 004 instead.
[/quote]
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 22, 2013, 12:02:38 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 11:24:30 PM
There is an older Wessex red b7rle parked up at Long Acre not sure what going to happen with it. So may be the 4 x 13 plate B7RLE could be for 226 or at least were originally for that service.
It was on eclipse an older style one.
Quote from: Ash on August 22, 2013, 01:31:14 PM
Is it an eclipse or centro out of interest Ash? And I hope theyre not-the 226 cant make much money they should just leave it to Hansons and take back the 004 instead.
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 22, 2013, 12:02:38 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 11:24:30 PM
There is an older Wessex red b7rle parked up at Long Acre not sure what going to happen with it. So may be the 4 x 13 plate B7RLE could be for 226 or at least were originally for that service.
It was on eclipse an older style one.
Thanks Ash
Quote from: Winston on August 22, 2013, 12:55:31 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 22, 2013, 12:02:38 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 11:24:30 PM
There is an older Wessex red b7rle parked up at Long Acre not sure what going to happen with it. So may be the 4 x 13 plate B7RLE could be for 226 or at least were originally for that service.
Is it an eclipse or centro out of interest Ash? And I hope theyre not-the 226 cant make much money they should just leave it to Hansons and take back the 004 instead.
There is nothing that I've seen in the Brierley Hill BBA proposals to suggest Rotala/Diamond's new buses were ever going on the 226 in the first place. nothing was ever confirmed
No and it doesnt seem this BBA proposal will actually include many buses at all. I would think that new buses if any would go on the 002/4M over the 226 which must be a break even route at best
The 4M of diamond's should be every 30 minutes at least especially now the 289 only goes to Old Hill. It's well used especially between Blackheath and Merry Hill.
Quote from: Ash on August 22, 2013, 04:50:43 PM
The 4M of diamond's should be every 30 minutes at least especially now the 289 only goes to Old Hill. It's well used especially between Blackheath and Merry Hill.
I would say triple the frequency to 20 mins and build up a presence there as it seems busier than the 4H when ive caught it...
Blue Solo 20912 turned up in Coventry on the regular 82 Solo working from Solihull today.
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 10:57:31 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 10:32:20 PM
Although not part of Rotala your bus have started a new service the Y1 and again brought brand new 13 reg citaro's for it with free wi-fi, seems a gamble a new service and some of the most expensive single deckers to go with it.
Yourbus gambled with 12 x new 62 plate Citaro's on the Citylink service, which has since been halved in frequency with 6 now being re-deployed/branded for the Y5. Yourbus certainly seem to be posing a threat to Trent Barton who have increased frequencies / launched a new route in response
I still can't help feel that the Yourbus operation is being backed by another party with all the cash being splashed around, possibly by someone with their sights on Trent Barton/Wellglade Group
I've had a reply from another forum where I suggested Yourbus were being backed by another party/bus group, this is the response that I got:
"Their is someone behind it. industry rumours are rife but trust me i know who is pumping money in and you would be very surprised if i said who it was but i cant"
Quote from: Winston on August 22, 2013, 10:49:21 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 10:57:31 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 10:32:20 PM
Although not part of Rotala your bus have started a new service the Y1 and again brought brand new 13 reg citaro's for it with free wi-fi, seems a gamble a new service and some of the most expensive single deckers to go with it.
Yourbus gambled with 12 x new 62 plate Citaro's on the Citylink service, which has since been halved in frequency with 6 now being re-deployed/branded for the Y5. Yourbus certainly seem to be posing a threat to Trent Barton who have increased frequencies / launched a new route in response
I still can't help feel that the Yourbus operation is being backed by another party with all the cash being splashed around, possibly by someone with their sights on Trent Barton/Wellglade Group
I've had a reply from another forum where I suggested Yourbus were being backed by another party/bus group, this is the response that I got:
"Their is someone behind it. industry rumours are rife but trust me i know who is pumping money in and you would be very surprised if i said who it was but i cant"
Couldnt help thinking so. Theres no way that buying citaros for new routes could be supported by just Scott Dunn or YourBus on its own or even the rotala group I doubt would be able to keep buying all these new citaros. Hopefully the source of the money will be revealed soon-its obviously a group with great financial mass whose aim is no doubt to force wellglade to sell up. Just seems weird a company would appear to have tonnes of money to splash about and throw down the drain-admittedly the Dunns are a very rich family but still it seems unlikely they would gamble away the family fortune. Secondhand darts to citaros in a few years... thats quite something. I would bet on it being backed by deutsche bahn or ratp or possibly even transdev. Its not going to be national express who scott dunn previously tried to attack. Arriva is a possibility or possibly even stagecoach although then it would surely be adl buses not citaros and they wouldnt go for these tactics to try to acquire them. They would just put stagecoach gold buses running for free in the area and as they did on one of tb's routes buses 5 mins beforehand. Its not going to be first group although go ahead likes its citaros and branding so could well be them. There was a rumour about an award winning group being sold recently-i reckon this was wellglade and the group aiming to purchase it has decided to back yourbus to put pressure on trent to sell out. By accepting trent's tickets for free, yourbus is pretty much running free so someone must definitely be paying for this. Trent and Jeff Counsell are obviously quite worried and for a good reason-trents buses are not as amazing as some may think i would say. Their refusal to use deckers on any routes means massive capacity problems and there are reports of late running etc. The whole situation is summed up well by this quote : "But this doesn't - and when they start accepting our day tickets we have to wonder what this is about."
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 23, 2013, 10:48:36 AM
Quote from: Winston on August 22, 2013, 10:49:21 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 21, 2013, 10:57:31 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2013, 10:32:20 PM
Although not part of Rotala your bus have started a new service the Y1 and again brought brand new 13 reg citaro's for it with free wi-fi, seems a gamble a new service and some of the most expensive single deckers to go with it.
Yourbus gambled with 12 x new 62 plate Citaro's on the Citylink service, which has since been halved in frequency with 6 now being re-deployed/branded for the Y5. Yourbus certainly seem to be posing a threat to Trent Barton who have increased frequencies / launched a new route in response
I still can't help feel that the Yourbus operation is being backed by another party with all the cash being splashed around, possibly by someone with their sights on Trent Barton/Wellglade Group
I've had a reply from another forum where I suggested Yourbus were being backed by another party/bus group, this is the response that I got:
"Their is someone behind it. industry rumours are rife but trust me i know who is pumping money in and you would be very surprised if i said who it was but i cant"
Couldnt help thinking so. Theres no way that buying citaros for new routes could be supported by just Scott Dunn or YourBus on its own or even the rotala group I doubt would be able to keep buying all these new citaros. Hopefully the source of the money will be revealed soon-its obviously a group with great financial mass whose aim is no doubt to force wellglade to sell up. Just seems weird a company would appear to have tonnes of money to splash about and throw down the drain-admittedly the Dunns are a very rich family but still it seems unlikely they would gamble away the family fortune. Secondhand darts to citaros in a few years... thats quite something. I would bet on it being backed by deutsche bahn or ratp or possibly even transdev. Its not going to be national express who scott dunn previously tried to attack. Arriva is a possibility or possibly even stagecoach although then it would surely be adl buses not citaros and they wouldnt go for these tactics to try to acquire them. They would just put stagecoach gold buses running for free in the area and as they did on one of tb's routes buses 5 mins beforehand. Its not going to be first group although go ahead likes its citaros and branding so could well be them. There was a rumour about an award winning group being sold recently-i reckon this was wellglade and the group aiming to purchase it has decided to back yourbus to put pressure on trent to sell out. By accepting trent's tickets for free, yourbus is pretty much running free so someone must definitely be paying for this. Trent and Jeff Counsell are obviously quite worried and for a good reason-trents buses are not as amazing as some may think i would say. Their refusal to use deckers on any routes means massive capacity problems and there are reports of late running etc. The whole situation is summed up well by this quote : "But this doesn't - and when they start accepting our day tickets we have to wonder what this is about."
Stagecoach and Trent have had a spat recently by all accounts, I think most of the big bus group would like to buy Wellglade. WMT/NX once tried to unsettled Trent via Delta Dart some years back. Another possibility could be Go-Ahead group, Wellglade would fit their profile of bus operations
30943 on the 202 today
Looks like 30905 is back at long acre seen on the 50 today and also more interestingly there was bk13nzm still on there and even more interesting a blue centro without fleetnames on there not 30000 or 30002 but think it was 30004 or 30003 but pretty sure it was 30004-looks like it is a permanent transfer to the wm fleet
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:17:23 PM
Looks like 30905 is back at long acre seen on the 50 today and also more interestingly there was bk13nzm still on there and even more interesting a blue centro without fleetnames on there not 30000 or 30002 but think it was 30004 or 30003 but pretty sure it was 30004-looks like it is a permanent transfer to the wm fleet
Were did 30000, 30002 originally come from ? was it Redditch
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:59:10 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:17:23 PM
Looks like 30905 is back at long acre seen on the 50 today and also more interestingly there was bk13nzm still on there and even more interesting a blue centro without fleetnames on there not 30000 or 30002 but think it was 30004 or 30003 but pretty sure it was 30004-looks like it is a permanent transfer to the wm fleet
Were did 30000, 30002 originally come from ? was it Redditch
it was wessex where they were originally on the bristol park and ride services
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:59:48 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:59:10 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:17:23 PM
Looks like 30905 is back at long acre seen on the 50 today and also more interestingly there was bk13nzm still on there and even more interesting a blue centro without fleetnames on there not 30000 or 30002 but think it was 30004 or 30003 but pretty sure it was 30004-looks like it is a permanent transfer to the wm fleet
Were did 30000, 30002 originally come from ? was it Redditch
it was wessex where they were originally on the bristol park and ride services
Thanks DiamondDart
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:54:22 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:59:48 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:59:10 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:17:23 PM
Looks like 30905 is back at long acre seen on the 50 today and also more interestingly there was bk13nzm still on there and even more interesting a blue centro without fleetnames on there not 30000 or 30002 but think it was 30004 or 30003 but pretty sure it was 30004-looks like it is a permanent transfer to the wm fleet
Were did 30000, 30002 originally come from ? was it Redditch
it was wessex where they were originally on the bristol park and ride services
Thanks DiamondDart
No worries Nathan!
Also, according to the current issue of Buses, W336VGX has been sold to DW Coaches, Clay Cross. Shame-great bus!!! Hopefully there will be some buses arriving to replace those sold.
Also, to those that are interested, R404FFC and R530YRP are being used by a new company in manchester called little gem.
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 09:23:08 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:54:22 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:59:48 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:59:10 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:17:23 PM
Looks like 30905 is back at long acre seen on the 50 today and also more interestingly there was bk13nzm still on there and even more interesting a blue centro without fleetnames on there not 30000 or 30002 but think it was 30004 or 30003 but pretty sure it was 30004-looks like it is a permanent transfer to the wm fleet
Were did 30000, 30002 originally come from ? was it Redditch
it was wessex where they were originally on the bristol park and ride services
Thanks DiamondDart
No worries Nathan!
Also, according to the current issue of Buses, W336VGX has been sold to DW Coaches, Clay Cross. Shame-great bus!!! Hopefully there will be some buses arriving to replace those sold.
Also, to those that are interested, R404FFC and R530YRP are being used by a new company in manchester called little gem.
Yeah got my addition today and saw those changes to. There hasn't been any additions to replace these withdrawn darts apart from the 7 b7rle's but these buses when entering service withdrew R530/2YRP, S393/6HVV sent T418HNH to Kidderminster/Redditch and 30929 and a solo have gone to Long Acre , 30212 seems to be out of service, W335/6VGX are not being used or been sold. So some additions to Tividale must occur soon.
Quote from: Ash on August 26, 2013, 10:09:47 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 09:23:08 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:54:22 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:59:48 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:59:10 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 06:17:23 PM
Looks like 30905 is back at long acre seen on the 50 today and also more interestingly there was bk13nzm still on there and even more interesting a blue centro without fleetnames on there not 30000 or 30002 but think it was 30004 or 30003 but pretty sure it was 30004-looks like it is a permanent transfer to the wm fleet
Were did 30000, 30002 originally come from ? was it Redditch
it was wessex where they were originally on the bristol park and ride services
Thanks DiamondDart
No worries Nathan!
Also, according to the current issue of Buses, W336VGX has been sold to DW Coaches, Clay Cross. Shame-great bus!!! Hopefully there will be some buses arriving to replace those sold.
Also, to those that are interested, R404FFC and R530YRP are being used by a new company in manchester called little gem.
Yeah got my addition today and saw those changes to. There hasn't been any additions to replace these withdrawn darts apart from the 7 b7rle's but these buses when entering service withdrew R530/2YRP, S393/6HVV sent T418HNH to Kidderminster/Redditch and 30929 and a solo have gone to Long Acre , 30212 seems to be out of service, W335/6VGX are not being used or been sold. So some additions to Tividale must occur soon.
They must and a fair few of them. Shame a vgx has gone as some of the best buses in the fleet would far rather have seen the cadets go first and maybe another blue centro at long acre links into some sort of big rotala fleet movement plan. Or we could be due more solos or MPDs from wessex :P
Although I like most of the red and white darts there really struggling now I got on S397HVV on the 4 from West Bromwich the other day and the body work was creaking like mad probably the suspension or something and struggled to do any decent speed and when it did it vibrated and sounded like it was straining so probably why this bus usually sticks to the 42/43. The only red and white dart that makes regular appearances on the 4 is W337VGX which is a reliable bus with a large capacity for passengers. With a bus out on the 002 and the 08 ex midlands classic b7rle seeming to be out of service there is only 5 b7rle at maximum on the 4/4H/4M so a few more red and white darts are making an appearance but much better than any mpd dart or solo. Saw a few centro's on the 16 on Saturday and fairly empty just wasted on there get them on the 4 and 301 and send the the 51 reg cadets to Long Acre in return
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 09:23:08 PM
Also, according to the current issue of Buses, W336VGX has been sold to DW Coaches, Clay Cross. Shame-great bus!!! Hopefully there will be some buses arriving to replace those sold.
Rotala still claim to own it on the last fleet list sent to me on 23/7/13!
All i know about W336VGX is that it's still parked up at Long Acre.
I have decided following the recent comments to join the forum. My reluctance previously has centred around my responsibilities as an Officer of a Publicly quoted business, and the implications of potentially acting outside market guidelines in disclosing privileged information. It has always therefore been easier not to be a member.
In response to recent comments I have picked up.
1. Dunn Motor Traction Ltd t/a YourBus
I do not believe, nor am I aware that Scott has a financial backer. I am not sure why you believe he needs one. You can always obtain a copy of the company accounts by paying £1 to Companies House.
2. Redditch/Kidderminster
We can always do things better. We do have a shortage of long vehicles in our fleet and this is something we are looking to address.
So far, we have removed all step entrance vehicles and have taken out of fleet a large number of Non DDA vehicles. We do need to continually invest in the fleet.
3. 002
There is a certain amount of confidentiality around this, and I am unable to comment.
4. New Buses
There is limited immediate new stock vehicle availability
Lead times now for new buses are into the New Year, we have some definite requirements for which we are looking at options for, but these relate to other parts of the West Midlands.
In terms of Redditch, we need to change a number of buses. Until, the investigation became clearer on Friday it was difficult to take any action.
5. Late Second Hand Buses into Fleet
We have agreed to acquire 3 x 59 plate Volvo's B7RLE Plaxton Centro's from Volvo Bus & Coach Ltd. 2 of these three buses will go into the South West, the third will be used at Long Acre to replace BX62FGD which will go to Avonmouth to service the UWE contract.
We have also agreed to acquire 2 x 2006 Optare Solo 10.2m buses from Plaxtons. These buses will go into Redditch.
6. W901/4JNF
My preference is to dispose of all Non DDA vehicles.
7. Buses For Sale
We will accept reasonable offers. Since 2008, most financers have charged their lending criteria, this means older buses are not able to be financed. This stops a number of people
concluding acquisitions and hence why we offer Rent to Buy options.
8. Network Review – Redditch
This is being launched today.
9. 192
When we acquired the Diamond Bus Company Ltd in 2008, the 192 was operated by Central Connect Ltd. I have no knowledge of the commercial relationship previously. From my knowledge, the 192 was always supported by Worcestershire County Council.
10. Wessex Branded MPD's
These vehicles will be painted shortly.
11. W336VGX
We have this vehicle parked up in our yard. We are awaiting a third party insurance assessor, as we believe the vehicle is a write off. The vehicle I believe has been spotted in Clay Cross is W338VGX which we sold I think last year.
I think I have answered all the points, I have seen recently.
Simon
Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 27, 2013, 09:57:19 AM
I have decided following the recent comments to join the forum. My reluctance previously has centred around my responsibilities as an Officer of a Publicly quoted business, and the implications of potentially acting outside market guidelines in disclosing privileged information. It has always therefore been easier not to be a member.
In response to recent comments I have picked up.
1. Dunn Motor Traction Ltd t/a YourBus
I do not believe, nor am I aware that Scott has a financial backer. I am not sure why you believe he needs one. You can always obtain a copy of the company accounts by paying £1 to Companies House.
2. Redditch/Kidderminster
We can always do things better. We do have a shortage of long vehicles in our fleet and this is something we are looking to address.
So far, we have removed all step entrance vehicles and have taken out of fleet a large number of Non DDA vehicles. We do need to continually invest in the fleet.
3. 002
There is a certain amount of confidentiality around this, and I am unable to comment.
4. New Buses
There is limited immediate new stock vehicle availability
Lead times now for new buses are into the New Year, we have some definite requirements for which we are looking at options for, but these relate to other parts of the West Midlands.
In terms of Redditch, we need to change a number of buses. Until, the investigation became clearer on Friday it was difficult to take any action.
5. Late Second Hand Buses into Fleet
We have agreed to acquire 3 x 59 plate Volvo's B7RLE Plaxton Centro's from Volvo Bus & Coach Ltd. 2 of these three buses will go into the South West, the third will be used at Long Acre to replace BX62FGD which will go to Avonmouth to service the UWE contract.
We have also agreed to acquire 2 x 2006 Optare Solo 10.2m buses from Plaxtons. These buses will go into Redditch.
6. W901/4JNF
My preference is to dispose of all Non DDA vehicles.
7. Buses For Sale
We will accept reasonable offers. Since 2008, most financers have charged their lending criteria, this means older buses are not able to be financed. This stops a number of people
concluding acquisitions and hence why we offer Rent to Buy options.
8. Network Review – Redditch
This is being launched today.
9. 192
When we acquired the Diamond Bus Company Ltd in 2008, the 192 was operated by Central Connect Ltd. I have no knowledge of the commercial relationship previously. From my knowledge, the 192 was always supported by Worcestershire County Council.
10. Wessex Branded MPD's
These vehicles will be painted shortly.
11. W336VGX
We have this vehicle parked up in our yard. We are awaiting a third party insurance assessor, as we believe the vehicle is a write off. The vehicle I believe has been spotted in Clay Cross is W338VGX which we sold I think last year.
I think I have answered all the points, I have seen recently.
Simon
Really glad that you have joined the forum Simon-great to have a member of rotala on here to answer our questions etc. I understand your initial reluctance but thanks for responding to the points!
2) It is good that you aware of having too many smaller buses and I am glad that you intend to address this-though isnt K126URP still in service? It was recently as really enjoyed a ride on it!!
3) Understand this entirely but just think that an already well run and successful route could be further improved
4) Yes probably because people are buying it up to avoid the fact that soon buses will be more expensive euro6 buses And yes, i imagine the investigation made fleet changes a bit of an issue
5) great news about the three centros and does make sense to standardise long acre on centros and send the only eclipse 2 there to wessex. though not so sure about solos for redditch-more small buses are definitely not needed there!! The enviros were a good buy though in my opinion and maybe rotala could look out for more of these?
6) To my knowledge these buses are DDA compliant!!
8) Good news about the netowork review but it doesnt seem to have every redditch bus route actually on it which is a shame
9) to be honest, with regards to the 192 I would only like it to be reinstated on entusiasts grounds-i understand it is probably not financially viable
10) Great and about point 11 all I would say here is that the new buses gets it wrong again-tonnes of mistakes in this magazine recently and the quality seems to have gone downhill or is that just me that thinks that?
Thanks for answering these points but just a couple more
Can withdrawal dates for the cadets/KS03 solos be given?
Also, how long do you think rotala will keep W567JVV, the AKW darts and the SVV and JUA and MNH darts-just interested as I like them and need to photo a couple more
And the same with the first darts and presidents-where are they being stored and when will some be withdrawn from service and also could I email rotala seperately about a depot visit to photo some of the withdrawn stuff. Is that ok?
Love the new style rotala branding eg for summer sale!! Next time, could this be put by the entrance to buses or at the bottom of the windscreen to advertise it a bit more?
Thanks very much for reading this and best of luck with improving diamond buses in the coming months
Hi Simon.
I am a user of your 226(W) service and maybe you could answer a few questions
Why have the 2 Y plate darts been debranded?
What's with the collection of just about anything from Solos to Red Diamond pointers on the 226?
Will we be seeing newer vehicles/a new branding on the 226?
Also, why did Diamond just implement a West Bromwich extension on Sundays only for the 226W and throughout the week?
Glad someone from Rotala is answering some of our questions and queries so thank you for that.
I have a few general questions:
1) Is there any possibility in the future the 4 will be reinstated on a sunday to it's old 404E timetable just between Walsall and West Bromwich every 15 minutes, I caught the sunday service a few times when it was the 404E and always seemed popular with many of the mcv's been full when reaching Walsall or West Bromwich. I think the 4M every 30 minutes killed the service especially when operating just a few minutes behind NXWM 4M.
2) Will any return branding be applied to any vehicles especially the cadets which normally stay on the 4 or 301 advertising the cheap £2.50 return especially when NXWM advertise there's on their vehicles at £2.90.
3) Will 30212 return to service in the near future, also I haven't seen 30832 for a while is this bus in for repair or out of service.
Thank You.
Thanks Simon for taking the time to join the forum and participate here.
I don't have any specific questions to ask at this time, but as you can see from the topic that Simon Mathieson from National Express West Midlands started here in their board, it is possible to answer questions from enthusiasts without giving away any confidential or classified information, as we fully understand the position you hold.
Might I suggest that you start a new topic for people to post their questions in, as Simon Mathieson (NXOD) has done?
Hi Simon & welcome,
Thanks for joining and giving us the ability to ask you questions, we appreciate as Rotala Plc CEO that your are tied by Stock market rules etc,
Couple of questions/points from me:
1. Do Rotala prefer to buy new buses generally from dealer stock as and when the need to upgrade/replace the existing fleet & new contract wins dictate, rather than ordering a larger batch of say 40 x B7RLE/Wright annually for fleet replacement for group and achieving a lower cost per unit for buying in bulk?
2. We were led to believe through Tony that 3 x B7RLE/Wright would be released from Wessex to Tividale upon receipt of their 4 x 13 plate examples (30936-30939) to complement their 4 new 13 plate examples & the 3 ex Midland Classic 57/08 plate examples, have plans changed or are they still expected?
3. We've noticed over the last couple of years that Diamond have withdrawn from a number of long standing commercial routes from both Long Acre i.e. 17, 37 & 97 & the 9 & 74 from Tividale, obviously the economy/reduced passenger journey's may have played some part, the B'ham City Centre omission zone (min Euro 3 requirement) another, has increased competition from NX also had an impact of your decision to withdraw?
4. Have Rotala Plc considered the 10 plate Scania Omnicity double decker ex Scania Demo or the batch of 08 plate dual door ex London Central Omnicity double deckers currently for sale at Ensign Bus & Coach as potential options to complement the examples currently at Wessex
5. How many additional B7RLE/Wright have been purchased for Wessex? I've seen a report of 2 allover white B7RLE registered BL13SWW and BL13SWX. The poster also goes on to say that there are two branded for route 13, not sure if they are also new or from the existing fleet, can you advise?
6. Have you had any more luck selling on any further redundant Levantes? I'm surprised another NX contractor didn't snap up a batch of that size for fleet replacement or even NX themselves for owned Op's
7. Do you intend to undertake a similar review of your Kidderminster operation in due course?
Thanks in advance for your reply,
I hope you are doing a review of kidderminster services as there are quite a few routes that if they where tweak a bit on the route they take would be able to keep to time better , and most of the services finish around 6.00pm to 6.30 pm. when some people are still at work if the y finished around 7.00 pm would be better the other week I missed my last bus by about 2 mins the bus I came to Kidderminster got delay by a diversion and traffic at that was only 5.50pm which is my last bus a local service not out of town and I had to have a taxi . and at to wait for that as they are busy at that time taking people home from work who get together and share one and people who missed there last bus, I know quite a few taxi drivers who have all told me this
More new worcestershire routes, won from Johnsons http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ChangestoservicesandfaresinWorcestershire_128.html
And improvements to 50/16 most noticeable on the 50 with a lot more morning peak journies
30002 been transferred down south from Long Acre I don't see the point in painting the bus into the new diamond livery for it to be transferred away within a couple of months.
Quote from: Ash on September 03, 2013, 05:38:15 PM
30002 been transferred down south from Long Acre I don't see the point in painting the bus into the new diamond livery for it to be transferred away within a couple of months.
Me neither unless it is to be branded for the U18 route or carry royal bath livery which has the same base colour
V377SVV broken down today by new square west brom-didnt like the heat at all-bonnet up but driver absolutely nowhere to be seen?? :P
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 04, 2013, 08:17:38 PM
V377SVV broken down today by new square west brom-didnt like the heat at all-bonnet up but driver absolutely nowhere to be seen?? :P
What time was this?
Also there is a new offer for service 50 which is 2 journeys for £2 seen in the advert for it on the 07 centro that was on there today.
Quote from: Ash on September 04, 2013, 10:18:47 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 04, 2013, 08:17:38 PM
V377SVV broken down today by new square west brom-didnt like the heat at all-bonnet up but driver absolutely nowhere to be seen?? :P
What time was this?
Also there is a new offer for service 50 which is 2 journeys for £2 seen in the advert for it on the 07 centro that was on there today.
Dont get this new offer-btw posters are in the wrong place for people to see. But a return is still 2.50 so why do people still buy this when they can get the 2 trips for £2. Sorry not sure about the time-think it was roughly between 1 and 2 but couldnt be sure. Sorry
When I saw V377SVV it was around 11pm at Astle Park with VOR which the driver changed to the 40 service. I haven't saw many pointer darts on the 4 recently apart from 30439 and 20849 seems to be quite a few cadets on there notably 30202/11/14 seem to be on the 4 nearly every day of the last week or so. The 50 2x£2 trip offer is a bit confusing the difference is I would think you can use it on two different days unlike a day return so I agree it basically replaced the day return also the posters only seem to be on a few buses which have to stay on the 50 to get it publicised.
Quote from: Ash on September 05, 2013, 07:27:11 PM
When I saw V377SVV it was around 11pm at Astle Park with VOR which the driver changed to the 40 service. I haven't saw many pointer darts on the 4 recently apart from 30439 and 20849 seems to be quite a few cadets on there notably 30202/11/14 seem to be on the 4 nearly every day of the last week or so. The 50 2x£2 trip offer is a bit confusing the difference is I would think you can use it on two different days unlike a day return so I agree it basically replaced the day return also the posters only seem to be on a few buses which have to stay on the 50 to get it publicised.
The SVVs and HVVs arent great so surprised VGX's have been withdrawn in preference and yeah it is confusing though a fairly good effort-the 50 and 16 seemed to be doing ok today by my observations. One 16 was the first after a 10 minute gap with 2 national express's behind mostly empty and the diamond one with about 20+ on which is nice to see
Yeah I saw 2 solo's on the 16 yesterday 1 behind each other with the first one nearly full but the one behind empty which is to be expected. If any new buses do come to Tividale I think it would be a good idea to transfer all of the cadets that meet the emission ruling to Long Acre for use on services 16 and 50 which will up the current capacity as well as one vehicle type being used instead of a mixed match which then would allow some of the centro's and the enviro 200 to return to Tividale and some of the solo's to replace the S/T/V/W/X reg mpd darts of which some are in the red diamond livery.
Quote from: Ash on September 05, 2013, 07:51:33 PM
Yeah I saw 2 solo's on the 16 yesterday 1 behind each other with the first one nearly full but the one behind empty which is to be expected. If any new buses do come to Tividale I think it would be a good idea to transfer all of the cadets that meet the emission ruling to Long Acre for use on services 16 and 50 which will up the current capacity as well as one vehicle type being used instead of a mixed match which then would allow some of the centro's and the enviro 200 to return to Tividale and some of the solo's to replace the S/T/V/W/X reg mpd darts of which some are in the red diamond livery.
I actually think the routes have picked up-GRS's buses seem a lot more empty and I have heard rumours that maybe theyre not making much money there at all?? Yeah, the diamond fleets need standardising to be honest though they would first need a repaint as some of them were the first buses into black diamond livery and a lot are quite battered. The MAN centros could then go to redditch, volvo centros to wessex and some of their better darts-20274, 30905 which looks ok from the outside but rattles like mad from inside to go to tividale. Havent seen the evolution for a while either there-has that also been sold to new zealand. And anyone see any other diamond volvo centros at long acre other than BX07BRV today?
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 08:04:23 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 05, 2013, 07:51:33 PM
Yeah I saw 2 solo's on the 16 yesterday 1 behind each other with the first one nearly full but the one behind empty which is to be expected. If any new buses do come to Tividale I think it would be a good idea to transfer all of the cadets that meet the emission ruling to Long Acre for use on services 16 and 50 which will up the current capacity as well as one vehicle type being used instead of a mixed match which then would allow some of the centro's and the enviro 200 to return to Tividale and some of the solo's to replace the S/T/V/W/X reg mpd darts of which some are in the red diamond livery.
I actually think the routes have picked up-GRS's buses seem a lot more empty and I have heard rumours that maybe theyre not making much money there at all?? Yeah, the diamond fleets need standardising to be honest though they would first need a repaint as some of them were the first buses into black diamond livery and a lot are quite battered. The MAN centros could then go to redditch, volvo centros to wessex and some of their better darts-20274, 30905 which looks ok from the outside but rattles like mad from inside to go to tividale. Havent seen the evolution for a while either there-has that also been sold to new zealand. And anyone see any other diamond volvo centros at long acre other than BX07BRV today?
16 has picked up a hell of a lot
Most of the times all new-ish buses as opposed to a NXWM or GRS bus
Also note the particular morning journeys
NX dep 5:50 green lane gap til 6:30
Diamond 5:53/6:06/6:15/6:25
I find these journeys are often busy as use them to get to work
Regards
Quote from: vinh1000 on September 05, 2013, 09:17:39 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 08:04:23 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 05, 2013, 07:51:33 PM
Yeah I saw 2 solo's on the 16 yesterday 1 behind each other with the first one nearly full but the one behind empty which is to be expected. If any new buses do come to Tividale I think it would be a good idea to transfer all of the cadets that meet the emission ruling to Long Acre for use on services 16 and 50 which will up the current capacity as well as one vehicle type being used instead of a mixed match which then would allow some of the centro's and the enviro 200 to return to Tividale and some of the solo's to replace the S/T/V/W/X reg mpd darts of which some are in the red diamond livery.
I actually think the routes have picked up-GRS's buses seem a lot more empty and I have heard rumours that maybe theyre not making much money there at all?? Yeah, the diamond fleets need standardising to be honest though they would first need a repaint as some of them were the first buses into black diamond livery and a lot are quite battered. The MAN centros could then go to redditch, volvo centros to wessex and some of their better darts-20274, 30905 which looks ok from the outside but rattles like mad from inside to go to tividale. Havent seen the evolution for a while either there-has that also been sold to new zealand. And anyone see any other diamond volvo centros at long acre other than BX07BRV today?
16 has picked up a hell of a lot
Most of the times all new-ish buses as opposed to a NXWM or GRS bus
Also note the particular morning journeys
NX dep 5:50 green lane gap til 6:30
Diamond 5:53/6:06/6:15/6:25
I find these journeys are often busy as use them to get to work
Regards
Glad its not just me that thinks that. Maybe the penny has finally dropped at long acre to those drivers-bring in profit otherwise the depot will close and they will lose their jobs. I think diamond should up the fight even more on there with branding-something cheap would do, timetables on all buses, no mpds or solos on 16/50 as the MPD I saw today on the 16 was a bit full. They also seem to be trying to get ahead more though the 50 seems a bit hopeless-that route now has way too many buses on it with buses mostly empty to be honest. Must be costing all 4 operators on that route a lot I reckon.
Were these journeys the ones recently introduced by the way? Or did they run these before? Thanks
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 09:25:21 PM
Glad its not just me that thinks that. Maybe the penny has finally dropped at long acre to those drivers-bring in profit otherwise the depot will close and they will lose their jobs.
Quite. More than enough has gone from LA already due to some Drivers pi$$ing about....
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 05, 2013, 09:42:06 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 09:25:21 PM
Glad its not just me that thinks that. Maybe the penny has finally dropped at long acre to those drivers-bring in profit otherwise the depot will close and they will lose their jobs.
Quite. More than enough has gone from LA already due to some Drivers pi$$ing about....
Out of interest, have you ever driven for diamond or connect? Just out of interest not in terms of being one of the crap drivers there who just sit behind
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 07:17:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 04, 2013, 10:18:47 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 04, 2013, 08:17:38 PM
V377SVV broken down today by new square west brom-didnt like the heat at all-bonnet up but driver absolutely nowhere to be seen?? :P
Dont get this new offer-btw posters are in the wrong place for people to see. But a return is still 2.50 so why do people still buy this when they can get the 2 trips for £2. Sorry not sure about the time-think it was roughly between 1 and 2 but couldnt be sure. Sorry
A return ticket for £2.50 has to be used for both journeys on the same day whereas a £2 2 journey ticket can be used at any point. Drivers are now collecting return tickets and 2 journey tickets off passengers as they get on the bus with them.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 05, 2013, 10:17:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 07:17:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 04, 2013, 10:18:47 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 04, 2013, 08:17:38 PM
V377SVV broken down today by new square west brom-didnt like the heat at all-bonnet up but driver absolutely nowhere to be seen?? :P
Dont get this new offer-btw posters are in the wrong place for people to see. But a return is still 2.50 so why do people still buy this when they can get the 2 trips for £2. Sorry not sure about the time-think it was roughly between 1 and 2 but couldnt be sure. Sorry
A return ticket for £2.50 has to be used for both journeys on the same day whereas a £2 2 journey ticket can be used at any point. Drivers are now collecting return tickets and 2 journey tickets off passengers as they get on the bus with them.
So why on earth would anyone buy the 2.50 return then??
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 09:48:37 PM
Out of interest, have you ever driven for diamond or connect? Just out of interest not in terms of being one of the crap drivers there who just sit behind
No (but my Father & Uncle have driven @ TE) ;)
Quote from: Ash on September 05, 2013, 07:27:11 PM
When I saw V377SVV it was around 11pm at Astle Park with VOR which the driver changed to the 40 service. I haven't saw many pointer darts on the 4 recently apart from 30439 and 20849 seems to be quite a few cadets on there notably 30202/11/14 seem to be on the 4 nearly every day of the last week or so. The 50 2x£2 trip offer is a bit confusing the difference is I would think you can use it on two different days unlike a day return so I agree it basically replaced the day return also the posters only seem to be on a few buses which have to stay on the 50 to get it publicised.
Went on this again today-being thrashed on the 4H which was running a few minutes late. But no buzzers or breakdowns-back running fine. To be honest, these darts can run and run-the cadets, not so much
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
Seems a good day out, I'm surprised the driver on the 002 wondered what you was talking about when you asked for the £6 diamond network day ticket. What service did you get from Bromesgrove to Kidderminster. Also it says the this network ticket cannot be purchased on the 202 on their website I wonder why.
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
I live on the 002 route as well! Are you my neighbour? ;D
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:45:09 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
Seems a good day out, I'm surprised the driver on the 002 wondered what you was talking about when you asked for the £6 diamond network day ticket. What service did you get from Bromesgrove to Kidderminster. Also it says the this network ticket cannot be purchased on the 202 on their website I wonder why.
Yeah no one knows what that ticket is-the 002 driver went through every menu and sub menu just to get to it and for some reason the 202 doesnt sell it?? But sells some sort of similar ticket at £6.60-perhaps Simon could explain because I really don't understand. Bromsgrove to kidderminster is the X3-weirdly whether its my good luck or what but I hadnt looked at any timetables beforehand but only waited 10 mins in halesowen for 202 and then about 10 for the X3 so pretty good luck there-waited about 20 mins for the 202 coming back but still it was the same nice cheerful driver so not really fussed about that. Had a look around bromsgrove anyway where Id never been before
How were the loadings on the services you caught I would imagine most were quite well used.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
I live on the 002 route as well! Are you my neighbour? ;D
Nope lol used to live in halesowen off manor lane-county park avenue? If you know where that is but now I dont live in weoley castle lol but its my fastest route across to the black country-plus its diamond :) Tbh living in halesowen was great-used to like standing by the green metal fence on the sharp turn in manor lane by county park avenue and watching bcc 9s and ludlows buses. South birmingham and bournville is pretty boring bus wise
Manor Lane is less than 10 minutes away from Matts! :)
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:58:46 PM
How were the loadings on the services you caught I would imagine most were quite well used.
First 002 theres always a few people on that buying returns etc and the 202 is busy first thing-about 25-30 school pupils to various schools getting it-probably because it is way way cheaper than getting green bus to five ways etc.
X3-6 people-I was the only person under about 65-some were paying the £1 twirlybird fare which seems quite popular
Kidderminster locals and worcester routes its a steady amount of people but cant be bringing in masses of money to be honest
3 was steady and X3 bit over to redditch was busier this time than before-about 15 people at one time though some cash payers mostly oap's
Redditch routes were all fairly busy other than the 55-a lot quieter than I would have expected-down to just 3 people at one time including me
143 steady and a pretty full solo-though why you'd put a solo on there....
202 this time about 6-7 people-couple of cash payers, mostly oaps
4H to blackheath-7 passengers roughly at any one time until we got to the bit of halesowen near a school where only the diamond one goes-behind the travelodge roughly where the cadet became rammed with kids all paying £1 cash fares so that must have boosted the shift total-tbh b7rles could be useful on this board
4H back-a lot busier as an average about 17+ people at any one time
And 002 was as usual really-pretty busy and it was 30806 so a bonus for me as its the best 002 centro in my view :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:04:32 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
I live on the 002 route as well! Are you my neighbour? ;D
Nope lol used to live in halesowen off manor lane-county park avenue? If you know where that is but now I dont live in weoley castle lol but its my fastest route across to the black country-plus its diamond :) Tbh living in halesowen was great-used to like standing by the green metal fence on the sharp turn in manor lane by county park avenue and watching bcc 9s and ludlows buses. South birmingham and bournville is pretty boring bus wise
County Park Avenue is on my estate, Abbeyfields :) your bus stop would've been the one after mine!
Does anyone know if the 140 interworks with anything on a Sunday morning, or does it just sit for over half an hour at Dudley?
Highlight was the ex petes darts on the 55 and X3-heating on full blast which was nice though the handrails need doing something with-basically yourbus tried to paint them a sort of pink/purple not realising that those handrails had been specially dip painted so you're not meant to paint them so all the pinky purple is peeling off. They rattle a lot lot less than 20849 though but the worst rides were a damp condensed ex first president and the MAN/centros were cold as well-weird as last time I caught them when it was roasting hot, the heaters were on full blast??!!
The ex first darts didnt seem to be heated and I had to move from sitting over the rear wheelarch as theyve got this weird ventilation system which means that cool air comes in from outside even when the windows are closed. But obviously the solos were the worst bit-hate these buses and on the 143 as well??!! The royales are nice but could do with a tidy up both internally and externally as could the red diamond eclipses. The "new" enviros were nice and smart as well and enjoyed a ride on these-a good buy in my view.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:13:59 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:04:32 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
I live on the 002 route as well! Are you my neighbour? ;D
Nope lol used to live in halesowen off manor lane-county park avenue? If you know where that is but now I dont live in weoley castle lol but its my fastest route across to the black country-plus its diamond :) Tbh living in halesowen was great-used to like standing by the green metal fence on the sharp turn in manor lane by county park avenue and watching bcc 9s and ludlows buses. South birmingham and bournville is pretty boring bus wise
Country Park Avenue is on my estate, Abbeyfields :) your bus stop would've been the one after mine!
Yeah thats what its called couldnt think of the word so thanks for reminding me and yeah it would've been the next stop. Tbh halesowen is one of the best places to live if you like buses as youve got so much variety-theres central, diamond, nice natex buses on the 9 and until recently b6s and for the near future mercs as well plus whittles and hansons as well so lots of choice whereas all I get is an endless sea of natex's cast offs.
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:21:34 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:13:59 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:04:32 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
I live on the 002 route as well! Are you my neighbour? ;D
Nope lol used to live in halesowen off manor lane-county park avenue? If you know where that is but now I dont live in weoley castle lol but its my fastest route across to the black country-plus its diamond :) Tbh living in halesowen was great-used to like standing by the green metal fence on the sharp turn in manor lane by county park avenue and watching bcc 9s and ludlows buses. South birmingham and bournville is pretty boring bus wise
Country Park Avenue is on my estate, Abbeyfields :) your bus stop would've been the one after mine!
Yeah thats what its called couldnt think of the word so thanks for reminding me and yeah it would've been the next stop. Tbh halesowen is one of the best places to live if you like buses as youve got so much variety-theres central, diamond, nice natex buses on the 9 and until recently b6s and for the near future mercs as well plus whittles and hansons as well so lots of choice whereas all I get is an endless sea of natex's cast offs.
Plus Arriva on the 217 and 142 evenings/Sundays, and WMSNT on the 297 evenings. Got VIP on the 99 as well, not that we want them ;) you're right, Halesowen has such a huge variety and tbh I wouldn't want to live anywhere else
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:25:06 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:21:34 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:13:59 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:04:32 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
I live on the 002 route as well! Are you my neighbour? ;D
Nope lol used to live in halesowen off manor lane-county park avenue? If you know where that is but now I dont live in weoley castle lol but its my fastest route across to the black country-plus its diamond :) Tbh living in halesowen was great-used to like standing by the green metal fence on the sharp turn in manor lane by county park avenue and watching bcc 9s and ludlows buses. South birmingham and bournville is pretty boring bus wise
Country Park Avenue is on my estate, Abbeyfields :) your bus stop would've been the one after mine!
Yeah thats what its called couldnt think of the word so thanks for reminding me and yeah it would've been the next stop. Tbh halesowen is one of the best places to live if you like buses as youve got so much variety-theres central, diamond, nice natex buses on the 9 and until recently b6s and for the near future mercs as well plus whittles and hansons as well so lots of choice whereas all I get is an endless sea of natex's cast offs.
Plus Arriva on the 217 and 142 evenings/Sundays, and WMSNT on the 297 evenings. Got VIP on the 99 as well, not that we want them ;) you're right, Halesowen has such a huge variety and tbh I wouldn't want to live anywhere else
Was just about to say I forgot about VIP. How could we lol everyone loves vip and I dont think we'll have to put up with them for long to be honest. I say that hopefully. The 99 cant be making much money for natex let alone vip. Yeah variety and some good buses round there as well-thats why I always pop over to black country/worcestershire as I miss not being able to catch the 64/144 by diamond home every day. Tbh I even enjoy catching the natex buses over there as they just seem nicer than in birmingham-09 enviros are great on a 9 thats running a bit late and must admit I quite like the mercs which are a bit different too-tho they are starting to look a bit old and they lean a lot
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:34:52 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:25:06 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:21:34 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:13:59 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:04:32 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
I live on the 002 route as well! Are you my neighbour? ;D
Nope lol used to live in halesowen off manor lane-county park avenue? If you know where that is but now I dont live in weoley castle lol but its my fastest route across to the black country-plus its diamond :) Tbh living in halesowen was great-used to like standing by the green metal fence on the sharp turn in manor lane by county park avenue and watching bcc 9s and ludlows buses. South birmingham and bournville is pretty boring bus wise
Country Park Avenue is on my estate, Abbeyfields :) your bus stop would've been the one after mine!
Yeah thats what its called couldnt think of the word so thanks for reminding me and yeah it would've been the next stop. Tbh halesowen is one of the best places to live if you like buses as youve got so much variety-theres central, diamond, nice natex buses on the 9 and until recently b6s and for the near future mercs as well plus whittles and hansons as well so lots of choice whereas all I get is an endless sea of natex's cast offs.
Plus Arriva on the 217 and 142 evenings/Sundays, and WMSNT on the 297 evenings. Got VIP on the 99 as well, not that we want them ;) you're right, Halesowen has such a huge variety and tbh I wouldn't want to live anywhere else
Was just about to say I forgot about VIP. How could we lol everyone loves vip and I dont think we'll have to put up with them for long to be honest. I say that hopefully. The 99 cant be making much money for natex let alone vip. Yeah variety and some good buses round there as well-thats why I always pop over to black country/worcestershire as I miss not being able to catch the 64/144 by diamond home every day. Tbh I even enjoy catching the natex buses over there as they just seem nicer than in birmingham-09 enviros are great on a 9 thats running a bit late and must admit I quite like the mercs which are a bit different too-tho they are starting to look a bit old and they lean a lot
Yes for me nothing beats a thrashing 09-plate Enviro, which I get almost daily! Lots of fast drivers at Pensnett. Like you said, the vehicles around here are generally better from an enthusiast's point of view, really miss the B6s on the 244 though, but Mercs are the next best thing. The one good thing Birmingham (in particular YW) does have over us is the B10L, want these back. Also up in Wolves you have the Spectras which is a contender for my favourite bus of all time (alongside Metrobuses, Citybuses and Tridents)
The only way VIPake money as they're paid to do it. VIP make their money through the private work. Of which is of a high volume.
I can't see NX doing more on the 99 then it does now. Even with a Centro payout I don't think it'll be financially viable. VIP rarely get a decent passengers load for early / late runnings. Just from personal checks and its not gospel.
Tbh although i like the buses here in Wolverhampton i love going to Halesowen (Regually go there to matts house ;)) and the BX09 Enviro400 Trident are some of my favourite buses
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 06, 2013, 07:42:06 PM
Tbh although i like the buses here in Wolverhampton i love going to Halesowen (Regually go there to matts house ;)) and the BX09 Enviro400 Trident are some of my favourite buses
Wolverhampton is the next best place to go, with Voith and ZF Tridents, Spectras, Mercs, now B6s and until recently old Solos and Excels. B10Ls from Walsall also regularly make appearances on the 39 and 69, sometimes 89 and occasionally 40
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:44:17 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 06, 2013, 07:42:06 PM
Tbh although i like the buses here in Wolverhampton i love going to Halesowen (Regually go there to matts house ;)) and the BX09 Enviro400 Trident are some of my favourite buses
Wolverhampton is the next best place to go, with Voith and ZF Tridents, Spectras, Mercs, now B6s and until recently old Solos and Excels. B10Ls from Walsall also regularly make appearances on the 39 and 69, sometimes 89 and occasionally 40
And go back up to 2009 WN was Metrobus land
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:39:03 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:34:52 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:25:06 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:21:34 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:13:59 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:04:32 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 06, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Did you get a diamond network ticket so that you could ride the different diamond services in the different areas. Also what was your journey I'm guessing the 4H to Halesowen then the 202?.
Yeah £6 ticket-brilliant day out. Set out and got the first 002 to halesowen and then the 202 to bromsgrove. Then the X3 to kidderminster-was planning to photo some stuff but couldnt because of the horrid rain all morning. So did some kidderminster locals, worcester and back then from kidderminster to stourport and then stourport over to redditch on the X3. Then did the 57/58/51/55-incidentally diamond had a revenue inspector on the redditch routes today-bit awkward as I saw him 3 times on totally different routes :P-then I got the 143 to bromsgrove and then the 202 back to halesowen, where a 4H to walsall just happened to be calling in and it was a cadet I hadnt been on so got that to blackheath then got off there where I got V377SVV back to halesowen and then the 002. To be honest, I would recommend a day out with the diamond network ticket as for all these journies its a complete bargain-was planning to go to evesham but didnt have time for that unfortunately. Still a good day out
I live on the 002 route as well! Are you my neighbour? ;D
Nope lol used to live in halesowen off manor lane-county park avenue? If you know where that is but now I dont live in weoley castle lol but its my fastest route across to the black country-plus its diamond :) Tbh living in halesowen was great-used to like standing by the green metal fence on the sharp turn in manor lane by county park avenue and watching bcc 9s and ludlows buses. South birmingham and bournville is pretty boring bus wise
Country Park Avenue is on my estate, Abbeyfields :) your bus stop would've been the one after mine!
Yeah thats what its called couldnt think of the word so thanks for reminding me and yeah it would've been the next stop. Tbh halesowen is one of the best places to live if you like buses as youve got so much variety-theres central, diamond, nice natex buses on the 9 and until recently b6s and for the near future mercs as well plus whittles and hansons as well so lots of choice whereas all I get is an endless sea of natex's cast offs.
Plus Arriva on the 217 and 142 evenings/Sundays, and WMSNT on the 297 evenings. Got VIP on the 99 as well, not that we want them ;) you're right, Halesowen has such a huge variety and tbh I wouldn't want to live anywhere else
Was just about to say I forgot about VIP. How could we lol everyone loves vip and I dont think we'll have to put up with them for long to be honest. I say that hopefully. The 99 cant be making much money for natex let alone vip. Yeah variety and some good buses round there as well-thats why I always pop over to black country/worcestershire as I miss not being able to catch the 64/144 by diamond home every day. Tbh I even enjoy catching the natex buses over there as they just seem nicer than in birmingham-09 enviros are great on a 9 thats running a bit late and must admit I quite like the mercs which are a bit different too-tho they are starting to look a bit old and they lean a lot
Yes for me nothing beats a thrashing 09-plate Enviro, which I get almost daily! Lots of fast drivers at Pensnett. Like you said, the vehicles around here are generally better from an enthusiast's point of view, really miss the B6s on the 244 though, but Mercs are the next best thing. The one good thing Birmingham (in particular YW) does have over us is the B10L, want these back. Also up in Wolves you have the Spectras which is a contender for my favourite bus of all time (alongside Metrobuses, Citybuses and Tridents)
Ha yeah love doing the full 9 sat at the front of these and yeah there are-maybe the running times for the birmingham routes are more generous as often drivers sit around waiting which is annoying. The thing with the b6s is they were so loud and slow with way too much buggy room and tiny wheels-they were sort of so bad they were kind of nice plus they are the first buggy buses and I remember them from years back. Yeah love the b10s-full 27 on one of these used to be great though prefer the zf ones to voith ones-just sound nicer and the b10bs were better in my view. Not so keen on the spectras-we had these on the bristol road a while back-at one time we had voith tridents, zf tridents, voith b7tls, zf b7tls along with spectras plus all the thandi "stuff" and travel express plus diamond and first so had a great choice-zf lances of diamond were always my pick to be honest closely followed by travel express's carlyle darts whereas now there no variety at all!!
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 07:39:49 PM
The only way VIPake money as they're paid to do it. VIP make their money through the private work. Of which is of a high volume.
I can't see NX doing more on the 99 then it does now. Even with a Centro payout I don't think it'll be financially viable. VIP rarely get a decent passengers load for early / late runnings. Just from personal checks and its not gospel.
Yeah and the fact that they are not that legit so they cut corners and keep costs low. They dont seem to be winning any more routes which is nice but why pick the 99 to compete on? Not that busy, long route-surely a quick turnround on a route in a poorer area would make them more money? No I cant see NX doing much more-surprised to see it even upgraded with new e200 darts.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 07:44:17 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 06, 2013, 07:42:06 PM
Tbh although i like the buses here in Wolverhampton i love going to Halesowen (Regually go there to matts house ;)) and the BX09 Enviro400 Trident are some of my favourite buses
Wolverhampton is the next best place to go, with Voith and ZF Tridents, Spectras, Mercs, now B6s and until recently old Solos and Excels. B10Ls from Walsall also regularly make appearances on the 39 and 69, sometimes 89 and occasionally 40
Dont know wolverhampton at all well to be honest should make the effort to go there and I guess routes like the 59/529/1 I should try as they seem quite varied and the 1 has nice hybrids on it as well. Always just kind of never went there as diamond dont run that much over there and I know they did the 59 but theyve never done masses over there
I live on the 59 (In Wednesfield) so could show you WN buses LOL ;) Only joking
Most people chose to catch the NX 59 so not many passengers used it.
Remember when the Royale Centros were on it:( Wish Diamond Operated it still. You only really have the 22 in the day then Sundays and Evenings you have the 26A and 81
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 07:39:49 PM
The only way VIPake money as they're paid to do it. VIP make their money through the private work. Of which is of a high volume.
I can't see NX doing more on the 99 then it does now. Even with a Centro payout I don't think it'll be financially viable. VIP rarely get a decent passengers load for early / late runnings. Just from personal checks and its not gospel.
Yeah and the fact that they are not that legit so they cut corners and keep costs low. They dont seem to be winning any more routes which is nice but why pick the 99 to compete on? Not that busy, long route-surely a quick turnround on a route in a poorer area would make them more money? No I cant see NX doing much more-surprised to see it even upgraded with new e200 darts.
VIP almost never check my ticket/pass, the last driver I had just beckoned me on with a smile, very friendly (almost too friendly as one blew me a kiss once!) but I imagine a lot of people are let on for free
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 06, 2013, 08:03:02 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 07:39:49 PM
The only way VIPake money as they're paid to do it. VIP make their money through the private work. Of which is of a high volume.
I can't see NX doing more on the 99 then it does now. Even with a Centro payout I don't think it'll be financially viable. VIP rarely get a decent passengers load for early / late runnings. Just from personal checks and its not gospel.
Yeah and the fact that they are not that legit so they cut corners and keep costs low. They dont seem to be winning any more routes which is nice but why pick the 99 to compete on? Not that busy, long route-surely a quick turnround on a route in a poorer area would make them more money? No I cant see NX doing much more-surprised to see it even upgraded with new e200 darts.
VIP almost never check my ticket/pass, the last driver I had just beckoned me on with a smile, very friendly (almost too friendly as one blew me a kiss once!) but I imagine a lot of people are let on for free
Ha which given what one of their drivers got up to is a bit dodgy!!!! Oh yeah bet they are but heard some nx drivers who drive the 99 saying they dont bother to check passes either so it does happen
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 06, 2013, 08:02:16 PM
I live on the 59 (In Wednesfield) so could show you WN buses LOL ;) Only joking
Most people chose to catch the NX 59 so not many passengers used it.
Remember when the Royale Centros were on it:( Wish Diamond Operated it still. You only really have the 22 in the day then Sundays and Evenings you have the 26A and 81
Wonder how diamond would do on the 1 or do most people over there have travelcards?
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 07:39:49 PM
The only way VIPake money as they're paid to do it. VIP make their money through the private work. Of which is of a high volume.
I can't see NX doing more on the 99 then it does now. Even with a Centro payout I don't think it'll be financially viable. VIP rarely get a decent passengers load for early / late runnings. Just from personal checks and its not gospel.
Yeah and the fact that they are not that legit so they cut corners and keep costs low. They dont seem to be winning any more routes which is nice but why pick the 99 to compete on? Not that busy, long route-surely a quick turnround on a route in a poorer area would make them more money? No I cant see NX doing much more-surprised to see it even upgraded with new e200 darts.
Well that was more to do with the emissions rulings really.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 08:11:06 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 07:39:49 PM
The only way VIPake money as they're paid to do it. VIP make their money through the private work. Of which is of a high volume.
I can't see NX doing more on the 99 then it does now. Even with a Centro payout I don't think it'll be financially viable. VIP rarely get a decent passengers load for early / late runnings. Just from personal checks and its not gospel.
Yeah and the fact that they are not that legit so they cut corners and keep costs low. They dont seem to be winning any more routes which is nice but why pick the 99 to compete on? Not that busy, long route-surely a quick turnround on a route in a poorer area would make them more money? No I cant see NX doing much more-surprised to see it even upgraded with new e200 darts.
Well that was more to do with the emissions rulings really.
I guess and national express didnt have any older euro3 buses they could transfer across to the route so I think the people that catch the 99 were lucky to get new buses as i doubt it would have had them otherwise
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 08:12:21 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 08:11:06 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 07:39:49 PM
The only way VIPake money as they're paid to do it. VIP make their money through the private work. Of which is of a high volume.
I can't see NX doing more on the 99 then it does now. Even with a Centro payout I don't think it'll be financially viable. VIP rarely get a decent passengers load for early / late runnings. Just from personal checks and its not gospel.
Yeah and the fact that they are not that legit so they cut corners and keep costs low. They dont seem to be winning any more routes which is nice but why pick the 99 to compete on? Not that busy, long route-surely a quick turnround on a route in a poorer area would make them more money? No I cant see NX doing much more-surprised to see it even upgraded with new e200 darts.
Well that was more to do with the emissions rulings really.
I guess and national express didnt have any older euro3 buses they could transfer across to the route so I think the people that catch the 99 were lucky to get new buses as i doubt it would have had them otherwise
Exactly. It came as a shock to us as the 99/636 has always been the banger buses really. I highly doubt these E200's will be replaced in the 20 years. The company needs to get their monies worth on that investment.
Well Travel Express already operate on the service between Wolverhampton and Tettenhall and do quite well especially at Peak time. It probably wouldn't work as even the NX 1 is quiet in the daytime. Tbh there was complaints that the 59H was withdrawn and was handy for Hospital workees
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 06, 2013, 08:16:02 PM
Well Travel Express already operate on the service between Wolverhampton and Tettenhall and do quite well especially at Peak time. It probably wouldn't work as even the NX 1 is quiet in the daytime. Tbh there was complaints that the 59H was withdrawn and was handy for Hospital workees
The buses are quite busy, but most don't pay.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on September 06, 2013, 10:56:03 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 06, 2013, 08:16:02 PM
Well Travel Express already operate on the service between Wolverhampton and Tettenhall and do quite well especially at Peak time. It probably wouldn't work as even the NX 1 is quiet in the daytime. Tbh there was complaints that the 59H was withdrawn and was handy for Hospital workees
The buses are quite busy, but most don't pay.
Especially on the 529 ;)
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 06, 2013, 07:39:49 PM
The only way VIPake money as they're paid to do it. VIP make their money through the private work. Of which is of a high volume.
I can't see NX doing more on the 99 then it does now. Even with a Centro payout I don't think it'll be financially viable. VIP rarely get a decent passengers load for early / late runnings. Just from personal checks and its not gospel.
Yeah and the fact that they are not that legit so they cut corners and keep costs low. They dont seem to be winning any more routes which is nice but why pick the 99 to compete on? Not that busy, long route-surely a quick turnround on a route in a poorer area would make them more money? No I cant see NX doing much more-surprised to see it even upgraded with new e200 darts.
Think they picked the 99 to compete on as they run a 'day centre' contract (or something like that) so run the 99 around that and they already operate it on evenings and sunday so it helps build a presence on the route.
I'd like to know why loadings on the 99 seem quite poor. When it was the 636 running every 15 minutes Quinton Stag - University, it was very busy, particularly between Harborne High Street and Four Dwellings. When it was extended to Halesowen as the 636H, it was still popular, and once Diamond curtailed the 004 to run Halesowen - Harbone only, they lost all their passengers to the 636 eventually withdrawing completely.
It would be interesting to know, what has gone wrong.
Quote from: sonic84 on September 08, 2013, 11:33:39 AM
I'd like to know why loadings on the 99 seem quite poor. When it was the 636 running every 15 minutes Quinton Stag - University, it was very busy, particularly between Harborne High Street and Four Dwellings. When it was extended to Halesowen as the 636H, it was still popular, and once Diamond curtailed the 004 to run Halesowen - Harbone only, they lost all their passengers to the 636 eventually withdrawing completely.
It would be interesting to know, what has gone wrong.
Could be because the 98 also covers University to Birmingham? I've never personally seen it with poor loadings, but I would imagine Harborne - Halesowen is the busiest part of the route
I noticed today that the old 529E route branding has been removed completely from T443/7EBD as both were seen on the 4 today.
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 07:14:32 PM
I noticed today that the old 529E route branding has been removed completely from T443/7EBD as both were seen on the 4 today.
Better get a picture of 443 tomorrow then as Ive only got it with the branding-though 447 has been debranded for quite a while i think
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 09, 2013, 07:24:58 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 07:14:32 PM
I noticed today that the old 529E route branding has been removed completely from T443/7EBD as both were seen on the 4 today.
Better get a picture of 443 tomorrow then as Ive only got it with the branding-though 447 has been debranded for quite a while i think
Yeah I couldn't remember which one had the branding removed ages ago, but when I saw both of them from the far side there was no branding which should be the same on the near side of the bus. There was a bit of a mix match of buses today on the 4 so made a good variety.
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 07:34:55 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 09, 2013, 07:24:58 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 07:14:32 PM
I noticed today that the old 529E route branding has been removed completely from T443/7EBD as both were seen on the 4 today.
Better get a picture of 443 tomorrow then as Ive only got it with the branding-though 447 has been debranded for quite a while i think
Yeah I couldn't remember which one had the branding removed ages ago, but when I saw both of them from the far side there was no branding which should be the same on the near side of the bus. There was a bit of a mix match of buses today on the 4 so made a good variety.
So were these two on the 4 along with S397HVV and presumably some cadets and eclipses? Any other more unusual buses on there?
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 08:06:36 PM
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Thanks for the info Ash.
This kind of illustrates the point Ive made before-10 buses originally meant to be for the 4, 7 actually arrived and of these about 2+ every day arent on the route.
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 07:14:32 PM
I noticed today that the old 529E route branding has been removed completely from T443/7EBD as both were seen on the 4 today.
T443 EBD has been debranded very recently, I noticed it on Saturday in Walsall (on the 301) with the branding quite scruffily etched off (still clearly visible), but I saw it only a couple of days or so before, with the branding still fully present
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 08:06:36 PM
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Was on 30426 this morning on the 4H where it was being absolutely thrashed as always on that route and there was quite a strong smell of diesel fumes or oil or something but fortunately I was on my own on the bus so just opened every window to get rid of the smell-still cant be a good sign
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 08:06:36 PM
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Was on 30426 this morning on the 4H where it was being absolutely thrashed as always on that route and there was quite a strong smell of diesel fumes or oil or something but fortunately I was on my own on the bus so just opened every window to get rid of the smell-still cant be a good sign
Yeah that's the normal smell for this bus, also on the 4/4H/4M were the 7 b7rle's has to be one of the first times all 7 have worked on the 4 on the same day. 30825 was also on the service for the second day running with only 3 cadets on the 4 these being 30201/5/11.
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 03:55:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 08:06:36 PM
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Was on 30426 this morning on the 4H where it was being absolutely thrashed as always on that route and there was quite a strong smell of diesel fumes or oil or something but fortunately I was on my own on the bus so just opened every window to get rid of the smell-still cant be a good sign
Yeah that's the normal smell for this bus, also on the 4/4H/4M were the 7 b7rle's has to be one of the first times all 7 have worked on the 4 on the same day. 30825 was also on the service for the second day running with only 3 cadets on the 4 these being 30201/5/11.
It should be looked at though as it was vile and must mean something is badly wrong. The suspension and gearbox on this one are knackered as well. And all 7 werent on there today-6 were and 30834 was on the 002 and yeah as you say 30825 was on the 4H mostly. Quite a few darts on there as well-one crusader, V391/377 SVV, S397HVV and one other one Ive missed out...
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 04:12:00 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 03:55:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 08:06:36 PM
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Was on 30426 this morning on the 4H where it was being absolutely thrashed as always on that route and there was quite a strong smell of diesel fumes or oil or something but fortunately I was on my own on the bus so just opened every window to get rid of the smell-still cant be a good sign
Yeah that's the normal smell for this bus, also on the 4/4H/4M were the 7 b7rle's has to be one of the first times all 7 have worked on the 4 on the same day. 30825 was also on the service for the second day running with only 3 cadets on the 4 these being 30201/5/11.
It should be looked at though as it was vile and must mean something is badly wrong. The suspension and gearbox on this one are knackered as well. And all 7 werent on there today-6 were and 30834 was on the 002 and yeah as you say 30825 was on the 4H mostly. Quite a few darts on there as well-one crusader, V391/377 SVV, S397HVV and one other one Ive missed out...
One day all 7 will finally make it out on the 4 altogether. Yeah S397HVV suspension seems to have totally gone last time I was on it a few weeks back and really struggles to pick up any speed. T447EBD was the crusader. The buses I saw on the 4 today were quite well used I saw 30825 at one point and nearly every seat looked to be taken heading from West Bromwich with a NXWM bus following behind.
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 04:21:53 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 04:12:00 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 03:55:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 08:06:36 PM
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Was on 30426 this morning on the 4H where it was being absolutely thrashed as always on that route and there was quite a strong smell of diesel fumes or oil or something but fortunately I was on my own on the bus so just opened every window to get rid of the smell-still cant be a good sign
Yeah that's the normal smell for this bus, also on the 4/4H/4M were the 7 b7rle's has to be one of the first times all 7 have worked on the 4 on the same day. 30825 was also on the service for the second day running with only 3 cadets on the 4 these being 30201/5/11.
It should be looked at though as it was vile and must mean something is badly wrong. The suspension and gearbox on this one are knackered as well. And all 7 werent on there today-6 were and 30834 was on the 002 and yeah as you say 30825 was on the 4H mostly. Quite a few darts on there as well-one crusader, V391/377 SVV, S397HVV and one other one Ive missed out...
One day all 7 will finally make it out on the 4 altogether. Yeah S397HVV suspension seems to have totally gone last time I was on it a few weeks back and really struggles to pick up any speed. T447EBD was the crusader. The buses I saw on the 4 today were quite well used I saw 30825 at one point and nearly every seat looked to be taken heading from West Bromwich with a NXWM bus following behind.
Haha yeah they will-though havent seen that since about june!! It does and they were today-buses ahead of NX busy but more tellingly one of the cadets to walsall this morning behind 2 national express buses still had 20 passengers on by the time we got to walsall. So people dont just get the "first bus that comes" as has been suggested before-people are waiting for diamond buses and so timetable leaflets are needed to give these people the confidence of knowing exactly when a diamond will turn up
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 04:30:25 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 04:21:53 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 04:12:00 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 03:55:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 08:06:36 PM
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Was on 30426 this morning on the 4H where it was being absolutely thrashed as always on that route and there was quite a strong smell of diesel fumes or oil or something but fortunately I was on my own on the bus so just opened every window to get rid of the smell-still cant be a good sign
Yeah that's the normal smell for this bus, also on the 4/4H/4M were the 7 b7rle's has to be one of the first times all 7 have worked on the 4 on the same day. 30825 was also on the service for the second day running with only 3 cadets on the 4 these being 30201/5/11.
It should be looked at though as it was vile and must mean something is badly wrong. The suspension and gearbox on this one are knackered as well. And all 7 werent on there today-6 were and 30834 was on the 002 and yeah as you say 30825 was on the 4H mostly. Quite a few darts on there as well-one crusader, V391/377 SVV, S397HVV and one other one Ive missed out...
One day all 7 will finally make it out on the 4 altogether. Yeah S397HVV suspension seems to have totally gone last time I was on it a few weeks back and really struggles to pick up any speed. T447EBD was the crusader. The buses I saw on the 4 today were quite well used I saw 30825 at one point and nearly every seat looked to be taken heading from West Bromwich with a NXWM bus following behind.
Haha yeah they will-though havent seen that since about june!! It does and they were today-buses ahead of NX busy but more tellingly one of the cadets to walsall this morning behind 2 national express buses still had 20 passengers on by the time we got to walsall. So people dont just get the "first bus that comes" as has been suggested before-people are waiting for diamond buses and so timetable leaflets are needed to give these people the confidence of knowing exactly when a diamond will turn up
I catch the diamond 4 quite a lot and people regularly wait for the diamond bus to come along and let the NXWM pass. Although some sort of leaflet for the timetables may be good for promotion if I want to catch a diamond bus I just leave my house and wait for it being every 6 minutes and often if I have missed one another appears a couple of minutes later which is normally a late running 4H or 4M working. Monday I saw a cadet around 5pm pull into West Bromwich on a 4H working and was rammed and when leaving heading for Walsall most of the passengers were still on board with a b7rle on the 4 being half full right behind after picking up the passengers waiting in the bus station. So may be it might be a good idea to extend the 4 workings to Oldbury as the Oldbury to West Bromwich section of the service always seems quite busy especially as it goes via Sandwell and Dudley station and then promotional leaflets may be more useful.
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 04:35:52 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 04:30:25 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 04:21:53 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 04:12:00 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 03:55:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 09, 2013, 08:06:36 PM
30205-7/11/18, 30426,30432/30434/30438, 30486, 30834, 30940-3 were the 15 buses on the 4 service today
Was on 30426 this morning on the 4H where it was being absolutely thrashed as always on that route and there was quite a strong smell of diesel fumes or oil or something but fortunately I was on my own on the bus so just opened every window to get rid of the smell-still cant be a good sign
Yeah that's the normal smell for this bus, also on the 4/4H/4M were the 7 b7rle's has to be one of the first times all 7 have worked on the 4 on the same day. 30825 was also on the service for the second day running with only 3 cadets on the 4 these being 30201/5/11.
It should be looked at though as it was vile and must mean something is badly wrong. The suspension and gearbox on this one are knackered as well. And all 7 werent on there today-6 were and 30834 was on the 002 and yeah as you say 30825 was on the 4H mostly. Quite a few darts on there as well-one crusader, V391/377 SVV, S397HVV and one other one Ive missed out...
One day all 7 will finally make it out on the 4 altogether. Yeah S397HVV suspension seems to have totally gone last time I was on it a few weeks back and really struggles to pick up any speed. T447EBD was the crusader. The buses I saw on the 4 today were quite well used I saw 30825 at one point and nearly every seat looked to be taken heading from West Bromwich with a NXWM bus following behind.
Haha yeah they will-though havent seen that since about june!! It does and they were today-buses ahead of NX busy but more tellingly one of the cadets to walsall this morning behind 2 national express buses still had 20 passengers on by the time we got to walsall. So people dont just get the "first bus that comes" as has been suggested before-people are waiting for diamond buses and so timetable leaflets are needed to give these people the confidence of knowing exactly when a diamond will turn up
I catch the diamond 4 quite a lot and people regularly wait for the diamond bus to come along and let the NXWM pass. Although some sort of leaflet for the timetables may be good for promotion if I want to catch a diamond bus I just leave my house and wait for it being every 6 minutes and often if I have missed one another appears a couple of minutes later which is normally a late running 4H or 4M working. Monday I saw a cadet around 5pm pull into West Bromwich on a 4H working and was rammed and when leaving heading for Walsall most of the passengers were still on board with a b7rle on the 4 being half full right behind after picking up the passengers waiting in the bus station. So may be it might be a good idea to extend the 4 workings to Oldbury as the Oldbury to West Bromwich section of the service always seems quite busy especially as it goes via Sandwell and Dudley station and then promotional leaflets may be more useful.
Yeah and this kind of goes against what was said about my idea for leaflets for the 301. Yeah people do that who know how frequent diamond buses but with no branding on the buses any more people dont know how often diamond buses are. To be honest, extending to blackheath/oldbury may be a good plan but diamond would probably keep the same number of buses and therefore the frequency overall would drop. If more buses were added to compensate for this then it would be fine. I would personally make the 4M every 20 minutes then you've got a combined frequency of every 10 minutes on the walsall-blackheath corridor overall which is pretty good. To be honest, about the leaflets I was more thinking a west midlands network booklet similar to the arriva sandwell and dudley one I picked up-to show people the NETWORK so they may be more inclined to buy a monthly/weekly ticket if they can see there is a network of connecting routes that fit together that they can use their passes on
Branding would be the best opportunity to advertise the services, promote return tickets and to mention about the links to other diamond services like the black country connection maps used to for the 401E and 410. With the 4/301 having a mixture of buses used daily it would be difficult to keep the same buses on each service daily and then you would have a cadet and a b7rle with the same branding and one in black and one in blue unless there were repainted. The £2.50 day returns could be advertised on the cadets generally for the 4/4H/4M/40/301 services making sure the cadets stayed on these services. A network map would be ideal but guess not many people would pay more attention they would rather ask the driver or ask someone than find a map and look for themselves.
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 04:52:50 PM
Branding would be the best opportunity to advertise the services, promote return tickets and to mention about the links to other diamond services like the black country connection maps used to for the 401E and 410. With the 4/301 having a mixture of buses used daily it would be difficult to keep the same buses on each service daily and then you would have a cadet and a b7rle with the same branding and one in black and one in blue unless there were repainted. The £2.50 day returns could be advertised on the cadets generally for the 4/4H/4M/40/301 services making sure the cadets stayed on these services. A network map would be ideal but guess not many people would pay more attention they would rather ask the driver or ask someone than find a map and look for themselves.
It would to be honest-even if it looks cheap and tacky with stickers saying Only £2.50 day return! And havent seen a black country connection map-is that what it used to show on it? Connections to other routes? It would though to be fair there are a group of about 15 buses that are pretty much always on the 4/301 routes but maybe the 40/42/43 could have day returns though they already seem to compete fairly solidly with nx on these routes. Then you could brand a lot of buses for day returns. It would be ideal and the redditch one for instance offers tips for future journies for instance on the back page it says for sightseeing/exploring etc and it says destinations from redditch include stratford. People will look at that and think I didnt know diamond went to stratford then they will look for the timetable and maybe have a sunday in stratford, perhaps using the diamond ticket they already have. It encourages people on the main routes to consider diamond for other destinations and that I think is a good thing. It also has a more psychological impact people having a printed booklet full of all the services they can use a pass for so they may therefore buy one as they think they could use it to get to other places as well.
The 40 has a £2.50 day return same as the 4 and 301 which I guess hardly anyone knows about with the 42/43 being £3.20. I agree advertising on the back or within leaflets for tourist places might not be a bad idea may be with a discounted entry showing a diamond bus ticket like NXWM do and London Midland.
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 05:10:27 PM
The 40 has a £2.50 day return same as the 4 and 301 which I guess hardly anyone knows about with the 42/43 being £3.20. I agree advertising on the back or within leaflets for tourist places might not be a bad idea may be with a discounted entry showing a diamond bus ticket like NXWM do and London Midland.
Never knew that!! Been using that route a lot lately but never seen it asked for-seen lots of people buying singles and nbus passes but never that. In that case, that sort of proves the point I was making. Exactly particularly as on diamonds website earlier in the summer they were suggesting places you could go on their buses so its clearly a market theyre interested in. Do you know if the 50 or 16 had leaflets when they were rebranded like the 404e?
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 05:19:39 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 05:10:27 PM
The 40 has a £2.50 day return same as the 4 and 301 which I guess hardly anyone knows about with the 42/43 being £3.20. I agree advertising on the back or within leaflets for tourist places might not be a bad idea may be with a discounted entry showing a diamond bus ticket like NXWM do and London Midland.
Never knew that!! Been using that route a lot lately but never seen it asked for-seen lots of people buying singles and nbus passes but never that. In that case, that sort of proves the point I was making. Exactly particularly as on diamonds website earlier in the summer they were suggesting places you could go on their buses so its clearly a market theyre interested in. Do you know if the 50 or 16 had leaflets when they were rebranded like the 404e?
I didn't see any on the 16 service when I occasionally used it but when I did and it was normally around 5-5:30pm the mcv's at that time were always nearly full and quite a few people had passes. Never used the diamond nifty fifty service so couldn't tell you. Yeah I was surprised myself about the £2.50 day return on the 40 service only saw it when looking on their website.
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 05:22:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 05:19:39 PM
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 05:10:27 PM
The 40 has a £2.50 day return same as the 4 and 301 which I guess hardly anyone knows about with the 42/43 being £3.20. I agree advertising on the back or within leaflets for tourist places might not be a bad idea may be with a discounted entry showing a diamond bus ticket like NXWM do and London Midland.
Never knew that!! Been using that route a lot lately but never seen it asked for-seen lots of people buying singles and nbus passes but never that. In that case, that sort of proves the point I was making. Exactly particularly as on diamonds website earlier in the summer they were suggesting places you could go on their buses so its clearly a market theyre interested in. Do you know if the 50 or 16 had leaflets when they were rebranded like the 404e?
I didn't see any on the 16 service when I occasionally used it but when I did and it was normally around 5-5:30pm the mcv's at that time were always nearly full and quite a few people had passes. Never used the diamond nifty fifty service so couldn't tell you. Yeah I was surprised myself about the £2.50 day return on the 40 service only saw it when looking on their website.
Thanks Ash and yeah it did seem very busy then it dropped off when the MCVs left and it was just black diamond versas but it seems to have picked up again recently and GRS seem to be struggling from my observations. I went on one nifty 50 in summer 2011 and never saw a leaflet but I never went on the super 16 so thanks for your info on that. Its a bit bad though when you have to look on a website for something that could really boost their loadings on that route-didnt Simon mention brandings for returns as something diamond are looking into?
No problem, Yeah Simon mentioned about promoting the return branding but I think diamond are going to be reviewing some of their black country services soon along with their vehicles after losing a few tenders so probably until all that is confirmed we won't see any. A small advert on the drivers cab door or in the notification section on the bus would be useful and try to keep those buses on that service. For the 40 service try to allocate the 5 03 reg solo's for the service and advertise the return branding on them.
Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 05:31:45 PM
No problem, Yeah Simon mentioned about promoting the return branding but I think diamond are going to be reviewing some of their black country services soon along with their vehicles after losing a few tenders so probably until all that is confirmed we won't see any. A small advert on the drivers cab door or in the notification section on the bus would be useful and try to keep those buses on that service. For the 40 service try to allocate the 5 03 reg solo's for the service and advertise the return branding on them.
Yeah that is true though at least we know now that diamond arent winning tenders at silly prices. A small advert would be good, a vinyl on the front nearside window or on the top bit of the drivers windscreen would be ideal-possibly even a vinyl of £2.50 return on the windows would look fine. Those solos look smart enough-pity they break down!-but they would be okay or possibly some MPDs/proper darts or cadets.
30825 Driving past the Sandpitts today very slowly displaying VOR
Quote from: Lukeee on September 12, 2013, 09:11:17 PM
30825 Driving past the Sandpitts today very slowly displaying VOR
Oh dear-to be honest, this one needs a tidy up both inside and out
All the new eclipses out on the 4 today and the old ones as well I think but AE57FXW was broken down, 30211 cut out in oldbury this afternoon, KV51KZH was on 40 route showing VOR which I think is diamonds version of sorry not in service as I saw an eclipse with this on later. Also, saw 20608 while near the big island on the 4 line of route-cant remember the name of it-basically this was in blue DIAMOND livery being driven by an engineer-looked very smart and was presumably on test. Also saw 20602 still in wessex livery on the 42/43 I think-one of those services. 30826 was on the 002 but no royales on the 4 today but W337VGX was on there as was S377TMB which hasnt been on there for a while. 30206 was a nice ride on the 4 as well.
Diamond blinds do have 'sorry not in service' programmed. When a bus returns to depot with a defect VOR is displayed so as the shunters/fuellers park the bus the correct place for the engineers to rectify the defect . VOR should only be displayed upon return to the depot and sorry not in service beforehand or so I have been told
Quote from: 4747 on September 14, 2013, 11:26:22 AM
Diamond blinds do have 'sorry not in service' programmed. When a bus returns to depot with a defect VOR is displayed so as the shunters/fuellers park the bus the correct place for the engineers to rectify the defect . VOR should only be displayed upon return to the depot and sorry not in service beforehand or so I have been told
That's quite a clever idea, one NX could adopt. As I expect it's a long process to go out and find the individual buses via the VCR's, where they're all over the bus parks.
Quote from: 4747 on September 14, 2013, 11:26:22 AM
Diamond blinds do have 'sorry not in service' programmed. When a bus returns to depot with a defect VOR is displayed so as the shunters/fuellers park the bus the correct place for the engineers to rectify the defect . VOR should only be displayed upon return to the depot and sorry not in service beforehand or so I have been told
Yeah thought they would have or often they have Rotala or diamond buses displayed or sometimes Surf before you ride-diamondbuses.com but seen a lot of buses recently with it displayed so just interested and thanks for the info.
seen KU52 YJZ working the 54 I think in WB looks a right tatty mess ::), is there a reason its still in the 'Central Connect' livery although It looked like it had 'Wessex' on the side before it came off :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 06:22:49 PM
seen KU52 YJZ working the 54 I think in WB looks a right tatty mess ::), is there a reason its still in the 'Central Connect' livery although It looked like it had 'Wessex' on the side before it came off :)
It has come up from Wessex, just has not been repainted in Diamond Livery yet, even though it has been here over 6 months
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 06:29:28 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 06:22:49 PM
seen KU52 YJZ working the 54 I think in WB looks a right tatty mess ::), is there a reason its still in the 'Central Connect' livery although It looked like it had 'Wessex' on the side before it came off :)
It has come up from Wessex, just has not been repainted in Diamond Livery yet, even though it has been here over 6 months
in them 6months it looks like it been knocked about a bit ;D, if it was repainted would it be in the Blue livery or the black ? only reason I ask is because at Tividale you've got some black diamond buses with DIAMOND and some blue with DIAMOND on them too
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 06:32:31 PM
in them 6months it looks like it been knocked about a bit ;D, if it was repainted would it be in the Blue livery or the black ? only reason I ask is because at Tividale you've got some black diamond buses with DIAMOND and some blue with DIAMOND on them too
If it was repainted when it first arrived, it may have been black (Don't know when repaints were switched from black to blue), as it is at Tividale, and their recent repaints back in February were into Black Diamond livery. Now it will go into blue, if it will be treated to a repaint
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Got a picture of it in Merry Hill I think on one Sunday when I ended up there. Most likely out on a route I hardly see.
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
4 in total (20807, 20808, 20812 and 20846), 3 are withdrawn and one is in service at Long Acre, that is 20812 (BX56 BPY). Can't say I've seen it out for a long time
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:57:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
4 in total (20807, 20808, 20812 and 20846), 3 are withdrawn and one is in service at Long Acre, that is 20812 (BX56 BPY). Can't say I've seen it out for a long time
Nor have I, hence the fact I thought they'd all gone, as it registered with long acre and not withdrawn would it be out on a route or parked in the garage
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 08:02:10 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:57:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
4 in total (20807, 20808, 20812 and 20846), 3 are withdrawn and one is in service at Long Acre, that is 20812 (BX56 BPY). Can't say I've seen it out for a long time
Nor have I, hence the fact I thought they'd all gone, as it registered with long acre and not withdrawn would it be out on a route or parked in the garage
At least one out in Birmingham yesterday
Quote from: Tony on September 14, 2013, 10:14:23 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 08:02:10 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:57:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
4 in total (20807, 20808, 20812 and 20846), 3 are withdrawn and one is in service at Long Acre, that is 20812 (BX56 BPY). Can't say I've seen it out for a long time
Nor have I, hence the fact I thought they'd all gone, as it registered with long acre and not withdrawn would it be out on a route or parked in the garage
At least one out in Birmingham yesterday
Simon Dunn confirmed in his thread that the other Primos in reserve would be returned to service soon
the pirmo is always on the 122
Quote from: dgss1 on September 15, 2013, 09:00:01 AM
the pirmo is always on the 122
were does the 122 go ? is that the one that runs in Bearwood ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 11:44:30 AM
Quote from: dgss1 on September 15, 2013, 09:00:01 AM
the pirmo is always on the 122
were does the 122 go ? is that the one that runs in Bearwood ?
http://diamondbuses.com/services/WestMidlands_5/122-OldburytoBearwood_246.html
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Got a picture of it in Merry Hill I think on one Sunday when I ended up there. Most likely out on a route I hardly see.
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
On friday I saw KV51KZH out again-same here-hadnt seen it for a while either-it was on the 40 then VOR back to depot and 20812 I think the remaining primo? was on the 122 on friday as well-that seems to be its main route-another one that could and should transfer to tividale...
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Got a picture of it in Merry Hill I think on one Sunday when I ended up there. Most likely out on a route I hardly see.
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
On friday I saw KV51KZH out again-same here-hadnt seen it for a while either-it was on the 40 then VOR back to depot and 20812 I think the remaining primo? was on the 122 on friday as well-that seems to be its main route-another one that could and should transfer to tividale...
Might take a trip over to Bearwood see if I can spot it, but that will probally be Thursday/Friday as Im doing the 97's Monday/Tuesday, then in Walsall on Wednesday before back to training centre on Monday next week
hopefully ::) :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 05:25:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Got a picture of it in Merry Hill I think on one Sunday when I ended up there. Most likely out on a route I hardly see.
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
On friday I saw KV51KZH out again-same here-hadnt seen it for a while either-it was on the 40 then VOR back to depot and 20812 I think the remaining primo? was on the 122 on friday as well-that seems to be its main route-another one that could and should transfer to tividale...
Might take a trip over to Bearwood see if I can spot it, but that will probally be Thursday/Friday as Im doing the 97's Monday/Tuesday, then in Walsall on Wednesday before back to training centre on Monday next week hopefully ::) :)
You're training to be a driver? Good luck haha!
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 15, 2013, 06:21:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 05:25:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Got a picture of it in Merry Hill I think on one Sunday when I ended up there. Most likely out on a route I hardly see.
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
On friday I saw KV51KZH out again-same here-hadnt seen it for a while either-it was on the 40 then VOR back to depot and 20812 I think the remaining primo? was on the 122 on friday as well-that seems to be its main route-another one that could and should transfer to tividale...
Might take a trip over to Bearwood see if I can spot it, but that will probally be Thursday/Friday as Im doing the 97's Monday/Tuesday, then in Walsall on Wednesday before back to training centre on Monday next week hopefully ::) :)
You're training to be a driver? Good luck haha!
;D nope, wish I was though would be better than training in retail :) shame they dont teach bus driving at my training centre ::)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 08:28:09 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 15, 2013, 06:21:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 05:25:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Got a picture of it in Merry Hill I think on one Sunday when I ended up there. Most likely out on a route I hardly see.
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
On friday I saw KV51KZH out again-same here-hadnt seen it for a while either-it was on the 40 then VOR back to depot and 20812 I think the remaining primo? was on the 122 on friday as well-that seems to be its main route-another one that could and should transfer to tividale...
Might take a trip over to Bearwood see if I can spot it, but that will probally be Thursday/Friday as Im doing the 97's Monday/Tuesday, then in Walsall on Wednesday before back to training centre on Monday next week hopefully ::) :)
You're training to be a driver? Good luck haha!
;D nope, wish I was though would be better than training in retail :) shame they dont teach bus driving at my training centre ::)
I don't want to go off topic but; End of the day mate it's a job and something like Retail will set you up well for job like bus driving, if you wish to pursue that career path.
Did you manage to get on Diamond buses today, I know you said it'll be difficult but still.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 16, 2013, 04:52:08 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 08:28:09 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 15, 2013, 06:21:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 05:25:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Got a picture of it in Merry Hill I think on one Sunday when I ended up there. Most likely out on a route I hardly see.
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
On friday I saw KV51KZH out again-same here-hadnt seen it for a while either-it was on the 40 then VOR back to depot and 20812 I think the remaining primo? was on the 122 on friday as well-that seems to be its main route-another one that could and should transfer to tividale...
Might take a trip over to Bearwood see if I can spot it, but that will probally be Thursday/Friday as Im doing the 97's Monday/Tuesday, then in Walsall on Wednesday before back to training centre on Monday next week hopefully ::) :)
You're training to be a driver? Good luck haha!
;D nope, wish I was though would be better than training in retail :) shame they dont teach bus driving at my training centre ::)
I don't want to go off topic but; End of the day mate it's a job and something like Retail will set you up well for job like bus driving, if you wish to pursue that career path.
Did you manage to get on Diamond buses today, I know you said it'll be difficult but still.
Ye I wish to be a NXWM bus driver (: have wanted to for a long while.
Managed to ride a Royal Diamond centro on the 56 and 308?? on the 4, the B7RLE's makes a change from riding Darts/Solo's
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 16, 2013, 04:59:40 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 16, 2013, 04:52:08 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 08:28:09 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 15, 2013, 06:21:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 15, 2013, 05:25:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:52:08 PM
Quote from: John on September 14, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 14, 2013, 07:27:09 PM
Do you know if the other Central Connect livered bus is still out and about, havent seen that for a while they both used to do the 56 peaks alot ?
20606 - KV51 KZH
I have no idea as I have not been looking for it, but I would think it would be around somewhere on a Tividale route. If it was repainted and I saw it, I would have noticed it was a recent repaint. I last got a picture of it in April on the 401E
Got a picture of it in Merry Hill I think on one Sunday when I ended up there. Most likely out on a route I hardly see.
Do Diamond have any Plaxton Primos left or they all gone now, apologies in advance for 6000 questions
On friday I saw KV51KZH out again-same here-hadnt seen it for a while either-it was on the 40 then VOR back to depot and 20812 I think the remaining primo? was on the 122 on friday as well-that seems to be its main route-another one that could and should transfer to tividale...
Might take a trip over to Bearwood see if I can spot it, but that will probally be Thursday/Friday as Im doing the 97's Monday/Tuesday, then in Walsall on Wednesday before back to training centre on Monday next week hopefully ::) :)
You're training to be a driver? Good luck haha!
;D nope, wish I was though would be better than training in retail :) shame they dont teach bus driving at my training centre ::)
I don't want to go off topic but; End of the day mate it's a job and something like Retail will set you up well for job like bus driving, if you wish to pursue that career path.
Did you manage to get on Diamond buses today, I know you said it'll be difficult but still.
Ye I wish to be a NXWM bus driver (: have wanted to for a long while.
Managed to ride a Royal Diamond centro on the 56 and 308?? on the 4, the B7RLE's makes a change from riding Darts/Solo's
Went on 30826 on the 002 and all the 3083_ were out today on the 4's and went on 30834 on the 4H
30807 had an ad blue system failure this afternoon on manor lane and went back to tividale so tomorrow it could well be 2 non 002 buses on there
AE59 EHR plaxton centro out on 82/8 today. Stil in previous operator livery
Not sure if its happended before on the 4 but today there was 3 Diamond buses together 2 B7RLE and a Cadet I think all heading to WA,
in other news a Diamond 43 took the wrong route today out of West Bromwich ;D must have thought he was on the 4 or something
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Blimey. One must have been running late or missing before. But being that packed goes to show it needs a Sunday service getting to Merry Hill. Would be very popular.
Quote from: neale95 on September 21, 2013, 11:58:28 AM
AE59 EHR plaxton centro out on 82/8 today. Stil in previous operator livery
Thats a good spot and glad its arrived-will have to try and catch that monday-havent been over there for a while anyway
And deckers on the 002 would be a complete disaster-the frequency is fine but maybe timetable needs tweaking and possibly an extra bus added to help reliability. Whether this would justify the extra cost I'm not sure but if rotala put deckers on there it would be ex preston/wessex tridents which are not what are needed-keep the high quality single deckers on there-they cope fine but they only get too busy when there are service reliability issues
And I agree about a sunday/evening service but presumably it is being looked at as it must be one of diamonds biggest earners
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Theyve got some ex preston tridents at redditch and the ex first ones until they go but yeah that is true-the trick is to provide capacity for this and the peaks without having too much surplus capacity between the peaks. In fairness first in redditch got this right with the enviros....
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Read my post again Nathan, I didn't say they did ;)
And incorrect, standing loads aren't common but almost every 002 gets packed especially towards Merry Hill Mon-Fri as well.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:20:53 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Read my post again Nathan, I didn't say they did ;)
And incorrect, standing loads aren't common but almost every 002 gets packed especially towards Merry Hill Mon-Fri as well.
Apologies your right you didnt say they had DD's :) sorry
Around what time does it get packed and were about from, as Ive rode the 002 route from Weoley Castle - M'Hill and not known it to be full to the brim, known some of the return journeys leaving MerryH to be full
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:20:53 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Read my post again Nathan, I didn't say they did ;)
And incorrect, standing loads aren't common but almost every 002 gets packed especially towards Merry Hill Mon-Fri as well.
Apologies your right you didnt say they had DD's :) sorry
Around what time does it get packed and were about from, as Ive rode the 002 route from Weoley Castle - M'Hill and not known it to be full to the brim, known some of the return journeys leaving MerryH to be full
I live on the route, I generally see more 002s going towards Merry Hill full but it depends entirely on the time of day. In all honesty, any journey can get packed, and putting an MPD on there is asking for trouble. Then, you have all the schoolkids getting on Mon-Fri at the start/end of school...
There is no reason why the 002 cannot have deckers and I really think Rotala should look at sourcing some for a double deck conversion of the 002.
What routes are the Tridents at Redditch used on? Do these routes require deckers? Just an idea but the 002 Centros could be debranded and transferred to Redditch in return for 6 of their deckers.
One further question, looking at the fleetlist, is 42565 the Citybus still used in service? On what route?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:43:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:20:53 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Read my post again Nathan, I didn't say they did ;)
And incorrect, standing loads aren't common but almost every 002 gets packed especially towards Merry Hill Mon-Fri as well.
Apologies your right you didnt say they had DD's :) sorry
Around what time does it get packed and were about from, as Ive rode the 002 route from Weoley Castle - M'Hill and not known it to be full to the brim, known some of the return journeys leaving MerryH to be full
I live on the route, I generally see more 002s going towards Merry Hill full but it depends entirely on the time of day. In all honesty, any journey can get packed, and putting an MPD on there is asking for trouble. Then, you have all the schoolkids getting on Mon-Fri at the start/end of school...
There is no reason why the 002 cannot have deckers and I really think Rotala should look at sourcing some for a double deck conversion of the 002.
What routes are the Tridents at Redditch used on? Do these routes require deckers? Just an idea but the 002 Centros could be debranded and transferred to Redditch in return for 6 of their deckers.
One further question, looking at the fleetlist, is 42565 the Citybus still used in service? On what route?
Monday Im hopefully out in Merry Hill/Dudley/S'Bridge so will keep my eyes open on the loadings of the 002,
In that case then, I feel the 56 should use 1/2 doubles at Peak times only both AM & PM, as there loadings can be pretty packed around that time ?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:43:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:20:53 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Read my post again Nathan, I didn't say they did ;)
And incorrect, standing loads aren't common but almost every 002 gets packed especially towards Merry Hill Mon-Fri as well.
Apologies your right you didnt say they had DD's :) sorry
Around what time does it get packed and were about from, as Ive rode the 002 route from Weoley Castle - M'Hill and not known it to be full to the brim, known some of the return journeys leaving MerryH to be full
I live on the route, I generally see more 002s going towards Merry Hill full but it depends entirely on the time of day. In all honesty, any journey can get packed, and putting an MPD on there is asking for trouble. Then, you have all the schoolkids getting on Mon-Fri at the start/end of school...
There is no reason why the 002 cannot have deckers and I really think Rotala should look at sourcing some for a double deck conversion of the 002.
What routes are the Tridents at Redditch used on? Do these routes require deckers? Just an idea but the 002 Centros could be debranded and transferred to Redditch in return for 6 of their deckers.
One further question, looking at the fleetlist, is 42565 the Citybus still used in service? On what route?
I just don't see the 002 as needing any more capacity than it currently has. Ive never seen anyone left behind, like with NXWM, and deckers on there would be awful as they would be old and knackered as opposed to centros and people would rather see an increased frequency say 002Es between halesowen and merry hill than deckers causing vandalism. Plus, a lot of those who use the 002 are OAPs and they would hate double deckers
The tridents at redditch-5 of them now-are used on the matchborough circulars which need double deckers far far more than the 002 I can assure you. The citybuses are all withdrawn and Simon mentioned they had been sold to willenhall commericals-dont know if they have left the fleet yet though. Still saw one ex first trident and dart around when I visited redditch this week.
As Simon has mentioned though the first tridents are soon to go.
When the citybuses were operated by diamond, your best bet was the 143 though I did 3 full 58's on one in July... :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 21, 2013, 05:50:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:43:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:20:53 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
The
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Read my post again Nathan, I didn't say they did ;)
And incorrect, standing loads aren't common but almost every 002 gets packed especially towards Merry Hill Mon-Fri as well.
Apologies your right you didnt say they had DD's :) sorry
Around what time does it get packed and were about from, as Ive rode the 002 route from Weoley Castle - M'Hill and not known it to be full to the brim, known some of the return journeys leaving MerryH to be full
I live on the route, I generally see more 002s going towards Merry Hill full but it depends entirely on the time of day. In all honesty, any journey can get packed, and putting an MPD on there is asking for trouble. Then, you have all the schoolkids getting on Mon-Fri at the start/end of school...
There is no reason why the 002 cannot have deckers and I really think Rotala should look at sourcing some for a double deck conversion of the 002.
What routes are the Tridents at Redditch used on? Do these routes require deckers? Just an idea but the 002 Centros could be debranded and transferred to Redditch in return for 6 of their deckers.
One further question, looking at the fleetlist, is 42565 the Citybus still used in service? On what route?
I just don't see the 002 as needing any more capacity than it currently has. Ive never seen anyone left behind, like with NXWM, and deckers on there would be awful as they would be old and knackered as opposed to centros and people would rather see an increased frequency say 002Es between halesowen and merry hill than deckers causing vandalism. Plus, a lot of those who use the 002 are OAPs and they would hate double deckers
The tridents at redditch-5 of them now-are used on the matchborough circulars which need double deckers far far more than the 002 I can assure you. The citybuses are all withdrawn and Simon mentioned they had been sold to willenhall commericals-dont know if they have left the fleet yet though. Still saw one ex first trident and dart around when I visited redditch this week.
As Simon has mentioned though the first tridents are soon to go.
When the citybuses were operated by diamond, your best bet was the 143 though I did 3 full 58's on one in July... :)
I think the current 002 should have it's frequency increased to every 12 mins/5 bph still with single deckers, hours of operation extended to suit Merry Hill opening hours & a Sunday daytime service added.
Quote from: Winston on September 21, 2013, 06:00:32 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 21, 2013, 05:50:06 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:43:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 05:20:53 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:11:59 PM
30828 on 002 today every seat taken heading out of Bartley Green towards Merry Hill (including luggage rack!) with up to 10 standees, at least 50 people on board in total. Surely this reinforces the need for double deckers for the 002!
The
Diamond dont have any double deckers ?
But remeber its a Saturday so more people are going to want to get out and about before heading back to work Monday, as Monday - Friday loadings cannot be that high to require doubles ?
Read my post again Nathan, I didn't say they did ;)
And incorrect, standing loads aren't common but almost every 002 gets packed especially towards Merry Hill Mon-Fri as well.
Apologies your right you didnt say they had DD's :) sorry
Around what time does it get packed and were about from, as Ive rode the 002 route from Weoley Castle - M'Hill and not known it to be full to the brim, known some of the return journeys leaving MerryH to be full
I live on the route, I generally see more 002s going towards Merry Hill full but it depends entirely on the time of day. In all honesty, any journey can get packed, and putting an MPD on there is asking for trouble. Then, you have all the schoolkids getting on Mon-Fri at the start/end of school...
There is no reason why the 002 cannot have deckers and I really think Rotala should look at sourcing some for a double deck conversion of the 002.
What routes are the Tridents at Redditch used on? Do these routes require deckers? Just an idea but the 002 Centros could be debranded and transferred to Redditch in return for 6 of their deckers.
One further question, looking at the fleetlist, is 42565 the Citybus still used in service? On what route?
I just don't see the 002 as needing any more capacity than it currently has. Ive never seen anyone left behind, like with NXWM, and deckers on there would be awful as they would be old and knackered as opposed to centros and people would rather see an increased frequency say 002Es between halesowen and merry hill than deckers causing vandalism. Plus, a lot of those who use the 002 are OAPs and they would hate double deckers
The tridents at redditch-5 of them now-are used on the matchborough circulars which need double deckers far far more than the 002 I can assure you. The citybuses are all withdrawn and Simon mentioned they had been sold to willenhall commericals-dont know if they have left the fleet yet though. Still saw one ex first trident and dart around when I visited redditch this week.
As Simon has mentioned though the first tridents are soon to go.
When the citybuses were operated by diamond, your best bet was the 143 though I did 3 full 58's on one in July... :)
I think the current 002 should have it's frequency increased to every 12 mins/5 bph still with single deckers, hours of operation extended to suit Merry Hill opening hours & a Sunday daytime service added.
Thats a sensible idea-sunday service every 30 minutes-then you could use just 4 buses though with the loss of some routes on a sunday, a sunday service on this and the 4 would keep a few drivers and buses busy
P403MLA at its new home in service, still carrying Diamond fleetnames
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicksbuscoach/9859298166/
30941 at Showbus today
I was stood in Witton today with my camera facing one way waiting to take a picture of a Ring & Ride, when it got blocked by a white unregistered StreetLite that sneeked up behind me. Is this a Rotala one?
has 20855 recived Diamond Logos now ?
also why is 30825 the only Centro all in black ?
If anyone knows which Euro 3 MPD is on the 50 today, I'd be very grateful for an ID, filmed it but forgot to take the reg!
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 27, 2013, 02:26:18 PM
has 20855 recived Diamond Logos now ?
also why is 30825 the only Centro all in black ?
Yep it has. And think there may be more than one centro that is unbranded with no logos. Not sure of the reason why though-guess its in preparation for DIAMOND logos to be applied
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 27, 2013, 05:52:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 27, 2013, 02:26:18 PM
has 20855 recived Diamond Logos now ?
also why is 30825 the only Centro all in black ?
Yep it has. And think there may be more than one centro that is unbranded with no logos. Not sure of the reason why though-guess its in preparation for DIAMOND logos to be applied
Thanks Diamond, were would I be able to find it ;D out of the many routes through tividale an all ;)
Quote from: Tony on September 23, 2013, 09:54:44 PM
I was stood in Witton today with my camera facing one way waiting to take a picture of a Ring & Ride, when it got blocked by a white unregistered StreetLite that sneeked up behind me. Is this a Rotala one?
123 lol
Shame that route don;t exist anymore :(
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 27, 2013, 05:58:42 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 27, 2013, 05:52:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 27, 2013, 02:26:18 PM
has 20855 recived Diamond Logos now ?
also why is 30825 the only Centro all in black ?
Yep it has. And think there may be more than one centro that is unbranded with no logos. Not sure of the reason why though-guess its in preparation for DIAMOND logos to be applied
Thanks Diamond, were would I be able to find it ;D out of the many routes through tividale an all ;)
Lol tracking down diamond buses is impossible. Itll be somewhere in the west midlands, unless its popped down to kidderminster/redditch/wessex or possibly up to preston could be anywhere lol. No usually West Brom's your best bet for LG02 darts-theyre often on 40/42/43
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 27, 2013, 06:33:26 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 27, 2013, 05:58:42 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 27, 2013, 05:52:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 27, 2013, 02:26:18 PM
has 20855 recived Diamond Logos now ?
also why is 30825 the only Centro all in black ?
Yep it has. And think there may be more than one centro that is unbranded with no logos. Not sure of the reason why though-guess its in preparation for DIAMOND logos to be applied
Thanks Diamond, were would I be able to find it ;D out of the many routes through tividale an all ;)
Lol tracking down diamond buses is impossible. Itll be somewhere in the west midlands, unless its popped down to kidderminster/redditch/wessex or possibly up to preston could be anywhere lol. No usually West Brom's your best bet for LG02 darts-theyre often on 40/42/43
;D thats what I thought they'd be anywere
New Full length Plaxton Centro on the 50 today, unable to ID as my photo blurred beyond recognition! It was in a Green/Blue Livery Green Front end Blue back end, might be of interest to someone on here.
Quote from: trident4370 on September 28, 2013, 11:08:41 PM
New Full length Plaxton Centro on the 50 today, unable to ID as my photo blurred beyond recognition! It was in a Green/Blue Livery Green Front end Blue back end, might be of interest to someone on here.
Sounds like the one i saw last week - AE59 ERH
The blurred patch does look roughly along those lines although I believe it to be AE59 EHR, A quick google search tells me it is a B7RLE Chassis, ex Go Whippet definitely the same livery so mystery solved! Cheers Neale
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 27, 2013, 02:26:18 PM
has 20855 recived Diamond Logos now ?
also why is 30825 the only Centro all in black ?
Was once loaned to Central Connect/Blue Diamond (when they were separate to Black/Red Diamond)
Quote
New Full length Plaxton Centro on the 50 today, unable to ID as my photo blurred beyond recognition! It was in a Green/Blue Livery Green Front end Blue back end, might be of interest to someone on here.
Can confirm this was AE59 EHR in basic ex-Whippet livery.
vul
Quote from: Lukeee on September 28, 2013, 11:46:02 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 27, 2013, 02:26:18 PM
has 20855 recived Diamond Logos now ?
also why is 30825 the only Centro all in black ?
Was once loaned to Central Connect/Blue Diamond (when they were separate to Black/Red Diamond)
And they smashed it up hence no vinyls
Did anybody see what was on the 600 yesterday ?
as I seen an EX Airport Shuttle MCV on there but then dissapeard and didnt do the return 600 ?
Any one know what the 2 buses were out
yesterday in 146 I know there was a Envrio
what was the other as I forgot to look
Quote from: Solo1 on September 29, 2013, 01:24:02 PM
Any one know what the 2 buses were out
yesterday in 146 I know there was a Envrio
what was the other as I forgot to look
I only saw one Enviro300
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 29, 2013, 11:38:02 AM
Did anybody see what was on the 600 yesterday ?
as I seen an EX Airport Shuttle MCV on there but then dissapeard and didnt do the return 600 ?
Think the buses swap at lunch time on the 600 so a different bus is normally on in the afternoon.
Was the last Diamond Demo the Volvo B5HL Hybrid ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 30, 2013, 01:57:27 PM
Was the last Diamond Demo the Volvo B5HL Hybrid ?
No, I think this Enviro200 was the last one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8634411619/
Quote from: John on September 30, 2013, 02:06:22 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 30, 2013, 01:57:27 PM
Was the last Diamond Demo the Volvo B5HL Hybrid ?
No, I think this Enviro200 was the last one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8634411619/
Didn't see it in service :-\ when it was around, thought you meant the other E200 that DIA have or had
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8645517997/in/set-72157632441422617
20606 - still in the Wessex Livery :)
Was on 30807 earlier and noticed it has an out of date map on the green cards on the roof - it says you can get the 417 and 230 from Halesowen.
Noticed 30810 on the 002 in service with passengers displaying Not In Service.
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 01, 2013, 07:36:50 PM
Noticed 30810 on the 002 in service with passengers displaying Not In Service.
Back in service later on so nothing serious. Maybe the driver was running late and didn't want to pick up any passengers, or maybe he'd just made a mistake with the LEDs
Saw on Tuesday a 002 terminating at Newman and turning in Genners lane back to Merry Hill, now from what I gathered he was simply empty by then so didn't bother going to Woeley Castle, I'm not complaining as it saved me time but is this part of the running board or just a bit of common sense?
this maybe the wrong section 20653 is listed as being sold to ensign in the latest changes when buses are sold do they leave the company straight away . just wondering as I rode on 20653 last night. so was wondering if it might have been loaned back or a error in the list given to tony
here is some posted today 5/10/13in uk-bus-fleetnews taken from a list posted by ross newman from ensign listing darts brought in from Rotala Darts V660 / 663HEC. in spetmember so that is 20660,/20663.
30806 out on 002 today so its spectacular breakdown clearly wasn't anything major
20506 late along with other diamonds on 226 today. Current journey to merry hill is 10 late.
Just sorting my Diamond Fleetlist out and came across
20914 has now become 20522 according to Tonys Fleet list, why was it changed ?
Because solo 20914 clashed fleetnumbers with dart 20914 (which got sold) and so was numbered 20522 I believe
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 05, 2013, 06:59:21 PM
Because solo 20914 clashed fleetnumbers with dart 20914 (which got sold) and so was numbered 20522 I believe
Thanks
Quote from: bususer12 on October 05, 2013, 02:06:33 PM
20506 late along with other diamonds on 226 today. Current journey to merry hill is 10 late.
[/Yes I observed them up to there tricks today.Hansons were on time though.(draw your own conclusions.lolquote]
30108 on 16 but fleetlist says its at Heathrow
All white no logo or anything
Is that B20 WTS ? How come its still here (: if it is that bus
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 06, 2013, 03:42:44 PM
Is that B20 WTS ? How come its still here (: if it is that bus
No it is 'AE10 CTY', a MCV Evolution, AD Dart chassis
Just seen it leaving Birmingham :p so not the bus I'm thinking off =D
Not sure if the bus I've just photographed on the 16 is a wessex bus too on loan or transferred as it was branded for something but has lost it
Ill upload the pic when I'm home
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 06, 2013, 04:47:40 PM
Not sure if the bus I've just photographed on the 16 is a wessex bus too on loan or transferred as it was branded for something but has lost it
Ill upload the pic when I'm home
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/10121487963/
Someone mentioned the 301 was changing-havent heard this so if anyone knows then could they post it? Cheers :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 06, 2013, 04:47:40 PM
Not sure if the bus I've just photographed on the 16 is a wessex bus too on loan or transferred as it was branded for something but has lost it
Ill upload the pic when I'm home
Don't think they were Wessex examples as I don't think Wessex had any 59 plates.
They are ex Go Whippet. http://www.flickr.com/photos/33672038@N05/5481780085/
Quote from: Lukeee on October 06, 2013, 09:04:04 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 06, 2013, 04:47:40 PM
Not sure if the bus I've just photographed on the 16 is a wessex bus too on loan or transferred as it was branded for something but has lost it
Ill upload the pic when I'm home
Don't think they were Wessex examples as I don't think Wessex had any 59 plates.
Its an Ex Go-Whippet Cambridgeshire bus :) just found it on flickr also its been given 30952 fleetnumber :)
Quote from: trident4370 on October 06, 2013, 09:09:00 PM
They are ex Go Whippet.
I thought they only had one ? or have they got more ?
Is Avonmouth & Keynsham in Redditch/Kiddi or not
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 06, 2013, 09:14:42 PM
Is Avonmouth & Keynsham in Redditch/Kiddi or not
Avonmouth & Keynsham are the Wessex depots of Rotala.
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 06, 2013, 09:16:54 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 06, 2013, 09:14:42 PM
Is Avonmouth & Keynsham in Redditch/Kiddi or not
Avonmouth & Keynsham are the Wessex depots of Rotala.
Right Now that explains it before I start making made changes to my Diamond List I need to make a Wessex List thanks TTB :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 06, 2013, 09:09:12 PM
I thought they only had one ? or have they got more ?
Not sure for definite but I was under the impression 3 were purchased 2 for wessex and one for us, I may be mistaken though as nobody else has mentioned any others.
To clear this up, 3 whippet centros purchased all off the busway services. 2 going to wessex, one staying at diamond as a replacment for the eclipse2 at long acre that has also gone to wessex. So this bus is not an unusual working/from wessex etc its just a 59 reg centro in service before repaint
Whats happening to the 301 though?
Thanks DD, and most likely timetable changes
I never knew 30000 was quite quick, but then again when its being driven by a driver who doesn't belive in speed limits its possible :o
PD0001374/316 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Willenhall, Union Street
Finish Point: Walsall Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 41
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-OCT-2013
Other Details: Daily.
The plaxton Primo now in the Diamond new Livery out on the 50
20571 was seen Wednesday in Redditch with fleet number 30571
Wonders why there was a 53 in city centre displaying smiths wood with passengers on as it left lol :)
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 11, 2013, 06:03:01 PM
Wonders why there was a 53 in city centre displaying smiths wood with passengers on as it left lol :)
Where did you see this?
I once saw a Long Acre Solo working the 108 displaying a school service to Pleck, 738 I think. People were still getting on, but no-one to told the driver that he had the wrong route displayed
Today a driver in town must have been heading for the 119 route as it had 119 - Falcon Lodge I had too look twice :),
anyone know what replaced the Centro that broke down today in Town & the second 202 ?
Quote from: John on October 11, 2013, 06:43:41 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 11, 2013, 06:03:01 PM
Wonders why there was a 53 in city centre displaying smiths wood with passengers on as it left lol :)
Where did you see this?
I once saw a Long Acre Solo working the 108 displaying a school service to Pleck, 738 I think. People were still getting on, but no-one to told the driver that he had the wrong route displayed
City centre @ 8:30am
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 11, 2013, 07:49:04 PM
Quote from: John on October 11, 2013, 06:43:41 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 11, 2013, 06:03:01 PM
Wonders why there was a 53 in city centre displaying smiths wood with passengers on as it left lol :)
Where did you see this?
I once saw a Long Acre Solo working the 108 displaying a school service to Pleck, 738 I think. People were still getting on, but no-one to told the driver that he had the wrong route displayed
City centre @ 8:30am
The only thing I can think of is that a bus you saw worked the 108 into Birmingham, and had not finishing unloading when you saw it, and goes to Erdington to start the 53. The driver had just changed the display in Birmingham from 108 to 53
The 226 appeared to be in the hands of MPD's tonight, Red Diamond liveried 20501 S758RNE & allover black without logos 20805 KP54BYR
posters on buses and at main stops seen in Kidderminster, the Worcestershire
roadshow beings wednesday at bewdley in the morning stourport in the
afternoon Thursday at Kidderminster all day can remember the order
of the other places but it does say the online review finshes on the 31st.
so it look like changes will soon be with us. posted this here rather than sarting new thread
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 10:51:17 AM
posters on buses and at main stops seen in Kidderminster, the Worcestershire
roadshow beings wednesday at bewdley in the morning stourport in the
afternoon Thursday at Kidderminster all day can remember the order
of the other places but it does say the online review finshes on the 31st.
so it look like changes will soon be with us. posted this here rather than sarting new thread
Don't forgot even once the review finishes on the 31st, the data needs to be collated, decisions made on what changes are to be made and then they'll need registering with VOSA & it will be a further 56 days after that before the actual changes can be implemented. I'd have thought is will be now Jan 2014 at the earliest before any of the changes benefit the passnegers
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 11:26:08 AM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 10:51:17 AM
posters on buses and at main stops seen in Kidderminster, the Worcestershire
roadshow beings wednesday at bewdley in the morning stourport in the
afternoon Thursday at Kidderminster all day can remember the order
of the other places but it does say the online review finshes on the 31st.
so it look like changes will soon be with us. posted this here rather than sarting new thread
Don't forgot even once the review finishes on the 31st, the data needs to be collated, decisions made on what changes are to be made and then they'll need registering with VOSA & it will be a further 56 days after that before the actual changes can be implemented. I'd have thought is will be now Jan 2014 at the earliest before any of the changes benefit the passnegers
Winston I realise that . just posted it to let people know if they had not seen posters about . wonder what suprize we will have
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
In Kidderminster, almost certainly yes.
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
In Kidderminster, almost certainly yes.
What's changed since the Diamond takeover other than name, livery & full low floor fleet?
Were people that anti First?
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
In Kidderminster, almost certainly yes.
sam it certainly has and on the buses are about half to full depending on type of vehicle and time of day
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 09:55:18 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
In Kidderminster, almost certainly yes.
What's changed since the Diamond takeover other than name, livery & full low floor fleet?
Were people that anti First?
more reliable services and they turn up on time 99.9% of the time the bus are cleaner and in answer to your last question YES it was them that ran the bus service down in the area
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 10:15:54 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 09:55:18 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
In Kidderminster, almost certainly yes.
What's changed since the Diamond takeover other than name, livery & full low floor fleet?
Were people that anti First?
more reliable services and they turn up on time 99.9% of the time the bus are cleaner and in answer to your last question YES it was them that ran the bus service down in the area
Thanks for that Bewmister, sounds as though Diamond also have scope to grow the KR business & allocation. They still seem to be having problems in Redditch judging by FB comments
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 10:18:13 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 10:15:54 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 09:55:18 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
In Kidderminster, almost certainly yes.
What's changed since the Diamond takeover other than name, livery & full low floor fleet?
Were people that anti First?
more reliable services and they turn up on time 99.9% of the time the bus are cleaner and in answer to your last question YES it was them that ran the bus service down in the area
Thanks for that Bewmister, sounds as though Diamond also have scope to grow the KR business & allocation. They still seem to be having problems in Redditch judging by FB comments
The operation in Kidderminster definitely seems more 'slick' since Diamond took over, replacement of all the step entry lances has helped I think, as has the rebranding.
Facebook comments: I haven't seen them so can't comment accurately but will say that Facebook and twitter often attract 'mad rant' types and people who like moaning! There is often a negative imbalance on the Facebook comments of even the most reputable companies. Personally, I think Diamond and Rotala as a whole seems a good business with good values for running a bus service.
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 10:55:19 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 10:18:13 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 10:15:54 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 09:55:18 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
In Kidderminster, almost certainly yes.
What's changed since the Diamond takeover other than name, livery & full low floor fleet?
Were people that anti First?
more reliable services and they turn up on time 99.9% of the time the bus are cleaner and in answer to your last question YES it was them that ran the bus service down in the area
Thanks for that Bewmister, sounds as though Diamond also have scope to grow the KR business & allocation. They still seem to be having problems in Redditch judging by FB comments
The operation in Kidderminster definitely seems more 'slick' since Diamond took over, replacement of all the step entry lances has helped I think, as has the rebranding.
Facebook comments: I haven't seen them so can't comment accurately but will say that Facebook and twitter often attract 'mad rant' types and people who like moaning! There is often a negative imbalance on the Facebook comments of even the most reputable companies. Personally, I think Diamond and Rotala as a whole seems a good business with good values for running a bus service.
Fair point!
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 10:55:19 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 10:18:13 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 10:15:54 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 09:55:18 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on October 13, 2013, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: bewminster on October 13, 2013, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2013, 11:38:48 AM
I do wonder what will change, diamond say they will be exciting though I wonder how much scope for improving services there really is in kidderminster. Redditch, yes there seems to be massive scope for improving services as it is a busy area, but kidderminster seems a lot quieter. Would have thought redditch was a small profit maker under first and kidderminster the loss making area. The challenge for diamond in redditch is bringing up fares to a sensible level after 5/6 years of unsustainably low fares. It will have to be a gradual thing
there has been a rise in people using buses since diamond took over in the Kidderminster area , and I think if some routes that where join together where spilt again .and services finshed at little later say around 7pm instead of bettween 5.30 & 6.30 pm would be better and better link to other places. would get even more . and a very limited sunday service.
I agree-though has there really been a rise in people using buses there since diamond took over?
In Kidderminster, almost certainly yes.
What's changed since the Diamond takeover other than name, livery & full low floor fleet?
Were people that anti First?
more reliable services and they turn up on time 99.9% of the time the bus are cleaner and in answer to your last question YES it was them that ran the bus service down in the area
Thanks for that Bewmister, sounds as though Diamond also have scope to grow the KR business & allocation. They still seem to be having problems in Redditch judging by FB comments
The operation in Kidderminster definitely seems more 'slick' since Diamond took over, replacement of all the step entry lances has helped I think, as has the rebranding.
Facebook comments: I haven't seen them so can't comment accurately but will say that Facebook and twitter often attract 'mad rant' types and people who like moaning! There is often a negative imbalance on the Facebook comments of even the most reputable companies. Personally, I think Diamond and Rotala as a whole seems a good business with good values for running a bus service.
Thats good news and glad to hear it as the operation in kidderminster seems to have quietly improved in my eyes since diamond took over-certainly it hasnt witnessed the complaints that redditch has and the quality there is massively higher than under first and continues to improve and I hope will do further with the network review
Noticed today W767 URP has had a fleetnumber change, it has 20867 (I think) on the outside but still 20506 in the inside of the cab
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 18, 2013, 11:03:59 PM
Noticed today W767 URP has had a fleetnumber change, it has 20867 (I think) on the outside but still 20506 in the inside of the cab
That seems a strange renumbering-nothing seems to precede it. I would have thought it would have become 20857 or even 20856 as that will ultimately be sold I imagine. To be fair, it would make sense to renumber a lot of rotala buses so as MPDs and solos are all in one series etc.
At least 2 unbranded Centros on the 002 today
30828 is one of them
Also 30439 is on the 4H just about to leave Halesowen for Walsall
30202 on the 002
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 26, 2013, 12:05:29 PM
30828 is one of them
Also 30439 is on the 4H just about to leave Halesowen for Walsall
30439 is pretty much always on the 4 or 40/42/43.
20366 is up from Wessex now. It was on the 226 earlier
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 26, 2013, 06:19:37 PM
20366 is up from Wessex now. It was on the 226 earlier
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/10494648663/
How come some Diamond buses are programmed with just the number on the display as seen here, and not as normal with the destination and via points
30942 on the 205 today
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 27, 2013, 12:37:57 PM
30942 on the 205 today
with its twin 30941 on the 226W today
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
A plain white Primo (maybe 20812) seemed to be route training drivers for the 16 today. Not in service, had about 6 drivers in hi-viz's on it, went the 16 route from The Priory Queensway where I first saw it, down to the markets and back up The Priory Queensway again
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 27, 2013, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
I'd discuss it with centro if i was in charge of diamond and see if they could fund an initial trial of every 15 mins on the whole route as splitting it up with different frequencies gets rid of the most important thing in buses for me:simplicity!!
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 27, 2013, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
I'd discuss it with centro if i was in charge of diamond and see if they could fund an initial trial of every 15 mins on the whole route as splitting it up with different frequencies gets rid of the most important thing in buses for me:simplicity!!
I'd have thought that a half hourly evening & Sunday daytime frequency would be more realistic for starters.....
Yes i would think a Half Hourly Service would be fine for the 002 on a Sunday
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 27, 2013, 12:37:57 PM
30942 on the 205 today
I also that, the next 205 was an ex Yourbus MPD, I think it was 20855 LG02FFH
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:20:57 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 27, 2013, 12:37:57 PM
30942 on the 205 today
I also that, the next 205 was an ex Yourbus MPD, I think it was 20855 LG02FFH
Saw it leaving Dudley about 11:50-11:55 going towards Wall Heath
Quote from: John on October 27, 2013, 08:00:45 PM
A plain white Primo (maybe 20812) seemed to be route training drivers for the 16 today. Not in service, had about 6 drivers in hi-viz's on it, went the 16 route from The Priory Queensway where I first saw it, down to the markets and back up The Priory Queensway again
It seems to me that long acre has a very high driver turnover as opposed to tividale, many of the drivers there have been there for many years at BCC or Petes or joined gwm. Long Acre often seem to be route training new drivers...
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 09:26:56 PM
Quote from: John on October 27, 2013, 08:00:45 PM
A plain white Primo (maybe 20812) seemed to be route training drivers for the 16 today. Not in service, had about 6 drivers in hi-viz's on it, went the 16 route from The Priory Queensway where I first saw it, down to the markets and back up The Priory Queensway again
It seems to me that long acre has a very high driver turnover as opposed to tividale, many of the drivers there have been there for many years at BCC or Petes or joined gwm. Long Acre often seem to be route training new drivers...
Long Acre is the operations that has shrunk the most with contract losses / commercial service withdrawals etc. Plus drivers finding out that Long Acre depot is for sale may not help either.
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:31:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 09:26:56 PM
Quote from: John on October 27, 2013, 08:00:45 PM
A plain white Primo (maybe 20812) seemed to be route training drivers for the 16 today. Not in service, had about 6 drivers in hi-viz's on it, went the 16 route from The Priory Queensway where I first saw it, down to the markets and back up The Priory Queensway again
It seems to me that long acre has a very high driver turnover as opposed to tividale, many of the drivers there have been there for many years at BCC or Petes or joined gwm. Long Acre often seem to be route training new drivers...
Long Acre is the operations that has shrunk the most with contract losses / commercial service withdrawals etc. Plus drivers finding out that Long Acre depot is for sale may not help either.
Exactly-guess morale can hardly be running very highly there. Though the signature drivers are a friendly, regular bunch. I would shut long acre as soon as possible and get overheads down. Offices to tividale, routes split between redditch and tividale.
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 09:39:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:31:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 09:26:56 PM
Quote from: John on October 27, 2013, 08:00:45 PM
A plain white Primo (maybe 20812) seemed to be route training drivers for the 16 today. Not in service, had about 6 drivers in hi-viz's on it, went the 16 route from The Priory Queensway where I first saw it, down to the markets and back up The Priory Queensway again
It seems to me that long acre has a very high driver turnover as opposed to tividale, many of the drivers there have been there for many years at BCC or Petes or joined gwm. Long Acre often seem to be route training new drivers...
Long Acre is the operations that has shrunk the most with contract losses / commercial service withdrawals etc. Plus drivers finding out that Long Acre depot is for sale may not help either.
Exactly-guess morale can hardly be running very highly there. Though the signature drivers are a friendly, regular bunch. I would shut long acre as soon as possible and get overheads down. Offices to tividale, routes split between redditch and tividale.
Exactly.
Rotala should acquire the premises of the glass re-processing place next door to Tividale as a definite must, regardless of whether Long Acre is sold / sub let etc. It would give Tividale a decent yard extension past the end of the engineering bays & plenty of additional office space for future use
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:16:41 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 27, 2013, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
I'd discuss it with centro if i was in charge of diamond and see if they could fund an initial trial of every 15 mins on the whole route as splitting it up with different frequencies gets rid of the most important thing in buses for me:simplicity!!
I'd have thought that a half hourly evening & Sunday daytime frequency would be more realistic for starters.....
I would go as far to say an Hourly frequency to test the water to start with. Sometimes the Sunday demand can be totally different. 255 from 4bph in Tridents to 1 B7RLE ph on Sunday
Quote from: bususer12 on October 27, 2013, 09:52:05 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:16:41 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 27, 2013, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
I'd discuss it with centro if i was in charge of diamond and see if they could fund an initial trial of every 15 mins on the whole route as splitting it up with different frequencies gets rid of the most important thing in buses for me:simplicity!!
I'd have thought that a half hourly evening & Sunday daytime frequency would be more realistic for starters.....
I would go as far to say an Hourly frequency to test the water to start with. Sometimes the Sunday demand can be totally different. 255 from 4bph in Tridents to 1 B7RLE ph on Sunday
Clearly a WM network review of diamonds network is what is needed but they are already busy in redditch so we can't blame them for sort of keeping tividale and long acre ticking over at the moment while redditch and kidderminster are given some much needed attention. But with an hourly frequency its never going to be frequent enough to attract custom
Quote from: bususer12 on October 27, 2013, 09:52:05 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:16:41 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 27, 2013, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
I'd discuss it with centro if i was in charge of diamond and see if they could fund an initial trial of every 15 mins on the whole route as splitting it up with different frequencies gets rid of the most important thing in buses for me:simplicity!!
I'd have thought that a half hourly evening & Sunday daytime frequency would be more realistic for starters.....
I would go as far to say an Hourly frequency to test the water to start with. Sometimes the Sunday demand can be totally different. 255 from 4bph in Tridents to 1 B7RLE ph on Sunday
The problem with hourly frequencies is that they are not very convenient for intending passengers, if there's a breakdown you'll have to wait another hour. NXWM X1 at an hourly frequency never really took off, and Diamond previously tried a 45min frequency on the 002 before for only a short time but I don't think it proved very reliable
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:59:49 PM
Quote from: bususer12 on October 27, 2013, 09:52:05 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:16:41 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 27, 2013, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
I'd discuss it with centro if i was in charge of diamond and see if they could fund an initial trial of every 15 mins on the whole route as splitting it up with different frequencies gets rid of the most important thing in buses for me:simplicity!!
I'd have thought that a half hourly evening & Sunday daytime frequency would be more realistic for starters.....
I would go as far to say an Hourly frequency to test the water to start with. Sometimes the Sunday demand can be totally different. 255 from 4bph in Tridents to 1 B7RLE ph on Sunday
The problem with hourly frequencies is that they are not very convenient for intending passengers, if there's a breakdown you'll have to wait another hour. NXWM X1 at an hourly frequency never really took off, and Diamond previously tried a 45min frequency on the 002 before for only a short time but I don't think it proved very reliable
002 reliability in general needs to be looked at but I think diamond should keep west midlands routes as they are for the moment and sort out worcestershire as there is real potential to increase custom there in my opinion with an improved approach.
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 10:02:33 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:59:49 PM
Quote from: bususer12 on October 27, 2013, 09:52:05 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:16:41 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 27, 2013, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
I'd discuss it with centro if i was in charge of diamond and see if they could fund an initial trial of every 15 mins on the whole route as splitting it up with different frequencies gets rid of the most important thing in buses for me:simplicity!!
I'd have thought that a half hourly evening & Sunday daytime frequency would be more realistic for starters.....
I would go as far to say an Hourly frequency to test the water to start with. Sometimes the Sunday demand can be totally different. 255 from 4bph in Tridents to 1 B7RLE ph on Sunday
The problem with hourly frequencies is that they are not very convenient for intending passengers, if there's a breakdown you'll have to wait another hour. NXWM X1 at an hourly frequency never really took off, and Diamond previously tried a 45min frequency on the 002 before for only a short time but I don't think it proved very reliable
002 reliability in general needs to be looked at but I think diamond should keep west midlands routes as they are for the moment and sort out worcestershire as there is real potential to increase custom there in my opinion with an improved approach.
With the recent comments on here, it sounds as though KR is doing pretty well under Rotala ownership, RH still seems to be having problems though
Quote from: bususer12 on October 27, 2013, 09:52:05 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 27, 2013, 09:16:41 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 27, 2013, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 27, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
Good to see that they are making use of some of the most expensive assets at tividale-this used to be the case with 002 centros on other routes on sundays but think diamond have realised these buses are very hardworked on the 002. I would still like to see a sunday/evening service though
I certainly would like an evening/Sunday service on the 002. However, in my opinion the more important section of the route is the unique link it provides between Halesowen and south Birmingham. I would operate it half hourly between Weoley Castle and Halesowen with every other journey i.e. hourly continuing to Merry Hill.
I'd discuss it with centro if i was in charge of diamond and see if they could fund an initial trial of every 15 mins on the whole route as splitting it up with different frequencies gets rid of the most important thing in buses for me:simplicity!!
I'd have thought that a half hourly evening & Sunday daytime frequency would be more realistic for starters.....
I would go as far to say an Hourly frequency to test the water to start with. Sometimes the Sunday demand can be totally different. 255 from 4bph in Tridents to 1 B7RLE ph on Sunday
It is now 1 Trident per hour on Sundays on the 255/256.
MPD 20519 and Solo 20542 on the 243 tonight. It looks like there is just a 45 minute layover in Dudley, rather than any interworking.
20852 is leaking fuel on the 282
30826 - has lost the 56 on its display heading to Brownhills for some reason
Rotala sold the following to Ensign during Oct
Taken from Ensign's Oct log:
From Rotala : Tridents V857 / 882 / 887HBY T885KLF Darts P403MLA R610YCR
Is the 71 operated by Tividale or Long Acre? I thought Long Acre operated it but a 002 Centro was on there last night
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 31, 2013, 06:45:33 PM
Is the 71 operated by Tividale or Long Acre? I thought Long Acre operated it but a 002 Centro was on there last night
I saw the Nana Centro in the distance leaving Sutton about 9:50pm on the 71.
30952 been re-painted or not? if not then the bus I seen was 30000, looks cleaner than before
Just out of interest did any of the 51 plate sb120s start life with arriva? On one at the moment on a 301 and apart from the red seats it has arriva style interior ie turquoise panels yellow handrails etc
Quote from: bob on November 02, 2013, 12:46:02 PM
Just out of interest did any of the 51 plate sb120s start life with arriva? On one at the moment on a 301 and apart from the red seats it has arriva style interior ie turquoise panels yellow handrails etc
No, Birmingham Coach Company bought 8 Cadets brand new i.e. 30201 - 30208 YJ51EKA-EKH, 30216 YJ51EKM came to Diamond via the acquisition of Ludlows, I think Ludlows acquired that used from Selwyns
Quote from: bob on November 02, 2013, 12:46:02 PM
Just out of interest did any of the 51 plate sb120s start life with arriva? On one at the moment on a 301 and apart from the red seats it has arriva style interior ie turquoise panels yellow handrails etc
They were built by Arriva Coachbuilders
Birmingham Coach Company also had 30209 - 30214 new but unsure of the dates
Quote from: Lukeee on November 02, 2013, 07:49:03 PM
Birmingham Coach Company also had 30209 - 30214 new but unsure of the dates
Well as they are '02' plates, between March and September 2002
Tony has put up the Rotala Oct fleetchanges:
4 x 2006 Optare Solo's have gone from RH (2) & KR (1) & LA (1) to Preston, I'm assuming this may be new work?
The big surprise is:
2 x MAN/Plaxton Centro's being acquired SN09FUW & FUY ???
You'd assume these may be for Diamond?
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2013, 01:57:11 PM
Tony has put up the Rotala Oct fleetchanges:
4 x 2006 Optare Solo's have gone from RH (2) & KR (1) & LA (1) to Preston, I'm assuming this may be new work?
The big surprise is:
2 x MAN/Plaxton Centro's being acquired SN09FUW & FUY ???
You'd assume these may be for Diamond?
Simon did mention that preston had won further contracts which is good news and also good news that diamond is losing some solos :)
Nice to see some more MAN/centros acquired-I must admit I like these quite a lot. Wonder whether they will be put into redditch or long acre or possibly even tividale to boost services there
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 03, 2013, 02:15:07 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2013, 01:57:11 PM
Tony has put up the Rotala Oct fleetchanges:
4 x 2006 Optare Solo's have gone from RH (2) & KR (1) & LA (1) to Preston, I'm assuming this may be new work?
The big surprise is:
2 x MAN/Plaxton Centro's being acquired SN09FUW & FUY ???
You'd assume these may be for Diamond?
Simon did mention that preston had won further contracts which is good news and also good news that diamond is losing some solos :)
Nice to see some more MAN/centros acquired-I must admit I like these quite a lot. Wonder whether they will be put into redditch or long acre or possibly even tividale to boost services there
There a few MAN/Plaxton Centro's at Heathrow that I'd forgotten about
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2013, 03:25:15 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 03, 2013, 02:15:07 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2013, 01:57:11 PM
Tony has put up the Rotala Oct fleetchanges:
4 x 2006 Optare Solo's have gone from RH (2) & KR (1) & LA (1) to Preston, I'm assuming this may be new work?
The big surprise is:
2 x MAN/Plaxton Centro's being acquired SN09FUW & FUY ???
You'd assume these may be for Diamond?
Simon did mention that preston had won further contracts which is good news and also good news that diamond is losing some solos :)
Nice to see some more MAN/centros acquired-I must admit I like these quite a lot. Wonder whether they will be put into redditch or long acre or possibly even tividale to boost services there
There a few MAN/Plaxton Centro's at Heathrow that I'd forgotten about
That is true-they could be for heathrow replacing evolutions there.
Just a couple of things in relation to Diamond Kidderminster. Firstly, has anyone got photo links to R455CCV, S405JUA and T418MNH in Kidderminster. Secondly, have any of the HECs had branding removed and diamond logos applied or has 652 been repainted out of white and green yet? Finally, are 30382 and 30388 out in service yet and again, has anyone got links to a photo.
Thanks :)
I can only find R455CCV with Diamond at Redditch:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/solenteer/8742318148/
I've found S405JUA in Kidderminster but whilst still allocated to Redditch, does that count?
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8516913482_def077c215_b.jpg
Quote from: Winston on November 03, 2013, 06:54:47 PM
I can only find R455CCV with Diamond at Redditch:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/solenteer/8742318148/
I've found S405JUA in Kidderminster but whilst still allocated to Redditch, does that count?
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8516913482_def077c215_b.jpg
Thanks for posting the links :) With those two buses you've got two extremes-the ex first one is fantastic and the ex petes one is awful. If anyone has any more links to other buses I mentioned further up then please post :) Thanks
Quote from: John on November 02, 2013, 08:02:16 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on November 02, 2013, 07:49:03 PM
Birmingham Coach Company also had 30209 - 30214 new but unsure of the dates
Well as they are '02' plates, between March and September 2002
I new that much, I ment I was unsure of the exact dates
Quote from: Lukeee on November 03, 2013, 09:05:37 PM
Quote from: John on November 02, 2013, 08:02:16 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on November 02, 2013, 07:49:03 PM
Birmingham Coach Company also had 30209 - 30214 new but unsure of the dates
Well as they are '02' plates, between March and September 2002
I new that much, I ment I was unsure of the exact dates
You only have to look at the main site
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30209.html
Anyone know were the 108 peaks come from? Or are they from the garage
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 03, 2013, 06:32:25 PM
Just a couple of things in relation to Diamond Kidderminster. Firstly, has anyone got photo links to R455CCV, S405JUA and T418MNH in Kidderminster. Secondly, have any of the HECs had branding removed and diamond logos applied or has 652 been repainted out of white and green yet? Finally, are 30382 and 30388 out in service yet and again, has anyone got links to a photo.
Thanks :)
As far as I am aware, S405 JUA has not actually seen any use since arrival at Kidderminster.
It is VOR round the back
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 04, 2013, 06:10:35 PM
Anyone know were the 108 peaks come from? Or are they from the garage
dont they change to the 53 after doing the 108?
Vinh1000 Is that were the evening peaks come from ? Or do the evenings come from Solihull routes ? Only ask becuase the evenings happen to be ran using Signature buses
I wonder what buses diamond will be using on the emergency tenders. I would have thought that diamond can't actually have that many spare buses floating around as tividale are borrowing off long acre for a start and in this month's fleet changes a lot of buses are moving out of long acre which is presumably where the VIP routes will be run from. Maybe some of these changes will be postponed until when the contracts are let permanently. Does anyone know how long they will be running the emergency contracts for?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:24:35 PM
I wonder what buses diamond will be using on the emergency tenders. I would have thought that diamond can't actually have that many spare buses floating around as tividale are borrowing off long acre for a start and in this month's fleet changes a lot of buses are moving out of long acre which is presumably where the VIP routes will be run from. Maybe some of these changes will be postponed until when the contracts are let permanently. Does anyone know how long they will be running the emergency contracts for?
In the recent Centro tender changes didn't Diamond win some new routes but lost more existing work than they gained, therefore there should be spare buses knocking around
Quote from: Winston on November 04, 2013, 11:32:14 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:24:35 PM
I wonder what buses diamond will be using on the emergency tenders. I would have thought that diamond can't actually have that many spare buses floating around as tividale are borrowing off long acre for a start and in this month's fleet changes a lot of buses are moving out of long acre which is presumably where the VIP routes will be run from. Maybe some of these changes will be postponed until when the contracts are let permanently. Does anyone know how long they will be running the emergency contracts for?
In the recent Centro tender changes didn't Diamond win some new routes but lost more existing work than they gained, therefore there should be spare buses knocking around
But it seems overall that 4 buses have been lost from long acre. Though don't know how many actual buses work the VIP stuff will be as some like the 99 is evening and night stuff so say tividale could run that using 002 centros or something else cheaper thats free so that doesnt really count as I'm sure diamond have plenty of buses floating about on evenings and sundays. Daytime work could be more of a squeeze though.
Following on from Nitromatt's post in the bugs and errors thread, what is 30929 like to ride on as someone told me it was horrid so intrigued to hear if thats true or not. Think it was VOR a while though but guess it makes sense to have it there as a euro compliant bus
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:34:30 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 04, 2013, 11:32:14 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:24:35 PM
I wonder what buses diamond will be using on the emergency tenders. I would have thought that diamond can't actually have that many spare buses floating around as tividale are borrowing off long acre for a start and in this month's fleet changes a lot of buses are moving out of long acre which is presumably where the VIP routes will be run from. Maybe some of these changes will be postponed until when the contracts are let permanently. Does anyone know how long they will be running the emergency contracts for?
In the recent Centro tender changes didn't Diamond win some new routes but lost more existing work than they gained, therefore there should be spare buses knocking around
But it seems overall that 4 buses have been lost from long acre. Though don't know how many actual buses work the VIP stuff will be as some like the 99 is evening and night stuff so say tividale could run that using 002 centros or something else cheaper thats free so that doesnt really count as I'm sure diamond have plenty of buses floating about on evenings and sundays. Daytime work could be more of a squeeze though.
Isn't the daytime just 424/650 i.e 3 buses work? So shouldn't be too much of a squeeze
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:34:30 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 04, 2013, 11:32:14 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:24:35 PM
I wonder what buses diamond will be using on the emergency tenders. I would have thought that diamond can't actually have that many spare buses floating around as tividale are borrowing off long acre for a start and in this month's fleet changes a lot of buses are moving out of long acre which is presumably where the VIP routes will be run from. Maybe some of these changes will be postponed until when the contracts are let permanently. Does anyone know how long they will be running the emergency contracts for?
In the recent Centro tender changes didn't Diamond win some new routes but lost more existing work than they gained, therefore there should be spare buses knocking around
But it seems overall that 4 buses have been lost from long acre. Though don't know how many actual buses work the VIP stuff will be as some like the 99 is evening and night stuff so say tividale could run that using 002 centros or something else cheaper thats free so that doesnt really count as I'm sure diamond have plenty of buses floating about on evenings and sundays. Daytime work could be more of a squeeze though.
I think the 2 daytime VIP tenders won by Diamond are the 424 & 650, these are both hourly services and appear to require 2 buses & 1 bus respectively
Oh right, maybe I overestimated a bit then. Guess daytime stuff is going to be all long acre then for certain and 3 buses isn't stretching it too much. I wonder if tividale will run the 99 at night/sundays as the 99 goes fairly close to both depots and doesn't tividale currently run more nighttime services
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:35:44 PM
Following on from Nitromatt's post in the bugs and errors thread, what is 30929 like to ride on as someone told me it was horrid so intrigued to hear if thats true or not. Think it was VOR a while though but guess it makes sense to have it there as a euro compliant bus
Nothing wrong with it at all, felt quite fast and sounded fine
Two 119's left sutton just 30923 was one an a Dart, both displaying 119 thought it was ran using 1 bus
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 05, 2013, 07:49:56 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:35:44 PM
Following on from Nitromatt's post in the bugs and errors thread, what is 30929 like to ride on as someone told me it was horrid so intrigued to hear if thats true or not. Think it was VOR a while though but guess it makes sense to have it there as a euro compliant bus
Nothing wrong with it at all, felt quite fast and sounded fine
That's good-must try and get a ride on that one
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 04, 2013, 06:10:35 PM
Anyone know were the 108 peaks come from? Or are they from the garage
Think one may come from the 600 on the evening.
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 04, 2013, 11:45:08 PM
Oh right, maybe I overestimated a bit then. Guess daytime stuff is going to be all long acre then for certain and 3 buses isn't stretching it too much. I wonder if tividale will run the 99 at night/sundays as the 99 goes fairly close to both depots and doesn't tividale currently run more nighttime services
Thinking logically, some of the Diamond Routes thin out in the evening or stop operating. The 99 would suit a Dart or Solo so probably a couple of buses on the 16 or 50 of an evening could terminate in town then do the diagrams from city rather than trundling back to Long Acre (assumng there is enough fuel in the tank).
Sunday Diamond have plenty of buses spare so I think there will enough to meet the additional commitments.
T418MNH (30445) in kiddy on the 292 to Ludlow.
Well done to diamond buses over this, I say
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/FreeTravelforfull-timemembersoftheBritishArmedforces_150.html
And all information regarding former VIProutes affected is on their website complete with timetables in advance of services starting to be operated which is good
Diamonds level of professionalism seems to be ever increasng which is excellent to see plus im seeing more general information posts on facebook keeping customers informed which again is great! Good show I say and keep it coming!!!
Quote from: dannygill on November 08, 2013, 05:46:52 PM
Diamonds level of professionalism seems to be ever increasng which is excellent to see plus im seeing more general information posts on facebook keeping customers informed which again is great! Good show I say and keep it coming!!!
I agree here-I would like to see more repaints of buses though.
Its not just NX! ::)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/volvob12/10818323114/
Quote from: neale95 on November 12, 2013, 09:12:41 PM
Its not just NX! ::)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/volvob12/10818323114/
Oh dear-this looks quite bad! These solos are quite nice as well and have only just been transferred from diamond... Do we reckon this will be repaired or not?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 12, 2013, 09:18:36 PM
Quote from: neale95 on November 12, 2013, 09:12:41 PM
Its not just NX! ::)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/volvob12/10818323114/
Oh dear-this looks quite bad! These solos are quite nice as well and have only just been transferred from diamond... Do we reckon this will be repaired or not?
A newer bus stands a lot more chance of being repaired due to its book value
Noticed Diamond were supporting the poppies too.
Are Diamond short of drivers at Long Acre ?, as all the buses I've seen so far. Have got massive blue circles on the rear advertising to drive this bus etc?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 13, 2013, 08:51:14 AM
Noticed Diamond were supporting the poppies too.
Are Diamond short of drivers at Long Acre ?, as all the buses I've seen so far. Have got massive blue circles on the rear advertising to drive this bus etc?
Have you got a picture of this at all? And as I have previously said, it seems long acre have a high turnover of drivers...a lot higher than tividale
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 13, 2013, 12:05:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 13, 2013, 08:51:14 AM
Noticed Diamond were supporting the poppies too.
Are Diamond short of drivers at Long Acre ?, as all the buses I've seen so far. Have got massive blue circles on the rear advertising to drive this bus etc?
Have you got a picture of this at all? And as I have previously said, it seems long acre have a high turnover of drivers...a lot higher than tividale
The Kidderminster buses have similar adverts. Also a lot of new drivers route learning recently.
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 13, 2013, 12:05:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 13, 2013, 08:51:14 AM
Noticed Diamond were supporting the poppies too.
Are Diamond short of drivers at Long Acre ?, as all the buses I've seen so far. Have got massive blue circles on the rear advertising to drive this bus etc?
Have you got a picture of this at all? And as I have previously said, it seems long acre have a high turnover of drivers...a lot higher than tividale
You'd expect that with the amount of commercial work that has been withdrawn, contract & tendered work that has been lost & now Long Acre depot is up for sale, which would put uncertainty in the minds of those still working there for the future.
Diamond Dart, if the 108 is ran using a solo I shall photo it
It seems every company is after drivers!! N I hope the solo does get fixed quite nice the newer ones!!
Just seen two 56's run together, sight rarely seen. Take it the peaks come from another route which must have been late
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 14, 2013, 05:26:33 PM
Just seen two 56's run together, sight rarely seen. Take it the peaks come from another route which must have been late
Were they both busy, out of interest?
The Dart I got, was full, but I imagine the centro was empty or empty-ish as the dart didn't leave till 16:56 so would have picked up the 16:45 + possibly a few 17:00 passengers.
Was it an MPD or full length dart as I know MPDs are often on there?
Must have been Full length, but didn't seem that long to me. Diamond actually do well on the 56 at peak times.
Saw ex First ADT2/President (V862 HBY) in Longbridge with no Diamond logo. Is this the one meant to be in Preston?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 13, 2013, 12:05:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 13, 2013, 08:51:14 AM
Noticed Diamond were supporting the poppies too.
Are Diamond short of drivers at Long Acre ?, as all the buses I've seen so far. Have got massive blue circles on the rear advertising to drive this bus etc?
Have you got a picture of this at all? And as I have previously said, it seems long acre have a high turnover of drivers...a lot higher than tividale
Managed to snap it when I got off :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 15, 2013, 08:13:16 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 13, 2013, 12:05:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 13, 2013, 08:51:14 AM
Noticed Diamond were supporting the poppies too.
Are Diamond short of drivers at Long Acre ?, as all the buses I've seen so far. Have got massive blue circles on the rear advertising to drive this bus etc?
Have you got a picture of this at all? And as I have previously said, it seems long acre have a high turnover of drivers...a lot higher than tividale
Managed to snap it when I got off :)
Thanks Nathan! :)
Its now also on a few tividale buses too :)
Tony's got on the main 20032 being sent to Redditch but snapped it today on the 16;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/10890275894/
is back at Long Acre now or ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 16, 2013, 07:11:27 PM
Tony's got on the main 20032 being sent to Redditch but snapped it today on the 16;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/10890275894/
is back at Long Acre now or ?
I doubt it ever moved personally...
I don't know how you keep on top of fleet movements for Rotala, its all just Darts and Solos.
Any easy way of knowing fleet location or is it just general knowledge?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:28:17 PM
I don't know how you keep on top of fleet movements for Rotala, its all just Darts and Solos.
Any easy way of knowing fleet location or is it just general knowledge?
I think its just luck ;) never aim to take photos of Diamond buses just take them when an were possible :P
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:28:17 PM
I don't know how you keep on top of fleet movements for Rotala, its all just Darts and Solos.
Any easy way of knowing fleet location or is it just general knowledge?
As someone mostly interested in rotala theres no real way of knowing. In the same week you can have buses on loan to tividale and then solos over at long acre. Also, 30929 is meant to be at tividale but is at long acre. Its just general knowledge and guesswork really-tracking their fleet is definitely a lot lot more interesting than NXWM's
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 16, 2013, 07:45:06 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:28:17 PM
I don't know how you keep on top of fleet movements for Rotala, its all just Darts and Solos.
Any easy way of knowing fleet location or is it just general knowledge?
As Diamond has a large fleet scattered among many routes, I take a photo of any Diamond bus were possible an compare notes when I get home :)
That's the best plan really but it means photography is reall difficult as with the possible exceptions of the 002 centros, any bus could be on any route. I spent a large chunk of the summer photographing diamond buses and travelling all over the network-which is well worth doing especially with the ex first routes and there are still buses I haven't managed to track down
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 07:45:53 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:28:17 PM
I don't know how you keep on top of fleet movements for Rotala, its all just Darts and Solos.
Any easy way of knowing fleet location or is it just general knowledge?
As someone mostly interested in rotala theres no real way of knowing. In the same week you can have buses on loan to tividale and then solos over at long acre. Also, 30929 is meant to be at tividale but is at long acre. Its just general knowledge and guesswork really-tracking their fleet is definitely a lot lot more interesting than NXWM's
Gah, I was dreading you'd say that.
Another thing I'm lost with is the fleet numbers. What's the idea of 1000's number gap, is it transfers from other areas of the country; or fleet management incompetence?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:48:53 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 07:45:53 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:28:17 PM
I don't know how you keep on top of fleet movements for Rotala, its all just Darts and Solos.
Any easy way of knowing fleet location or is it just general knowledge?
As someone mostly interested in rotala theres no real way of knowing. In the same week you can have buses on loan to tividale and then solos over at long acre. Also, 30929 is meant to be at tividale but is at long acre. Its just general knowledge and guesswork really-tracking their fleet is definitely a lot lot more interesting than NXWM's
Gah, I was dreading you'd say that.
Another thing I'm lost with is the fleet numbers. What's the idea of 1000's number gap, is it transfers from other areas of the country; or fleet management incompetence?
Haha sorry ;)
Fleetnumbers are a complete and utter mess it must be said. MPDs/primos/solos/e200s are all completely muddled up, there are dart slfs in the 20 series and solos in the 30 series which is illogical. There are massive gaps for no apparent reason and types have different fleetnumbers. Similarly, there are DDA compliant buses with a 21- series which doesn't make sense. I do hope rotala try to sort out some of the fleetnumbering problems as it must make it so hard to actually know what a type is simply by looking at the number.
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 07:54:40 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:48:53 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 07:45:53 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:28:17 PM
I don't know how you keep on top of fleet movements for Rotala, its all just Darts and Solos.
Any easy way of knowing fleet location or is it just general knowledge?
As someone mostly interested in rotala theres no real way of knowing. In the same week you can have buses on loan to tividale and then solos over at long acre. Also, 30929 is meant to be at tividale but is at long acre. Its just general knowledge and guesswork really-tracking their fleet is definitely a lot lot more interesting than NXWM's
Gah, I was dreading you'd say that.
Another thing I'm lost with is the fleet numbers. What's the idea of 1000's number gap, is it transfers from other areas of the country; or fleet management incompetence?
Haha sorry ;)
Fleetnumbers are a complete and utter mess it must be said. MPDs/primos/solos/e200s are all completely muddled up, there are dart slfs in the 20 series and solos in the 30 series which is illogical. There are massive gaps for no apparent reason and types have different fleetnumbers. Similarly, there are DDA compliant buses with a 21- series which doesn't make sense. I do hope rotala try to sort out some of the fleetnumbering problems as it must make it so hard to actually know what a type is simply by looking at the number.
But it has to be said I'm totally against 5 digit fleet numbers. In Diamonds fleet there be no reason for XXXXX numbers. Stagecoach, I understand.
Or actually, was it the rupturing of Blue/Red/Black/Signature/CentralConnect etc into one company makings of this, the issue?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:58:55 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 07:54:40 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:48:53 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 07:45:53 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 16, 2013, 07:28:17 PM
I don't know how you keep on top of fleet movements for Rotala, its all just Darts and Solos.
Any easy way of knowing fleet location or is it just general knowledge?
As someone mostly interested in rotala theres no real way of knowing. In the same week you can have buses on loan to tividale and then solos over at long acre. Also, 30929 is meant to be at tividale but is at long acre. Its just general knowledge and guesswork really-tracking their fleet is definitely a lot lot more interesting than NXWM's
Gah, I was dreading you'd say that.
Another thing I'm lost with is the fleet numbers. What's the idea of 1000's number gap, is it transfers from other areas of the country; or fleet management incompetence?
Haha sorry ;)
Fleetnumbers are a complete and utter mess it must be said. MPDs/primos/solos/e200s are all completely muddled up, there are dart slfs in the 20 series and solos in the 30 series which is illogical. There are massive gaps for no apparent reason and types have different fleetnumbers. Similarly, there are DDA compliant buses with a 21- series which doesn't make sense. I do hope rotala try to sort out some of the fleetnumbering problems as it must make it so hard to actually know what a type is simply by looking at the number.
But it has to be said I'm totally against 5 digit fleet numbers. In Diamonds fleet there be no reason for XXXXX numbers. Stagecoach, I understand.
Or actually, was it the rupturing of Blue/Red/Black/Signature/CentralConnect etc into one company makings of this, the issue?
They are a good idea as they can show more things eg if single/double deck, dda or not, vehicle condition. It does make sense to have one rotala system used by all the fleets. And no, I don't know when 5 digit numbers were first used-may have been when preston bus was acquired in which case before connect became diamond
Was told today by a driver on 53
They got VIP emergency contracts to Feb but they are looking for additional work and thinking of taking over 66A permanently from Jan
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 16, 2013, 08:24:24 PM
Was told today by a driver on 53
They got VIP emergency contracts to Feb but they are looking for additional work and thinking of taking over 66A permanently from Jan
Thats a fair while they've got those contracts. I think they intend on winning them full time as they have gone to the effort of putting them all onto their latest network map. And whats the 66A? A tendered route or commercial operation?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 08:31:19 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 16, 2013, 08:24:24 PM
Was told today by a driver on 53
They got VIP emergency contracts to Feb but they are looking for additional work and thinking of taking over 66A permanently from Jan
Thats a fair while they've got those contracts. I think they intend on winning them full time as they have gone to the effort of putting them all onto their latest network map. And whats the 66A? A tendered route or commercial operation?
Currently NXWM does 66A Erdington - Sutton Coldfield whilst Diamond does the Evenings and Sundays
What they want to do is win full 66A control so NXWM will only do 66
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 16, 2013, 08:33:03 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 08:31:19 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 16, 2013, 08:24:24 PM
Was told today by a driver on 53
They got VIP emergency contracts to Feb but they are looking for additional work and thinking of taking over 66A permanently from Jan
Thats a fair while they've got those contracts. I think they intend on winning them full time as they have gone to the effort of putting them all onto their latest network map. And whats the 66A? A tendered route or commercial operation?
Currently NXWM does 66A Erdington - Sutton Coldfield whilst Diamond does the Evenings and Sundays
What they want to do is win full 66A control so NXWM will only do 66
So its a NX daytime tendered service. Why are they so keen on that? I would have thought a few more buses on the 4M would bring in more money
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 08:43:53 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 16, 2013, 08:33:03 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 16, 2013, 08:31:19 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 16, 2013, 08:24:24 PM
Was told today by a driver on 53
They got VIP emergency contracts to Feb but they are looking for additional work and thinking of taking over 66A permanently from Jan
Thats a fair while they've got those contracts. I think they intend on winning them full time as they have gone to the effort of putting them all onto their latest network map. And whats the 66A? A tendered route or commercial operation?
Currently NXWM does 66A Erdington - Sutton Coldfield whilst Diamond does the Evenings and Sundays
What they want to do is win full 66A control so NXWM will only do 66
So its a NX daytime tendered service. Why are they so keen on that? I would have thought a few more buses on the 4M would bring in more money
All emergency tenders are normally 3 months, so no surprise that these run to February. NXWM 66A is commercial and a different route to the Diamond tendered 66A
Wonder where the 99 is going tonight, as the Hagley Road West at Quinton Church is closed?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 17, 2013, 08:43:06 PM
Wonder where the 99 is going tonight, as the Hagley Road West at Quinton Church is closed?
Same as the 141?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on November 17, 2013, 08:56:52 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 17, 2013, 08:43:06 PM
Wonder where the 99 is going tonight, as the Hagley Road West at Quinton Church is closed?
Same as the 141?
I would hazard a guess of:
a) Ridgacre Lane - Hagley Road West - Quinton Expressway then as 141? or
b) Ridgacre Lane - Ridgacre Road - Edenhall Road - Hagley Road West - Quinton Expressway then as 141?
The 99 isn't using the Expressway tonight
I must've missed it last night, but saw an MPD on the 99 come down Manor Lane and turn left onto Manor Way heading for the Expressway. Presumably it's following the same or a similar route to the 141.
Are MPDs the main allocation on the 99 or are buses that come off the 4 and 301 and 002 like cadets/darts/centros going on there as well?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 18, 2013, 10:26:12 PM
Are MPDs the main allocation on the 99 or are buses that come off the 4 and 301 and 002 like cadets/darts/centros going on there as well?
Seems so, I've only seen MPDs so far, don't see why a Solo wouldn't turn up though
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 18, 2013, 10:29:28 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 18, 2013, 10:26:12 PM
Are MPDs the main allocation on the 99 or are buses that come off the 4 and 301 and 002 like cadets/darts/centros going on there as well?
Seems so, I've only seen MPDs so far, don't see why a Solo wouldn't turn up though
Thanks for the info-I can't see that the 99 on an evening would require anything bigger, particularly as the daytime buses are smaller than centros etc but was just thinking if some of the 99's came off say a 002 duty then clearly a 002 centro would be what was allocated.
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 18, 2013, 10:36:58 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 18, 2013, 10:29:28 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 18, 2013, 10:26:12 PM
Are MPDs the main allocation on the 99 or are buses that come off the 4 and 301 and 002 like cadets/darts/centros going on there as well?
Seems so, I've only seen MPDs so far, don't see why a Solo wouldn't turn up though
Thanks for the info-I can't see that the 99 on an evening would require anything bigger, particularly as the daytime buses are smaller than centros etc but was just thinking if some of the 99's came off say a 002 duty then clearly a 002 centro would be what was allocated.
The evening 99's when operated by VIP had a typical loading of 1-2 people. Including the driver.
I will be keeping my eyes out to see if something like a B7RLE ends up on there.
Have to question why its run then really. I guess loadings must be higher on a sunday and may pick up if people are more confident that their buses will actually turn up. As opposed to when VIP ran the route
So is the 99 operated by Long Acre or Tividale?
20914 still wil long acre out on the 108 or has it transferred over ?
20606 finally got repainted out on the 50 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/10965957216/
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 17, 2013, 09:05:43 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on November 17, 2013, 08:56:52 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 17, 2013, 08:43:06 PM
Wonder where the 99 is going tonight, as the Hagley Road West at Quinton Church is closed?
Same as the 141?
I would hazard a guess of:
a) Ridgacre Lane - Hagley Road West - Quinton Expressway then as 141? or
b) Ridgacre Lane - Ridgacre Road - Edenhall Road - Hagley Road West - Quinton Expressway then as 141?
https://www.facebook.com/Stourinterchange/posts/604913592877555
Service 99 to Harborne
Hagley Road, right Ridgeway Avenue, right Spies Lane, Manor Lane, left Manor Way, Quinton Expressway, Hagley Road, right Ridgacre Lane, continue Ridgacre Lane to join normal line of route.
Service 99 to Halesowen
Reverse of above.
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 07:18:57 PM
20606 finally got repainted out on the 50 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/10965957216/
Good spot there and good picture as well. It certainly looks very smart, especially compared to how it looked before. Do we think this is a permanent transfer over there or that it was just delivered back from paint to long acre and so they put it into service? Certainly I would like to see more repaints into the smart, new diamond livery.
Quote from: Stu on November 20, 2013, 07:58:15 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 17, 2013, 09:05:43 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on November 17, 2013, 08:56:52 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 17, 2013, 08:43:06 PM
Wonder where the 99 is going tonight, as the Hagley Road West at Quinton Church is closed?
Same as the 141?
I would hazard a guess of:
a) Ridgacre Lane - Hagley Road West - Quinton Expressway then as 141? or
b) Ridgacre Lane - Ridgacre Road - Edenhall Road - Hagley Road West - Quinton Expressway then as 141?
https://www.facebook.com/Stourinterchange/posts/604913592877555
Service 99 to Harborne
Hagley Road, right Ridgeway Avenue, right Spies Lane, Manor Lane, left Manor Way, Quinton Expressway, Hagley Road, right Ridgacre Lane, continue Ridgacre Lane to join normal line of route.
Service 99 to Halesowen
Reverse of above.
Thanks Stu, same as the 141 as I expected
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 20, 2013, 08:00:10 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 07:18:57 PM
20606 finally got repainted out on the 50 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/10965957216/
Good spot there and good picture as well. It certainly looks very smart, especially compared to how it looked before. Do we think this is a permanent transfer over there or that it was just delivered back from paint to long acre and so they put it into service? Certainly I would like to see more repaints into the smart, new diamond livery.
It pulled in, then whilst setting up my camera for a pic it moved an was off again, right behind the NX bus, but looks very smart, hopefully the other Central Connect livered bus isnt far behind :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 08:08:38 PM
hopefully the other Central Connect livered bus isnt far behind :)
There are two more still in Central/Wessex Connect livery,
20366, 'W366 ABD'
20602, 'KU52 YJZ'
unless either/or have been done already
Quote from: John on November 20, 2013, 08:14:55 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 08:08:38 PM
hopefully the other Central Connect livered bus isnt far behind :)
There are two more still in Central/Wessex Connect livery,
20366, 'W366 ABD'
20602, 'KU52 YJZ'
unless either/or have been done already
Not seen this one :-\
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 08:18:14 PM
Quote from: John on November 20, 2013, 08:14:55 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 08:08:38 PM
hopefully the other Central Connect livered bus isnt far behind :)
There are two more still in Central/Wessex Connect livery,
20366, 'W366 ABD'
20602, 'KU52 YJZ'
unless either/or have been done already
Not seen this one :-\
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53123787@N07/10494648663/
It is officially classed as withdrawn on Tony's fleetlist, but saw it last month
Quote from: John on November 20, 2013, 08:22:01 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 08:18:14 PM
Quote from: John on November 20, 2013, 08:14:55 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 08:08:38 PM
hopefully the other Central Connect livered bus isnt far behind :)
There are two more still in Central/Wessex Connect livery,
20366, 'W366 ABD'
20602, 'KU52 YJZ'
unless either/or have been done already
Not seen this one :-\
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53123787@N07/10494648663/
It is officially classed as withdrawn on Tony's fleetlist, but saw it last month
Is that with Tividale Depot ?, if so it could make its way onto the 56 :) if its still around
And W571JVV as well...
And interesting that you mention it coming in and then pulling out behind a NXWM. They have been told to hold back-I just can't understand why some drivers don't get the message. The shift total will not be high if you just sit behind a nx or green bus or even johnsons for that matter. What should happen is holding back until the largest possible gap has built up, then leaving. Really frustrating! When they did that on the 37/17/97 the shift totals went up. Surprise surprise, two weeks later or so, they were back down again, as some drivers reverted to the old tactics. Then the routes were withdrawn :(
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 20, 2013, 09:16:32 PM
And W571JVV as well...
And interesting that you mention it coming in and then pulling out behind a NXWM. They have been told to hold back-I just can't understand why some drivers don't get the message. The shift total will not be high if you just sit behind a nx or green bus or even johnsons for that matter. What should happen is holding back until the largest possible gap has built up, then leaving. Really frustrating! When they did that on the 37/17/97 the shift totals went up. Surprise surprise, two weeks later or so, they were back down again, as some drivers reverted to the old tactics. Then the routes were withdrawn :(
I think you mean W572JVV
Quote from: Winston on November 20, 2013, 09:20:02 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 20, 2013, 09:16:32 PM
And W571JVV as well...
And interesting that you mention it coming in and then pulling out behind a NXWM. They have been told to hold back-I just can't understand why some drivers don't get the message. The shift total will not be high if you just sit behind a nx or green bus or even johnsons for that matter. What should happen is holding back until the largest possible gap has built up, then leaving. Really frustrating! When they did that on the 37/17/97 the shift totals went up. Surprise surprise, two weeks later or so, they were back down again, as some drivers reverted to the old tactics. Then the routes were withdrawn :(
I think you mean W572JVV
Sorry yes I do. W571 was redone for redditch a while back from memory and 573 I didn't see the last time I was in redditch...
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 09:06:30 PM
Is that with Tividale Depot ?, if so it could make its way onto the 56 :) if its still around
It is/was Nathan, if it is still in service
Quote from: John on November 20, 2013, 10:35:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 09:06:30 PM
Is that with Tividale Depot ?, if so it could make its way onto the 56 :) if its still around
It is/was Nathan, if it is still in service
It was on the 40 this morning, still in Connect livery.
Noticed an MPD on the 99 this evening went down the expressway, down Manor Way, then turned right at the island and presumably went straight into Halesowen via Grange Road and Queensway.
Either this is the route Diamond have chosen to save time (despite missing out the Quinton-Halesowen section), or it could've been to do with the fact the bus was running 10 minutes late and due out of Halesowen in 3 minutes.
Not able to do nothing bus related for a few days now :(, so hopefully it can stay in the connect livery until then :D
Wondering what was on the 4/301 today as if one cadet was on the 226 when it had a crash, a b7rle was also put on the 226, another eclipse 2 was on the 56 all day and presumably the 002 had a centro or a cadet on there as well. Were there a lot of royales out on the 4/301 today, if anyone knows?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 20, 2013, 11:14:57 PM
Noticed an MPD on the 99 this evening went down the expressway, down Manor Way, then turned right at the island and presumably went straight into Halesowen via Grange Road and Queensway.
Either this is the route Diamond have chosen to save time (despite missing out the Quinton-Halesowen section), or it could've been to do with the fact the bus was running 10 minutes late and due out of Halesowen in 3 minutes.
or it could be that Quinton is closed for roadworks at present from Quinton(by Four Dwellings island) on evenings
Quote from: 4747 on November 22, 2013, 11:44:11 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 20, 2013, 11:14:57 PM
Noticed an MPD on the 99 this evening went down the expressway, down Manor Way, then turned right at the island and presumably went straight into Halesowen via Grange Road and Queensway.
Either this is the route Diamond have chosen to save time (despite missing out the Quinton-Halesowen section), or it could've been to do with the fact the bus was running 10 minutes late and due out of Halesowen in 3 minutes.
or it could be that Quinton is closed for roadworks at present from Quinton(by Four Dwellings island) on evenings
Please read what I said properly. The 99's diversion to avoid Quinton Church is supposed to be the same as the 141 from Hagley Road West - Hagley Road West. The driver cut a corner into Halesowen, presumably to make up time.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 22, 2013, 01:48:47 PM
Quote from: 4747 on November 22, 2013, 11:44:11 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 20, 2013, 11:14:57 PM
Noticed an MPD on the 99 this evening went down the expressway, down Manor Way, then turned right at the island and presumably went straight into Halesowen via Grange Road and Queensway.
Either this is the route Diamond have chosen to save time (despite missing out the Quinton-Halesowen section), or it could've been to do with the fact the bus was running 10 minutes late and due out of Halesowen in 3 minutes.
or it could be that Quinton is closed for roadworks at present from Quinton(by Four Dwellings island) on evenings
Please read what I said properly. The 99's diversion to avoid Quinton Church is supposed to be the same as the 141 from Hagley Road West - Hagley Road West. The driver cut a corner into Halesowen, presumably to make up time.
[/quote
It would seem you are assuming I was aware of the 141 diversion(which I am not). I only know the road's closed as it caught me out the other night :-[......so reading your post properly or not wouldn't have made any difference
Just seen 20914 displaying "returning to Depot" is this a new thing or has it always been on there displays. Never seen it before ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 25, 2013, 03:20:49 PM
Just seen 20914 displaying "returning to Depot" is this a new thing or has it always been on there displays. Never seen it before ?
I've seen an V6** HEC MPD in Kidderminster displaying VOR as the destination when broken down and causing chaos on a roundabout, I thought that was funny!
Do the HEC darts have DIAMOND logos yet out of interest Sam?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 25, 2013, 07:22:20 PM
Do the HEC darts have DIAMOND logos yet out of interest Sam?
From what I have seen most do on at least one part of the bus (not necessarily both sides, front and back!!) and one or two don't.
I will try to have a look this week if I can and report back...
They ran with Royal Bath logos for a few days after arriving..... that was interesting
Quote from: StourportSam on November 25, 2013, 07:25:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 25, 2013, 07:22:20 PM
Do the HEC darts have DIAMOND logos yet out of interest Sam?
From what I have seen most do on at least one part of the bus (not necessarily both sides, front and back!!) and one or two don't.
I will try to have a look this week if I can and report back...
They ran with Royal Bath logos for a few days after arriving..... that was interesting
Thanks :)
Would you say MPDs and solos are too small for Kidderminster services and that full size darts are needed on a few?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 25, 2013, 07:46:30 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on November 25, 2013, 07:25:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 25, 2013, 07:22:20 PM
Do the HEC darts have DIAMOND logos yet out of interest Sam?
From what I have seen most do on at least one part of the bus (not necessarily both sides, front and back!!) and one or two don't.
I will try to have a look this week if I can and report back...
They ran with Royal Bath logos for a few days after arriving..... that was interesting
Thanks :)
Would you say MPDs and solos are too small for Kidderminster services and that full size darts are needed on a few?
I would think so, that I why older full size Darts were drafted in, but sounds as though more are still needed
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 25, 2013, 07:46:30 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on November 25, 2013, 07:25:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 25, 2013, 07:22:20 PM
Do the HEC darts have DIAMOND logos yet out of interest Sam?
From what I have seen most do on at least one part of the bus (not necessarily both sides, front and back!!) and one or two don't.
I will try to have a look this week if I can and report back...
They ran with Royal Bath logos for a few days after arriving..... that was interesting
Thanks :)
Would you say MPDs and solos are too small for Kidderminster services and that full size darts are needed on a few?
Oh yes on the routes mentioned above and a few more, but MPDs are suitable for routes like the 4/5/133 etc.
Travelled home tonight on the 72 to the Clock Garage on 21009 fully fitted with seats belts.
Quote from: broma1k on November 26, 2013, 10:25:29 PM
Travelled home tonight on the 72 to the Clock Garage on 21009 fully fitted with seats belts.
That was on the 424 today, so it comes off the 424 after finishing and onto the 72 in the evening
It's a nice bus 21009...
Noticed there was a new Eclipse on the 002 yesterday, along with 1-2 Royale Centros. There seem to be 2 or 3 branded buses missing each day now, I wonder where they are (in addition to 30808)?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 27, 2013, 06:54:10 PM
Noticed there was a new Eclipse on the 002 yesterday, along with 1-2 Royale Centros. There seem to be 2 or 3 branded buses missing each day now, I wonder where they are (in addition to 30808)?
Is 30806 on there still or is that having some attention do we think after the incidents mentioned on here?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 27, 2013, 07:20:50 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 27, 2013, 06:54:10 PM
Noticed there was a new Eclipse on the 002 yesterday, along with 1-2 Royale Centros. There seem to be 2 or 3 branded buses missing each day now, I wonder where they are (in addition to 30808)?
Is 30806 on there still or is that having some attention do we think after the incidents mentioned on here?
I saw 30806 the other day, Saturday possibly, so it is still out and about I think
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 27, 2013, 07:54:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 27, 2013, 07:20:50 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 27, 2013, 06:54:10 PM
Noticed there was a new Eclipse on the 002 yesterday, along with 1-2 Royale Centros. There seem to be 2 or 3 branded buses missing each day now, I wonder where they are (in addition to 30808)?
Is 30806 on there still or is that having some attention do we think after the incidents mentioned on here?
I saw 30806 the other day, Saturday possibly, so it is still out and about I think
Thanks for the update on that. Seems strange as b7rles are normally so reliable...
must say its great to see diamond buses busy. been on the 82 on Monday and it was a standing load and on Friday I was on it with a load of 48 people into Coventry. also great to see over 26 people on a 4 service out of west brom. this I think happened because the driver went straight onto their stand after one left rather than parking up. goes to show what can be done!!
82 was packed when I saw it the other day which is good to see and the majority of the drivers are very helpful and friendly. However I have got a few gripes with them; great to have a Solihull signature S2 not turn up on Thursday leaving me stuck in Solihull for 40 minutes after a flawless red and whites performance for the past week. I decided to ask the driver on the next S2 if he knew why the S2 didn't turn up (e.g breakdown) and the response I get is "Are you sure you didn't miss it?" some things still need improving.
82 is really good and well used
Usually get the 3:10/4:10 or 5:10
3:10 same people get on at one stop like a group of 15 people
Shame sadly traffic particually after Catherine-De-Barnes and Coventry makes it late sometimes
Glad to hear some routes are doing well and hopefully repaints/return promotion in the future and possibly some bigger buses in the future will really help!
Royale Centro 30824 is on the 243 tonight, I do wonder sometimes...
Also Solo 20542 was on the 99 today (alongside 20002, 20502 and I think 20544), first time I've seen anything other than an MPD on there
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 01, 2013, 11:09:11 PM
Also Solo 20542 was on the 99 today (alongside 20002, 20502 and I think 20544), first time I've seen anything other than an MPD on there
It's twin 20541 was on the 226W yesterday too!
Just noticed recently that diamond bus seem to display a new blind saying Returning to Depot such as the 108 for example
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 02, 2013, 09:11:07 AM
Just noticed recently that diamond bus seem to display a new blind saying Returning to Depot such as the 108 for example
Is it now on more than one bus or still 29014?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 03, 2013, 05:53:17 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 02, 2013, 09:11:07 AM
Just noticed recently that diamond bus seem to display a new blind saying Returning to Depot such as the 108 for example
Is it now on more than one bus or still 29014?
It was on a Blue Solo leaving City
When was 20366 re-instated back to Long Acre ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 03, 2013, 08:55:17 PM
When was 20366 re-instated back to Long Acre ?
see front page of main site!
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 16-Dec-2013. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on December 04, 2013, 12:33:45 AM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 16-Dec-2013. To amend Timetable.
Wonder what this could be? First sign of network review implementation?
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 04, 2013, 12:58:37 AM
Quote from: Winston on December 04, 2013, 12:33:45 AM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 16-Dec-2013. To amend Timetable.
Wonder what this could be? First sign of network review implementation?
Don't think so yet, maybe just some tweaks?
Late night shopping at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and New Years Day service.
20572, W572 JVV has been repainted blue and is operating from Redditch.
PD0001374/35 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WEST BROMWICH BUS STATION and WEDNESBURY BUS STATION given service number 40 effective from 26-Jan-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/101 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WEST BROMWICH and BILSTON given service number 42A/42C effective from 26-Jan-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 26-Jan-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/261 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Mossley, The Eagle given service number 301 effective from 26-Jan-2014. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on December 05, 2013, 02:58:09 PM
PD0001374/35 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WEST BROMWICH BUS STATION and WEDNESBURY BUS STATION given service number 40 effective from 26-Jan-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/101 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WEST BROMWICH and BILSTON given service number 42A/42C effective from 26-Jan-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 26-Jan-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/261 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Mossley, The Eagle given service number 301 effective from 26-Jan-2014. To amend Timetable.
Wonder what's going on here... NX are changing the 40 route so wonder if diamond will also follow but here it only says timetable...
And why is the 42 mentioned as going to Bilston when it doesn't-the 43 does? Presumably the 42 suffixes will show whether it is going to Tipton or Dudley.
Hope the 301 and 4 aren't being cut back-maybe making sure they're before NX all the time would help
A Centro out on the 56, front LED Display is down so has 56 writen on the back of a map stuck on the window :)
Also noticed a few 56's using the dual carriageway lately heading for Birmingham has something changed ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 05, 2013, 04:12:53 PM
A Centro out on the 56, front LED Display is down so has 56 writen on the back of a map stuck on the window :)
Also noticed a few 56's using the dual carriageway lately heading for Birmingham has something changed ?
Do you mean instead of the overpass/underpasses in birchfield. If so then that's the route they always take.
Lukeee - Instead of it not using Birchfield Rd its using the overpass/underpass same as 934/5/6, but each time it joins at a diffrent section?
Shame they carnt make it an X56 would be more beneficial I think as I've probably stated elsewhere
Have just seen 30808 in Diamond Blue on the 002 service this afternoon
Quote from: 4747 on December 06, 2013, 04:05:35 PM
Have just seen 30808 in Diamond Blue on the 002 service this afternoon
Blimey. I thought they wasn't going to remove the branding from them!!
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 06, 2013, 04:08:48 PM
Quote from: 4747 on December 06, 2013, 04:05:35 PM
Have just seen 30808 in Diamond Blue on the 002 service this afternoon
Blimey. I thought they wasn't going to remove the branding from them!!
So did I! Did it look smart though?
30940 also on 002 today
Just seen a 56E to Aldridge but without the 'E', first 56 short working I've seen
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 07, 2013, 03:33:39 PM
Just seen a 56E to Aldridge but without the 'E', first 56 short working I've seen
My and my mate saw another one this afternoon as well
Two 56's this morning 1 Centro full to the brim with 3 standing and 1 dart also full with 1 standee :D, must say the 56 peaks do very well for themselves, the dart decided to use the Expressway to make up time ;D, the driver of the Centro looked surprised ;D ;D
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 11, 2013, 09:30:15 PM
Two 56's this morning 1 Centro full to the brim with 3 standing and 1 dart also full with 1 standee :D, must say the 56 peaks do very well for themselves, the dart decided to use the Expressway to make up time ;D, the driver of the Centro looked surprised ;D ;D
Fantastic! Just what I want to hear! Is the 56 timetabled before or after the 936 as wasnt it like 5 minutes after at one point? Hopefully they have put it in front of the 936....
Quote from: 4747 on December 06, 2013, 04:05:35 PM
Have just seen 30808 in Diamond Blue on the 002 service this afternoon
.
Has anyone seen 30808 since this sighting?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:01:21 PM
Quote from: 4747 on December 06, 2013, 04:05:35 PM
Have just seen 30808 in Diamond Blue on the 002 service this afternoon
.
Has anyone seen 30808 since this sighting?
Probably broken again lol
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:01:21 PM
Quote from: 4747 on December 06, 2013, 04:05:35 PM
Have just seen 30808 in Diamond Blue on the 002 service this afternoon
.
Has anyone seen 30808 since this sighting?
I haven't, and I live on the route
To be fair, now it's debranded it could be anywhere on any route. Or indeed, off the road which I suspect is more likely.
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:10:09 PM
To be fair, now it's debranded it could be anywhere on any route. Or indeed, off the road which I suspect is more likely.
That's why I didn't mention anything about people spotting it on the 002 ;) I want to try and get a glimpse of it soon so I hope it is put back on the 002 at some point ;)
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:10:09 PM
To be fair, now it's debranded it could be anywhere on any route. Or indeed, off the road which I suspect is more likely.
Yes although it should logically be treated like the Eclipses (i.e. 30832-30834 and 30940-30943) so should only be used on routes like the 4, 002, 202 and possibly 56, 301, etc.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 11, 2013, 10:20:21 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:10:09 PM
To be fair, now it's debranded it could be anywhere on any route. Or indeed, off the road which I suspect is more likely.
Yes although it should logically be treated like the Eclipses (i.e. 30832-30834 and 30940-30943) so should only be used on routes like the 4, 002, 202 and possibly 56, 301, etc.
Will look out to see if it appears on a Sunday 301 then :)
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:16:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:10:09 PM
To be fair, now it's debranded it could be anywhere on any route. Or indeed, off the road which I suspect is more likely.
That's why I didn't mention anything about people spotting it on the 002 ;) I want to try and get a glimpse of it soon so I hope it is put back on the 002 at some point ;)
I realise that- the thing is it's very hard to actually "spot" diamond buses as the area is so massive that tividale covers. And same, want to go on it as haven't travelled on it for a couple of years now. Will be nice to travel on some proper buses over the Christmas holidays instead of VDL rubbish
Just one question, Are Royale Centro B7RLE's unusual on the 4/H/M as I saw one on the 4H in Halesowen a few weeks back
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 11, 2013, 10:20:21 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:10:09 PM
To be fair, now it's debranded it could be anywhere on any route. Or indeed, off the road which I suspect is more likely.
Yes although it should logically be treated like the Eclipses (i.e. 30832-30834 and 30940-30943) so should only be used on routes like the 4, 002, 202 and possibly 56, 301, etc.
I guess that is true although they seem to pop up anywhere-even on the 40/326/226. Never seen one on 42/43 though... To be fair, I would put those secondhand eclipses in for a bit of attention as the interiors of some of them are awful-the plastic mouldings above the entrance are cracked and rattle and the floors have a lot of ingrained dirt and they just need some attention... Plus 30834 always breaks down!
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:25:30 PM
Just one question, Are Royale Centro B7RLE's unusual on the 4/H/M as I saw one on the 4H in Halesowen a few weeks back
I've seen a fair few on there so I'd say they're fairly unusual but not rare. Solos/mpds are rarer and also a very very bad idea
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:25:30 PM
Just one question, Are Royale Centro B7RLE's unusual on the 4/H/M as I saw one on the 4H in Halesowen a few weeks back
They are, not because they are unsuitable for the 4 but they are intended solely for the 56 and 202 (and 002 if needed), so given that there are only 8 of them, it is unusual to see one make it onto the 4 (let alone the 243, which I spotted one on the other night!)
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 11, 2013, 10:28:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:25:30 PM
Just one question, Are Royale Centro B7RLE's unusual on the 4/H/M as I saw one on the 4H in Halesowen a few weeks back
They are, not because they are unsuitable for the 4 but they are intended solely for the 56 and 202 (and 002 if needed), so given that there are only 8 of them, it is unusual to see one make it onto the 4 (let alone the 243, which I spotted one on the other night!)
They're not intended for any route really-I've seen them on most routes and they shouldn't be unusual on other routes seeing as the 56 and 202 between them don't need 8 buses so every day there should be at least one on other services. And with evening services nothing is really unusual as they come off the most appropriate daytime route so you can get anything eg super 16 evolutions on dudley services.
I have also noticed the Sunday 205 seems to operated with B7RLE's (Wright Eclipse Urban) mainly the 13 plates 3094*'s. Used to be the Royale Centros. Also there was a Royale Centro (Was at the other side of Wolverhampton Bus Station so never caught the fleetnumber) on the 81 on Sunday (Haven't seen one on there in ages) . Has been mainly MPD's and DAF/Cadets on the 81 for some time now
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:32:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 11, 2013, 10:28:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:25:30 PM
Just one question, Are Royale Centro B7RLE's unusual on the 4/H/M as I saw one on the 4H in Halesowen a few weeks back
They are, not because they are unsuitable for the 4 but they are intended solely for the 56 and 202 (and 002 if needed), so given that there are only 8 of them, it is unusual to see one make it onto the 4 (let alone the 243, which I spotted one on the other night!)
They're not intended for any route really-I've seen them on most routes and they shouldn't be unusual on other routes seeing as the 56 and 202 between them don't need 8 buses so every day there should be at least one on other services. And with evening services nothing is really unusual as they come off the most appropriate daytime route so you can get anything eg super 16 evolutions on dudley services.
I wonder if they'd dare put one on the evening (or Sunday) 99?
I'm yet to see one on there. BC have put B7RLEs on there in the past, so I can't see why not
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 11, 2013, 10:35:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:32:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 11, 2013, 10:28:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:25:30 PM
Just one question, Are Royale Centro B7RLE's unusual on the 4/H/M as I saw one on the 4H in Halesowen a few weeks back
They are, not because they are unsuitable for the 4 but they are intended solely for the 56 and 202 (and 002 if needed), so given that there are only 8 of them, it is unusual to see one make it onto the 4 (let alone the 243, which I spotted one on the other night!)
They're not intended for any route really-I've seen them on most routes and they shouldn't be unusual on other routes seeing as the 56 and 202 between them don't need 8 buses so every day there should be at least one on other services. And with evening services nothing is really unusual as they come off the most appropriate daytime route so you can get anything eg super 16 evolutions on dudley services.
I wonder if they'd dare put one on the evening (or Sunday) 99?
I'm yet to see one on there. BC have put B7RLEs on there in the past, so I can't see why not
Just hope they won't go round Wisley Way! HA HA! Oh I jest but serious damage was done when our B7's went around there!!
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 11, 2013, 10:37:08 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 11, 2013, 10:35:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:32:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 11, 2013, 10:28:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:25:30 PM
Just one question, Are Royale Centro B7RLE's unusual on the 4/H/M as I saw one on the 4H in Halesowen a few weeks back
They are, not because they are unsuitable for the 4 but they are intended solely for the 56 and 202 (and 002 if needed), so given that there are only 8 of them, it is unusual to see one make it onto the 4 (let alone the 243, which I spotted one on the other night!)
They're not intended for any route really-I've seen them on most routes and they shouldn't be unusual on other routes seeing as the 56 and 202 between them don't need 8 buses so every day there should be at least one on other services. And with evening services nothing is really unusual as they come off the most appropriate daytime route so you can get anything eg super 16 evolutions on dudley services.
I wonder if they'd dare put one on the evening (or Sunday) 99?
I'm yet to see one on there. BC have put B7RLEs on there in the past, so I can't see why not
Just hope they won't go round Wisley Way! HA HA! Oh I jest but serious damage was done when our B7's went around there!!
What happened to them?
Just out of interest LS, Were the B7RLE's on the 99 damaged due to vandalism or another reason such as narrow roads,tight corners and parked cars?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on December 11, 2013, 10:41:18 PM
Just out of interest LS, Were the B7RLE's on the 99 damaged due to vandalism or another reason such as narrow roads,tight corners and parked cars?
Doubt it would be vandalism-the 99 has got to be one of the safer routes.
And have seen diamonds eclipses almost damaged-driven so slowly in the middle of the road to avoid it-on the 40 which is way too narrow for them...
Seen diamond bus today on 16 just say hamstead and £2.50 day return on blinds no route number at all
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 10:52:35 PM
And have seen diamonds eclipses almost damaged-driven so slowly in the middle of the road to avoid it-on the 40 which is way too narrow for them...
I have driven Merc's on the 40 as well as B7rle's and never had a problem but I wouldn't fancy it on the 99. I think Merc's and B7's are more of a pain on the 42/3 esp going around Cupfields Ave where you invariably meet another bus coming in the opposite direction.
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 11, 2013, 09:40:37 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 11, 2013, 09:30:15 PM
Two 56's this morning 1 Centro full to the brim with 3 standing and 1 dart also full with 1 standee :D, must say the 56 peaks do very well for themselves, the dart decided to use the Expressway to make up time ;D, the driver of the Centro looked surprised ;D ;D
Fantastic! Just what I want to hear! Is the 56 timetabled before or after the 936 as wasnt it like 5 minutes after at one point? Hopefully they have put it in front of the 936....
Still 'timetabled down' to run behind the 936, but usually overtakes the 936 before getting to Perry Barr.
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 12, 2013, 07:25:42 AM
Seen diamond bus today on 16 just say hamstead and £2.50 day return on blinds no route number at all
There was a bus on the 2 in Bewdley yesterday just saying Bewdley Bark Hill, no route number.
Quote from: StourportSam on December 13, 2013, 12:41:32 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 12, 2013, 07:25:42 AM
Seen diamond bus today on 16 just say hamstead and £2.50 day return on blinds no route number at all
There was a bus on the 2 in Bewdley yesterday just saying Bewdley Bark Hill, no route number.
was it a solo ?, as I have seen one quite often letters are a lot bigger than normal
Quote from: bewminster on December 13, 2013, 12:52:53 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on December 13, 2013, 12:41:32 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 12, 2013, 07:25:42 AM
Seen diamond bus today on 16 just say hamstead and £2.50 day return on blinds no route number at all
There was a bus on the 2 in Bewdley yesterday just saying Bewdley Bark Hill, no route number.
was it a solo ?, as I have seen one quite often letters are a lot bigger than normal
it happens on darts too on some 16
Letters are the normal size but no route number
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 13, 2013, 04:47:09 PM
Quote from: bewminster on December 13, 2013, 12:52:53 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on December 13, 2013, 12:41:32 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 12, 2013, 07:25:42 AM
Seen diamond bus today on 16 just say hamstead and £2.50 day return on blinds no route number at all
There was a bus on the 2 in Bewdley yesterday just saying Bewdley Bark Hill, no route number.
was it a solo ?, as I have seen one quite often letters are a lot bigger than normal
it happens on darts too on some 16
Letters are the normal size but no route number
It was a full dart KU52 RYN.
There are only 3 solos at Kidderminster now, so the chances are slim!
30822 and 30828 on 002 today, no sign of 30808.
Also, 30437 is out on the 40 today with no working LED display, instead has a piece of paper with "40" scrawled onto it in the windscreen
seen sn05flr on the 50 yesterday with "any 2 journeys for £2" on the blind.....hopefully this is diamond fighting back on the 50!!
Quote from: dannygill on December 14, 2013, 07:02:10 PM
seen sn05flr on the 50 yesterday with "any 2 journeys for £2" on the blind.....hopefully this is diamond fighting back on the 50!!
I'm so confused about this as a concept. When a return is £2.50 and 2 journeys for £2 who will be buying the returns? And yes I hope diamond will fight back on the 50 though vinyls and branding are what is needed and ensuring that drivers do not simply sit behind...
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 14, 2013, 03:51:36 PM
Also, 30437 is out on the 40 today with no working LED display, instead has a piece of paper with "40" scrawled onto it in the windscreen
It was working when I saw it at 1047hrs
30808 on 42's today
Quote from: dannygill on December 16, 2013, 08:49:59 AM
30808 on 42's today
That is a strange working surely it would be better to have put this on the 002 or the 4 and then a cadet or a dart on the 42...
Possibly been reported before but the buses on the 99 in an evening which was thankfully running perfectly to time yesterday night come off the 54. Speaking to people who used the bus under VIP and now under diamond, diamond are running it better though what is apparently annoying is having to sit there while the driver waits as the timetable is clearly too slow for an evening when there is far less traffic....
Diamond are withdrawing the 119 completely from the 26th Jan 2014
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 19, 2013, 09:14:30 PM
Diamond are withdrawing the 119 completely from the 26th Jan 2014
Sad to see that route go, wonder if anyone will take over it.
Would have thought there is some money in it as a nice short route run at a high frequency. It has just been badly run over the past few years and gradually become unviable...
Bus services today were in complete chaos-both NX and diamond. Massive gaps were building in the 4 service from west brom to blackheath this afternoon-there was a gap of about 20 mins and then a massively late diamond 4H and 4M pulled in. 4M took NX stand and a lot of their passengers and the cadet on the 4H filled up fast as well. Then 2 NXs came in virtually empty while diamond pulled out and both buses were really full by Blackheath. Meanwhile, about 3/4 NX 4's raced back towards west brom showing not in service... Absolute chaos then waited ages for a 42/43 in great bridge only for another late diamond to show up, again a quite full dart being followed by a virtually empty NX merc. Then in halesowen waited 35 minutes for a 002 and the 142 was really late as well and getting off the 002 in bartley green 3 002's were racing back showing not in service.
Was the traffic today just awful or was there something going on in the Black Country area to cause all these holdups or is it just Christmas shopping? Diamond appeared to be doing very well on all the services I went on though which was good to see...
DiamondDart, its been disgusting everywhere
Birmingham too. The schools came out early today which screwed early afternoon, people clocking off early screwed lateraafternoon and shoppers totally screwed early evening and p1ssheads have ruined nights"
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 20, 2013, 07:10:45 PM
DiamondDart, its been disgusting everywhere
Birmingham too. The schools came out early today which screwed early afternoon, people clocking off early screwed lateraafternoon and shoppers totally screwed early evening and p1ssheads have ruined nights"
I guessed as much but didn't know if it was anything specific causing it.
Most services I tried today were late other than the 29 which was running perfectly to time but in fairness I've never had any issues with BC buses being late/not turning up. The YW 18 was awful as were most diamond services...
Yes chaos every where due to Xmas shopping and people leaving early.
2 4Hs running together going towards Walsall. 002 was late and it was 30427 and did hurry back. Then waited for 49 which was 20 minutes late in Weoley Castle.
2 29A's to Shenley Fields came together and around 5 minutes later another 29A.
Then before my 49 came two 002's entering Weoley Castle together.
Then not long later two more 29's one to Northfield and one 29E terminating in Weoley Castle.
Quote from: Mike360 on December 20, 2013, 07:30:55 PM
Yes chaos every where due to Xmas shopping and people leaving early.
2 4Hs running together going towards Walsall. 002 was late and it was 30427 and did hurry back. Then waited for 49 which was 20 minutes late in Weoley Castle.
2 29A's to Shenley Fields came together and around 5 minutes later another 29A.
Then before my 49 came two 002's entering Weoley Castle together.
Then not long later two more 29's one to Northfield and one 29E terminating in Weoley Castle.
Just hope VOSA weren't monitoring lol
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 20, 2013, 07:10:45 PM
DiamondDart, its been disgusting everywhere
Birmingham too. The schools came out early today which screwed early afternoon, people clocking off early screwed lateraafternoon and shoppers totally screwed early evening and p1ssheads have ruined nights"
also the same in the wyre forest area (Kidderminster stourport bewdley)
Quote from: bewminster on December 20, 2013, 07:56:18 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 20, 2013, 07:10:45 PM
DiamondDart, its been disgusting everywhere
Birmingham too. The schools came out early today which screwed early afternoon, people clocking off early screwed lateraafternoon and shoppers totally screwed early evening and p1ssheads have ruined nights"
also the same in the wyre forest area (Kidderminster stourport bewdley)
There were queues of traffic in the Stourport area this afternoon, saw a 3 and an X3 a couple of mins apart, they both seemed to be operated by MPD's, while the 295 had the bigger ex First Dart 30932. Most of the buses I saw around Stourport/Kiddi were all in the blue Diamond livery apart from two 'Red Diamond' branded MPD's
31500 is now in Dundee http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/11465985363/
I have seen the 002 running in pairs on at least 6 occasions over the last couple of days
Kidderminster seems to of done very well in getting the new blue painted buses!! whats rddditch paint colour like?
Herd yesterday that diamond are buying first worcester any ideas??
Quote from: dannygill on December 21, 2013, 05:49:10 PM
Herd yesterday that diamond are buying first worcester any ideas??
I hope so but this type of rumour has been floating around a lot..
Quote from: dannygill on December 21, 2013, 05:49:10 PM
Herd yesterday that diamond are buying first worcester any ideas??
There were rumours a while ago which was put down to canteen talk that Worcester & Hereford could be up for sale, if they are I would have thought some of the bigger groups would be more interested in these operations
It would re-create some of the broken links if Rotala were to buy it, but it think it's unlikely to happen
Quote from: Winston on December 20, 2013, 08:06:44 PM
saw a 3 and an X3 a couple of mins apart
That's just a normal day!
Quote from: StourportSam on December 21, 2013, 08:27:40 PM
Quote from: Winston on December 20, 2013, 08:06:44 PM
saw a 3 and an X3 a couple of mins apart
That's just a normal day!
Oh right, not good them. I noticed some of the 3's heading for the Walshes were carrying good loads, that route seems too busy for MDP's as does the X3. Where as the 295 that I saw with an ex 30932 operating it was empty
I caught Eclipse 30860 on the 146 yesterday. According to Tony's fleetlist 30860 is at Kidderminster?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 22, 2013, 10:12:08 AM
I caught Eclipse 30860 on the 146 yesterday. According to Tony's fleetlist 30860 is at Kidderminster?
it was at Kidderminster it was replaced by 30850 but not even seen that for a while
Quote from: Winston on December 21, 2013, 07:15:36 PM
Quote from: dannygill on December 21, 2013, 05:49:10 PM
Herd yesterday that diamond are buying first worcester any ideas??
There were rumours a while ago which was put down to canteen talk that Worcester & Hereford could be up for sale, if they are I would have thought some of the bigger groups would be more interested in these operations
It would re-create some of the broken links if Rotala were to buy it, but it think it's unlikely to happen
It would indeed. I would expect Stagecoach to bid for Hereford and hopefully rotala would try to acquire Worcester but I guess it is only speculation-don't know if first's asset disposal programme is behind it or not?
The 3/X3 certainly should not be running in pairs in the inward direction towards Kidderminster as the buses are evenly spaced from Areley Kings at 7/22/37/52 mins past the hour. However, towards Areley kings they run at 1/16/23/46 mins past the hour and 23 mins past is the X3 and so there is only a 7 minute gap which if the 16 past is running 5 late and the 23 slightly early then that would explain the bunching. I hope I'm looking at the right timetable though-it is the diamond kidderminster timetable booklet this is in...
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 22, 2013, 11:09:00 AM
Quote from: Winston on December 21, 2013, 07:15:36 PM
Quote from: dannygill on December 21, 2013, 05:49:10 PM
Herd yesterday that diamond are buying first worcester any ideas??
There were rumours a while ago which was put down to canteen talk that Worcester & Hereford could be up for sale, if they are I would have thought some of the bigger groups would be more interested in these operations
It would re-create some of the broken links if Rotala were to buy it, but it think it's unlikely to happen
It would indeed. I would expect Stagecoach to bid for Hereford and hopefully rotala would try to acquire Worcester but I guess it is only speculation-don't know if first's asset disposal programme is behind it or not?
At the last count First Group have said that the re-positioning of the UK bus portfolio had been completed i.e. no more asset disposals. Part of that could be down to the sale prices achieved & potential Oft interest even in the smallest of deals. But First Group has also since attracted unwanted attention from a US activist hedge funds that is putting pressure on the group to float First Student in the USA & dispose of Greyhound. As HD & WR aren't really core businesses within First due to their size it's always possible. It depends how much an effect on breaking up Wyvern has had on turnover & profits, particularly at WR plus the potentially forthcoming cuts in council cuts in Worcester.
I think First Group are under even more pressure to win the WCML franchise and they can't afford to loose the Scotrail Franchise either, NX Group have recruited Mary Grant to bid/operate the Scotrail franchise should their bid be successful. Mary was originally responsible for winning the Scotrail franchise for First Group & successfully grew the business
Oh god! If that is the case and Rotala do buy out Worcester (et al) no doubt we'll have more First rubbish being transferred to Kiddy mindshew I'm not completely slagging off First as the 3 long Darts that were ex-First (30930, VX54 MUC); (30931, VX54 MUO) and (30932, VX54 MUP) are absolutely fantastic and they run superbly even though they recently turned 9-years-old on 1st December so if a takeover does indeed happen then bring on more of them wonderful buses love them.
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 22, 2013, 11:15:09 AM
The 3/X3 certainly should not be running in pairs in the inward direction towards Kidderminster as the buses are evenly spaced from Areley Kings at 7/22/37/52 mins past the hour. However, towards Areley kings they run at 1/16/23/46 mins past the hour and 23 mins past is the X3 and so there is only a 7 minute gap which if the 16 past is running 5 late and the 23 slightly early then that would explain the bunching. I hope I'm looking at the right timetable though-it is the diamond kidderminster timetable booklet this is in...
No, no, you have the wrong idea I'm afraid!
The 3 route is terrible for traffic at peak times coming through Stourport, where the one way system causes problems, and especially on the Stourport road coming in to Kidderminster where it is normal for traffic to be at standstill moving very slowly for about a mile due to annoying traffic lights. The peak timetable doesn't accommodate for this and if one bus is held up in traffic then the one supposedly 15 mins behind catches up then there you go!
When First increased the frequency of the 3/X3 to every 12 mins in early 2012 it was even worse. I seriously saw four buses following each other around Areley Kings one day. It is not uncommon for there to be gaps of 30-40 mins in the timetable due to traffic, schools, etc.
Trust me, I use this route most days of the week and have been for the past 6 years!
An X3 following a 3 or vice-versa happens regularly.
Quote from: Will on December 22, 2013, 05:33:08 PM
Oh god! If that is the case and Rotala do buy out Worcester (et al) no doubt we'll have more First rubbish being transferred to Kiddy mindshew I'm not completely slagging off First as the 3 long Darts that were ex-First (30930, VX54 MUC); (30931, VX54 MUO) and (30932, VX54 MUP) are absolutely fantastic and they run superbly even though they recently turned 9-years-old on 1st December so if a takeover does indeed happen then bring on more of them wonderful buses love them.
Unfortunately the rest of that batch are with the potteries fleet...
Quote from: StourportSam on December 22, 2013, 07:49:41 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 22, 2013, 11:15:09 AM
The 3/X3 certainly should not be running in pairs in the inward direction towards Kidderminster as the buses are evenly spaced from Areley Kings at 7/22/37/52 mins past the hour. However, towards Areley kings they run at 1/16/23/46 mins past the hour and 23 mins past is the X3 and so there is only a 7 minute gap which if the 16 past is running 5 late and the 23 slightly early then that would explain the bunching. I hope I'm looking at the right timetable though-it is the diamond kidderminster timetable booklet this is in...
No, no, you have the wrong idea I'm afraid!
The 3 route is terrible for traffic at peak times coming through Stourport, where the one way system causes problems, and especially on the Stourport road coming in to Kidderminster where it is normal for traffic to be at standstill moving very slowly for about a mile due to annoying traffic lights. The peak timetable doesn't accommodate for this and if one bus is held up in traffic then the one supposedly 15 mins behind catches up then there you go!
When First increased the frequency of the 3/X3 to every 12 mins in early 2012 it was even worse. I seriously saw four buses following each other around Areley Kings one day. It is not uncommon for there to be gaps of 30-40 mins in the timetable due to traffic, schools, etc.
Trust me, I use this route most days of the week and have been for the past 6 years!
An X3 following a 3 or vice-versa happens regularly.
Must admit my theories were entirely based on the timetable and I hoped that what you describe isn't a regular occurrence but by the sounds of it it is... as you say the timetable doesnt allow for the peaks which is a big error.
Sorry Sam I certainly was not doubting your knowledge about the situation. I was just as someone not living in the area looking at the timetable to see what a big problem it is as there are fairly big gaps so this kind of thing really should not be happening. You highlight a good point though and that is the importance of local management who can see and respond quickly to the types of issues mentioned
Worcester's 3 x Darts from the same batch have been moved on to Potteries
Quote from: Will on December 22, 2013, 05:33:08 PM
Oh god! If that is the case and Rotala do buy out Worcester (et al) no doubt we'll have more First rubbish being transferred to Kiddy mindshew I'm not completely slagging off First as the 3 long Darts that were ex-First (30930, VX54 MUC); (30931, VX54 MUO) and (30932, VX54 MUP) are absolutely fantastic and they run superbly even though they recently turned 9-years-old on 1st December so if a takeover does indeed happen then bring on more of them wonderful buses love them.
Diamond fares for 2014 up on the website-lot of them frozen including Worcestershire and the day returns and the price of the daysaver cut by 30p!
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 19, 2013, 09:58:00 PM
Would have thought there is some money in it as a nice short route run at a high frequency. It has just been badly run over the past few years and gradually become unviable...
High frequency? it runs every 60 minutes
Quote from: Lukeee on December 23, 2013, 09:54:07 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 19, 2013, 09:58:00 PM
Would have thought there is some money in it as a nice short route run at a high frequency. It has just been badly run over the past few years and gradually become unviable...
High frequency? it runs every 60 minutes
DD means as its a short run it should be run at a high frequency
Quote from: Winston on December 23, 2013, 09:59:20 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on December 23, 2013, 09:54:07 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 19, 2013, 09:58:00 PM
Would have thought there is some money in it as a nice short route run at a high frequency. It has just been badly run over the past few years and gradually become unviable...
High frequency? it runs every 60 minutes
DD means as its a short run it should be run at a high frequency
Precisely
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 22, 2013, 11:15:09 AM
The 3/X3 certainly should not be running in pairs in the inward direction towards Kidderminster as the buses are evenly spaced from Areley Kings at 7/22/37/52 mins past the hour. However, towards Areley kings they run at 1/16/23/46 mins past the hour and 23 mins past is the X3 and so there is only a 7 minute gap which if the 16 past is running 5 late and the 23 slightly early then that would explain the bunching. I hope I'm looking at the right timetable though-it is the diamond kidderminster timetable booklet this is in...
today where unable to keep to times as the traffic in the wyre forest area was crazy . it as affecting all routes and operators do not know how long it was taking the X3 to get to Redditch because lunch time it was taking buses a hour just to get to Kidderminster from stourport , and my bus the 10 which comes from bewdley on the 2 was 50 mins let getting to Kidderminster suppose
it was the same all over the diamond area
is 20914 a transfer to Long Acre, only ask as its out on the 108
Does 647 service when it finishes go on
any other service as I saw it to day from
5 ways Heading Down Lee bank midleway
I'm surprised to see the 4M withdrawn from the 26.01.2014, and the 4H increased to every 15 minutes.
Good luck to Diamond with this on the 4H. I'd say with the 142 being diverted away from Dunstall Road / Hagley Road from the same date, this could be a success
I didn't know DIA were running any 71 trips?. I looked on the board in sutton which was displaying the services running (5,904/5) was they running evening 71 or was it an error ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 26, 2013, 11:21:27 PM
I didn't know DIA were running any 71 trips?. I looked on the board in sutton which was displaying the services running (5,904/5) was they running evening 71 or was it an error ?
Do you mean on Boxing Day or...
As Diamond has ran the 71 for a while has it goes Solihull to Sutton Coldfield.
Quote from: sonic84 on December 25, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
I'm surprised to see the 4M withdrawn from the 26.01.2014, and the 4H increased to every 15 minutes.
Good luck to Diamond with this on the 4H. I'd say with the 142 being diverted away from Dunstall Road / Hagley Road from the same date, this could be a success
If I'm reading the NWM Diamond changes correctly, with the withdrawal of the 4M and reduction in frequency of the 4, there will now be a Diamond 4 / 4H every 7.5 mins, which will mean be an overall reduction against NXWM's every 6 mins.
Interesting that the 142 will now exit Halesowen via the same line of route as the Diamond 4H & NXWM 244 (part of). Those changes will leave the Hagley Rd with a 15 min service to Halesowen but the only one back is Whittle's 192 hourly service
Quote from: Winston on December 26, 2013, 11:52:22 PM
Quote from: sonic84 on December 25, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
I'm surprised to see the 4M withdrawn from the 26.01.2014, and the 4H increased to every 15 minutes.
Good luck to Diamond with this on the 4H. I'd say with the 142 being diverted away from Dunstall Road / Hagley Road from the same date, this could be a success
If I'm reading the NWM Diamond changes correctly, with the withdrawal of the 4M and reduction in frequency of the 4, there will now be a Diamond 4 / 4H every 7.5 mins, which will mean be an overall reduction against NXWM's every 6 mins.
Interesting that the 142 will now exit Halesowen via the same line of route as the Diamond 4H & NXWM 244 (part of). Those changes will leave the Hagley Rd with a 15 min service to Halesowen but the only one back is Whittle's 192 hourly service
Hi Winston, The service change for the 26th January 2014 will mean the residents of the Hayley Green loop will now receive an improved frequency of every 15 minutes with the 4H service. Although some of the 142 service has been cut out around Hayley Green we have ensured that its still served by our 4H service and anybody wanting the section previously served by the 142 in the direction of Stourbridge will now have to catch the 4H towards Hayley Green which will cover it's current line of route heading towards Halesowen serving the stops which were once served by the 142.
Regards,
Ash (diamond bus).
From my bedroom window just saw an Eclipse on the 002.
Quote from: sonic84 on December 25, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
I'm surprised to see the 4M withdrawn from the 26.01.2014, and the 4H increased to every 15 minutes.
Good luck to Diamond with this on the 4H. I'd say with the 142 being diverted away from Dunstall Road / Hagley Road from the same date, this could be a success
It is a shame the 4M is being withdrawn as the service seems to do very well and withdrawing it would be eroding the diamond network. Upping the frequency of the 4H could be a good plan as diamond seem to do well on this corridor to Halesowen-possibly as well as if not better than NX. Good luck to them :)
And do you work for Diamond Bus Ash?
Looks like the 42 is being cut back as well and is no longer going to Dudley...
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 27, 2013, 11:57:16 AM
Quote from: sonic84 on December 25, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
I'm surprised to see the 4M withdrawn from the 26.01.2014, and the 4H increased to every 15 minutes.
Good luck to Diamond with this on the 4H. I'd say with the 142 being diverted away from Dunstall Road / Hagley Road from the same date, this could be a success
It is a shame the 4M is being withdrawn as the service seems to do very well and withdrawing it would be eroding the diamond network. Upping the frequency of the 4H could be a good plan as diamond seem to do well on this corridor to Halesowen-possibly as well as if not better than NX. Good luck to them :)
And do you work for Diamond Bus Ash?
wonder if they will ever extend one of the Halesowen routes down to Kidderminster in compition with whittles.
Quote from: bewminster on December 27, 2013, 12:58:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 27, 2013, 11:57:16 AM
Quote from: sonic84 on December 25, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
I'm surprised to see the 4M withdrawn from the 26.01.2014, and the 4H increased to every 15 minutes.
Good luck to Diamond with this on the 4H. I'd say with the 142 being diverted away from Dunstall Road / Hagley Road from the same date, this could be a success
It is a shame the 4M is being withdrawn as the service seems to do very well and withdrawing it would be eroding the diamond network. Upping the frequency of the 4H could be a good plan as diamond seem to do well on this corridor to Halesowen-possibly as well as if not better than NX. Good luck to them :)
And do you work for Diamond Bus Ash?
wonder if they will ever extend one of the Halesowen routes down to Kidderminster in compition with whittles.
Doubt it. The 192 isn't commercially viable on its own let alone with competition.
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 27, 2013, 12:10:41 PM
Looks like the 42 is being cut back as well and is no longer going to Dudley...
Diamond's 42 is being replaced by new 42A/C circular services round Great Bridge and Tipton.
http://networkwestmidlands.com/bus/servicechanges/ServiceChangesPages/26January2014.aspx
There is no change to NXWM's 42 service.
Does anybody know how much an adult single is on the 146 from Redditch to Birmingham?
£3.70 last time i checked, should be £3.70 on all the former First routes for a 'max' single
Quote from: jc on December 29, 2013, 10:51:40 AM
£3.70 last time i checked, should be £3.70 on all the former First routes for a 'max' single
Thank You jc that has helped :)
What was the reg of the x Wessex single decker
that us on the 4 today
30826 and 30942 on the 002 today
Quote from: Solo1 on December 30, 2013, 03:27:36 PM
What was the reg of the x Wessex single decker
that us on the 4 today
Was it an mpd? If so, it could be X183BNH or KU52YJZ
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 30, 2013, 07:10:46 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on December 30, 2013, 03:27:36 PM
What was the reg of the x Wessex single decker
that us on the 4 today
Was it an mpd? If so, it could be X183BNH or KU52YJZ
X183BNH was on the 4 today, rode it from Walsall - Sandwell Hosp then got the 5
Does anyone know what is with the cadets at Long Acre?
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 31, 2013, 06:56:22 PM
Does anyone know what is with the cadets at Long Acre?
How many are currently there then ? Only seen 1
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 31, 2013, 08:49:42 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 31, 2013, 06:56:22 PM
Does anyone know what is with the cadets at Long Acre?
How many are currently there then ? Only seen 1
One was also reported on the 99
Sorry that was unclear-one was reported on the LA 99 which serves Acocks Green
30832 on the 002 today along with 30825
I'm hoping rotala intake of ex Transdev B7RLE's are for Diamond. Don't suppose anybody knows where in the Rotala empire they are headed do they?
Quote from: Ashley on January 02, 2014, 10:56:41 PM
I'm hoping rotala intake of ex Transdev B7RLE's are for Diamond. Don't suppose anybody knows where in the Rotala empire they are headed do they?
Simon, has confirmed that they are for WM garage, but not which one yet. So they should be for Diamond at least
Thanks Winston :)
Glad to see diamond network ticket is now available on the 202 and you don't have to buy some cross boundary ticket, according to their website
Has diamond still got the blue mcv that was
on 16 & 50 services
All the MCV's on the 4 and 16 were exported to New Zeland in 2012. The Nifty 50 has had Centros
Quote from: Ashley on January 06, 2014, 08:12:11 PM
All the MCV's on the 4 and 16 were exported to New Zeland in 2012. The Nifty 50 has had Centros
Think Solo1 means the MCV bodied E200 Dart?
Quote from: Nathan on January 06, 2014, 08:14:26 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 06, 2014, 08:12:11 PM
All the MCV's on the 4 and 16 were exported to New Zeland in 2012. The Nifty 50 has had Centros
Think Solo1 means the MCV bodied E200 Dart?
30111? It is no longer on the Diamond Fleetlist
All the same Diamond don't have any MCV's in the main fleet. Flights and Airparks still have them on BIA work. Or am i just talking rubbish like always?
Quote from: John on January 06, 2014, 08:16:23 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 06, 2014, 08:14:26 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 06, 2014, 08:12:11 PM
All the MCV's on the 4 and 16 were exported to New Zeland in 2012. The Nifty 50 has had Centros
Think Solo1 means the MCV bodied E200 Dart?
30111? It is no longer on the Diamond Fleetlist
Might be but I only ever briefly saw it on the 226
Quote from: Ashley on January 06, 2014, 08:18:35 PM
All the same Diamond don't have any MCV's in the main fleet. Flights and Airparks still have them on BIA work. Or am i just talking rubbish like always?
Airparks did use MCV's on BIA work Ashley they mainly use the King Longs on the AS1 & AS2 now I haven't seen an MCV on the AS1 or AS2 for a while now :)
Quote from: Solo1 on January 06, 2014, 07:53:31 PM
Has diamond still got the blue mcv that was
on 16 & 50 services
I last caught it on the 16 a few months ago, and have not seen it since. Given it is no longer on the fleetlist, I think it may have departed.
Quote from: Matt on January 06, 2014, 09:04:32 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on January 06, 2014, 07:53:31 PM
Has diamond still got the blue mcv that was
on 16 & 50 services
I last caught it on the 16 a few months ago, and have not seen it since. Given it is no longer on the fleetlist, I think it may have departed.
Sold to New Zealand-rotala still have some MCV bodied e200s down at Heathrow for BA staff shuttle work
Diamond new Coventry depot is Oban rd so I
was told what are they having for the 360
service
20518 out in Redditch today working the 57
New aquisition MX06 MZD on the 72 from The Clock to town at 21:00
Quote from: broma1k on January 13, 2014, 09:47:05 PM
New aquisition MX06 MZD on the 72 from The Clock to town at 21:00
That's out and about fast. In diamond blue livery I take it?
Quote from: broma1k on January 13, 2014, 09:47:05 PM
New aquisition MX06 MZD on the 72 from The Clock to town at 21:00
MX08MZD
Slip of the finger on the reg & yes it's in Blue.I also saw it at the depot on trade plates last week.
PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 09-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on January 14, 2014, 03:21:04 PM
PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 09-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
Wonder what this could be? This service seems to have more timetable alterations than any other I can think of...
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 14, 2014, 07:03:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 14, 2014, 03:21:04 PM
PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 09-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
Wonder what this could be? This service seems to have more timetable alterations than any other I can think of...
PD0001374/43 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between BROWNHILLS WEST and BIRMINGHAM given service number 56 effective from 09-Mar-2014. To amend Stopping Places.
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 09-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 09-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
Maybe the timetable amendmant of the 002 is in response to Green Bus launching the Green Bus 22?
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2014, 07:38:38 PM
Maybe the timetable amendmant of the 002 is in response to Green Bus launching the Green Bus 22?
I knew somebody would say that. That would be a very quick response... it is more likely unrelated
Quote from: Matt on January 14, 2014, 07:55:19 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2014, 07:38:38 PM
Maybe the timetable amendmant of the 002 is in response to Green Bus launching the Green Bus 22?
I knew somebody would say that. That would be a very quick response... it is more likely unrelated
I doubt it. Maybe the frequency is being upped to deter competition or possibly even an evening or Sunday service?
Quote from: Winston on January 14, 2014, 07:30:07 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 14, 2014, 07:03:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 14, 2014, 03:21:04 PM
PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 09-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
Wonder what this could be? This service seems to have more timetable alterations than any other I can think of...
PD0001374/43 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between BROWNHILLS WEST and BIRMINGHAM given service number 56 effective from 09-Mar-2014. To amend Stopping Places.
Would this be in Birmingham or in the Aston/Newtown section ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on January 13, 2014, 03:30:04 PM
20518 out in Redditch today working the 57
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/11954293083/
Two 142s running together this afternoon, never seen that before
Quote from: Matt on January 15, 2014, 06:49:44 PM
Two 142s running together this afternoon, never seen that before
The traffic must have been awful to have two 30 min frequency services running together??!! Was there an accident or something over that way?
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 15, 2014, 07:17:12 PM
Quote from: Matt on January 15, 2014, 06:49:44 PM
Two 142s running together this afternoon, never seen that before
The traffic must have been awful to have two 30 min frequency services running together??!! Was there an accident or something over that way?
Or roadworks?
20518 back on 226's today
BX09 SJO repainted into the Blue Livery.
Quote from: Nathan4775 on January 20, 2014, 03:57:58 PM
BX09 SJO repainted into the Blue Livery.
Must have been the one I saw on there. I thought it was 'YN08 NXL' again. The number was on the front display (I thought it had been reprogrammed)
Quote from: John on January 20, 2014, 05:48:00 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on January 20, 2014, 03:57:58 PM
BX09 SJO repainted into the Blue Livery.
Must have been the one I saw on there. I thought it was 'YN08 NXL' again. The number was on the front display (I thought it had been reprogrammed)
tried to get a picture but set the camera on the wrong settings ::), but I thought the same till i seen the leather seats and Royal Black Diamond Adverts must say it looks very smart
Had more problems on the S2/S4 today. The 4:12 never turned up and there was an Enviro 200 on the 17:38 from Solihull Station. There was also an old Solo on the S3. Signature to be frankly honest are doing pretty bad at the moment on the S2 and S4. I had the 15:12 not turn up last week as one of the Solo SRs had broken down again and that's not the first time; also on 14th January at 09:38 they had another breakdown on the S2. On the 13th Jan they had a breakdown on the S3 and on 13th December the 15:38 had broken down as well. The Optares are useless regarding reliability by the looks of things; the doors won't open or close at times and the number of breakdowns I've read on the facebook page regarding the 82 is endless! One of the drivers told me they were completely useless and hated them; only ones he liked were the Mercs which is no surprise!
today two 53's were running together, something ive not seen before
Optares I not like the door problem is contionous took like 15 seconds before it would budge open
Even last week was waiting for a s3 but it had broken down lol
Even other buses have issues like centros which sound poorly maintained and I seen on their dashboards like the check light on and even once engine temperature was in red
Quote from: vinh1000 on January 21, 2014, 08:53:42 AMOptares I not like the door problem is contionous took like 15 seconds before it would budge open Even last week was waiting for a s3 but it had broken down lol Even other buses have issues like centros which sound poorly maintained and I seen on their dashboards like the check light on and even once engine temperature was in red
I have never been on a diamond centro which sounds poorly maintained, whatever that sounds like... And I think Optares are just unreliable generally as opposed to how diamond have maintained them, as other operators have had similar issues.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 05:49:39 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on January 21, 2014, 08:53:42 AMOptares I not like the door problem is contionous took like 15 seconds before it would budge open Even last week was waiting for a s3 but it had broken down lol Even other buses have issues like centros which sound poorly maintained and I seen on their dashboards like the check light on and even once engine temperature was in red
I have never been on a diamond centro which sounds poorly maintained, whatever that sounds like... And I think Optares are just unreliable generally as opposed to how diamond have maintained them, as other operators have had similar issues.
I must say 30825 has been sounding quite dodgy for a while, from the outside at least
Where is 30408 (PO58 KPY) allocated to?
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:17:13 PM
Where is 30408 (PO58 KPY) allocated to?
Not sure but it has certainly been at Long Acre since coming back from paint-haven't seen it in service though
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:18:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:17:13 PM
Where is 30408 (PO58 KPY) allocated to?
Not sure but it has certainly been at Long Acre since coming back from paint-haven't seen it in service though
I've never even seen it myself. All I know is that it is an East Lance (Optare) looking at the fleet list. Does anyone have any photos of it.
I presume the recently acquired B7RLE's from Transdev are allocated to Tividale?
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:21:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:18:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:17:13 PM
Where is 30408 (PO58 KPY) allocated to?
Not sure but it has certainly been at Long Acre since coming back from paint-haven't seen it in service though
I've never even seen it myself. All I know is that it is an East Lance (Optare) looking at the fleet list. Does anyone have any photos of it.
I have seen it and it looks great. Here is a photo of it operating in Kent. http://www.flickr.com/photos/41244661@N02/8688162875/
I presume the recently acquired B7RLE's from Transdev are allocated to Tividale?
I would like to see that in the flesh in Diamond Livery :) Would there ever be a possibility of this transferring over to Tividale?
Don't suppose you will have to wait long as many of the acquired b7rles are in service-maybe someone could complete the list.
30406 in service and has been for a while
30407 painted at Tividale but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30408 painted at Long Acre but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30409 in service
30410
30411 in service
30412
30413
Which services has 30406 operated? I have seen photos/reports of it on the 56 but not any other route. Has it done 002's yet? I really do have to get out and ride home diamond abuse this weekend ;)
Btw thanks for the info Peter :) Very much appreciated :)
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:43:22 PM
Which services has 30406 operated? I have seen photos/reports of it on the 56 but not any other route. Has it done 002's yet? I really do have to get out and ride home diamond abuse this weekend ;)
Btw thanks for the info Peter :) Very much appreciated :)
I think YN08NXL's first outings were on the 002, DiamondDart & Matt have both reported it
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:43:22 PM
Which services has 30406 operated? I have seen photos/reports of it on the 56 but not any other route. Has it done 002's yet? I really do have to get out and ride home diamond abuse this weekend ;)
Btw thanks for the info Peter :) Very much appreciated :)
30406 has done 002's-first reported by Matt or trainbasher I think so they can take the credit for it, then I rode it the day after. It has also done the X3/3 and 57/58 so for a bus in service less than a month, 3/4 Diamond garages isn't bad!
No worries Nathan :)
Quote from: Winston on January 21, 2014, 10:47:08 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:43:22 PM
Which services has 30406 operated? I have seen photos/reports of it on the 56 but not any other route. Has it done 002's yet? I really do have to get out and ride home diamond abuse this weekend ;)
Btw thanks for the info Peter :) Very much appreciated :)
I think YN08NXL's first outings were on the 002, DiamondDart & Matt have both reported it
Thanks for that :) I must have missed the post ;D I need to catch up with all the happenings at Tividale as I haven't
payed much attention recently. I've been focusing on the happenings of NXWM WN Garage ;)
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 21, 2014, 10:47:08 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 10:43:22 PM
Which services has 30406 operated? I have seen photos/reports of it on the 56 but not any other route. Has it done 002's yet? I really do have to get out and ride home diamond abuse this weekend ;)
Btw thanks for the info Peter :) Very much appreciated :)
I think YN08NXL's first outings were on the 002, DiamondDart & Matt have both reported it
Thanks for that :) I must have missed the post ;D I need to catch up with all the happenings at Tividale as I haven't
played much attention recently. I've been focusing on he happenings of NXWM WN Garage ;)
Main happenings are the new eclipses into service, the repaint of the royale and a few vehicles VOR ie 30808 and 20602 etc
So 30808 is VOR again then? Is it the same problem as last time or another fault? :) As I said thank you very much for answer in my questions :)
Ps. Sorry for the 1001 questions btw
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 11:04:29 PM
So 30808 is VOR again then? Is it the same problem as last time or another fault? :) As I said thank you very much for answer in my questions :)
Ps. Sorry for the 1001 questions btw
It's fine!-I don't know exactly why, but it is parked up with the front panel (ie the one that says DIAMOND) not on. This seems to be the case with a lot of VOR vehicles-presumably if they were towed there? Or is that not to do with it?
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:40:11 PM
Don't suppose you will have to wait long as many of the acquired b7rles are in service-maybe someone could complete the list.
30406 in service and has been for a while
30407 painted at Tividale but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30408 painted at Long Acre but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30409 in service
30410
30411 in service
30412
30413
30410 was on the 56 today (photo will appear on the main site in the next 30 minutes)
Quote from: Tony on January 22, 2014, 09:36:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:40:11 PM
Don't suppose you will have to wait long as many of the acquired b7rles are in service-maybe someone could complete the list.
30406 in service and has been for a while
30407 painted at Tividale but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30408 painted at Long Acre but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30409 in service
30410
30411 in service
30412
30413
30410 was on the 56 today (photo will appear on the main site in the next 30 minutes)
Thanks for putting the photo up. Is it me or do the logos on the side look bigger than on the other eclipses? I think the logos look far neater on all the other eclipses which have just entered service
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 23, 2014, 02:13:58 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 22, 2014, 09:36:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:40:11 PM
Don't suppose you will have to wait long as many of the acquired b7rles are in service-maybe someone could complete the list.
30406 in service and has been for a while
30407 painted at Tividale but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30408 painted at Long Acre but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30409 in service
30410
30411 in service
30412
30413
30410 was on the 56 today (photo will appear on the main site in the next 30 minutes)
Thanks for putting the photo up. Is it me or do the logos on the side look bigger than on the other eclipses? I think the logos look far neater on all the other eclipses which have just entered service
No its not you, I clocked that as well. That one has bigger logo's on the front & side compared with other repaints of the same type
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:27:59 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 23, 2014, 02:13:58 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 22, 2014, 09:36:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:40:11 PM
Don't suppose you will have to wait long as many of the acquired b7rles are in service-maybe someone could complete the list.
30406 in service and has been for a while
30407 painted at Tividale but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30408 painted at Long Acre but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30409 in service
30410
30411 in service
30412
30413
30410 was on the 56 today (photo will appear on the main site in the next 30 minutes)
Thanks for putting the photo up. Is it me or do the logos on the side look bigger than on the other eclipses? I think the logos look far neater on all the other eclipses which have just entered service
No its not you, I clocked that as well. That one has bigger logo's on the front & side compared with other repaints of the same type
Doesn't look quite as good does it for some reason
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 23, 2014, 11:46:03 AM
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:27:59 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 23, 2014, 02:13:58 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 22, 2014, 09:36:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:40:11 PM
Don't suppose you will have to wait long as many of the acquired b7rles are in service-maybe someone could complete the list.
30406 in service and has been for a while
30407 painted at Tividale but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30408 painted at Long Acre but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30409 in service
30410
30411 in service
30412
30413
30410 was on the 56 today (photo will appear on the main site in the next 30 minutes)
Thanks for putting the photo up. Is it me or do the logos on the side look bigger than on the other eclipses? I think the logos look far neater on all the other eclipses which have just entered service
No its not you, I clocked that as well. That one has bigger logo's on the front & side compared with other repaints of the same type
Doesn't look quite as good does it for some reason
No, the side logo's particularly are a bit OTT, they overlap on the skirt panels. Where the one's on the other Eclipses don't
I agree but I forget which cadet it was but one of them that had half the black diamond logos missing recently had a DIAMOND one fitted on each side which looks smarter
MPD 20856 LG02FFJ is now reported at GHA Coaches with rear end accident damage, not sure whether for spares or repair
Has 20427 been sold to Select or is it on loan? Has been on 878's all week with full Diamond livery and mud and front fleetname changed
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:37:01 PM
MPD 20856 LG02FFJ is now reported at GHA Coaches with rear end accident damage, not sure whether for spares or repair
That's interesting so thanks for reporting that. 20856 didn't look too bad but the chassis was probably distorted with the damage to the rear offside
Quote from: Ashley on January 24, 2014, 10:45:55 AM
Has 20427 been sold to Select or is it on loan? Has been on 878's all week with full Diamond livery and mud and front fleetname changed
Shame if it has been as it is in far better condition than 30428 and is a nice bus. Shame to lose another longer bus as well...
Quote from: Tony on January 22, 2014, 09:36:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:40:11 PM
Don't suppose you will have to wait long as many of the acquired b7rles are in service-maybe someone could complete the list.
30406 in service and has been for a while
30407 painted at Tividale but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30408 painted at Long Acre but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30409 in service
30410
30411 in service
30412
30407 on the 50 today
http://wmbusphotos.com/centralConnect/30407.html
30413
30410 was on the 56 today (photo will appear on the main site in the next 30 minutes)
Quote from: Tony on January 24, 2014, 09:47:27 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 22, 2014, 09:36:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2014, 10:40:11 PM
Don't suppose you will have to wait long as many of the acquired b7rles are in service-maybe someone could complete the list.
30406 in service and has been for a while
30407 painted at Tividale but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30408 painted at Long Acre but hasn't been seen out in service yet
30409 in service
30410
30411 in service
30412
30407 on the 50 today
http://wmbusphotos.com/centralConnect/30407.html
30413
30410 was on the 56 today (photo will appear on the main site in the next 30 minutes)
That is strange though these eclipses on the 50 would make a massive difference, with more branding for fares etc which will hopefully be coming fairly soon
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 24, 2014, 04:51:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:37:01 PM
MPD 20856 LG02FFJ is now reported at GHA Coaches with rear end accident damage, not sure whether for spares or repair
That's interesting so thanks for reporting that. 20856 didn't look too bad but the chassis was probably distorted with the damage to the rear offside
GHA have been known for buying accident damaged buses in the past & repairing/returning them to service
Quote from: Winston on January 24, 2014, 11:49:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 24, 2014, 04:51:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:37:01 PM
MPD 20856 LG02FFJ is now reported at GHA Coaches with rear end accident damage, not sure whether for spares or repair
That's interesting so thanks for reporting that. 20856 didn't look too bad but the chassis was probably distorted with the damage to the rear offside
GHA have been known for buying accident damaged buses in the past & repairing/returning them to service
I guess a fairly good value way to acquire modern secondhand buses
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 12:03:04 AM
Quote from: Winston on January 24, 2014, 11:49:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 24, 2014, 04:51:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:37:01 PM
MPD 20856 LG02FFJ is now reported at GHA Coaches with rear end accident damage, not sure whether for spares or repair
That's interesting so thanks for reporting that. 20856 didn't look too bad but the chassis was probably distorted with the damage to the rear offside
GHA have been known for buying accident damaged buses in the past & repairing/returning them to service
I guess a fairly good value way to acquire modern secondhand buses
Some they use for spares, some they repair. It was GHA that pipped Rotala to the 4 x E300's being sold by Heaton's in Wigan
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 12:09:36 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 12:03:04 AM
Quote from: Winston on January 24, 2014, 11:49:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 24, 2014, 04:51:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:37:01 PM
MPD 20856 LG02FFJ is now reported at GHA Coaches with rear end accident damage, not sure whether for spares or repair
That's interesting so thanks for reporting that. 20856 didn't look too bad but the chassis was probably distorted with the damage to the rear offside
GHA have been known for buying accident damaged buses in the past & repairing/returning them to service
I guess a fairly good value way to acquire modern secondhand buses
Some they use for spares, some they repair. It was GHA that pipped Rotala to the 4 x E300's being sold by Heaton's in Wigan
They bought ex veolia centros as well if memory serves which were in a state...
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 12:15:08 AM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 12:09:36 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 12:03:04 AM
Quote from: Winston on January 24, 2014, 11:49:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 24, 2014, 04:51:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:37:01 PM
MPD 20856 LG02FFJ is now reported at GHA Coaches with rear end accident damage, not sure whether for spares or repair
That's interesting so thanks for reporting that. 20856 didn't look too bad but the chassis was probably distorted with the damage to the rear offside
GHA have been known for buying accident damaged buses in the past & repairing/returning them to service
I guess a fairly good value way to acquire modern secondhand buses
Some they use for spares, some they repair. It was GHA that pipped Rotala to the 4 x E300's being sold by Heaton's in Wigan
They bought ex veolia centros as well if memory serves which were in a state...
I think they bought a couple for Bryn Melyn CN57EFC/D, plus GHA have the pair of ex Travel Yourbus DAF/Plaxton Prestige 1396/7 R396/7XDA, ex Travel Ludlows DAF/Ikarus T164AUA & numerous ex NXWM S/T-reg Optare Solo's
Quote from: Ashley on January 24, 2014, 10:45:55 AM
Has 20427 been sold to Select or is it on loan? Has been on 878's all week with full Diamond livery and mud and front fleetname changed
http://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/12134256556/in/photostream/
The Esteem is on the 4M today
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
Thanks for the update Tony. It's just 30412/3 that haven't entered service yet then, or am I wrong?
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Photo will be on the main site later. Not the best. The weather has changed since I came out this morning
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:59:30 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Photo will be on the main site later. Not the best. The weather has changed since I came out this morning
Brilliant-looking forward to that. Does the blue livery suit the esteem or does the bodywork still look a bit ugly?
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:59:30 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Photo will be on the main site later. Not the best. The weather has changed since I came out this morning
Internally on the Ensign photo's they looked smart, externally the Esteem bodywork looks a bit naff & bulky.
Can't believe it's been thundering in Jan..... :o
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 03:12:49 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:59:30 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Photo will be on the main site later. Not the best. The weather has changed since I came out this morning
Internally on the Ensign photo's they looked smart, externally the Esteem bodywork looks a bit naff & bulky.
Can't believe it's been thundering in Jan..... :o
Yeah the interiors looked fine but the headroom was possibly a bit lacking at the back but then again plaxton centro's aren't great when it comes to that and even headroom on eclipses can feel a bit limited at the back in places.
The esteem arguably looks better on the scania chassis like preston bus have but maybe it was more designed for that as opposed to for the b7rle?
Has it really?!
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 03:17:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 03:12:49 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:59:30 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Photo will be on the main site later. Not the best. The weather has changed since I came out this morning
Internally on the Ensign photo's they looked smart, externally the Esteem bodywork looks a bit naff & bulky.
Can't believe it's been thundering in Jan..... :o
Yeah the interiors looked fine but the headroom was possibly a bit lacking at the back but then again plaxton centro's aren't great when it comes to that and even headroom on eclipses can feel a bit limited at the back in places.
The esteem arguably looks better on the scania chassis like preston bus have but maybe it was more designed for that as opposed to for the b7rle?
Has it really?!
If you compare the B7RLE & Scania Esteems (both in offside shots), it's noticeable that the window line on the B7RLE is higher, so of which has been taken up belwo the headlights in the front lower panels. Also the Preson Bus examples have more black to make the windscreen/windows look deeper & the the bodywork between the cab & passenger windows has been painted black to goo effect
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0-uJPNJSeQ/TWWdDENbqUI/AAAAAAAAEvU/nHhyXqrW2ps/s1600/pb_1.png
http://www.thebusgallery.co.uk/p973835095/h6EBFFF1C#h6ebfff1c
Sure have, hail, thunder & lightening in Kingswinford
Where did you see it tony and which direction.
Last time I caught that Optare it was back in August 2009!!
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Here it is at Merry Hill earlier
http://wmbusphotos.com/centralConnect/30408.html
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 07:50:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Here it is at Merry Hill earlier
http://wmbusphotos.com/centralConnect/30408.html
It does look smart in allover blue. A lot better than its previous livery with Kent Top Travel
Quote from: John on January 25, 2014, 07:56:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 07:50:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Here it is at Merry Hill earlier
http://wmbusphotos.com/centralConnect/30408.html
It does look smart in allover blue. A lot better than its previous livery with Kent Top Travel
I totally agree with that John! ;)
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 03:35:03 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 03:17:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 03:12:49 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:59:30 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 25, 2014, 02:41:41 PM
The Esteem is on the 4M today
How does it look in allover blue? Did you manage to get a picture of it?
Photo will be on the main site later. Not the best. The weather has changed since I came out this morning
Internally on the Ensign photo's they looked smart, externally the Esteem bodywork looks a bit naff & bulky.
Can't believe it's been thundering in Jan..... :o
Yeah the interiors looked fine but the headroom was possibly a bit lacking at the back but then again plaxton centro's aren't great when it comes to that and even headroom on eclipses can feel a bit limited at the back in places.
The esteem arguably looks better on the scania chassis like preston bus have but maybe it was more designed for that as opposed to for the b7rle?
Has it really?!
If you compare the B7RLE & Scania Esteems (both in offside shots), it's noticeable that the window line on the B7RLE is higher, so of which has been taken up belwo the headlights in the front lower panels. Also the Preson Bus examples have more black to make the windscreen/windows look deeper & the the bodywork between the cab & passenger windows has been painted black to goo effect
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0-uJPNJSeQ/TWWdDENbqUI/AAAAAAAAEvU/nHhyXqrW2ps/s1600/pb_1.png
http://www.thebusgallery.co.uk/p973835095/h6EBFFF1C#h6ebfff1c
Sure have, hail, thunder & lightening in Kingswinford
That is true-I reckon they should have painted the area behind the cab and behind the emergency door black but other than that it looks very smart and thanks to Tony for the photo.
Who would have thought the north east could have better weather than the Midlands :P
I imagine most people are aware of this already but if not, http://diamondbuses.com/news/NewDiamondValuefareslaunchedintheBlackCountry_178.html
reveals an exciting new fares promotion which could help to boost a number of diamond's commercial black country services. It is nice to see returns on the 42/43 and actually being advertised on the 40. We just need them advertised on buses then job done!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12140545524/ one of the centro's now in the new lvery
Quote from: Solo1 on January 25, 2014, 09:58:33 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12140545524/ one of the centro's now in the new lvery
Thanks for posting that Solo1 so now we know 2 royale's are repainted. Looking at your photostream as well 30412 is now in service, meaning just 30413 is yet to enter service :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 10:03:37 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on January 25, 2014, 09:58:33 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12140545524/ one of the centro's now in the new lvery
Thanks for posting that Solo1 so now we know 2 royale's are repainted. Looking at your photostream as well 30412 is now in service, meaning just 30413 is yet to enter service :)
That one has the large overpowering Diamond logo's down the side as well, it's as though they are getting painted at two different places. I prefer the smaller more subtle sized logo's on most of the ex Transdev B7RLE's
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 10:33:09 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 10:03:37 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on January 25, 2014, 09:58:33 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12140545524/ one of the centro's now in the new lvery
Thanks for posting that Solo1 so now we know 2 royale's are repainted. Looking at your photostream as well 30412 is now in service, meaning just 30413 is yet to enter service :)
That one has the large overpowering Diamond logo's down the side as well, it's as though they are getting painted at two different places. I prefer the smaller more subtle sized logo's on most of the ex Transdev B7RLE's
It does and I also prefer the smaller logos as they look smarter. It must make replacing bits of logos more difficult if they are of various sizes. I would like to see some standardisation as currently there are eclipses missing bits of logos...
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 10:44:22 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 25, 2014, 10:33:09 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 25, 2014, 10:03:37 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on January 25, 2014, 09:58:33 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12140545524/ one of the centro's now in the new lvery
Thanks for posting that Solo1 so now we know 2 royale's are repainted. Looking at your photostream as well 30412 is now in service, meaning just 30413 is yet to enter service :)
That one has the large overpowering Diamond logo's down the side as well, it's as though they are getting painted at two different places. I prefer the smaller more subtle sized logo's on most of the ex Transdev B7RLE's
It does and I also prefer the smaller logos as they look smarter. It must make replacing bits of logos more difficult if they are of various sizes. I would like to see some standardisation as currently there are eclipses missing bits of logos...
The smaller logo's are better as on the Eclispe's they don't overlap on to the skirt panels which are more prone to accident damage than most
Question, sorry if it's a bit off topic guys but I've seen one or two diamond vehicles displaying V.O.R. on the blind. What does it mean??
Quote from: X94 on January 26, 2014, 09:57:15 AM
Question, sorry if it's a bit off topic guys but I've seen one or two diamond vehicles displaying V.O.R. on the blind. What does it mean??
VOR = "Vehicle Off Road"
Some people have seen this used when a vehicle is going back to depot, possibly to indicate there is a fault with it.
Noticed the 16 is I think all hybrid today not something you see often :)
Quote from: vinh1000 on January 26, 2014, 01:40:05 PM
Noticed the 16 is I think all hybrid today not something you see often :)
The 16 is fully hybrid every Sunday in my observation, and the 50 is fully hybrid/normal Versas
Quote from: Matt on January 26, 2014, 01:43:53 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on January 26, 2014, 01:40:05 PM
Noticed the 16 is I think all hybrid today not something you see often :)
The 16 is fully hybrid every Sunday in my observation, and the 50 is fully hybrid/normal Versas
I see other buses eg MPDs or centros on the 50 on Sundays as well. The 27 is often signature SR solos on a sunday...
Quote from: Stu on January 26, 2014, 10:14:03 AM
Quote from: X94 on January 26, 2014, 09:57:15 AM
Question, sorry if it's a bit off topic guys but I've seen one or two diamond vehicles displaying V.O.R. on the blind. What does it mean??
VOR = "Vehicle Off Road"
Some people have seen this used when a vehicle is going back to depot, possibly to indicate there is a fault with it.
Also displayed on paper signs put in the windows of buses off the road either temporarily due to a fault or on buses withdrawn to indicate that they are not to be taken out in service. It is a good idea as it stops buses with faults being taken out and indicates which buses need attention.
Quote from: Matt on January 26, 2014, 01:43:53 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on January 26, 2014, 01:40:05 PM
Noticed the 16 is I think all hybrid today not something you see often :)
The 16 is fully hybrid every Sunday in my observation, and the 50 is fully hybrid/normal Versas
50 had 2 darts on that ive seen
16 had a dart on last week i remembrer
does anyone else think these would be a good buy for the 50 &/or 16? high spec buses not badly priced and a good size, plus buy the photos seem to have a good batch of them?
Quote from: dannygill on January 26, 2014, 08:01:51 PM
does anyone else think these would be a good buy for the 50 &/or 16? high spec buses not badly priced and a good size, plus buy the photos seem to have a good batch of them?
What would be a good buy?
Quote from: dannygill on January 26, 2014, 08:01:51 PM
does anyone else think these would be a good buy for the 50 &/or 16? high spec buses not badly priced and a good size, plus buy the photos seem to have a good batch of them?
Are you talking about the ex Transdev B7RLE? I thought they would be good on the 50, as they offer something different to NXWM & TGB double deckers
If so, those that were for sale at Southdown PSV have already been sold, and it since looks as though Transdev will also buying & retaining a handful of them
Just so I can keep on top of things,
How many Royale Centro B7RLE's have been painted i into current fleet livery? I know 30822 has but I am sure there is another one
Quote from: Nathan on January 26, 2014, 08:50:57 PM
Just so I can keep on top of things,
How many Royale Centro B7RLE's have been painted i into current fleet livery? I know 30822 has but I am sure there is another one
30821 & 30822
Diamond buses to re introduce an every 15 minute service on route 4 west brom walsall on a sunday
Introduce 30 min frequency on 002 on a sunday
There will be a new x31 serivce in coventry off peak m-f
And the 56 will be non stop between perry barr and city
All I say is wow n good luck
Quote from: dannygill on January 26, 2014, 08:01:51 PM
does anyone else think these would be a good buy for the 50 &/or 16? high spec buses not badly priced and a good size, plus buy the photos seem to have a good batch of them?
Sorry forgot to add this link http://www.plaxtoncoachsales.co.uk/vehicle-lists optare versa with leather seats 59500
Quote from: dannygill on January 27, 2014, 12:17:21 PM
Diamond buses to re introduce an every 15 minute service on route 4 west brom walsall on a sunday
Introduce 30 min frequency on 002 on a sunday
There will be a new x31 serivce in coventry off peak m-f
And the 56 will be non stop between perry barr and city
All I say is wow n good luck
Wow! I am so glad about these improvements! it is clear proof that rotala is interested in customer feedback and listens! The 56/002/4 improvements have all been suggested on here. Where abouts did you find this out Danny and what is the x31 service? thanks
Quote from: dannygill on January 27, 2014, 12:28:11 PM
Quote from: dannygill on January 26, 2014, 08:01:51 PM
does anyone else think these would be a good buy for the 50 &/or 16? high spec buses not badly priced and a good size, plus buy the photos seem to have a good batch of them?
Sorry forgot to add this link http://www.plaxtoncoachsales.co.uk/vehicle-lists optare versa with leather seats 59500
I actually think they seem pretty pricey versus the ex transdev eclipses. After all they are only lightweight optares and I don't reckon they can be very reliable as there must be a reason nct is selling them and buying enviros...
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 27, 2014, 12:35:28 PM
Quote from: dannygill on January 27, 2014, 12:17:21 PM
Diamond buses to re introduce an every 15 minute service on route 4 west brom walsall on a sunday
Introduce 30 min frequency on 002 on a sunday
There will be a new x31 serivce in coventry off peak m-f
And the 56 will be non stop between perry barr and city
All I say is wow n good luck
Wow! I am so glad about these improvements! it is clear proof that rotala is interested in customer feedback and listens! The 56/002/4 improvements have all been suggested on here. Where abouts did you find this out Danny and what is the x31 service? thanks
X31 sounds like a revision or similar route to x30
great to see sunday frequency for the 002
Quote from: Winston on January 26, 2014, 09:42:24 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 26, 2014, 08:50:57 PM
Just so I can keep on top of things,
How many Royale Centro B7RLE's have been painted i into current fleet livery? I know 30822 has but I am sure there is another one
30821 & 30822
Thanks Winston :) I knew there were 2 repainted :) Is the plan to repaint all of the royals Centro's?
Yes Nathan all Royale Centros for repaint. Shame they probably won't retrim the seats. Mind you it will be the first time the rear ends will have been washed for a long while i reckon
Quote from: Ashley on January 27, 2014, 10:35:01 PM
Yes Nathan all Royale Centros for repaint. Shame they probably won't retrim the seats. Mind you it will be the first time the rear ends will have been washed for a long while i reckon
The same could be said for most of their passengers.
Quote from: Matt on January 27, 2014, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 27, 2014, 10:35:01 PM
Yes Nathan all Royale Centros for repaint. Shame they probably won't retrim the seats. Mind you it will be the first time the rear ends will have been washed for a long while i reckon
The same could be said for most of their passengers.
Hahahaha!! Too good, too good!
That made me smile Matt haha
Quote from: Matt on January 27, 2014, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 27, 2014, 10:35:01 PM
Yes Nathan all Royale Centros for repaint. Shame they probably won't retrim the seats. Mind you it will be the first time the rear ends will have been washed for a long while i reckon
The same could be said for most of their passengers.
If only I wasn't tired now I would have found that funny ;) Sorry for having a moan ;) Reading it now has cheered me up :) Thanks Matt ;)
the latest buses to arrive at diamond are they all for the 4 or a nother service
30828 and 20205 in service in Redditch today, 30828 seems to be floating between Redditch and Kidderminster
First of the RH network review / WCC tender changes?
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 31-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:52:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:41:26 PM
First of the RH network review / WCC tender changes?
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 31-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
WCC tenders by the looks of it as as far as I know diamond dont operate this atm though think they did some journeys on it in yhe past...
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 28, 2014, 01:10:16 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:52:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:41:26 PM
First of the RH network review / WCC tender changes?
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 31-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
WCC tenders by the looks of it as as far as I know diamond dont operate this atm though think they did some journeys on it in yhe past...
Diamond currently operate the 551 Mon-Sat Eves (3 return trips)
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 01:55:37 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 28, 2014, 01:10:16 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:52:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:41:26 PM
First of the RH network review / WCC tender changes?
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 31-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
WCC tenders by the looks of it as as far as I know diamond dont operate this atm though think they did some journeys on it in yhe past...
Diamond currently operate the 551 Mon-Sat Eves (3 return trips)
So they do! Sorry for that I should have checked. in that case I wonder what the changes will involve
Anyone know why (30500, MW52 PZR) is off the road?
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 28, 2014, 03:04:32 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 01:55:37 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 28, 2014, 01:10:16 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:52:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:41:26 PM
First of the RH network review / WCC tender changes?
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 31-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
WCC tenders by the looks of it as as far as I know diamond dont operate this atm though think they did some journeys on it in yhe past...
Diamond currently operate the 551 Mon-Sat Eves (3 return trips)
So they do! Sorry for that I should have checked. in that case I wonder what the changes will involve
Could it be the Evesham roadworks diversion coming off?
Quote from: the trainbasher on January 28, 2014, 04:54:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 28, 2014, 03:04:32 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 01:55:37 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 28, 2014, 01:10:16 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:52:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:41:26 PM
First of the RH network review / WCC tender changes?
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 31-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
WCC tenders by the looks of it as as far as I know diamond dont operate this atm though think they did some journeys on it in yhe past...
Diamond currently operate the 551 Mon-Sat Eves (3 return trips)
So they do! Sorry for that I should have checked. in that case I wonder what the changes will involve
Could it be the Evesham roadworks diversion coming off?
It could be, it does look as though the bridge may be re-opened from 31st March underneath the timetable
Quote from: dannygill on January 27, 2014, 12:17:21 PM
Diamond buses to re introduce an every 15 minute service on route 4 west brom walsall on a sunday
Introduce 30 min frequency on 002 on a sunday
There will be a new x31 serivce in coventry off peak m-f
And the 56 will be non stop between perry barr and city
All I say is wow n good luck
Good to hear the 4/002 will have a Sunday service :) I wonder if they will use branded Cento's on Sunday 002's
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 01:55:37 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 28, 2014, 01:10:16 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:52:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2014, 12:41:26 PM
First of the RH network review / WCC tender changes?
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 31-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
WCC tenders by the looks of it as as far as I know diamond dont operate this atm though think they did some journeys on it in yhe past...
Diamond currently operate the 551 Mon-Sat Eves (3 return trips)
With a subsidy of £8.24 per passenger............
Why would they not use branded Centros on the 002 on a sunday?
Quote from: Ashley on January 28, 2014, 07:41:31 PM
Why would they not use branded Centros on the 002 on a sunday?
I was going to say passenger numbers but I thought about that thought again in a split second and MPD's on a Sunday would be a big mistake.
How could any of us know if MPD's would be a big mistake? We don't know how many people have contacted and suggested it to Diamond or if it was something they just came up with. Naturally until it was known sunday services were to become available, patronage wouldn't be plentiful but that would probably increase in time
Quote from: Ashley on January 28, 2014, 08:06:29 PM
How could any of us know if MPD's would be a big mistake? We don't know how many people have contacted and suggested it to Diamond or if it was something they just came up with. Naturally until it was known sunday services were to become available, patronage wouldn't be plentiful but that would probably increase in time
Oh OK I get everything wrong :( Oh Well :( I should have said I could see healthy loadings on a Sunday but as you said we will have to wait and see :) Will be good to see if passenger numbers are good and will like to see this be a suceess.
What is it with people picking at my posts this evening and being blunt about it :(
Responding to some of the stuff:
Sam-the subsidy is high but it has been deemed necessary by WCC so should stay. In the grand scheme of things, that isn't an excessive amount of subsidy, though I am a big fan of value for money for the taxpayer.
I reckon branded centros will be used on a sunday to build up brand value.
And good call Trainbasher about it potentially being to do with Evesham bridge works-I hadn't thought of that.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 28, 2014, 08:51:22 PM
Sam-the subsidy is high but it has been deemed necessary by WCC so should stay. In the grand scheme of things, that isn't an excessive amount of subsidy, though I am a big fan of value for money for the taxpayer.
That's just my point, WCC want to do away with it!
With the cuts that are proposed, I can't see any way this service will survive.
X31 will go via dorchester way
Quote from: dannygill on January 29, 2014, 06:25:30 PM
X31 will go via dorchester way
How do you know all about these new service variations if you don't mind me asking?
Quote from: Nathan on January 28, 2014, 08:10:26 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 28, 2014, 08:06:29 PM
How could any of us know if MPD's would be a big mistake? We don't know how many people have contacted and suggested it to Diamond or if it was something they just came up with. Naturally until it was known sunday services were to become available, patronage wouldn't be plentiful but that would probably increase in time
Oh OK I get everything wrong :( Oh Well :( I should have said I could see healthy loadings on a Sunday but as you said we will have to wait and see :) Will be good to see if passenger numbers are good and will like to see this be a suceess.
What is it with people picking at my posts this evening and being blunt about it :(
I really hope the the sunday service on the 002 will be a success. As long as it is promoted I don't see any reason why it wouldn't do well. I just hope that it is advertised.
Quote from: sonic84 on January 29, 2014, 07:40:29 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 28, 2014, 08:10:26 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 28, 2014, 08:06:29 PM
How could any of us know if MPD's would be a big mistake? We don't know how many people have contacted and suggested it to Diamond or if it was something they just came up with. Naturally until it was known sunday services were to become available, patronage wouldn't be plentiful but that would probably increase in time
Oh OK I get everything wrong :( Oh Well :( I should have said I could see healthy loadings on a Sunday but as you said we will have to wait and see :) Will be good to see if passenger numbers are good and will like to see this be a suceess.
What is it with people picking at my posts this evening and being blunt about it :(
I really hope the the sunday service on the 002 will be a success. As long as it is promoted I don't see any reason why it wouldn't do well. I just hope that it is advertised.
I reckon provided branded centros are used, it should promote itself...
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 29, 2014, 06:30:18 PM
Quote from: dannygill on January 29, 2014, 06:25:30 PM
X31 will go via dorchester way
How do you know all about these new service variations if you don't mind me asking?
A source at Centro
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Quote from: Winston on January 30, 2014, 10:46:33 AM
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Repaints of the royales seem to be going pretty fast. Maybe it makes sense to repaint one batch of buses at a time. Certainly repaints have picked up speed recently and I hope the cadets will be the next buses to be repainted...
Quote from: Winston on January 30, 2014, 10:46:33 AM
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Well done Diamond I think you desperately need to sort out your brand identity and get it consistent. Just don't change the livery again in another six months!
One of the new arrival Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (07 reg) was on the 30 this morning; looked very smart and liking the new dark blue livery; hope it ventures onto the S2 one day. Signature have also put branded Hybrid posters on the inside of one of the Hybrids now which looks professional and a good idea instead of non relevant bland adverts. Good to see Diamond putting in a good effort.
Quote from: StourportSam on January 30, 2014, 12:39:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 30, 2014, 10:46:33 AM
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Well done Diamond I think you desperately need to sort out your brand identity and get it consistent. Just don't change the livery again in another six months!
I think the brand identity crisis is being solved at a very fast rate, through both a repaint programme of the existing fleet and new acquisitions.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 30, 2014, 10:01:48 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on January 30, 2014, 12:39:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 30, 2014, 10:46:33 AM
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Well done Diamond I think you desperately need to sort out your brand identity and get it consistent. Just don't change the livery again in another six months!
I think the brand identity crisis is being solved at a very fast rate, through both a repaint programme of the existing fleet and new acquisitions.
There's still 5 different Liveries working out of tividale;
Black Diamond
Blue Diamond
Red Diamond
The Go-Ahead Diamond Livery http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20507.html
Central Connect Colours: W366 ABD
Quote from: bususer12 on January 30, 2014, 10:42:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 30, 2014, 10:01:48 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on January 30, 2014, 12:39:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 30, 2014, 10:46:33 AM
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Well done Diamond I think you desperately need to sort out your brand identity and get it consistent. Just don't change the livery again in another six months!
I think the brand identity crisis is being solved at a very fast rate, through both a repaint programme of the existing fleet and new acquisitions.
There's still 5 different Liveries working out of tividale;
Black Diamond
Blue Diamond
Red Diamond
The Go-Ahead Diamond Livery http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20507.html
Central Connect Colours: W366 ABD
I didn't say it was solved; I said it was BEING solved.
Quote from: bususer12 on January 30, 2014, 10:42:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 30, 2014, 10:01:48 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on January 30, 2014, 12:39:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 30, 2014, 10:46:33 AM
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Well done Diamond I think you desperately need to sort out your brand identity and get it consistent. Just don't change the livery again in another six months!
I think the brand identity crisis is being solved at a very fast rate, through both a repaint programme of the existing fleet and new acquisitions.
There's still 5 different Liveries working out of tividale;
Black Diamond
Blue Diamond
Red Diamond
The Go-Ahead Diamond Livery http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20507.html (http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20507.html)
Central Connect Colours: W366 ABD
By Blue Diamond, do you mean the new livery and not the old Blue Diamond livery?
Added to that, the green 002 Centros and the red 226 Darts
Quote from: Matt on January 30, 2014, 10:52:32 PM
Quote from: bususer12 on January 30, 2014, 10:42:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 30, 2014, 10:01:48 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on January 30, 2014, 12:39:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 30, 2014, 10:46:33 AM
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Well done Diamond I think you desperately need to sort out your brand identity and get it consistent. Just don't change the livery again in another six months!
I think the brand identity crisis is being solved at a very fast rate, through both a repaint programme of the existing fleet and new acquisitions.
There's still 5 different Liveries working out of tividale;
Black Diamond
Blue Diamond
Red Diamond
The Go-Ahead Diamond Livery http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20507.html (http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20507.html)
Central Connect Colours: W366 ABD
By Blue Diamond, do you mean the new livery and not the old Blue Diamond livery?
Added to that, the green 002 Centros and the red 226 Darts
Don't think branding can count in terms of inconsistency! And there are no blue diamond buses at Tividale, only DIAMOND ones.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 30, 2014, 11:11:49 PM
Quote from: Matt on January 30, 2014, 10:52:32 PM
Quote from: bususer12 on January 30, 2014, 10:42:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 30, 2014, 10:01:48 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on January 30, 2014, 12:39:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 30, 2014, 10:46:33 AM
Quote from: jc on January 30, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Blue 30823 has joined 30828 at Redditch.
That's 30821-30823 all now repainted blue
Well done Diamond I think you desperately need to sort out your brand identity and get it consistent. Just don't change the livery again in another six months!
I think the brand identity crisis is being solved at a very fast rate, through both a repaint programme of the existing fleet and new acquisitions.
There's still 5 different Liveries working out of tividale;
Black Diamond
Blue Diamond
Red Diamond
The Go-Ahead Diamond Livery http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20507.html (http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/20507.html)
Central Connect Colours: W366 ABD
By Blue Diamond, do you mean the new livery and not the old Blue Diamond livery?
Added to that, the green 002 Centros and the red 226 Darts
Don't think branding can count in terms of inconsistency! And there are no blue diamond buses at Tividale, only DIAMOND ones.
Yes, my point exactly. The 226 branding is getting a bit dated now though especially as it remains on only 2 buses
Another blue Royale Centro at Redditch, 30822 was on the 56 in Birmingham this morning so i am assuming its 30821 at Redditch unless another has been painted.
Quote from: jc on January 31, 2014, 09:51:18 AM
Another blue Royale Centro at Redditch, 30822 was on the 56 in Birmingham this morning so i am assuming its 30821 at Redditch unless another has been painted.
As posted above by "jc", 30823 is now blue and at Redditch, so it may be that.
Yeah but as i posted both posts then i already knew 30823 was at Redditch ... There was two Blue Royale Centros, one on the 57 and one on the 58 as well as the black one ...
Quote from: jc on January 31, 2014, 07:03:05 PM
Yeah but as i posted both posts then i already knew 30823 was at Redditch ... There was two Blue Royale Centros, one on the 57 and one on the 58 as well as the black one ...
Oh, that is embarrassing - sorry!
I did see it and thought it must be 823 again but then the second one came on the opposite circle a few minutes later, doubt you could do a full 57, then a full 58 in about 10 minutes ... Anyone know what the plan is for these?
Noticed on the back of Diamond wayfarers there is a orange or yellow sticker stuck to the back stating what depot and that the vehicle is fitted with GPS?
Quote from: vinh1000 on February 01, 2014, 12:21:59 PM
Noticed on the back of Diamond wayfarers there is a orange or yellow sticker stuck to the back stating what depot and that the vehicle is fitted with GPS?
notice the same but in Kidderminster they are green and got to letters on which must be the code for Kidderminster which Are KD
Quote from: bowler on February 01, 2014, 12:59:19 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on February 01, 2014, 12:21:59 PM
Noticed on the back of Diamond wayfarers there is a orange or yellow sticker stuck to the back stating what depot and that the vehicle is fitted with GPS?
notice the same but in Kidderminster they are green and got to letters on which must be the code for Kidderminster which Are KD
Long Acre are blue with a 'L' for Long acre.
Going back to Go Ahead days here then with stickers showing which depot buses are allocated to. Go Ahead's method seemed simpler though with a R/H/T sticker at the top of the nearside windscreen though.
Aha I did wonder what those stickers were but are they really necessary?
Quote from: Will on February 01, 2014, 02:01:05 PM
Aha I did wonder what those stickers were but are they really necessary?
Guess it is a reminder of which buses are allocated where as there have been a few confusions. For instance, is 30929 really a Tividale bus if it has operated consistently for Long Acre (other than for the time it was being repaired for accident damage) since about last June/July??!!
Tividale is Orange allocated T
It even has tick boxes to say whether a bus has WiFi or ecomanager or something
Currently sat behind YJ07 PAO on the 002
Nothing new, but I just saw two 002s running together in Halesowen to Merry Hill.
Quote from: Matt on February 04, 2014, 04:05:26 PM
Nothing new, but I just saw two 002s running together in Halesowen to Merry Hill.
Diamond posted this on Facebook:
"Due to temporary roadworks on-route we are experiencing some heavy delays on the 002 service. Apologies for the inconvenience."
There was an centro inspector on the 122 today, counting the passengers on the bus. Is a retender of the 122 due soon, or is it about the centro cuts? If it is the second one then they will probably axe the route, because apart from our school, there was only 5 other passengers that got on in the day.
Looks like the blue paint was still wet on 30410 when they put the side logo on & the 'M' in Diamond has already moved
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomsbusphotos/12162423134/
Quote from: Dylan4579 on February 04, 2014, 08:33:55 PM
There was an centro inspector on the 122 today, counting the passengers on the bus. Is a retender of the 122 due soon, or is it about the centro cuts? If it is the second one then they will probably axe the route, because apart from our school, there was only 5 other passengers that got on in the day.
I thought the 122 was only tendered fairly recently? Not sure about that but interesting to hear passenger counts as it clearly is not a well used route...
20100 on loan to long acre
20538 - another loan to long acre on the 53 todAy
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 07, 2014, 02:18:03 PM
20538 - another loan to long acre on the 53 todAy
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/12371441624/
There's a Cadet on the 002 today
Any one see 30406&7 today
30826 on the 56 without working blinds
Quote from: Dylan4579 on February 08, 2014, 07:13:40 PM
30826 on the 56 without working blinds
They were working last night as I caught it on the 205
Quote from: Dylan4579 on February 08, 2014, 07:13:40 PM
30826 on the 56 without working blinds
The display was showing 'Welcome Aboard' on the display and 56 scribbled on paper in the front window,
YJ07 PBF - Is now branded with Diamond Value out on the 301 Ill upload the picture soon :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 08, 2014, 09:33:25 PM
YJ07 PBF - Is now branded with Diamond Value out on the 301 Ill upload the picture soon :)
Is that specific branding for the 301 Nathan, or for Diamond services in general?
here is 30413 in Walsall http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12393362133/
Quote from: John on February 08, 2014, 09:36:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 08, 2014, 09:33:25 PM
YJ07 PBF - Is now branded with Diamond Value out on the 301 Ill upload the picture soon :)
Is that specific branding for the 301 Nathan, or for Diamond services in general?
Just for Diamond services in General I believe :)
here it is;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/12393670224/
Quote from: Solo1 on February 08, 2014, 09:44:16 PM
here is 30413 in Walsall http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12393362133/
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 08, 2014, 09:47:11 PM
Quote from: John on February 08, 2014, 09:36:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 08, 2014, 09:33:25 PM
YJ07 PBF - Is now branded with Diamond Value out on the 301 Ill upload the picture soon :)
Is that specific branding for the 301 Nathan, or for Diamond services in general?
Just for Diamond services in General I believe :)
but here it is;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/12393670224/
Thanks Both
That does look good. I wonder if the 301 will get an upgrade to B7RLE operation with this branding
they had 30409 /10 /12 /13 out on 301 todays but no sign of 30406 30407
Most evenings I notice a Royale Centro come from Bloxwich direction (Presumably after finishing a 56 at Brownhills) down Lichfield Rd in Wednesfield towards W'ton. I was just wondering where it would be heading to? Last night I saw an MPD do the same thing. All I can thin of is going back t garage or going to take duties up on another route (255?)
Quote from: Solo1 on February 08, 2014, 10:00:26 PM
they had 30409 /10 /12 /13 out on 301 todays but no sign of 30406 30407
Isn't 30406 on loan to Kidderminster?
It was but it left KR middle of last week
Noticed a lot of Black Diamond buses on 16 and 50 etc
Long Acre loaning buses?
YN08NXL is back at Tividale on the 002 earlier
Quote from: Winston on February 11, 2014, 06:41:17 PM
YN08NXL is back at Tividale on the 002 earlier
Came back sometime last week i believe :)
Have anymore Ex Transdev B7RLE's gained Value Branding yet ?or is it still just 30413
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:29:08 PM
Have anymore Ex Transdev B7RLE's gained Value Branding yet ?or is it still just 30413
Haven't seen pictures of any more branded. According to Simon, there will be around 10 branded so I guess the 6 eclipses recently acquired and then the three other eclipses at Tividale in order to ensure the same graphics can be used. I may be wrong though and centros/esteems/eclipse 2s could receive the branding but I would have thought designing special graphics to fit the weirdly shaped esteem wouldn't be worth the effort when centros can be branded...
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 11, 2014, 08:39:31 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:29:08 PM
Have anymore Ex Transdev B7RLE's gained Value Branding yet ?or is it still just 30413
Haven't seen pictures of any more branded. According to Simon, there will be around 10 branded so I guess the 6 eclipses recently acquired and then the three other eclipses at Tividale in order to ensure the same graphics can be used. I may be wrong though and centros/esteems/eclipse 2s could receive the branding but I would have thought designing special graphics to fit the weirdly shaped esteem wouldn't be worth the effort when centros can be branded...
Thanks DD :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:43:51 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 11, 2014, 08:39:31 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:29:08 PM
Have anymore Ex Transdev B7RLE's gained Value Branding yet ?or is it still just 30413
Haven't seen pictures of any more branded. According to Simon, there will be around 10 branded so I guess the 6 eclipses recently acquired and then the three other eclipses at Tividale in order to ensure the same graphics can be used. I may be wrong though and centros/esteems/eclipse 2s could receive the branding but I would have thought designing special graphics to fit the weirdly shaped esteem wouldn't be worth the effort when centros can be branded...
Thanks DD :)
No worries ;)
Anyone on here been on one yet out of interest?
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 11, 2014, 08:44:50 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:43:51 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 11, 2014, 08:39:31 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:29:08 PM
Have anymore Ex Transdev B7RLE's gained Value Branding yet ?or is it still just 30413
Haven't seen pictures of any more branded. According to Simon, there will be around 10 branded so I guess the 6 eclipses recently acquired and then the three other eclipses at Tividale in order to ensure the same graphics can be used. I may be wrong though and centros/esteems/eclipse 2s could receive the branding but I would have thought designing special graphics to fit the weirdly shaped esteem wouldn't be worth the effort when centros can be branded...
Thanks DD :)
No worries ;)
Anyone on here been on one yet out of interest?
Rode on the 56 a few days back :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 11, 2014, 08:39:31 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:29:08 PM
Have anymore Ex Transdev B7RLE's gained Value Branding yet ?or is it still just 30413
Haven't seen pictures of any more branded. According to Simon, there will be around 10 branded so I guess the 6 eclipses recently acquired and then the three other eclipses at Tividale in order to ensure the same graphics can be used. I may be wrong though and centros/esteems/eclipse 2s could receive the branding but I would have thought designing special graphics to fit the weirdly shaped esteem wouldn't be worth the effort when centros can be branded...
I saw the Esteem today on the 56, no branding on the offside of that
Long Acre 20274 on the 4/4H today.
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 09:02:08 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 11, 2014, 08:44:50 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:43:51 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 11, 2014, 08:39:31 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 11, 2014, 08:29:08 PM
Have anymore Ex Transdev B7RLE's gained Value Branding yet ?or is it still just 30413
Haven't seen pictures of any more branded. According to Simon, there will be around 10 branded so I guess the 6 eclipses recently acquired and then the three other eclipses at Tividale in order to ensure the same graphics can be used. I may be wrong though and centros/esteems/eclipse 2s could receive the branding but I would have thought designing special graphics to fit the weirdly shaped esteem wouldn't be worth the effort when centros can be branded...
Thanks DD :)
No worries ;)
Anyone on here been on one yet out of interest?
Rode on the 56 a few days back :)
What are they like? Do they sound more like the NX 56 reg ones or 30832-4. And are the interiors in good condition?
Probably sound similar to the Centros
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
Pass, I assume this will be the date the daily 57A/58A services serving Alexandra Hospital are being implemented?
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:31:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
Pass, I assume this will be the date the daily 57A/58A services serving Alexandra Hospital are being implemented?
Yeah I would imagine so as well. Mind you, I'm glad to know fast service changes and implementations are possible...
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:41:31 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:31:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
Pass, I assume this will be the date the daily 57A/58A services serving Alexandra Hospital are being implemented?
Yeah I would imagine so as well. Mind you, I'm glad to know fast service changes and implementations are possible...
If it is these changes, I'm surprised the date wasn't quoted in the recent announcement rather than 'coming soon'
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
There is circumstances of where a short notice can be given.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 14, 2014, 09:00:31 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
There is circumstances of where a short notice can be given.
Such as?
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 09:04:14 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 14, 2014, 09:00:31 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
There is circumstances of where a short notice can be given.
Such as?
If supported by a Council or other body that supports the change due to a neccessity. This change was registered with VOSA on 14th January so it has actually had 6 of the 8 weeks notification required
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 09:04:14 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 14, 2014, 09:00:31 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
There is circumstances of where a short notice can be given.
Such as?
Yes, bus services should be registered with a minimum of 56 days notice.
Registrations may be granted at short notice, using PSV350A form. [Or it was called that last time I dealt with similar]
The support of the LA (Local Authority) is usually required quoting one of the following reasons:
- The change is in the week which includes 24-25 Dec, Good Friday or any bank holiday (21 days' notice required);
- You are replacing a substantially similar service by another operator (name the operator);
- The service is not public or not much used by the public (eg school bus);
- At the request of an LA or police on safety grouds or traffic regulation (evidence required);
- A special occasion or event for a period of no more than 21 days' duration (name the occasion);
- The change is of no more than 10 minutes or to connect with an altered rail, ferry or air service (name the service);
- The change is for 14 days or less, for the period of a local holiday (give details);
- There is a need to meet an urgent or exceptional transport requirement (give details);
- Unforeseen circumstances, explanation required.
That's about right, and certain circumstances found off the VOSA website.
Thanks for the info Tony and Liverpool Street-much appreciated
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 14, 2014, 09:10:18 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 09:04:14 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 14, 2014, 09:00:31 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 14, 2014, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 14, 2014, 02:19:28 PM
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/57A/58/58A effective from 23-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.
How have they managed to get a service change so fast? I thought it was 56 days' notice??!!
There is circumstances of where a short notice can be given.
Such as?
Yes, bus services should be registered with a minimum of 56 days notice.
Registrations may be granted at short notice, using PSV350A form. [Or it was called that last time I dealt with similar]
The support of the LA (Local Authority) is usually required quoting one of the following reasons:
- The change is in the week which includes 24-25 Dec, Good Friday or any bank holiday (21 days' notice required);
- You are replacing a substantially similar service by another operator (name the operator);
- The service is not public or not much used by the public (eg school bus);
- At the request of an LA or police on safety grouds or traffic regulation (evidence required);
- A special occasion or event for a period of no more than 21 days' duration (name the occasion);
- The change is of no more than 10 minutes or to connect with an altered rail, ferry or air service (name the service);
- The change is for 14 days or less, for the period of a local holiday (give details);
- There is a need to meet an urgent or exceptional transport requirement (give details);
- Unforeseen circumstances, explanation required.
That's about right, and certain circumstances found off the VOSA website.
The Redditch Borough Council's supported 59 service from Churchill centre to Alexandra Hospital has been terminated from the 22nd-Feb-2014.
Any seen 30406 30407 or the 2 repained 30821 30822
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 15, 2014, 10:33:07 AM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 15, 2014, 10:25:56 AM
Any seen 30406 30407 or the 2 repained 30821 30822
At a guess id say these may be some were on the 56 :) if i see them ill let you know :)
Solo1 there's a Blue centre on the 56 it left kingstanding on the 11;37 depature heading for brown hills (: couldn't see the plate tho
Diamond now have 3 centros painted here is another of them http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12548413684/
Quote from: Solo1 on February 15, 2014, 10:29:59 PM
Diamond now have 3 centros painted here is another of them http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12548413684/
Thanks for posting that link Solo1-they certainly seem to be getting through the centros fairly fast. Mind you, some did look awful. Let's hope the cadets are next
The new branding looks absolutely fantastic in my opinion. So far though looking through Nathan, John and Tony's pictures of it, they are all of the offside. Is the nearside exactly the same or any different. Thanks for putting the photos up though-they're all great and help if you're not in the area to see it for yourself :)
is the diamond garage in tividale
Quote from: Christopher on February 16, 2014, 03:52:32 PM
is the diamond garage in tividale
Yes, as listed on the fleetlist on this site, garages are in Kidderminster, Redditch x2, Long Acre in Aston and Tividale, in, well Tividale, not far from Dudley
All addresses are listed here (PDF file) - (http://www.ukbuses.co.uk/fleet/rotala.pdf)
YN08 NXL on the 50 today
FD02 KYM - optare Solo - being delivered to Tividale I believe from kinch bus
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 18, 2014, 04:24:21 PM
FD02 KYM - optare Solo - being delivered to Tividale I believe from kinch bus
I think that registration may be incorrect? Can't find any record of it on Google
go on diamond bus website Winston or fleetlist it mite tell you there
Quote from: Winston on February 18, 2014, 04:53:30 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 18, 2014, 04:24:21 PM
FD02 KYM - optare Solo - being delivered to Tividale I believe from kinch bus
I think that registration may be incorrect? Can't find any record of it on Google
It's definitely KYM at the end (:
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 18, 2014, 05:03:34 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 18, 2014, 04:53:30 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 18, 2014, 04:24:21 PM
FD02 KYM - optare Solo - being delivered to Tividale I believe from kinch bus
I think that registration may be incorrect? Can't find any record of it on Google
It's definitely KYM at the end (:
Can't find any Solo's on the Wellglade fleetlist with KYM in the reg, unless it's a recent re-registration?
Thought this seemed surprising as no acquisitions have been reported and less small buses are actually needed at Tividale, not more. Plus I doubt Kinchbus would be selling 02 reg solos and I doubt diamond would be acquiring 02 reg solos-most acquired recently have been far newer
It was definitely a Black Solo, With KYM at the end, I should have made a note whilst I was behind it not when it took off, I have now learn't to write things down rather than store them in my mind :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 18, 2014, 07:04:13 PM
It was definitely a Black Solo, With KYM at the end, I should have made a note whilst I was behind it not when it took off, I have now learn't to write things down rather than store them in my mind :)
If it is a black Solo won't be a new acquisition, they would be blue. It will be 20541 KX03 EXM
Does anyone know how the new 42 A/C service has been loadings wise since it was introduced?
what are he changes for the 4 as its changing end of march
Quote from: Solo1 on February 19, 2014, 03:52:24 PM
what are he changes for the 4 as its changing end of march
Sunday service introduction but where have you just found information it is changing?
30808 was on the 002 today
Quote from: Matt on February 19, 2014, 07:34:25 PM
30808 was on the 002 today
Hopefully mended fully now then. Thanks for the update Matt
what time matt
Quote from: Matt on February 19, 2014, 07:34:25 PM
30808 was on the 002 today
was it a blue diamond b7rle
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 19, 2014, 07:39:42 PM
Quote from: Matt on February 19, 2014, 07:34:25 PM
30808 was on the 002 today
Hopefully mended fully now then. Thanks for the update Matt
No worries, was the last one into Halesowen from the castle
Quote from: Christopher on February 19, 2014, 07:40:24 PM
what time matt
Quote from: Matt on February 19, 2014, 07:34:25 PM
30808 was on the 002 today
was it a blue diamond b7rle
It would have arrived in a 18h50 if it was the last into Halesowen.
As 30808 is a b7rle/centro in DIAMOND blue livery then yes it probably was a b7rle :P
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 19, 2014, 07:46:20 PM
Quote from: Christopher on February 19, 2014, 07:40:24 PM
what time matt
Quote from: Matt on February 19, 2014, 07:34:25 PM
30808 was on the 002 today
was it a blue diamond b7rle
It would have arrived in a 18h50 if it was the last into Halesowen.
As 30808 is a b7rle/centro in DIAMOND blue livery then yes it probably was a b7rle :P
thankyou dimoand dart for that conformation
Are the new and recently acquired B7's no longer allocated to the 4 services by default? Been out and about on it today and only seen 1! The rest are a mix of various Darts, seemed fairly busy though, with some purposely stopping the Diamond buses to use there returns
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on February 21, 2014, 04:11:02 PM
Are the new and recently acquired B7's no longer allocated to the 4 services by default? Been out and about on it today and only seen 1! The rest are a mix of various Darts, seemed fairly busy though, with some purposely stopping the Diamond buses to use there returns
The ex Transdev B7's are mainly allocated to 301's now with some on the 56 or 002
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on February 21, 2014, 04:11:02 PM
Are the new and recently acquired B7's no longer allocated to the 4 services by default? Been out and about on it today and only seen 1! The rest are a mix of various Darts, seemed fairly busy though, with some purposely stopping the Diamond buses to use there returns
I don't think there has been any day yet where all the new b7rles have been on the 4/4H as many have been on loan elsewhere. I think as Nathan says some are on the 301s with some on the 56 covering royales away for repaint or covering 30808 on the 002 which now it is back, should mean the 002 reverts mostly to its centros.
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 19, 2014, 03:55:12 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 19, 2014, 03:52:24 PM
what are he changes for the 4 as its changing end of march
Sunday service introduction but where have you just found information it is changing?
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 20-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD1028090/132 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN:
Quote from: Winston on February 21, 2014, 06:23:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 19, 2014, 03:55:12 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 19, 2014, 03:52:24 PM
what are he changes for the 4 as its changing end of march
Sunday service introduction but where have you just found information it is changing?
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 20-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD1028090/132 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN:
I thought it was the 3rd March the existing changes. Unless these are even more??!!
And what is the Central Connect change out of interest?
Wasn't there mention of a 002 sunday service? Couldn't remember if it was confirmed or not?
Quote from: Nathan on February 21, 2014, 06:35:03 PM
Wasn't there mention of a 002 sunday service? Couldn't remember if it was confirmed or not?
Yes it was confirmed a while back but so far we don't know the start date :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: Nathan on February 21, 2014, 06:35:03 PM
Wasn't there mention of a 002 sunday service? Couldn't remember if it was confirmed or not?
Yes it was confirmed a while back but so far we don't know the start date :)
Thanks Peter :) iirc they will run it half hourly?
Quote from: Nathan on February 21, 2014, 06:41:15 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: Nathan on February 21, 2014, 06:35:03 PM
Wasn't there mention of a 002 sunday service? Couldn't remember if it was confirmed or not?
Yes it was confirmed a while back but so far we don't know the start date :)
Thanks Peter :) iirc they will run it half hourly?
No worries
I don't know but I would have thought the odds are on it being half hourly
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:46:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan on February 21, 2014, 06:41:15 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: Nathan on February 21, 2014, 06:35:03 PM
Wasn't there mention of a 002 sunday service? Couldn't remember if it was confirmed or not?
Yes it was confirmed a while back but so far we don't know the start date :)
Thanks Peter :) iirc they will run it half hourly?
No worries
I don't know but I would have thought the odds are on it being half hourly
I'm sure the frequency was confirmed as 30 mins somewhere, but cannot for the life of me remember where.
Quote from: Matt on February 21, 2014, 07:04:19 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:46:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan on February 21, 2014, 06:41:15 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: Nathan on February 21, 2014, 06:35:03 PM
Wasn't there mention of a 002 sunday service? Couldn't remember if it was confirmed or not?
Yes it was confirmed a while back but so far we don't know the start date :)
Thanks Peter :) iirc they will run it half hourly?
No worries
I don't know but I would have thought the odds are on it being half hourly
I'm sure the frequency was confirmed as 30 mins somewhere, but cannot for the life of me remember where.
Was it in Danny's original message saying it was operating on a Sunday or was it confirmed later?
Just thinking back i may have asked Simon if it was definite and i am sure he confirmed. I will try and find the post if i can
the 4 is to operate every 15 minutes
002 every 30 minutes
56 to go limited stop between perry barr and city
all changes due to take effect on 9th march, and confirmed my simon on rotala management questions section.
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:32:53 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 21, 2014, 06:23:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 19, 2014, 03:55:12 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 19, 2014, 03:52:24 PM
what are he changes for the 4 as its changing end of march
Sunday service introduction but where have you just found information it is changing?
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 20-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD1028090/132 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN:
I thought it was the 3rd March the existing changes. Unless these are even more??!!
And what is the Central Connect change out of interest?
Pass on the Central Connect change, it's missing on the VOSA site
I saw a Black Diamond MPD on the 16 the other day, cannot remember the number, is there one on loan?
Quote from: Winston on February 21, 2014, 09:05:33 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:32:53 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 21, 2014, 06:23:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 19, 2014, 03:55:12 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 19, 2014, 03:52:24 PM
what are he changes for the 4 as its changing end of march
Sunday service introduction but where have you just found information it is changing?
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 20-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD1028090/132 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN:
I thought it was the 3rd March the existing changes. Unless these are even more??!!
And what is the Central Connect change out of interest?
Pass on the Central Connect change, it's missing on the VOSA site
Its not just this change that is missing, there is no route with that registration number on there which is strange
Quote from: Tony on February 21, 2014, 09:35:39 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 21, 2014, 09:05:33 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 21, 2014, 06:32:53 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 21, 2014, 06:23:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 19, 2014, 03:55:12 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 19, 2014, 03:52:24 PM
what are he changes for the 4 as its changing end of march
Sunday service introduction but where have you just found information it is changing?
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 20-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD1028090/132 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN:
I thought it was the 3rd March the existing changes. Unless these are even more??!!
And what is the Central Connect change out of interest?
Pass on the Central Connect change, it's missing on the VOSA site
Its not just this change that is missing, there is no route with that registration number on there which is strange
How weird is that...
Sorry it is the 9th March not the 3rd as I said. Thanks for clarifying that Danny
And black diamond MPDs have been reported on LAC services several times this week-think there are just a lot of loans within diamond at the moment
30413 30409 now diamond value branded
30205 on the 002 today
PO58 KPY on 301's today
Anyone seen BX07KPP/AXO out yet out of interest?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 22, 2014, 02:15:39 PM
30413 now diamond value branded
Did you mean another one Nathan as that one has been done a while...?
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 22, 2014, 07:17:43 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 22, 2014, 02:15:39 PM
30413 now diamond value branded
Did you mean another one Nathan as that one has been done a while...?
Apologies its 30409
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 22, 2014, 08:09:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 22, 2014, 07:17:43 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on February 22, 2014, 02:15:39 PM
30413 now diamond value branded
Did you mean another one Nathan as that one has been done a while...?
Apologies its 30409
Thanks for clarifying that-I assumed it was a typo as you already got a good photo of 30413's branding a while back. Cheers for the update Nath :)
There is a diamond inspector/route manager in walsall bradford place, few weeks ago I had my ticket checked by an inspector on the 4, things looking promising!!!
Quote from: dannygill on February 24, 2014, 10:45:04 AM
There is a diamond inspector/route manager in walsall bradford place, few weeks ago I had my ticket checked by an inspector on the 4, things looking promising!!!
I imagine checking tickets, cash totals and ensuring buses run to time and do not simply leave just after a NX and sit behind all the way to West Brom.
Was an inspector by the Markets checking on the Diamond 16 service today. Good to see it has to be said.
Noticed a Diamond Inspector watching buses go past on Birchen Coppice in Kidderminster today.
He was sternly watching the Whittle bus I was on go past and making notes!
Quote from: StourportSam on February 25, 2014, 11:23:19 PM
Noticed a Diamond Inspector watching buses go past on Birchen Coppice in Kidderminster today.
He was sternly watching the Whittle bus I was on go past and making notes!
I imagine doing passenger counts on Whittle's buses to try and see what the potential market for extra customers for diamond who are existing bus users. Seems like there are a lot of them about-either that or it is just one or two really travelling about and having a big impact.
Diamond have inspectors? HA!! Don't make me laugh
Just noted WX58FRU on the 146 heading through Cotteridge displaying '147 St Augustine's School'. Well, almost right!
Seems to have been several inspectors and 'watchers' in Redditch recently, infact i can't remember the last time i didn't see one!
Noticed Diamond 50 is being curtailed to Maypole only Monday - Saturday from I think today or this week can't remember
I was stood at the bus stop today and (20654, V654 HEC) pulls up anyway the driver switches the engine off and dissapears off for a cigarette anyway I noticed that there was a strange smell (not uncommon) anyway I thought nothing of this UNTIL I saw clear smoke (not much just abit every now and then) coming from the engine anyway I looks down and notice it is ****ing out RED coolant and also what I can only assume was brake fluid anyway another driver notices the puddle and asks who was driving it so the driver comes over gets his phone out and rings through to the depot anyway unfortuneatly he was about to do route number 3 so he gets back in and has to explain to the 7 or 8 people stood waiting to get on that he has got to take the bus out of service and return to depot so anyway he drives off I don't think that'll back in service this week but we'll wait and see it means once again V654 HEC will more than likely be V.O.R. once again
Quote from: Will on March 04, 2014, 08:23:06 PM
I was stood at the bus stop today and (20654, V654 HEC) pulls up anyway the driver switches the engine off and dissapears off for a cigarette anyway I noticed that there was a strange smell (not uncommon) anyway I thought nothing of this UNTIL I saw clear smoke (not much just abit every now and then) coming from the engine anyway I looks down and notice it is ****ing out RED coolant and also what I can only assume was brake fluid anyway another driver notices the puddle and asks who was driving it so the driver comes over gets his phone out and rings through to the depot anyway unfortuneatly he was about to do route number 3 so he gets back in and has to explain to the 7 or 8 people stood waiting to get on that he has got to take the bus out of service and return to depot so anyway he drives off I don't think that'll back in service this week but we'll wait and see it means once again V654 HEC will more than likely be V.O.R. once again
Will
this is exactly the same as the post 167 in the Kidderminster update thread this after noon at 1.18pm .
Yh I knw so?
Quote from: Will on March 04, 2014, 08:59:10 PM
Yh I knw so?
it could be classed by some as a type of spam , not being funny just trying to give you some friendly advice.
I posted it on the wrong page...
Thanks for putting up the Feb fleet changes Tony. Couple of things:
20815-wasn't that the one that caught fire?
Anyone know why 30434 is VoR-involved in an accident or just withdrawn?
Interesting 30637 is to transfer to Tividale-I assumed that would go to Redditch/Kidderminster. Good it is at Tividale though as it is a nice bus
We obviously now have an explanation of where the yourbus tridents had vanished to. I presume the others will re-enter service as well. I am surprised they have sat about so long to be honest-when they were acquired from yourbus I assumed they were all for Redditch, replacing the first ones.
For anyone interested, here is X603EGK in its new livery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93585477@N08/12842114755/in/photolist-kyPciD-9qsUr3-bzNs2c-bzNsm4-cuF1Lu-ejCJkP-dYkgYw-dYkhg5
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 05, 2014, 08:37:11 PM
Thanks for putting up the Feb fleet changes Tony. Couple of things:
20815-wasn't that the one that caught fire?
Anyone know why 30434 is VoR-involved in an accident or just withdrawn?
Interesting 30637 is to transfer to Tividale-I assumed that would go to Redditch/Kidderminster. Good it is at Tividale though as it is a nice bus
We obviously now have an explanation of where the yourbus tridents had vanished to. I presume the others will re-enter service as well. I am surprised they have sat about so long to be honest-when they were acquired from yourbus I assumed they were all for Redditch, replacing the first ones.
For anyone interested, here is X603EGK in its new livery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93585477@N08/12842114755/in/photolist-kyPciD-9qsUr3-bzNs2c-bzNsm4-cuF1Lu-ejCJkP-dYkgYw-dYkhg5
30637 X637 AKW is still at Kidderminster and has been for a few weeks.
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 05, 2014, 08:37:11 PM
Thanks for putting up the Feb fleet changes Tony. Couple of things:
20815-wasn't that the one that caught fire?
Anyone know why 30434 is VoR-involved in an accident or just withdrawn?
Interesting 30637 is to transfer to Tividale-I assumed that would go to Redditch/Kidderminster. Good it is at Tividale though as it is a nice bus
We obviously now have an explanation of where the yourbus tridents had vanished to. I presume the others will re-enter service as well. I am surprised they have sat about so long to be honest-when they were acquired from yourbus I assumed they were all for Redditch, replacing the first ones.
For anyone interested, here is X603EGK in its new livery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93585477@N08/12842114755/in/photolist-kyPciD-9qsUr3-bzNs2c-bzNsm4-cuF1Lu-ejCJkP-dYkgYw-dYkhg5
ooops - typo 30637 is Kidderminster, now corrected
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 27-Apr-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/208 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Darlaston and Woods Estate given service number 65 effective from 10-Mar-2014. To amend Route.
PD0001374/243 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between West Bromwich Bus Station and Worlds End given service number 54/54A effective from 17-Mar-2014. To amend Route.
Quote from: Winston on March 06, 2014, 04:07:33 PM
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 27-Apr-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/208 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Darlaston and Woods Estate given service number 65 effective from 10-Mar-2014. To amend Route.
PD0001374/243 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between West Bromwich Bus Station and Worlds End given service number 54/54A effective from 17-Mar-2014. To amend Route.
Thanks for posting that Winston. More 4/H/M changes ahead I see... The timetable for this service seems to change far more than most, doesn't it?!
30833 came off the 002 and is doing the delayed 1750 226 replacing 20538 at Merry Hill
Two 002's, a Cadet and an older Eclipse, literally in convoy on the 002 this afternoon, oth cruising through the traffic on Manor Way in the outside lane. Both lucky they did not have to serve a bus stop. This operator does make me laugh sometimes.
Most if not all Ex Transdev B7rles are now Diamond Value Branded (:
Quote from: Nathan4775 on March 08, 2014, 06:02:35 PM
Most if not all Ex Transdev B7rles are now Diamond Value Branded (:
Noticed that today whilst travelling on the 301 :)
On the subject of Diamond Value B7RLES, YJ07 PAO Broke down in Walsall was being tendered to by a Service van, also a Solo had a problem in Walsall
Quote from: Matt on March 07, 2014, 06:39:50 PM
Two 002's, a Cadet and an older Eclipse, literally in convoy on the 002 this afternoon, oth cruising through the traffic on Manor Way in the outside lane. Both lucky they did not have to serve a bus stop. This operator does make me laugh sometimes.
Yep, honestly every 002 I've been on cruises past those two bus stops opposite Sandvik in the outside lane, never had to have one stop mind, would be amusing if it does though, how they think they'll get back over to the one just by the island without having to stop and cross the traffic I don't know
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on March 08, 2014, 07:33:47 PM
Quote from: Matt on March 07, 2014, 06:39:50 PM
Two 002's, a Cadet and an older Eclipse, literally in convoy on the 002 this afternoon, oth cruising through the traffic on Manor Way in the outside lane. Both lucky they did not have to serve a bus stop. This operator does make me laugh sometimes.
Yep, honestly every 002 I've been on cruises past those two bus stops opposite Sandvik in the outside lane, never had to have one stop mind, would be amusing if it does though, how they think they'll get back over to the one just by the island without having to stop and cross the traffic I don't know
That's my stop, many times I've taken great pleasure in dragging them across the traffic...
Anyone ever wondered why the 002's so unreliable? It's me...
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on March 08, 2014, 07:33:47 PM
Quote from: Matt on March 07, 2014, 06:39:50 PM
Two 002's, a Cadet and an older Eclipse, literally in convoy on the 002 this afternoon, oth cruising through the traffic on Manor Way in the outside lane. Both lucky they did not have to serve a bus stop. This operator does make me laugh sometimes.
Yep, honestly every 002 I've been on cruises past those two bus stops opposite Sandvik in the outside lane, never had to have one stop mind, would be amusing if it does though, how they think they'll get back over to the one just by the island without having to stop and cross the traffic I don't know
The driver on the 002 I got today done the same thing. I think he was running late as well
Quote from: Nathan4775 on March 08, 2014, 06:02:35 PM
Most if not all Ex Transdev B7rles are now Diamond Value Branded (:
That's good. I wonder if anymore original style eclipses at Tividale will also gain the branding
saw this today on 16 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13018140233/ how long they had it
Quote from: Solo1 on March 08, 2014, 09:28:36 PM
saw this today on 16 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13018140233/ how long they had it
It's been up in the west midlands since the end of 2012 but this is the first shot I have seen of it repainted. Weird how LAC seem to have gained 20602 and this after repaint when they are Tividale buses and LAC are not operating any new services....
Good shot though and thanks for posting the link :)
Thanks when did the above dart move into Long acre only
saw it this week on 16
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Yeah. The branded Plaxtons with one royale on
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 09, 2014, 05:08:57 PM
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Yeah. The branded Plaxtons with one royale on
I imagine it is pretty much dead on first day of service or am I wrong?
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Looking at one of the timetables along the 002 route (Valid from today 9th March) it states there is an half hourly frequency on a Sunday but I haven't seen any either.
Also how long has the Sunday 4 been running? I had 30406 on there this afternoon
Quote from: Nathan on March 09, 2014, 05:22:36 PM
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Looking at one of the timetables along the 002 route (Valid from today 9th March) it states there is an half hourly frequency on a Sunday but I haven't seen any either.
Also how long has the Sunday 4 been running? I had 30406 on there this afternoon
Today is its first day
Quote from: Nathan on March 09, 2014, 05:22:36 PM
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Looking at one of the timetables along the 002 route (Valid from today 9th March) it states there is an half hourly frequency on a Sunday but I haven't seen any either.
Also how long has the Sunday 4 been running? I had 30406 on there this afternoon
First day as Winston said. How have the loadings been out of interest Nathan?
Fairy quiet Peter. 5 passengers including myself at the most on my bus (30406)
Quote from: Nathan on March 09, 2014, 06:25:30 PM
Fairy quiet Peter. 5 passengers including myself at the most on y bus (30406)
Thanks for the update there Nathan. Hopefully it will start to pick up again soon. Was it mostly b7rle operated or the occasional cadet/dart?
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 09, 2014, 08:22:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan on March 09, 2014, 06:25:30 PM
Fairy quiet Peter. 5 passengers including myself at the most on y bus (30406)
Thanks for the update there Nathan. Hopefully it will start to pick up again soon. Was it mostly b7rle operated or the occasional cadet/dart?
30943, 30406 (DP seated Centro), A Diamond Value branded B7RLE Wright Eclipse Urban and there was another 07 Plate B7RLE and PO58 KPY parked up at West Brom Not In Service. Not one dart/cadet on there today.
I presume as the weeks go on more people will become aware that they are running on Sundays and patronage will increase. Same goes for the 002
Quote from: Nathan on March 09, 2014, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 09, 2014, 08:22:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan on March 09, 2014, 06:25:30 PM
Fairy quiet Peter. 5 passengers including myself at the most on y bus (30406)
Thanks for the update there Nathan. Hopefully it will start to pick up again soon. Was it mostly b7rle operated or the occasional cadet/dart?
30943, 30406 (DP seated Centro), A Diamond Value branded B7RLE Wright Eclipse Urban and there was another 07 Plate B7RLE and PO58 KPY parked up at West Brom Not In Service. Not one dart/cadet on there today.
Thanks for the update Nathan. Diamond going for a high quality operation then with that lot on there. Did you get a chance to go on any value branded ones? Do they have the same nearside and offside branding only I haven't seen a picture of the nearside of them yet. Cheers :)
Only saw them from the offside and didn't get a ride on one. The 301 was Diamond Value Branded B7's and 30827 today like usual. It seems Diamond are operating their newer smart buses (Tbh most of the buses at Diamond look pretty smart) on the 301 every day now instead of newer buses just on Sundays
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Yeah, was definitely running because I was driving one of buses on it :)
Quote from: Nathan on March 09, 2014, 08:54:50 PM
Only saw them from the offside and didn't get a ride on one. The 301 was Diamond Value Branded B7's and 30827 today like usual. It seems Diamond are operating their newer smart buses (Tbh most of the buses at Diamond look pretty smart) on the 301 every day now instead of newer buses just on Sundays
No worries. It does sound as if sunday operations are of a really high quality what with hybrids on the 16 and other signature buses on the 50 as well. I agree diamond are mostly very smart but a couple of things need to happen to complete the process:
Remaining Royale Centro's repainted
Red diamond MPDs withdrawn-guess they will be but are staying in service so as repaints can be sped up
Red and white darts withdrawn or repainted along with 30454/5
Cadets repainted along with X183BNH and W366ABD-don't think there are any other MPDs in Wessex livery now though could be wrong
Quote from: Metrorider on March 10, 2014, 01:56:23 AM
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Yeah, was definitely running because I was driving one of buses on it :)
Which buses were on there yesterday? I presume branded Centro's?
Quote from: Nathan on March 10, 2014, 04:59:38 PM
Quote from: Metrorider on March 10, 2014, 01:56:23 AM
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Yeah, was definitely running because I was driving one of buses on it :)
Which buses were on there yesterday? I presume branded Centro's?
As t.b. has already said, two branded Centros and a royale
Quote from: Matt on March 10, 2014, 05:03:20 PM
Quote from: Nathan on March 10, 2014, 04:59:38 PM
Quote from: Metrorider on March 10, 2014, 01:56:23 AM
Quote from: Matt on March 09, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
The NWM app reckons the 002 is running today. Is it correct? I have not seen any.
Yeah, was definitely running because I was driving one of buses on it :)
Which buses were on there yesterday? I presume branded Centro's?
As t.b. has already said, two branded Centros and a royale
Didn't see that post Matt!
the 4's seem to be having poo allocations again.....I was on 20855 rammed out of Walsall, way to many darts on a route that really should be looked after!!! all of the non transdev wright eclipses at tiv should be on it and then supplemented with other vehicles like decent cadents or the likes of 30406! I really hope it improves......
tivadale have some decent mpd and they are suited along with solos on the 40, whilst its loadings are decent I cant see why diamond need full size buses on there yet travel put enviro 200 on!
Quote from: dannygill on March 10, 2014, 08:24:38 PM
the 4's seem to be having poo allocations again.....I was on 20855 rammed out of Walsall, way to many darts on a route that really should be looked after!!! all of the non transdev wright eclipses at tiv should be on it and then supplemented with other vehicles like decent cadents or the likes of 30406! I really hope it improves......
tivadale have some decent mpd and they are suited along with solos on the 40, whilst its loadings are decent I cant see why diamond need full size buses on there yet travel put enviro 200 on!
Oh dear! I agree but theoretically at Tividale with the arrival of the new b7rles there should be plenty for the 4/4H. The 40 is mostly MPDs and solos with the occasional cadet or full size dart which are no bigger than the e200s travel have on there. Indeed, b7rles on the route are pretty rare and unpopular with the drivers as they are not only not needed but also quite long for some of the tighter turns.
Quote from: dannygill on March 10, 2014, 08:24:38 PM
the 4's seem to be having poo allocations again.....I was on 20855 rammed out of Walsall, way to many darts on a route that really should be looked after!!! all of the non transdev wright eclipses at tiv should be on it and then supplemented with other vehicles like decent cadents or the likes of 30406! I really hope it improves......
tivadale have some decent mpd and they are suited along with solos on the 40, whilst its loadings are decent I cant see why diamond need full size buses on there yet travel put enviro 200 on!
I saw a 4 & 4h this afternoon and they were both operated by battered Darts S377TMB & V377SVV
Quote from: Winston on March 10, 2014, 10:27:27 PM
Quote from: dannygill on March 10, 2014, 08:24:38 PM
the 4's seem to be having poo allocations again.....I was on 20855 rammed out of Walsall, way to many darts on a route that really should be looked after!!! all of the non transdev wright eclipses at tiv should be on it and then supplemented with other vehicles like decent cadents or the likes of 30406! I really hope it improves......
tivadale have some decent mpd and they are suited along with solos on the 40, whilst its loadings are decent I cant see why diamond need full size buses on there yet travel put enviro 200 on!
I saw a 4 & 4h this afternoon and they were both operated by battered Darts S377TMB & V377SVV
They're both ok inside but I agree S377TMB in particular doesn't look great...
X183 BNH has been repainted and is in service at Redditch.
S377tmb and 30486 are on it all the time and its a shame!
PD0001374/230 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Worcester and Stratford Upon Avon given service number 166 effective from 11-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 11-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on March 13, 2014, 05:47:49 PM
PD0001374/230 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Worcester and Stratford Upon Avon given service number 166 effective from 11-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 11-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Evesham Bridge end of Diversions i think?
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 13, 2014, 10:31:08 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 13, 2014, 05:47:49 PM
PD0001374/230 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Worcester and Stratford Upon Avon given service number 166 effective from 11-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 11-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Evesham Bridge end of Diversions i think?
Was that a flood-incited closure, by any chance?
Quote from: Matt on March 13, 2014, 10:39:40 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 13, 2014, 10:31:08 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 13, 2014, 05:47:49 PM
PD0001374/230 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Worcester and Stratford Upon Avon given service number 166 effective from 11-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 11-Mar-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Evesham Bridge end of Diversions i think?
Was that a flood-incited closure, by any chance?
No Abbey Bridge was closed last Autunm so Worcestershire County Council and partners could rebuild it. It was meant to only take 10 weeks, but bad weather and other things got in the way and it was pushed back and back till 11th March this year.
Hope that helps Matt.
Dan
Saw t447 EBD in Sheldon on the Coventry road towards airport/coventryl last night around half 6
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 15, 2014, 12:22:50 PM
Saw t447 EBD in Sheldon on the Coventry road towards airport/coventryl last night around half 6
That's a good spot Matt as this one was recently withdrawn so wonder where its going...?
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:05:12 PM
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 15, 2014, 12:22:50 PM
Saw t447 EBD in Sheldon on the Coventry road towards airport/coventryl last night around half 6
That's a good spot Matt as this one was recently withdrawn so wonder where its going...?
Could it be going to the new Coventry depot, for storage/further service as a spare?
Quote from: Winston on March 15, 2014, 01:06:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:05:12 PM
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 15, 2014, 12:22:50 PM
Saw t447 EBD in Sheldon on the Coventry road towards airport/coventryl last night around half 6
That's a good spot Matt as this one was recently withdrawn so wonder where its going...?
Could it be going to the new Coventry depot, for storage/further service as a spare?
Good call... for when the signature optares conk out... Best darts in the fleet these crusaders! The only thing about it going to Oban Road as a spare is that the number of vehicles allowed there is the same as the number of signature buses unless I'm wrong. Surely they will need some spares?
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:10:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 15, 2014, 01:06:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:05:12 PM
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 15, 2014, 12:22:50 PM
Saw t447 EBD in Sheldon on the Coventry road towards airport/coventryl last night around half 6
That's a good spot Matt as this one was recently withdrawn so wonder where its going...?
Could it be going to the new Coventry depot, for storage/further service as a spare?
Good call... for when the signature optares conk out... Best darts in the fleet these crusaders! The only thing about it going to Oban Road as a spare is that the number of vehicles allowed there is the same as the number of signature buses unless I'm wrong. Surely they will need some spares?
Definitely, even the Citaro's don't appear to be as reliable these days. But saying that would an elderly Dart be allowed to be used on Signature services?
Quote from: Winston on March 15, 2014, 01:13:15 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:10:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 15, 2014, 01:06:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:05:12 PM
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 15, 2014, 12:22:50 PM
Saw t447 EBD in Sheldon on the Coventry road towards airport/coventryl last night around half 6
That's a good spot Matt as this one was recently withdrawn so wonder where its going...?
Could it be going to the new Coventry depot, for storage/further service as a spare?
Good call... for when the signature optares conk out... Best darts in the fleet these crusaders! The only thing about it going to Oban Road as a spare is that the number of vehicles allowed there is the same as the number of signature buses unless I'm wrong. Surely they will need some spares?
Definitely, even the Citaro's don't appear to be as reliable these days. But saying that would an elderly Dart be allowed to be used on Signature services?
Precisely... better than a no show but generally when other buses are put on signature it tends to be b7rles and the e200 so the newer non signature buses. Yes the new depot will be closer so breakdowns at the road should be able to be attended faster but atm signature seems to benefit from the other buses at LAC. Similarly on sundays signature buses are on the 50/16 which wouldn't happen any more. Maybe 7 day a week operation is why they are so unreliable?
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:18:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 15, 2014, 01:13:15 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:10:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 15, 2014, 01:06:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 15, 2014, 01:05:12 PM
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 15, 2014, 12:22:50 PM
Saw t447 EBD in Sheldon on the Coventry road towards airport/coventryl last night around half 6
That's a good spot Matt as this one was recently withdrawn so wonder where its going...?
Could it be going to the new Coventry depot, for storage/further service as a spare?
Good call... for when the signature optares conk out... Best darts in the fleet these crusaders! The only thing about it going to Oban Road as a spare is that the number of vehicles allowed there is the same as the number of signature buses unless I'm wrong. Surely they will need some spares?
Definitely, even the Citaro's don't appear to be as reliable these days. But saying that would an elderly Dart be allowed to be used on Signature services?
Precisely... better than a no show but generally when other buses are put on signature it tends to be b7rles and the e200 so the newer non signature buses. Yes the new depot will be closer so breakdowns at the road should be able to be attended faster but atm signature seems to benefit from the other buses at LAC. Similarly on sundays signature buses are on the 50/16 which wouldn't happen any more. Maybe 7 day a week operation is why they are so unreliable?
With an elderly Darts & Signature, I meant would it comply with the contract requirements. As you say, normally much newer replacements are currently sourced from the LAC allocation
I think that 21009 should be used a spare for signature, its in great condition and has high back seats making it ideal! I think it would be awful to have a t reg dart on signature!!
Quote from: dannygill on March 15, 2014, 07:03:27 PM
I think that 21009 should be used a spare for signature, its in great condition and has high back seats making it ideal! I think it would be awful to have a t reg dart on signature!!
That's quite a good call-21009 actually seems to be on there a fair bit as well. To be honest, I would far rather have a crusader dart than a solo sr...
Seen 30822,30828,30940 and 30941 on the 4 today.
Also is 30832 a normal sight on the 33A. I tend to see Cadets on there
30832 on 33A is definately worth a mention Nathan
I notice that Diamond machines seem to accept concessionary passes before 9:30am (the cards worked at like 9:25am - I'm not referring to twirlybird fare BTW) isn't it on NX they start working at 9:29am?
Quote from: vinh1000 on March 19, 2014, 09:30:08 AM
I notice that Diamond machines seem to accept concessionary passes before 9:30am (the cards worked at like 9:25am - I'm not referring to twirlybird fare BTW) isn't it on NX they start working at 9:29am?
9:28 am is the earliest they are accepted from
Don't know if its already been mentioned, but the 002 was going round saying that it now ran on Sundays, i haven't seen a VOSA update for this, although the timetables in Merry Hill Bus Station have been amended to show it?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 19, 2014, 09:45:13 PM
Don't know if its already been mentioned, but the 002 was going round saying that it now ran on Sundays, i haven't seen a VOSA update for this, although the timetables in Merry Hill Bus Station have been amended to show it?
Stu, It has been registered on VOSA, think it appeared the same day as the 4 changes were registered to introduce a Sunday service. I posted the VOSA registrations possibly in this thread somewhere
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 19, 2014, 09:45:13 PM
Don't know if its already been mentioned, but the 002 was going round saying that it now ran on Sundays, i haven't seen a VOSA update for this, although the timetables in Merry Hill Bus Station have been amended to show it?
Yes as of Sunday 9th March Sunday Services started up on the 4 and 002. The 4 runs every 15 minutes and the 002 every half hour.
Thanks Winston & Nathan! :) :)
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 19, 2014, 09:45:13 PM
Don't know if its already been mentioned, but the 002 was going round saying that it now ran on Sundays, i haven't seen a VOSA update for this, although the timetables in Merry Hill Bus Station have been amended to show it?
How do you mean going round saying it ran on sundays? Was it on posters on buses, the LED display or timetables, out of interest?
I know that posters were put in some of the buses that are on the 002 about 3 or 4 weeks ago now advertising the fact. There were also Diamond staff in Halesowen last week promoting the Sunday service.
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 20, 2014, 11:11:36 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 19, 2014, 09:45:13 PM
Don't know if its already been mentioned, but the 002 was going round saying that it now ran on Sundays, i haven't seen a VOSA update for this, although the timetables in Merry Hill Bus Station have been amended to show it?
How do you mean going round saying it ran on sundays? Was it on posters on buses, the LED display or timetables, out of interest?
There are advertisements (Posters/flyers) on several diamond buses advertising the new Sunday services on the 4 and also advertisements for the 002 Sunday service
Quote from: Metrorider on March 20, 2014, 11:21:41 AM
I know that posters were put in some of the buses that are on the 002 about 3 or 4 weeks ago now advertising the fact. There were also Diamond staff in Halesowen last week promoting the Sunday service.
Brilliant-thanks for that metrorider. The good old fashioned way to promote a new service then! :) Good to see the tradition hasn't been lost
Quote from: Nathan on March 20, 2014, 11:22:58 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 20, 2014, 11:11:36 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 19, 2014, 09:45:13 PM
Don't know if its already been mentioned, but the 002 was going round saying that it now ran on Sundays, i haven't seen a VOSA update for this, although the timetables in Merry Hill Bus Station have been amended to show it?
How do you mean going round saying it ran on sundays? Was it on posters on buses, the LED display or timetables, out of interest?
There are advertisements (Posters/flyers) on several diamond buses advertising the new Sunday services on the 4 and also advertisements for the 002 Sunday service
Thanks Nathan as well-I saw a photo of V377SVV with some posters on the nearside front window is this what you mean? Or do you mean individual flyers passengers can pick up?
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 20, 2014, 11:34:29 AM
Quote from: Metrorider on March 20, 2014, 11:21:41 AM
I know that posters were put in some of the buses that are on the 002 about 3 or 4 weeks ago now advertising the fact. There were also Diamond staff in Halesowen last week promoting the Sunday service.
Brilliant-thanks for that metrorider. The good old fashioned way to promote a new service then! :) Good to see the tradition hasn't been lost
I've driven the route of a Sunday for the last 2 weeks now, and I've had a lot of people confirming with me the first and last times the buses are running, but pretty much everyone that's got on has been aware the service is now running of a Sunday. The odd surprised passenger when they see you running on a Sunday, but overall everyone that's catching it seems to be aware it's running. 8)
Quote from: Metrorider on March 20, 2014, 11:41:51 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 20, 2014, 11:34:29 AM
Quote from: Metrorider on March 20, 2014, 11:21:41 AM
I know that posters were put in some of the buses that are on the 002 about 3 or 4 weeks ago now advertising the fact. There were also Diamond staff in Halesowen last week promoting the Sunday service.
Brilliant-thanks for that metrorider. The good old fashioned way to promote a new service then! :) Good to see the tradition hasn't been lost
I've driven the route of a Sunday for the last 2 weeks now, and I've had a lot of people confirming with me the first and last times the buses are running, but pretty much everyone that's got on has been aware the service is now running of a Sunday. The odd surprised passenger when they see you running on a Sunday, but overall everyone that's catching it seems to be aware it's running. 8)
That's good then. Do many people use it on a sunday Paul?
Sorry Peter i meant a poster attached to the window near the front nearside :) although it would be good publicity if they had had flyers available on the bus and at Halesowen Bus Station and some posters stuck on the 002 stand at Merry Hill.
Same for the Sunday 4. It would be good if there were flyers advertising the service were avaliable and posters stuck up at West Brom and Bradford Place Bus Station so people are aware its running.
Just an idea but think this could attract more passengers?
Quote from: Nathan on March 20, 2014, 11:50:00 AM
Sorry I meant a poster attached to the window near the front nearside
Fair enough, I thought so. Will hopefully be able to get over there on Sunday :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 20, 2014, 11:50:41 AM
Quote from: Nathan on March 20, 2014, 11:50:00 AM
Sorry I meant a poster attached to the window near the front nearside
Fair enough, I thought so. Will hopefully be able to get over there on Sunday :)
No. i saw it on the destination display, something like 002 Merry Hill and underneath now runs on Sundays!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 20, 2014, 07:58:10 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 20, 2014, 11:50:41 AM
Quote from: Nathan on March 20, 2014, 11:50:00 AM
Sorry I meant a poster attached to the window near the front nearside
Fair enough, I thought so. Will hopefully be able to get over there on Sunday :)
No. i saw it on the destination display, something like 002 Merry Hill and underneath now runs on Sundays!
Oh ok :) I haven't been on a Sunday 002 yet so hope to do so soon :). How are the loadings on the Sunday 002? The 4's need to pick up a bit but I can see I picking up within the next few weeks
Quote from: Nathan on March 20, 2014, 08:00:42 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 20, 2014, 07:58:10 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 20, 2014, 11:50:41 AM
Quote from: Nathan on March 20, 2014, 11:50:00 AM
Sorry I meant a poster attached to the window near the front nearside
Fair enough, I thought so. Will hopefully be able to get over there on Sunday :)
No. i saw it on the destination display, something like 002 Merry Hill and underneath now runs on Sundays!
Oh ok :) I haven't been on a Sunday 002 yet so hope to do so soon :). How are the loadings on the Sunday 002? The 4's need to pick up a bit but I can see I picking up within the next few weeks
To be honest Nathan, i am surprised that a Sunday 002 has been so long in coming, has TGBs 22 worried Diamond and they are concerned that if the 22 takes off, TGB may start a Sunday service. Also Hansons 004 seems to be doing better, passed a couple of them yesterday morning while i was out & about and they had very healthy loadings! :) :) :)
Quick knock up of the display
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 20, 2014, 10:45:31 PM
Quick knock up of the display
Thanks for that trainbasher! :)
Any one know in full the routes out of plymouth road
Quote from: bwsau cymru on March 22, 2014, 06:08:19 PM
Any one know in full the routes out of plymouth road
All redditch locals plus
26
143
145
146
247
(that's the ones I know of!!)
Quote from: bwsau cymru on March 22, 2014, 06:08:19 PM
Any one know in full the routes out of plymouth road
26, 50, 51, 55 (R), 55A, 55S, 56 (R), 56A, 56S, 57, 57A, 58, 58A, 60, 61, 63, 64, 70, 70A, 142, 143, 145, 146, 148, 181, 182, 182 (Alecester Schools), 183, 204, 247, S57, S69, S70, S75, S77, S91, S93, S94, C1, B1, C62, 551 (I think), X3 & 3 on Sundays.
Cheers
2 buses noted in Redditch and Kidderminster yesterday not allocated to those garages on Tonys fleetlist are
20136 (Y36 YVV), at Kidderminster, from Long Acre (Still with full Blue Diamond livery)
20183 (X183 BNH) at Redditch, from Tividale (Now in blue)
Quote from: John on March 23, 2014, 09:24:28 AM
2 buses noted in Redditch and Kidderminster yesterday not allocated to those garages on Tonys fleetlist are
20136 (Y36 YVV), at Kidderminster, from Long Acre (Still with full Blue Diamond livery)
20183 (X183 BNH) at Redditch, from Tividale (Now in blue)
Heaven knows why we have got 20136 in Kidder like we needed anymore MPDs
30826 was one of the buses on the 002 today. Followed it up Manor Way whilst on NX 4813 on the 9, Looked like it had no passengers on.
centro in new diamond livery on 56 1745 from city anyone know the id as was on bus couldn't se the reg
Quote from: Solo1 on March 24, 2014, 05:43:47 PM
centro in new diamond livery on 56 1745 from city anyone know the id as was on bus couldn't se the reg
Probably a 3082* (Ex Royale Black Diamond)
Are the Ex-Lothian President's still at Redditch?
As I did not see any on Saturday (None in the garage/out in service, unless I missed them!!)
Nice of the 1825 ex Ashwood Park to Merry Hill to depart 9 early. There again being a solo with only 3 passengers on I'm not surprised (passed Wordsley cat at 1820!)
Quote from: John on March 24, 2014, 06:24:08 PM
Are the Ex-Lothian President's still at Redditch?
As I did not see any on Saturday (None in the garage/out in service, unless I missed them!!)
Often on longer services eg 247/146 so it's hard to actually see them in Redditch
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 24, 2014, 06:50:11 PM
Quote from: John on March 24, 2014, 06:24:08 PM
Are the Ex-Lothian President's still at Redditch?
As I did not see any on Saturday (None in the garage/out in service, unless I missed them!!)
Often on longer services eg 247/146 so it's hard to actually see them in Redditch
Thanks for that. There were none on the 146, a Streetlite and Enviro300 were the two buses on there. How many buses are used on the 247?
Spent the day travelling the diamond network, just a few observations.
1) 002 certainly not suffering due to the 22-was on it most of today and it was still carrying brilliant loads, as ever. All 002 centro's with 30823 repainted on there as well, still with some royale posters though
2) 42A/C seemed to be doing very well, as did the 40 and 4H.
3) 40/42 had a lot of eclipses on there-the 42A/C was solid eclipse/cadet which gave much needed capacity and quality
4) 40 seemed to be doing well-saw a rammed MPD and a fairly busy value eclipse on there
5) 4/4H had a LOT of darts on there-about 4/5 at least. Seemed to be doing well though
6) Value eclipses are in brilliant condition with fares table on the nearside window, a welcome aboard sticker, interior cove panel promotion which seemed effective
7) A lot of posters for 002 sunday service/4 sunday service/new £25 ticket. Very, very prominent and people were buying some of the newer tickets.
8) Diamond route inspector in West Brom checking takings on 40/4 at least, possibly 42/3 as well? Drivers did seem to be holding back as well...
9) Buses on 4 showing-we now run on Sundays on LED display
All together, I came back from my trip extremely impressed. Quality and promotion was massively higher than when I last went on their services at Christmas. Didn't see too many MPDs out and about and it was good to see some better buses on the 40/42A/C and that their new service was doing well. Still some ground to go yet though-I'd like to see even more buses in the new livery, more b7rles on the 4/4H though things are definitely moving in the right direction.
Needless to say, as ever, all drivers extremely polite and helpful, especially those on the 42A/C explaining the route to passengers when needed. A credit to the company...
NB As I posted in the leaflets thread, there was apparently a 42A/C leaflet but I couldn't see it on any of the buses today. Anyone have any idea if there ever was one or where it was available from, thanks :)
Quote from: John on March 24, 2014, 06:59:53 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 24, 2014, 06:50:11 PM
Quote from: John on March 24, 2014, 06:24:08 PM
Are the Ex-Lothian President's still at Redditch?
As I did not see any on Saturday (None in the garage/out in service, unless I missed them!!)
Often on longer services eg 247/146 so it's hard to actually see them in Redditch
Thanks for that. There were none on the 146, a Streetlite and Enviro300 were the two buses on there. How many buses are used on the 247?
I think it's 3 on Mondays to Fridays. The timetable is so complicated and confusing with numerous shorter variants or school services. What I do know is it's around 75 mins each way and runs every hour with layover time in Redditch and Evesham so think it's 3. There may be school/college extras as well though...
Can't help feeling e300's on the 146 are very ambitious...
Double posts merged, Winston
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 24, 2014, 07:09:54 PM
Quote from: John on March 24, 2014, 06:59:53 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 24, 2014, 06:50:11 PM
Quote from: John on March 24, 2014, 06:24:08 PM
Are the Ex-Lothian President's still at Redditch?
As I did not see any on Saturday (None in the garage/out in service, unless I missed them!!)
Often on longer services eg 247/146 so it's hard to actually see them in Redditch
Thanks for that. There were none on the 146, a Streetlite and Enviro300 were the two buses on there. How many buses are used on the 247?
I think it's 3 on Mondays to Fridays. The timetable is so complicated and confusing with numerous shorter variants or school services. What I do know is it's around 75 mins each way and runs every hour with layover time in Redditch and Evesham so think it's 3. There may be school/college extras as well though...
Can't help feeling e300's on the 146 are very ambitious...
Why?
If First hadn't of been stupid with the 146 it would be every 30 mins with the last bus from birmingham at 7:30 PM and the first bus at 6 AM with a fare to rival the train!
Again First cooked up the 247s timetable as well which can be ironed out with ease.
The headlights, and rear lights were all going out on BX07 BRV on the 71 tonight. I driving along and thought his headlights flashed. Then, when i was driving in the same direction, I caught up with him at the bus stop where I though he had turned his engine off, untill he pulled away and his lights came back on!
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
Glad it wasn't just me-I thought I was going mad as I saw it whilst on the 002 and just the rear with the distinctive ugly ALX lights. It must be a JNF though not sure which one...
Few more diamond bus things:
20847 now at LAC on the 122 with blue diamond logos totally removed and new DIAMOND ones fitted. Looks as if this is a gradual program to try to get all the blue diamond buses to have the right vinyls. Looks as if Kidderminster may be losing some of its solos...
A YJ54 solo also had the front one done like it on Monday though sides were still blue diamond.
Double posts merged, Winston
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
W905JNF has been in service for a while down in kidderminster not seen it for a while though
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:17:13 PM
Few more diamond bus things:
20847 now at LAC on the 122 with blue diamond logos totally removed and new DIAMOND ones fitted. Looks as if this is a gradual program to try to get all the blue diamond buses to have the right vinyls. Looks as if Kidderminster may be losing some of its solos...
A YJ54 solo also had the front one done like it on Monday though sides were still blue diamond.
see hardly any sols now in Kidderminster think there is only 2 that is the 2 37 seat ones 30638/30639 but even then not seen them in service for a while think one may now be at Redditch and the other is of road . I am unsure about these others may know different
Double posts merged, Winston
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
906 is still in Red Diamond livery.
Hardly seems worth repainting/reinstating them as they're already 14 years old
Quote from: bowler on March 26, 2014, 08:26:26 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:17:13 PM
Few more diamond bus things:
20847 now at LAC on the 122 with blue diamond logos totally removed and new DIAMOND ones fitted. Looks as if this is a gradual program to try to get all the blue diamond buses to have the right vinyls. Looks as if Kidderminster may be losing some of its solos...
A YJ54 solo also had the front one done like it on Monday though sides were still blue diamond.
see hardly any sols now in Kidderminster think there is only 2 that is the 2 37 seat ones 30638/30639 but even then not seen them in service for a while think one may now be at Redditch and the other is of road . I am unsure about these others may know different
One of those Solos was at Long Acre the other day. Was on the 30 in Solihull. Also I'm sure I saw YG 02 DJZ out on the 96 last week or the week before
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
906 is still in Red Diamond livery.
Hardly seems worth repainting/reinstating them as they're already 14 years old
DDA though and an improvement for somewhere like Kidderminster. With a bit of paint and the seats in good nick (as they already are) I reckon most passengers would hardly notice. They will no doubt be cheap to run and reliable not to mention able to use the many spare parts available at LAC and Tividale for darts. They are also a cheap way to increase capacity at a less-profitable depot. Rotala must intend to keep them a few years yet though if they intend to re-instate them...
Thanks for that update Matt-looks as if Kidderminster could be all dart, as Simon hinted.
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
906 is still in Red Diamond livery.
Hardly seems worth repainting/reinstating them as they're already 14 years old
DDA though and an improvement for somewhere like Kidderminster. With a bit of paint and the seats in good nick (as they already are) I reckon most passengers would hardly notice. They will no doubt be cheap to run and reliable not to mention able to use the many spare parts available at LAC and Tividale for darts. They are also a cheap way to increase capacity at a less-profitable depot. Rotala must intend to keep them a few years yet though if they intend to re-instate them...
Thanks for that update Matt-looks as if Kidderminster could be all dart, as Simon hinted.
Fantastic news!,
LAC can have (30638, YJ06 YPU) and (30639, YJ06YPV) back they're both currently still in Kidderminster albeit with YPU being VOR but yes I'm all for getting shut of the Optares
Quote from: Will on March 26, 2014, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
906 is still in Red Diamond livery.
Hardly seems worth repainting/reinstating them as they're already 14 years old
DDA though and an improvement for somewhere like Kidderminster. With a bit of paint and the seats in good nick (as they already are) I reckon most passengers would hardly notice. They will no doubt be cheap to run and reliable not to mention able to use the many spare parts available at LAC and Tividale for darts. They are also a cheap way to increase capacity at a less-profitable depot. Rotala must intend to keep them a few years yet though if they intend to re-instate them...
Thanks for that update Matt-looks as if Kidderminster could be all dart, as Simon hinted.
Fantastic news!,
LAC can have (30638, YJ06 YPU) and (30639, YJ06YPV) back they're both currently still in Kidderminster albeit with YPU being VOR but yes I'm all for getting shut of the Optares
The YJ06 solos were sluggish and whiny. Good riddance I say and bring me a Dart any day! Especially as W905 JNF goes very well, let's hope its siblings are just as good. What's wrong with an ALX 200 Diamond Dart!? I think the older Style rear lights on Plaxton Pointer 2s such as those on the V HEC darts look very old fashioned.
YJ06 YPV has not been in Kidderminster for around about three weeks or more, likewise YG02 DJZ. I suspected they had moved to the Black Country. Just by chance and well done to Rotala for improving capacity but the average fleet age at Kidderminster has once again increased! Now in the range S to 54 plate... We are being spoilt with 56/57 plate Enviro 200s from Whittle! To be honest in Kidderminster any buses are better than step entrances or MPDs so bring on the Darts! If they do the job who cares about age.
Tell me if this is a coincidence or not: EYMS transfers W409 JAT to Whittle summer 2013, Diamond transfer W905 JNF to Kidderminster around the same time.
Now EYMS transfer four Wxxx JAT reg ALX 200s to Whittle, just as Diamond transfer look likely to transfer three Wxxx JNF ALX 200s to Kidderminster!
Weird or what?
Quote from: StourportSam on March 26, 2014, 11:10:06 PM
Quote from: Will on March 26, 2014, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
906 is still in Red Diamond livery.
Hardly seems worth repainting/reinstating them as they're already 14 years old
DDA though and an improvement for somewhere like Kidderminster. With a bit of paint and the seats in good nick (as they already are) I reckon most passengers would hardly notice. They will no doubt be cheap to run and reliable not to mention able to use the many spare parts available at LAC and Tividale for darts. They are also a cheap way to increase capacity at a less-profitable depot. Rotala must intend to keep them a few years yet though if they intend to re-instate them...
Thanks for that update Matt-looks as if Kidderminster could be all dart, as Simon hinted.
Fantastic news!,
LAC can have (30638, YJ06 YPU) and (30639, YJ06YPV) back they're both currently still in Kidderminster albeit with YPU being VOR but yes I'm all for getting shut of the Optares
The YJ06 solos were sluggish and whiny. Good riddance I say and bring me a Dart any day! Especially as W905 JNF goes very well, let's hope its siblings are just as good. What's wrong with an ALX 200 Diamond Dart!? I think the older Style rear lights on Plaxton Pointer 2s such as those on the V HEC darts look very old fashioned.
YJ06 YPV has not been in Kidderminster for around about three weeks or more, likewise YG02 DJZ. I suspected they had moved to the Black Country. Just by chance and well done to Rotala for improving capacity but the average fleet age at Kidderminster has once again increased! Now in the range S to 54 plate... We are being spoilt with 56/57 plate Enviro 200s from Whittle! To be honest in Kidderminster any buses are better than step entrances or MPDs so bring on the Darts! If they do the job who cares about age.
Tell me if this is a coincidence or not: EYMS transfers W409 JAT to Whittle summer 2013, Diamond transfer W905 JNF to Kidderminster around the same time.
Now EYMS transfer four Wxxx JAT reg ALX 200s to Whittle, just as Diamond transfer look likely to transfer three Wxxx JNF ALX 200s to Kidderminster!
Weird or what?
the four Wxxx JAT reg are volos not darts these are some vehicles that used to be in the finglands fleet and as eyms have got new buses coming these will be spare buses up there .
The W-JAT's are ALX300 bodied B10BLE's iirc
Quote from: Nathan on March 27, 2014, 08:24:21 AM
The W-JAT's are ALX300 bodied B10BLE's iirc
Yep thats correct Nathan
Quote from: StourportSam on March 26, 2014, 11:10:06 PM
Quote from: Will on March 26, 2014, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
906 is still in Red Diamond livery.
Hardly seems worth repainting/reinstating them as they're already 14 years old
DDA though and an improvement for somewhere like Kidderminster. With a bit of paint and the seats in good nick (as they already are) I reckon most passengers would hardly notice. They will no doubt be cheap to run and reliable not to mention able to use the many spare parts available at LAC and Tividale for darts. They are also a cheap way to increase capacity at a less-profitable depot. Rotala must intend to keep them a few years yet though if they intend to re-instate them...
Thanks for that update Matt-looks as if Kidderminster could be all dart, as Simon hinted.
Fantastic news!,
LAC can have (30638, YJ06 YPU) and (30639, YJ06YPV) back they're both currently still in Kidderminster albeit with YPU being VOR but yes I'm all for getting shut of the Optares
The YJ06 solos were sluggish and whiny. Good riddance I say and bring me a Dart any day! Especially as W905 JNF goes very well, let's hope its siblings are just as good. What's wrong with an ALX 200 Diamond Dart!? I think the older Style rear lights on Plaxton Pointer 2s such as those on the V HEC darts look very old fashioned.
YJ06 YPV has not been in Kidderminster for around about three weeks or more, likewise YG02 DJZ. I suspected they had moved to the Black Country. Just by chance and well done to Rotala for improving capacity but the average fleet age at Kidderminster has once again increased! Now in the range S to 54 plate... We are being spoilt with 56/57 plate Enviro 200s from Whittle! To be honest in Kidderminster any buses are better than step entrances or MPDs so bring on the Darts! If they do the job who cares about age.
Tell me if this is a coincidence or not: EYMS transfers W409 JAT to Whittle summer 2013, Diamond transfer W905 JNF to Kidderminster around the same time.
Now EYMS transfer four Wxxx JAT reg ALX 200s to Whittle, just as Diamond transfer look likely to transfer three Wxxx JNF ALX 200s to Kidderminster!
Weird or what?
There is a 'YJ06' Solo at Long Acre, have seen it out on a few of their routes. New repaint as well, so could be 'YJ06 YPV'
Quote from: bowler on March 26, 2014, 11:30:00 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on March 26, 2014, 11:10:06 PM
Quote from: Will on March 26, 2014, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
906 is still in Red Diamond livery.
Hardly seems worth repainting/reinstating them as they're already 14 years old
DDA though and an improvement for somewhere like Kidderminster. With a bit of paint and the seats in good nick (as they already are) I reckon most passengers would hardly notice. They will no doubt be cheap to run and reliable not to mention able to use the many spare parts available at LAC and Tividale for darts. They are also a cheap way to increase capacity at a less-profitable depot. Rotala must intend to keep them a few years yet though if they intend to re-instate them...
Thanks for that update Matt-looks as if Kidderminster could be all dart, as Simon hinted.
Fantastic news!,
LAC can have (30638, YJ06 YPU) and (30639, YJ06YPV) back they're both currently still in Kidderminster albeit with YPU being VOR but yes I'm all for getting shut of the Optares
The YJ06 solos were sluggish and whiny. Good riddance I say and bring me a Dart any day! Especially as W905 JNF goes very well, let's hope its siblings are just as good. What's wrong with an ALX 200 Diamond Dart!? I think the older Style rear lights on Plaxton Pointer 2s such as those on the V HEC darts look very old fashioned.
YJ06 YPV has not been in Kidderminster for around about three weeks or more, likewise YG02 DJZ. I suspected they had moved to the Black Country. Just by chance and well done to Rotala for improving capacity but the average fleet age at Kidderminster has once again increased! Now in the range S to 54 plate... We are being spoilt with 56/57 plate Enviro 200s from Whittle! To be honest in Kidderminster any buses are better than step entrances or MPDs so bring on the Darts! If they do the job who cares about age.
Tell me if this is a coincidence or not: EYMS transfers W409 JAT to Whittle summer 2013, Diamond transfer W905 JNF to Kidderminster around the same time.
Now EYMS transfer four Wxxx JAT reg ALX 200s to Whittle, just as Diamond transfer look likely to transfer three Wxxx JNF ALX 200s to Kidderminster!
Weird or what?
the four Wxxx JAT reg are volos not darts these are some vehicles that used to be in the finglands fleet and as eyms have got new buses coming these will be spare buses up there .
I didn't say they were darts, I know they are Volvos, and I know their provenance, thanks.
Quote from: Nathan on March 27, 2014, 08:24:21 AM
The W-JAT's are ALX300 bodied B10BLE's iirc
I realised that once I had posted but didn't have chance to correct it!
Still they are the same year and body style, that was what I was referring to.
ALX 200s and ALX 300s look very similar in size.
Double posts merged, Winston
Maybe I should rephrase my original comment: It just seemed an amusing coincidence that last year EYMS and Diamond each transferred a lone Alexander bodied W registration bus to Kidderminster around the same time and now at the same time again EYMS is transferring four, and Rotala three, W registration Alexander bodied buses to Kidderminster.
Hopefully that's watertight!!
Quote from: StourportSam on March 28, 2014, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: bowler on March 26, 2014, 11:30:00 PM
Quote from: StourportSam on March 26, 2014, 11:10:06 PM
Quote from: Will on March 26, 2014, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 26, 2014, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: N94 on March 26, 2014, 05:26:24 PM
I saw a blue ALX200 going through Oldbury this afternoon with a trade plate in the back window, I think it was a W*** JNF.
I wonder if that could be one of W903JNF or W904JNF? Simon, confirmed all the W--JNF's would be returned to service
In terms of the JNF's, 901 was at Tividale a while back in blue from its work at Wessex, 902 is in Redditch in service, 903 was still in Connect livery at LAC being prepped for service last I saw of it, 904 not seen-though think that one was the one needing most work, and then 905/6 are both in service. So could be 1/3/4 which seems strange as not long back these were deemed beyond economical repair. I guess they do have ramps but some need a lot of work doing to them and they have been VOR a long while now...
906 is still in Red Diamond livery.
Hardly seems worth repainting/reinstating them as they're already 14 years old
DDA though and an improvement for somewhere like Kidderminster. With a bit of paint and the seats in good nick (as they already are) I reckon most passengers would hardly notice. They will no doubt be cheap to run and reliable not to mention able to use the many spare parts available at LAC and Tividale for darts. They are also a cheap way to increase capacity at a less-profitable depot. Rotala must intend to keep them a few years yet though if they intend to re-instate them...
Thanks for that update Matt-looks as if Kidderminster could be all dart, as Simon hinted.
Fantastic news!,
LAC can have (30638, YJ06 YPU) and (30639, YJ06YPV) back they're both currently still in Kidderminster albeit with YPU being VOR but yes I'm all for getting shut of the Optares
The YJ06 solos were sluggish and whiny. Good riddance I say and bring me a Dart any day! Especially as W905 JNF goes very well, let's hope its siblings are just as good. What's wrong with an ALX 200 Diamond Dart!? I think the older Style rear lights on Plaxton Pointer 2s such as those on the V HEC darts look very old fashioned.
YJ06 YPV has not been in Kidderminster for around about three weeks or more, likewise YG02 DJZ. I suspected they had moved to the Black Country. Just by chance and well done to Rotala for improving capacity but the average fleet age at Kidderminster has once again increased! Now in the range S to 54 plate... We are being spoilt with 56/57 plate Enviro 200s from Whittle! To be honest in Kidderminster any buses are better than step entrances or MPDs so bring on the Darts! If they do the job who cares about age.
Tell me if this is a coincidence or not: EYMS transfers W409 JAT to Whittle summer 2013, Diamond transfer W905 JNF to Kidderminster around the same time.
Now EYMS transfer four Wxxx JAT reg ALX 200s to Whittle, just as Diamond transfer look likely to transfer three Wxxx JNF ALX 200s to Kidderminster!
Weird or what?
the four Wxxx JAT reg are volos not darts these are some vehicles that used to be in the finglands fleet and as eyms have got new buses coming these will be spare buses up there .
I didn't say they were darts, I know they are Volvos, and I know their provenance, thanks.
Sam
I mistook AXL200X with ADL200S.
Quote from: StourportSam on March 28, 2014, 06:28:36 PM
Maybe I should rephrase my original comment: It just seemed an amusing coincidence that last year EYMS and Diamond each transferred a lone Alexander bodied W registration bus to Kidderminster around the same time and now at the same time again EYMS is transferring four, and Rotala three, W registration Alexander bodied buses to Kidderminster.
Hopefully that's watertight!!
I knew what you meant the first time, some people can be a bit picky sometimes. And yes it does seem ironic that two different companies are moving buses in to an area with a similar reg and body that ARE NOT new buses, by that I mean not 60 plate or younger.
Here is that solo at lac https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13495724413/
Yet again diamond 4 changing wonder what the change is
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 19-May-2014. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Solo1 on March 29, 2014, 09:22:26 PM
Here is that solo at lac https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13495724413/
Thanks for the link.
Mercedes Citaro being recovered in Allesley Village. (82) Not sure of of Rotala fleet numbers, I'll try and work out which vehicle it is though :)
EDIT: I believe it was 30019
Quote from: ben710 on March 31, 2014, 04:41:55 PM
Mercedes Citaro being recovered in Allesley Village. (82) Not sure of of Rotala fleet numbers, I'll try and work out which vehicle it is though :)
EDIT: I believe it was 30019
The reliability of these supposedly "really-reliable" citaro's seems to be suffering lately...
Quote from: ben710 on March 31, 2014, 04:41:55 PM
Mercedes Citaro being recovered in Allesley Village. (82) Not sure of of Rotala fleet numbers, I'll try and work out which vehicle it is though :)
EDIT: I believe it was 30019
It is as posted in B/down went past it
need to be kept to a good standard if they are going to be reliable...
Quote from: bwsau cymru on April 02, 2014, 08:59:29 PM
need to be kept to a good standard if they are going to be reliable...
Seeing as an operator acquiring ex diamond buses has spoken of their good condition and high standard of engineering and maintenance, I doubt this is the problem
Unsure if it has been reported but 20366 is now repainted in Diamond blue with logos at Redditch.
PD1028090/191 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE
Finish Point: KINGSHEATH
Via:
Service Number: 34
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-APR-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY
Quote from: Winston on April 04, 2014, 03:57:16 PM
PD1028090/191 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE
Finish Point: KINGSHEATH
Via:
Service Number: 34
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-APR-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY
Must be the old 650 diamond have kept the contract for. There seem to have been a fair few delays/cancellations on the 650 this week-hopefully this can be rectified so as passengers don't simply think VIP decided to paint their buses blue!!!
Trident T3WSX is parked at long acre this morning.
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 06, 2014, 11:06:32 AM
Trident T3WSX is parked at long acre this morning.
That's reminded me, I was with a colleague yesterday heading south down the M5, and I saw two of those heading northwards following each other.
Quote from: tphi12000 link=topic=11.msg91412#msg91412 date6778792
Trident T3WSX is parkedd at long acre this morning.
Wessex are due to lose some work from next Sun (13th), but that is expected to release VDL/Centro's & B7RLE's, no deckers have been mentioned to date
Quote from: Winston on April 06, 2014, 11:49:55 AM
Quote from: tphi12000 link=topic=11.msg91412#msg91412 date6778792
Trident T3WSX is parkedd at long acre this morning.
Wessex are due to loose some work from next Sun (13th), but that is expected to release VDL/Centro's & B7RLE's, no deckers have been mentioned to date
Thanks to Tony and Stu for reporting this which seems interesting as Winston says as contract lossrs were apparently going to release centros. Obviously Preston seems a likely destination if even more new school contracts have been won or if they are surplus as they could then replace Preston olympians. Moving them to Preston would seem unlikely though as they have special personalised Wessex plates though no doubt these could be swapped onto omnicitys. They are no doubt at LAC for maintenance work as Wessex vehicles do have more major work done there.
Btw anyone seen any more vdl centros either at LAC or Kidderminster?
I know this is slightly off current topic but I haven't seen LG02 FFC in Kidderminster for a few days (which makes me wonder if it has returned to Birmingham) anyone seen it around?
Quote from: Stu on April 06, 2014, 11:46:46 AM
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 06, 2014, 11:06:32 AM
Trident T3WSX is parked at long acre this morning.
That's reminded me, I was with a colleague yesterday heading south down the M5, and I saw two of those heading northwards following each other.
there was another red decker in the yard looked like east lancs or scania body but only caught glimpse of rear passing on train
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 06, 2014, 03:31:17 PM
Quote from: Stu on April 06, 2014, 11:46:46 AM
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 06, 2014, 11:06:32 AM
Trident T3WSX is parked at long acre this morning.
That's reminded me, I was with a colleague yesterday heading south down the M5, and I saw two of those heading northwards following each other.
there was another red decker in the yard looked like east lancs or scania body but only caught glimpse of rear passing on train
No east lancs deckers in red in rotala fleet just preston ones and the deroofed one and the other one with the patched up upper deck window. Don't know if this has gone to Preston yet anyone know? No yourbus presidents there now are there? The red decker you refer to is most likely Y2NBB which is being prepped for Preston.
(30)216 was parked up out of service on Dog Kennel Lane in Langley earlier today, not sure why
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30816.html
Quote from: Tony on April 09, 2014, 08:34:20 PM
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30816.html
Lol, first thing I see on the picture is the driver might have tried to swear using the middle finger. xD (Not a constructive post, I know.)
Quote from: Tony on April 09, 2014, 08:34:20 PM
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30816.html
Wow!! That caught us by surprise as I thought only sb120s and axo and kpp were coming back up. Maybe more are coming than I thought! :)
good to see these back, hope there staying this time.
Looks like we finally have some more changes due to the Network Reviews from last year:
PD0001374/293 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Areley Kings (Post Office) and Areley Kings (Post Office) given service number 3/X3 effective from 02-Jun-2014. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
PD0001374/297 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Marlbrook/Bromsgrove and Redditch/Studley given service number 142/143 effective from 02-Jun-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/318 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Kidderminster Town Hall
Finish Point: Kidderminster Town Hall
Via: Rifle Range, General Hospital
Service Number: 1
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-JUN-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
The KR 1 is currently operated by Whittle's on a 40min frequency
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 10:10:40 AM
Looks like we finally have some more changes due to the Network Reviews from last year:
PD0001374/293 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Areley Kings (Post Office) and Areley Kings (Post Office) given service number 3/X3 effective from 02-Jun-2014. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
PD0001374/297 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Marlbrook/Bromsgrove and Redditch/Studley given service number 142/143 effective from 02-Jun-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/318 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Kidderminster Town Hall
Finish Point: Kidderminster Town Hall
Via: Rifle Range, General Hospital
Service Number: 1
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-JUN-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
The KR 1 is currently operated by Whittle's on a 40min frequency
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 10:27:05 AM
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
I assume it would only use 1 bus?
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 10:27:05 AM
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
I assume it would only use 1 bus?
unsure on that might of been interworked with the 2 not the present 2 that 2 used to run to a housing estate called jubile drive
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 10:27:05 AM
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
I assume it would only use 1 bus?
Yes you would only need one bus to run it on a 40 min frequency but as the running time is 31 mins you could speed it up by a minute or so and run it at a 30 min frequncy. Good to see diamond are claiming back some of the network eroded by First. Looks like they are upping the pressure on whittles! :)
It is the first proper network changes to have appeared on vosa and hopefully the first of many to come. It would be nice to see the new network implemented in mid June.
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 11, 2014, 11:22:31 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 10:27:05 AM
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
I assume it would only use 1 bus?
Yes you would only need one bus to run it on a 40 min frequency but as the running time is 31 mins you could speed it up by a minute or so and run it at a 30 min frequncy. Good to see diamond are claiming back some of the network eroded by First. Looks like they are upping the pressure on whittles! :)
It is the first proper network changes to have appeared on vosa and hopefully the first of many to come. It would be nice to see the new network implemented in mid June.
I'm still surprised Diamond haven't reacted quicker to making positive changes at KR at least, one being later buses in the weekday evenings.
It will be interesting to see what changes are being made to the 3/X3 & 142/143
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 11:32:10 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 11, 2014, 11:22:31 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 10:27:05 AM
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
I assume it would only use 1 bus?
Yes you would only need one bus to run it on a 40 min frequency but as the running time is 31 mins you could speed it up by a minute or so and run it at a 30 min frequncy. Good to see diamond are claiming back some of the network eroded by First. Looks like they are upping the pressure on whittles! :)
It is the first proper network changes to have appeared on vosa and hopefully the first of many to come. It would be nice to see the new network implemented in mid June.
I'm still surprised Diamond haven't reacted quicker to making positive changes at KR at least, one being later buses in the weekday evenings.
It will be interesting to see what changes are being made to the 3/X3 & 142/143
I agree. Hopefully with the 142/3 some timetable simplification as it is pretty complicated and would an extension to bham be too much to hope for?!
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 11, 2014, 11:37:31 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 11:32:10 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 11, 2014, 11:22:31 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 10:27:05 AM
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
I assume it would only use 1 bus?
Yes you would only need one bus to run it on a 40 min frequency but as the running time is 31 mins you could speed it up by a minute or so and run it at a 30 min frequncy. Good to see diamond are claiming back some of the network eroded by First. Looks like they are upping the pressure on whittles! :)
It is the first proper network changes to have appeared on vosa and hopefully the first of many to come. It would be nice to see the new network implemented in mid June.
I'm still surprised Diamond haven't reacted quicker to making positive changes at KR at least, one being later buses in the weekday evenings.
It will be interesting to see what changes are being made to the 3/X3 & 142/143
I agree. Hopefully with the 142/3 some timetable simplification as it is pretty complicated and would an extension to bham be too much to hope for?!
Yep, because they've only registered a timetable change, no change to route
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 11:32:10 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 11, 2014, 11:22:31 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 10:27:05 AM
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
I assume it would only use 1 bus?
Yes you would only need one bus to run it on a 40 min frequency but as the running time is 31 mins you could speed it up by a minute or so and run it at a 30 min frequncy. Good to see diamond are claiming back some of the network eroded by First. Looks like they are upping the pressure on whittles! :)
It is the first proper network changes to have appeared on vosa and hopefully the first of many to come. It would be nice to see the new network implemented in mid June.
I'm still surprised Diamond haven't reacted quicker to making positive changes at KR at least, one being later buses in the weekday evenings.
It will be interesting to see what changes are being made to the 3/X3 & 142/143
think I know what the changes to the route and stopping places of the 3/x3 might be there is a new housing development just of the stourport rd on the old british sugar site it may that it is being rerouted to run round there and then back on main road
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 11:58:47 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 11:32:10 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 11, 2014, 11:22:31 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2014, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: bowler on April 11, 2014, 10:27:05 AM
Winston the kr 1 was operated by first (midland red right back to Bmmo days)
I assume it would only use 1 bus?
Yes you would only need one bus to run it on a 40 min frequency but as the running time is 31 mins you could speed it up by a minute or so and run it at a 30 min frequncy. Good to see diamond are claiming back some of the network eroded by First. Looks like they are upping the pressure on whittles! :)
It is the first proper network changes to have appeared on vosa and hopefully the first of many to come. It would be nice to see the new network implemented in mid June.
I'm still surprised Diamond haven't reacted quicker to making positive changes at KR at least, one being later buses in the weekday evenings.
It will be interesting to see what changes are being made to the 3/X3 & 142/143
think I know what the changes to the route and stopping places of the 3/x3 might be there is a new housing development just of the stourport rd on the old british sugar site it may that it is being rerouted to run round there and then back on main road
I have also heard mention of the re-routing to the Silverwoods development Bowler so you could be right, also there are new bus stops on Severn Road in Stourport for the large Tesco opening later this year so perhaps the 3/X3/15/192/294/295 will be re-routed to serve the store.
Both of these detours will really help what is already poor timekeeping..............
Really glad to see Diamond making what are hopefully improvements, and competing with Whittle.
Shame for Whittle though the 1 is one of their few chances to make a profit.
Hope the changes to the 3 eradicate the bizarre gaps and anomalies left by First in morning and afternoon peak periods, also most importantly some sort of evening service between Kidderminster and Stourport. Ridership has certainly gone up since Diamond have took over on this route, so it is now crying out for a service running until at least, say, 9/10pm. The last bus is 1948 from Kidderminster to Stourport so even a 2048 and 2148 departure would be fantastic. The last bus with WCC subsidising it used to be 2258 from Kidderminster.
30808 is on the 002 if of interest to anyone on here?
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 12, 2014, 05:02:13 PM
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Some interesting photo's of Long Acre James, I don't suppose you happened to log the contents of LA?
Quote from: Winston on April 12, 2014, 06:05:39 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 12, 2014, 05:02:13 PM
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Some interesting photo's of Long Acre James, I don't suppose you happened to log the contents of LA?
Thrres a wessex centro on the edges of one of your photos- any idea which it is?
Quote from: Nathan on April 12, 2014, 04:51:17 PM
30808 is on the 002 if of interest to anyone on here?
808,09,10,28,34 and I think another royale were on.
Quote from: Matt on April 13, 2014, 12:28:04 AM
Quote from: Nathan on April 12, 2014, 04:51:17 PM
30808 is on the 002 if of interest to anyone on here?
808,09,10,28,34 and I think another royale were on.
Haven't seen 30808 for some time personally so was nice when it pulled into Halesowen yesterday (Ham I had to get the 244 back to Dudley though). I saw 30828 at MH but opted for 118 on TGB22 8)
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 12:05:19 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 12, 2014, 06:05:39 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 12, 2014, 05:02:13 PM
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Some interesting photo's of Long Acre James, I don't suppose you happened to log the contents of LA?
Thrres a wessex centro on the edges of one of your photos- any idea which it is?
There were 3 of them when I went past on the train in the morning
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2014, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 12:05:19 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 12, 2014, 06:05:39 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 12, 2014, 05:02:13 PM
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Some interesting photo's of Long Acre James, I don't suppose you happened to log the contents of LA?
Thrres a wessex centro on the edges of one of your photos- any idea which it is?
There were 3 of them when I went past on the train in the morning
Thanks for that update Tony. Did they look more like sb120s or b7rle's or was it hard to tell or a mixture of both types? I'm thinking they could be the sb120s being prepped for Diamond.
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 09:55:26 AM
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2014, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 12:05:19 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 12, 2014, 06:05:39 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 12, 2014, 05:02:13 PM
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Some interesting photo's of Long Acre James, I don't suppose you happened to log the contents of LA?
Thrres a wessex centro on the edges of one of your photos- any idea which it is?
There were 3 of them when I went past on the train in the morning
Thanks for that update Tony. Did they look more like sb120s or b7rle's or was it hard to tell or a mixture of both types? I'm thinking they could be the sb120s being prepped for Diamond.
They were YJ07 registrations so VDL SB120s
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2014, 10:12:46 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 09:55:26 AM
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2014, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 12:05:19 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 12, 2014, 06:05:39 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 12, 2014, 05:02:13 PM
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Some interesting photo's of Long Acre James, I don't suppose you happened to log the contents of LA?
Thrres a wessex centro on the edges of one of your photos- any idea which it is?
There were 3 of them when I went past on the train in the morning
Thanks for that update Tony. Did they look more like sb120s or b7rle's or was it hard to tell or a mixture of both types? I'm thinking they could be the sb120s being prepped for Diamond.
They were YJ07 registrations so VDL SB120s
Aren't they the ex X30 VDLs?
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 13, 2014, 02:37:51 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2014, 10:12:46 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 09:55:26 AM
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2014, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 12:05:19 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 12, 2014, 06:05:39 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 12, 2014, 05:02:13 PM
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Some interesting photo's of Long Acre James, I don't suppose you happened to log the contents of LA?
Thrres a wessex centro on the edges of one of your photos- any idea which it is?
There were 3 of them when I went past on the train in the morning
Thanks for that update Tony. Did they look more like sb120s or b7rle's or was it hard to tell or a mixture of both types? I'm thinking they could be the sb120s being prepped for Diamond.
They were YJ07 registrations so VDL SB120s
Aren't they the ex X30 VDLs?
No, the 5 x VDL's transferring up were new for the 902 Portway Park & Ride contract originally
Quote from: Winston on April 13, 2014, 02:42:13 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 13, 2014, 02:37:51 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2014, 10:12:46 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 09:55:26 AM
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2014, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 13, 2014, 12:05:19 AM
Quote from: Winston on April 12, 2014, 06:05:39 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 12, 2014, 05:02:13 PM
I went around long acre garage today with blue diamond fleet and spotted 30130 at the back was some withdrawn fleet pictures on my flickr
Some interesting photo's of Long Acre James, I don't suppose you happened to log the contents of LA?
Thrres a wessex centro on the edges of one of your photos- any idea which it is?
There were 3 of them when I went past on the train in the morning
Thanks for that update Tony. Did they look more like sb120s or b7rle's or was it hard to tell or a mixture of both types? I'm thinking they could be the sb120s being prepped for Diamond.
They were YJ07 registrations so VDL SB120s
Aren't they the ex X30 VDLs?
No, the 5 x VDL's transferring up were new for the 902 Portway Park & Ride contract originally
There is or was a VDL Centro parked up in Kidderminster a few weeks ago but I haven't seen it since then reg no. YJ07 JRV
A little of the topic people are currently on;
but noticed the 56 still uses the bus stop at Newtown Row (33/51) stop although its no longer down to stop there ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on April 14, 2014, 08:57:13 AM
A little of the topic people are currently on;
but noticed the 56 still uses the bus stop at Newtown Row (33/51) stop although its no longer down to stop there ?
That's interesting Nathan thanks for posting. Have you seen if it is one particular driver or all of them or is it a case of certain passengers saying they need to get off there?
Thanks
I noticed 30162 on the 3 in Kiddy yesterday. Are lampposts the normal Sunday allocation then?
Quote from: Matt on April 14, 2014, 07:17:15 PM
I noticed 30162 on the 3 in Kiddy yesterday. Are lampposts the normal Sunday allocation then?
Think RH are known to put pretty much anything on there on a Sunday. I'm sure MAN centros, e300s, b7rles, darts and streetlites have all appeared on there.
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 14, 2014, 08:03:24 PM
Quote from: Matt on April 14, 2014, 07:17:15 PM
I noticed 30162 on the 3 in Kiddy yesterday. Are lampposts the normal Sunday allocation then?
Think RH are known to put pretty much anything on there on a Sunday. I'm sure MAN centros, e300s, b7rles, darts and streetlites have all appeared on there.
Yes that's true because a few weeks back I was down the town on a Sunday I noticed it was VX54 MTE was operating on the X3 a bus I would like to add was Kidderminster's before the takeover...
VX54MTE was never a Kidderminster allocated bus ...
Quote from: jc on April 14, 2014, 10:10:35 PM
VX54MTE was never a Kidderminster allocated bus ...
Evesham 2/05-12/06
Worcester 12/06-9/10
Redditch 9/10 - date
Quote from: Tony on April 14, 2014, 10:19:49 PM
Quote from: jc on April 14, 2014, 10:10:35 PM
VX54MTE was never a Kidderminster allocated bus ...
Evesham 2/05-12/06
Worcester 12/06-9/10
Redditch 9/10 - date
Indeed.
Quote from: Will on April 06, 2014, 01:57:25 PM
I know this is slightly off current topic but I haven't seen LG02 FFC in Kidderminster for a few days (which makes me wonder if it has returned to Birmingham) anyone seen it around?
it was on the 56 in Brownhills this morning.
PD0001374/43 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between BROWNHILLS WEST and BIRMINGHAM given service number 56 effective from 09-Jun-2014. To amend Timetable.
20263 'Y263 KNB' now in blue livery, saw it on the A34 overpass yesterday, so is either back in use or about to be put in service again.
Also saw a 'PO51' Trident passing Wellhead Lane this afternoon on trade plates with VOR in windscreen, rubbed down ready for repaint. Can't remember which though!
Quote from: John on April 16, 2014, 10:06:42 PM
20263 'Y263 KNB' now in blue livery, saw it on the A34 overpass yesterday, so is either back in use or about to be put in service again.
Also saw a 'PO51' Trident passing Wellhead Lane this afternoon on trade plates with VOR in windscreen, rubbed down ready for repaint. Can't remember which though!
Thanks for those updates John.
20263 was repanelled a while back so good to see it has been repainted.
Had the trident still got the top deck front window panelled over, dual doors and a damaged lower dash out of interest?
Thanks :)
30810 on the 002 today.
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 16, 2014, 11:01:38 PM
Quote from: John on April 16, 2014, 10:06:42 PM
20263 'Y263 KNB' now in blue livery, saw it on the A34 overpass yesterday, so is either back in use or about to be put in service again.
Also saw a 'PO51' Trident passing Wellhead Lane this afternoon on trade plates with VOR in windscreen, rubbed down ready for repaint. Can't remember which though!
Thanks for those updates John.
20263 was repanelled a while back so good to see it has been repainted.
Had the trident still got the top deck front window panelled over, dual doors and a damaged lower dash out of interest?
Thanks :)
No Problem :)
No, the Trident had a upper front window, I don't think it was dual doored but can not be certain
Quote from: John on April 17, 2014, 05:24:33 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 16, 2014, 11:01:38 PM
Quote from: John on April 16, 2014, 10:06:42 PM
20263 'Y263 KNB' now in blue livery, saw it on the A34 overpass yesterday, so is either back in use or about to be put in service again.
Also saw a 'PO51' Trident passing Wellhead Lane this afternoon on trade plates with VOR in windscreen, rubbed down ready for repaint. Can't remember which though!
Thanks for those updates John.
20263 was repanelled a while back so good to see it has been repainted.
Had the trident still got the top deck front window panelled over, dual doors and a damaged lower dash out of interest?
Thanks :)
No Problem :)
No, the Trident had a upper front window, I don't think it was dual doored but can not be certain
That must have been repaired then. I am thinking it may be heading up to Preston to be repainted as they are due 6 tridents including this and yourbus and the wessex president.
here is Y263 in Acocks Green https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13930179266/
Former branded 002 now in diamond livery https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13995775822/
Quote from: Solo1 on April 24, 2014, 09:27:45 PM
Former branded 002 now in diamond livery https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13995775822/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13995775822/)
It was done ages ago mate. Still spends mosts its time on the 002 though, with some venturing onto the 4H.
I see Diamond decided to introduce the 34 today, saw one earlier on Bradford Street.
Nice to see Diamond putting notices up in Solihull about the Stand change for the 30 - although the driver I asked last week told me incorrectly!
former Redditch white dart now in fleet livery not sure how long its been at Kidderminster or in flet livery https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14000875016/in/photostream/
Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2014, 10:31:17 PM
former Redditch white dart now in fleet livery not sure how long its been at Kidderminster or in flet livery https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14000875016/in/photostream/
A few months now, possibly since Dec/Jan?
Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2014, 10:31:17 PM
former Redditch white dart now in fleet livery not sure how long its been at Kidderminster or in flet livery https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14000875016/in/photostream/
Since the summer for both I think. Or late Autum at the earliest, but not as late as this winter.
PD1028090/192 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Brookvale Park, Park Road
Finish Point: Erdngton
Via:
Service Number: 600
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 11-APR-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD1006165/31 - FLIGHTS HALLMARK LTD T/A FLIGHTS, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Allesley, Keresley and Warwick, National Grid House given service number NG6 effective from 16-Jun-2014. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
Rotala taking NX to court
http://www.route-one.net/issues/536/index.html#/10
http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/business-news/rotala-take-legal-action-against-7032179
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 02, 2014, 12:37:35 AM
Rotala taking NX to court
http://www.route-one.net/issues/536/index.html#/10
http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/business-news/rotala-take-legal-action-against-7032179
Reported elsewhere.
anyone see 20868 today
I observed quite a few 002 journeys today. Most were completely empty, except one which had 4 passengers. If this is the general trend then I cannot see how Diamond can be making a profit from the Sunday service
(the vehicles on were 30808, 30824 & 30827)
Quote from: Matt on May 04, 2014, 06:45:41 PM
I observed quite a few 002 journeys today. Most were completely empty, except one which had 4 passengers. If this is the general trend then I cannot see how Diamond can be making a profit from the Sunday service
(the vehicles on were 30808, 30824 & 30827)
Obviously they can afford to waste resources mate...
Quote from: Matt on May 04, 2014, 06:45:41 PM
I observed quite a few 002 journeys today. Most were completely empty, except one which had 4 passengers. If this is the general trend then I cannot see how Diamond can be making a profit from the Sunday service
(the vehicles on were 30808, 30824 & 30827)
It's only been running a few weeks!!! Obviously it will take time to build up. The Hansons 004 was dead for a while and has grown in success. Give it time!!
Quote from: Matt on May 04, 2014, 06:45:41 PM
I observed quite a few 002 journeys today. Most were completely empty, except one which had 4 passengers. If this is the general trend then I cannot see how Diamond can be making a profit from the Sunday service
(the vehicles on were 30808, 30824 & 30827)
I've seen alot of the Sunday 092's and all are running quite empty! The 4 on a Sunday doesn't appear to be picking up either which is a shame really. They could have done with some more publicity eg Posters at Bus Stops/flyers advertising the Sunday Service avaliable aboard the bus. Maybe if they do this it may pick up? I would like to see these pick up as i can see possible potential. Don't forget it hasn't been running for very long. Give it time to pick up
Had a ride down by Tividale garage earlier, the only withdrawn vehicle now parked in the overflow yard was 31495 S405TMB (which I assume with join the others at KR imminently), interestingly with a reduced Pvr due to a Sunday service, none of the operational fleet were parked in the overflow yard & the gates were locked suggesting that it is no longer used.
I also saw an Merry Hill bound 002 at 12.40pm turning in to Halesowen Bus Station with quite a healthy load, although not a Sunday, a Sunday service none the less. Some journiey's must be carrying more than others.
Quote from: Winston on May 05, 2014, 01:46:41 PM
Had a ride down by Tividale garage earlier, the only withdrawn vehicle now parked in the overflow yard was 31495 S405TMB (which I assume with join the others at KR imminently), interestingly with a reduced Pvr due to a Sunday service, none of the operational fleet were parked in the overflow yard & the gates were locked suggesting that it is no longer used.
I also saw an Merry Hill bound 002 at 12.40pm turning in to Halesowen Bus Station with quite a healthy load, although not a Sunday, a Sunday service none the less. Some journiey's must be carrying more than others.
Yes, contrary to my observations yesterday, I noticed a 002 leaving Halesowen for Weoley Castle rammed. I think it being bank holiday Monday, and not Sunday, has something to do with it.
Quote from: Winston on May 05, 2014, 01:46:41 PM
Had a ride down by Tividale garage earlier, the only withdrawn vehicle now parked in the overflow yard was 31495 S405TMB (which I assume with join the others at KR imminently), interestingly with a reduced Pvr due to a Sunday service, none of the operational fleet were parked in the overflow yard & the gates were locked suggesting that it is no longer used.
I also saw an Merry Hill bound 002 at 12.40pm turning in to Halesowen Bus Station with quite a healthy load, although not a Sunday, a Sunday service none the less. Some journiey's must be carrying more than others.
Were there any withdrawn vehicles in the top yard or did vehicles there mostly look operational?
Quote from: Matt on May 05, 2014, 01:54:49 PM
Quote from: Winston on May 05, 2014, 01:46:41 PM
Had a ride down by Tividale garage earlier, the only withdrawn vehicle now parked in the overflow yard was 31495 S405TMB (which I assume with join the others at KR imminently), interestingly with a reduced Pvr due to a Sunday service, none of the operational fleet were parked in the overflow yard & the gates were locked suggesting that it is no longer used.
I also saw an Merry Hill bound 002 at 12.40pm turning in to Halesowen Bus Station with quite a healthy load, although not a Sunday, a Sunday service none the less. Some journiey's must be carrying more than others.
Yes, contrary to my observations yesterday, I noticed a 002 leaving Halesowen for Weoley Castle rammed. I think it being bank holiday Monday, and not Sunday, has something to do with it.
Possibly, but strictly speaking there is not much more open today than on a typical Sunday. How many of the 002 journeys do you normally watch on a Sunday? I'm wondering if the Merry Hill bound buses are busier from the start of the day until say 1pm, then that switches to Weoley Castle bound journeys from say 2pm onwards. There's only really ASDA & Wilko's open in Halesowen on a Sun
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 05, 2014, 02:09:32 PM
Quote from: Winston on May 05, 2014, 01:46:41 PM
Had a ride down by Tividale garage earlier, the only withdrawn vehicle now parked in the overflow yard was 31495 S405TMB (which I assume with join the others at KR imminently), interestingly with a reduced Pvr due to a Sunday service, none of the operational fleet were parked in the overflow yard & the gates were locked suggesting that it is no longer used.
I also saw an Merry Hill bound 002 at 12.40pm turning in to Halesowen Bus Station with quite a healthy load, although not a Sunday, a Sunday service none the less. Some journiey's must be carrying more than others.
Were there any withdrawn vehicles in the top yard or did vehicles there mostly look operational?
I couldn't see any, but its getting harder to see inside from the road now the tree's are growing
PD0001374/210 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Bloxwich and Bilston given service number 326 effective from 08-Jun-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/244 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Wednesbury and Portobello given service number 23 effective from 08-Jun-2014. To amend Timetable.
30406 is working from Long Acre today on the 50
https://www.flickr.com/photos/trident_4609/14160869204/
EDIT: This bus is now at Long Acre (With it having DP seats and seatbelts its more suited to the Nat Grid Contract) and 30816 (Which has standard seats has filled 30406's place at Tividale
Quote from: Nathan on May 11, 2014, 04:03:17 PM
30406 is working from Long Acre today on the 50
https://www.flickr.com/photos/trident_4609/14160869204/
30816 (BX58 AOO) was working on the 4 on Friday. Maybe connected somehow?
Y263 KNB on the 56 today
also saw a red diamond elclipse in Sheldon heading towards birmingham this morning
Tony's latest picture of 30445 with the nearside and presumably offside peeling advert removed makes it look a lot smarter. Do we think with a replacement panel as well that this could be next off for repaint?
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 10:02:14 PM
Tony's latest picture of 30445 with the nearside and presumably offside peeling advert removed makes it look a lot smarter. Do we think with a replacement panel as well that this could be next off for repaint?
Unless it's going to be withdrawn I mean anything is possibly with Diamond...
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 10:02:14 PM
Tony's latest picture of 30445 with the nearside and presumably offside peeling advert removed makes it look a lot smarter. Do we think with a replacement panel as well that this could be next off for repaint?
Is it even worth repainting now? Its not going to be DDA compliant, so only has max 18 months left before it needs to be removed from service.
Quote from: Winston on May 12, 2014, 10:52:25 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 10:02:14 PM
Tony's latest picture of 30445 with the nearside and presumably offside peeling advert removed makes it look a lot smarter. Do we think with a replacement panel as well that this could be next off for repaint?
Is it even worth repainting now? Its not going to be DDA compliant, so only has max 18 months left before it needs to be removed from service.
It's got ramps but I imagine the aisle widths may ensure it is not DDA compliant. Some Euro2 darts must be though, as Simon said a while back that the JNF ones are...
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 10:58:50 PM
Quote from: Winston on May 12, 2014, 10:52:25 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 10:02:14 PM
Tony's latest picture of 30445 with the nearside and presumably offside peeling advert removed makes it look a lot smarter. Do we think with a replacement panel as well that this could be next off for repaint?
Is it even worth repainting now? Its not going to be DDA compliant, so only has max 18 months left before it needs to be removed from service.
It's got ramps but I imagine the aisle widths may ensure it is not DDA compliant. Some Euro2 darts must be though, as Simon said a while back that the JNF ones are...
Didn't expect it to have a ramp, maybe it could be modified to be DDA compliant then, saying that it is now over 15 years old.
There is one JNF without a wheelchair ramp now....
Quote from: Winston on May 12, 2014, 11:06:45 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 10:58:50 PM
Quote from: Winston on May 12, 2014, 10:52:25 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 10:02:14 PM
Tony's latest picture of 30445 with the nearside and presumably offside peeling advert removed makes it look a lot smarter. Do we think with a replacement panel as well that this could be next off for repaint?
Is it even worth repainting now? Its not going to be DDA compliant, so only has max 18 months left before it needs to be removed from service.
It's got ramps but I imagine the aisle widths may ensure it is not DDA compliant. Some Euro2 darts must be though, as Simon said a while back that the JNF ones are...
Didn't expect it to have a ramp, maybe it could be modified to be DDA compliant then, saying that it is now over 15 years old.
There is one JNF without a wheelchair ramp now....
Yep, from recollection most diamond pointers in service now have ramps fitted. The only full length darts without ramps are T443EBD 30432 and S377TMB 30512.
Well yes there is by the looks of it :P
30806 out on the 002 today, first time I've seen it in quite a while.
Today seemed like a step back in time with all of 30806-30810 on the 002, just 30811 missing.
Waiting for a 250 earlier I saw (possibly 20601) a 226 of diamonds heading to merry hill (on the 1450 ex Dudley) leaving Moor Street Brierley Hill (by the old EWS depot where the 250 turns off!) 10 minutes early! I thought that that wasn't allowed?
Just seen a blue Centro parked in one of the disused bus stops on Halesowen Queensway with VOR on the display, and an MPD showing 142 parked behind it. I suppose it was either waiting to take up service or broken down?
30804 is no longer very nifty... currently parked up at selfridges looking immaculate.
30850 was off for paint yesterday, noted in Short Heath.
Quote from: 4Q on May 24, 2014, 09:31:57 AM
30850 was off for paint yesterday, noted in Short Heath.
Any idea where they get painted?
B7RLE 30832 is on the 226 this afternoon & wasted with zero passengers on board. At the same time Hanson's 1521 less than 30 secs in front with only one passenger on
@Winston it's because merry hill is up the spout again that everything is late. It took 25 minutes to get from Hawbush Road to Brierley Hill about half 2 on the 250, it's a good job I didn't get 30832 as that was right behind us by Brierley Hill..
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 24, 2014, 04:33:11 PM
@Winston it's because merry hill is up the spout again that everything is late. It took 25 minutes to get from Hawbush Road to Brierley Hill about half 2 on the 250, it's a good job I didn't get 30832 as that was right behind us by Brierley Hill..
Is Merry Hill grid locked because of the weather? This was about 3.30pm, buses were heading for Dudley in K'ford A491
@Winston plus the impending bank holiday.
When I was coming into merry hill at 1500, a Hansons 226 had just left, 30832 departed at 1504 and another Hansons at 1505.
(I say coming in, slowly passing the Link51 island on a 297A which was behind the 250.)
Trident K3WSX is parked at long acre in Preston bus livery.
Quote from: tphi12000 on May 24, 2014, 05:17:41 PM
Trident K3WSX is parked at long acre in Preston bus livery.
Another new addition for Preston Bus by the looks of it. Did you manage to see anything else of interest?
30806 WX58FRV has expired at the top of Quarry Bank High St and hooked up to an RS recovery tow truck. Shortly before 30426 S397HVV is on the 002 to Halesowen, assume its replacement
Quote from: Winston on May 24, 2014, 05:33:49 PM
Quote from: tphi12000 on May 24, 2014, 05:17:41 PM
Trident K3WSX is parked at long acre in Preston bus livery.
Another new addition for Preston Bus by the looks of it. Did you manage to see anything else of interest?
no didn't notice anything else of interest when I passed on the train
Quote from: Winston on May 24, 2014, 05:33:49 PM
Quote from: tphi12000 on May 24, 2014, 05:17:41 PM
Trident K3WSX is parked at long acre in Preston bus livery.
Another new addition for Preston Bus by the looks of it. Did you manage to see anything else of interest?
30806 WX58FRV has expired at the top of Quarry Bank High St and hooked up to an RS recovery tow truck. Shortly before 30426 S397HVV is on the 002 to Halesowen, assume its replacement
30806 is an absolute nail! Seems to spend more time off the road than on it, will always remember the day it broke down in absolutely spectacular style and almost wiped out half of Weoley Castle's old ladies in the process! Terrible bus and doesn't seem to have improved, despite extensive work
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on May 24, 2014, 07:03:36 PM
Quote from: Winston on May 24, 2014, 05:33:49 PM
Quote from: tphi12000 on May 24, 2014, 05:17:41 PM
Trident K3WSX is parked at long acre in Preston bus livery.
Another new addition for Preston Bus by the looks of it. Did you manage to see anything else of interest?
30806 WX58FRV has expired at the top of Quarry Bank High St and hooked up to an RS recovery tow truck. Shortly before 30426 S397HVV is on the 002 to Halesowen, assume its replacement
30806 is an absolute nail! Seems to spend more time off the road than on it, will always remember the day it broke down in absolutely spectacular style and almost wiped out half of Weoley Castle's old ladies in the process! Terrible bus and doesn't seem to have improved, despite extensive work
@wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) What was the nature of the breakdown you witnessed? Did the driver step on the brakes?
@Matt Nearly 18 months ago now, just about to cross over the motorway bridge so comfortably at about 35 MPH and suddenly all the brakes just locked on hard without warning and the driver had to try and control the skid as best as possible leaving the bus dumped in the middle of the road causing traffic to back up, the engine then cut out, wouldn't restart and the brakes wouldn't release
I've personally always liked 30806 as it's a one-off at Tividale and the MANs are very fast and sound great.
30806 whenever I use the 002 is usually on there-a b7rle is off if any are...
Having said that, would moving it to Redditch who operate more MAN's make sense?
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 24, 2014, 07:20:52 PM
I've personally always liked 30806 as it's a one-off at Tividale and the MANs are very fast and sound great.
30806 whenever I use the 002 is usually on there-a b7rle is off if any are...
Having said that, would moving it to Redditch who operate more MAN's make sense?
30806 actually hasn't been out much lately, only sees the odd day on the 002.
I agree transferring 30804 & 30806 to Redditch does seem sensible, with each garage receiving a B7 in return.
Quote from: Matt on May 24, 2014, 07:25:28 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 24, 2014, 07:20:52 PM
I've personally always liked 30806 as it's a one-off at Tividale and the MANs are very fast and sound great.
30806 whenever I use the 002 is usually on there-a b7rle is off if any are...
Having said that, would moving it to Redditch who operate more MAN's make sense?
30806 actually hasn't been out much lately, only sees the odd day on the 002.
I agree transferring 30804 & 30806 to Redditch does seem sensible, with each garage receiving a B7 in return.
LAC seems to have spares anyway with darts and solo's and TE could ultimately gain the sb120's after they have covered for the red diamond eclipse repaint programme.
Anyone else seen the sb120/centro's out in Redditch?
30426 video on the 1800 ex Merry Hill
Diamond Bus 30426: http://youtu.be/V2EJsQ-01lE
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 24, 2014, 07:37:49 PM
30426 video on the 1800 ex Merry Hill
Diamond Bus 30426: http://youtu.be/V2EJsQ-01lE
Thanks for the link :)
Sounding good this one though pity it wasn't repainted when it and R954JYS had the seats recovered...
I think it's somewhere in brownhills I think
Quote from: Solo1 on May 24, 2014, 07:56:27 PM
I think it's somewhere in brownhills I think
ta, thought it wss over that way. Can't remember the name of the firm
Apparently the 205 will be on the 4/4h running boards alongside a 81 being on the 4/4h boards once the 202/142 move to Kidderminster.
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:30:22 PM
Apparently the 205 will be on the 4/4h running boards alongside a 81 being on the 4/4h boards once the 202/142 move to Kidderminster.
I assume pretty much anything could turn up on the 205 then after those changes
Quote from: Winston on May 26, 2014, 09:34:15 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:30:22 PM
Apparently the 205 will be on the 4/4h running boards alongside a 81 being on the 4/4h boards once the 202/142 move to Kidderminster.
I assume pretty much anything could turn up on the 205 then after those changes
Including the former swift226 darts
Would have thought that it would have been better to use the two that finish on the 226, might save a little on fuel, as an MPD might suit the 205 better that what goes on the 4/H. Guessing duty lengths prevent it happening. Does anyone know if 124/226 interwork?
Quote from: Winston on May 26, 2014, 09:34:15 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:30:22 PM
Apparently the 205 will be on the 4/4h running boards alongside a 81 being on the 4/4h boards once the 202/142 move to Kidderminster.
I assume pretty much anything could turn up on the 205 then after those changes
I'd guess the 4/4H is a greater amount b7rle than before? Haven't seen those routes in a while to know though...
Thanks for the info though
@the trainbasher.
The brilliant 30454/5?! :P
@bususer12 yes one board on the 124 does, the one that does at least the 1400, 1500 ex Cradley heath does the 1550, 1750 ex Dudley and 1650, 1915 ex merry hill (then back to depot.) as the driver comes off the 1100 80 arrival at Bilston (then travels passenger on the 82).
At the moment if I remember correctly, the 205 board that starts in blackheath comes off the 142 with the one starting in Kingswinford off the 202.
@DiamondDart 30454 at least lives on the 4. It's been in Halesowen on the 4H Everytime I've seen it!
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:53:36 PM
@bususer12 yes one board on the 124 does, the one that does at least the 1400, 1500 ex Cradley heath does the 1550, 1750 ex Dudley and 1650, 1915 ex merry hill (then back to depot.) as the driver comes off the 1100 80 arrival at Bilston (then travels passenger on the 82).
At the moment if I remember correctly, the 205 board that starts in blackheath comes off the 142 with the one starting in Kingswinford off the 202.
@DiamondDart 30454 at least lives on the 4. It's been in Halesowen on the 4H Everytime I've seen it!
Thanks for the info
@the trainbasher. They're not great though that pair of darts are they?!
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 26, 2014, 09:57:53 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:53:36 PM
@bususer12 yes one board on the 124 does, the one that does at least the 1400, 1500 ex Cradley heath does the 1550, 1750 ex Dudley and 1650, 1915 ex merry hill (then back to depot.) as the driver comes off the 1100 80 arrival at Bilston (then travels passenger on the 82).
At the moment if I remember correctly, the 205 board that starts in blackheath comes off the 142 with the one starting in Kingswinford off the 202.
@DiamondDart 30454 at least lives on the 4. It's been in Halesowen on the 4H Everytime I've seen it!
Thanks for the info @the trainbasher. They're not great though that pair of darts are they?!
They got a bit of a battering on the 226 (and from what I've heard, they did break down quite a bit.
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 10:00:43 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 26, 2014, 09:57:53 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:53:36 PM
@bususer12 yes one board on the 124 does, the one that does at least the 1400, 1500 ex Cradley heath does the 1550, 1750 ex Dudley and 1650, 1915 ex merry hill (then back to depot.) as the driver comes off the 1100 80 arrival at Bilston (then travels passenger on the 82).
At the moment if I remember correctly, the 205 board that starts in blackheath comes off the 142 with the one starting in Kingswinford off the 202.
@DiamondDart 30454 at least lives on the 4. It's been in Halesowen on the 4H Everytime I've seen it!
Thanks for the info @the trainbasher. They're not great though that pair of darts are they?!
They got a bit of a battering on the 226 (and from what I've heard, they did break down quite a bit.
Yeah I went on one a while back that cut out... Guess it is a pretty punishing route with the night and Sunday journeys as well. They're just not in good condition at all.
20274 (Y274 KJN) is to be transferred to Select Bus (on loan)
With thanks to
@arrivaaston for the information :)
Will has found me lol, and slight correction its Y274FJN ;)
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:30:22 PM
Apparently the 205 will be on the 4/4h running boards alongside a 81 being on the 4/4h boards once the 202/142 move to Kidderminster.
The 205 will come off 002 and 54 workings and one of the 81's will come off the 122
Quote from: 4747 on May 28, 2014, 03:00:01 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:30:22 PM
Apparently the 205 will be on the 4/4h running boards alongside a 81 being on the 4/4h boards once the 202/142 move to Kidderminster.
The 205 will come off 002 and 54 workings and one of the 81's will come off the 122
Last time I saw the 122 it was operating from Long Acre and the 81 from Tividale.
Has the 122 changed to Tividale? Or does one 81 operate from Long Acre?
@fleetline6477 all 81 trips are run from Tividale :)
Quote from: fleetline6477 on May 28, 2014, 09:48:12 PM
Quote from: 4747 on May 28, 2014, 03:00:01 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 26, 2014, 09:30:22 PM
Apparently the 205 will be on the 4/4h running boards alongside a 81 being on the 4/4h boards once the 202/142 move to Kidderminster.
The 205 will come off 002 and 54 workings and one of the 81's will come off the 122
Last time I saw the 122 it was operating from Long Acre and the 81 from Tividale.
Has the 122 changed to Tividale? Or does one 81 operate from Long Acre?
It sounds as though the 122 may be moving in to Tividale at the same time the 142 & 202 are moving out to Kidderminster
30201 on the 002 today
repainted solo was on 108 last night https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14355326373/ how many more are now at Long acre in the new livery
latest fleet changes now on front page of main site
PD0001374/230 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Worcester and Stratford Upon Avon given service number 166 effective from 30-Aug-2014.
PD0001374/270 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Droitwich and Worcester given service number 355(356,357) effective from 30-Aug-2014.
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 30-Aug-2014.
Quote from: 4Q on June 18, 2014, 11:02:48 AM
PD0001374/230 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Worcester and Stratford Upon Avon given service number 166 effective from 30-Aug-2014.
PD0001374/270 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Droitwich and Worcester given service number 355(356,357) effective from 30-Aug-2014.
PD0001374/284 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Evesham and Worcester given service number 551 effective from 30-Aug-2014.
Think this is to do with WCC subside cuts
any one got any idea what the diamond variation is
14. PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN:
15. PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 19-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Quote from: bowler on June 20, 2014, 12:05:33 PM
any one got any idea what the diamond variation is
14. PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN:
15. PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 19-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
I'm sure not so long ago Diamond decided to curtail its 50 at Maypole just like Green Bus, so to go back to Druids Heath they would need to Register a variation to there 50 Birmingham to Maypole.
Thats what I think anyway I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Quote from: bowler on June 20, 2014, 12:05:33 PM
any one got any idea what the diamond variation is
14. PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN:
15. PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 19-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
What did it say under point 14- a variation to a service but you haven't quoted which...
Re the 50- could potentially be Sunday service also cut back to the Maypole or the m to s service altered to continue to Druids Heath.
Quote from: DiamondDart on June 20, 2014, 03:49:31 PM
Quote from: bowler on June 20, 2014, 12:05:33 PM
any one got any idea what the diamond variation is
14. PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN:
15. PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 19-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
What did it say under point 14- a variation to a service but you haven't quoted which...
Re the 50- could potentially be Sunday service also cut back to the Maypole or the m to s service altered to continue to Druids Heath.
there is nothing else there just wondered if any body else knew anything that it could possible be
If you search on the VOSA site for PD0001374/260 it says there is no such number! Yet there must be if they have accepted a variation! ???
For info PD0001374/259 is the 002 and PD0001374/261 is the 301. So what is the mystery registration in between?
PD0001374/260 is the 142, Halesowen to Stourbridge
Quote from: uniquicity on June 20, 2014, 09:26:22 PM
PD0001374/260 is the 142, Halesowen to Stourbridge
interesting with it now being run from Kidderminster, wonder if it is something to get buses on the 142 in position with out running empty
know it's very unlikely
Quote from: Nathan on May 28, 2014, 10:10:24 PM
@fleetline6477 all 81 trips are run from Tividale :)
Thanks for that - the 122 has transferred to Tividale.
Quote from: bowler on June 20, 2014, 12:05:33 PM
any one got any idea what the diamond variation is
14. PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN:
15. PD1028090/183 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 19-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Digbeth re-route due to tunnel closure's??
PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Stourbridge Bus Station and Halesowen Bus Station given service number 142 effective from 30-Jun-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD1006165/31 - FLIGHTS HALLMARK LTD T/A FLIGHTS, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Allesley, Keresley and Warwick, National Grid House given service number NG6 effective from 23-Jun-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
I have moved this post to the whittles board realised I had posted it on wrong board sorry,
Quote from: bowler on June 25, 2014, 06:16:59 PM
found on twitter some new of the 192
http://m.halesowennews.co.uk/news/11300289.192_bus_service_saved_but_will_be_rerouted_to_make_up_for_axed_197_route/?ref=rss&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Thanks for that Bowler, so Whittles have retained the 192 then
142 to return to the evening and Sunday route from Monday according to bus station notices at Stourbridge. Also the red Hill diversion has finished
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 25, 2014, 06:52:12 PM
142 to return to the evening and Sunday route from Monday according to bus station notices at Stourbridge. Also the red Hill diversion has finished
So does that mean the "new" route has been cancelled and we're back to pre-the changes?
Thanks
@the trainbasher for the info
That's obviously why the registration for the 30th of June was on today
(slight correction - its Sunday red Hill Reopens
Does anyone know how I can send a email to Diamond as the email address on their website, when I send it, keeps bouncing back.
There were two 002 branded B7RLE parked up in Tividale depot out of use this morning, so there may be something out of the ordinary out covering those
Cadet 30204 had also expired on the 4H just before Sandwell & Dudley Railway Station this morning @ about 9.45am
PD0001374 SI
Operator name: DIAMOND BUS
West Midlands, N&P, 27 Jun 2014: Variation Granted
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD Director(s): CHRISTOPHER BLYTH, FRANK GEOFFREY FLIGHT, KIM TAYLOR, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, SIMON LEE DUNN, ROBERT ANTHONY DUNN.
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW Increased authorisation at existing operating centre: BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE , BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ () New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 25 vehicle(s), Removed operating centre: OBAN ROAD COVENTRY CV6 6HH
PD0001374/298 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Longbridge Rail Station given service number 145 effective from 30-Aug-2014.
Quote from: Tony on July 01, 2014, 11:48:23 AM
PD0001374 SI
Operator name: DIAMOND BUS
West Midlands, N&P, 27 Jun 2014: Variation Granted
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD Director(s): CHRISTOPHER BLYTH, FRANK GEOFFREY FLIGHT, KIM TAYLOR, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, SIMON LEE DUNN, ROBERT ANTHONY DUNN.
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW Increased authorisation at existing operating centre: BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE , BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ () New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 25 vehicle(s), Removed operating centre: OBAN ROAD COVENTRY CV6 6HH
has web address for west mids n&p changed as I can only find up to 13/6/14 on the one I have
also the school services from Redditch r all been axed
Quote from: Solo1 on July 01, 2014, 03:28:25 PM
also the school services from Redditch r all been axed
I have listed the changes of today 1/7/14 under this heading septmember re WCC subside cuts
Quote from: Tony on July 01, 2014, 11:48:23 AM
PD0001374 SI
Operator name: DIAMOND BUS
West Midlands, N&P, 27 Jun 2014: Variation Granted
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD Director(s): CHRISTOPHER BLYTH, FRANK GEOFFREY FLIGHT, KIM TAYLOR, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, SIMON LEE DUNN, ROBERT ANTHONY DUNN.
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW Increased authorisation at existing operating centre: BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE , BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ () New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 25 vehicle(s), Removed operating centre: OBAN ROAD COVENTRY CV6 6HH
Only 25 buses left at Long Acre, is that it?
Didn't it once have an allocation of 100+ including coaches?
Quote from: Winston on July 01, 2014, 06:31:36 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 01, 2014, 11:48:23 AM
PD0001374 SI
Operator name: DIAMOND BUS
West Midlands, N&P, 27 Jun 2014: Variation Granted
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD Director(s): CHRISTOPHER BLYTH, FRANK GEOFFREY FLIGHT, KIM TAYLOR, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, SIMON LEE DUNN, ROBERT ANTHONY DUNN.
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW Increased authorisation at existing operating centre: BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE , BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ () New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 25 vehicle(s), Removed operating centre: OBAN ROAD COVENTRY CV6 6HH
Only 25 buses left at Long Acre, is that it?
Didn't it once have an allocation of 100+ including coaches?
That is on the Diamond License. Central Connect and Flights Hallmark also have authorisations at Long Acre
Presumably the two centro's Winston mentioned are still VOR plus another as 2 Royale's-one blue, one black-and KX54NKZ were on the 002 today.
My observations today also fitted what Tony said a while back-Diamond are carrying by far the most passengers into Merry Hill vs the 22. Interestingly, TGB seemed to be constantly sat behind diamond today, unlike before.
Quote from: Tony on July 01, 2014, 06:40:08 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 01, 2014, 06:31:36 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 01, 2014, 11:48:23 AM
PD0001374 SI
Operator name: DIAMOND BUS
West Midlands, N&P, 27 Jun 2014: Variation Granted
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD Director(s): CHRISTOPHER BLYTH, FRANK GEOFFREY FLIGHT, KIM TAYLOR, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, SIMON LEE DUNN, ROBERT ANTHONY DUNN.
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW Increased authorisation at existing operating centre: BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE , BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ () New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 25 vehicle(s), Removed operating centre: OBAN ROAD COVENTRY CV6 6HH
Only 25 buses left at Long Acre, is that it?
Didn't it once have an allocation of 100+ including coaches?
That is on the Diamond License. Central Connect and Flights Hallmark also have authorisations at Long Acre
Yes sorry, never clocked that was reading it off my phone
With all the changes will Kidderminster /redditch gain any buses
or be losing some if so how many
Quote from: Solo1 on July 02, 2014, 02:27:28 PM
With all the changes will Kidderminster /redditch gain any buses
or be losing some if so how many
I might be a bit early for Diamond to have decided yet, the e-auction was only last Thurs.
Now they have secured the extra work, they can now start to plan how they are going to operate it / what vehicles etc
Quote from: Kevin on July 02, 2014, 10:40:27 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on July 01, 2014, 11:55:43 AM
PD0001374/298 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Longbridge Rail Station given service number 145 effective from 30-Aug-2014.
Woah.... hold up a minute...
Cancelled?
The ****?
Not just being selfish here (I use the route regular to get to Scout campsites in Blackwell and down the hill in Burcot), it is a lifeline for some people along that route
Yes but the tender has been won by WMSNT :)
Quote from: Winston on January 24, 2014, 11:49:34 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 24, 2014, 04:51:12 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 23, 2014, 11:37:01 PM
MPD 20856 LG02FFJ is now reported at GHA Coaches with rear end accident damage, not sure whether for spares or repair
That's interesting so thanks for reporting that. 20856 didn't look too bad but the chassis was probably distorted with the damage to the rear offside
GHA have been known for buying accident damaged buses in the past & repairing/returning them to service
Now in service with GHA as of early June
https://www.flickr.com/photos/arrivanorthwestwaleswrexhamdepotfleet/14359380023/
The 2.25 202 from Halesowen was late today, didn't turn up until 3.00. Roadworks down Ravenhayes lane not helping was stuck there for another 8 minutes for traffic control. Without that the 202 still can't stick to a timetable.
Just saw a Diamond signature Citaro being towed down the M1 southbound near Kegworth. No id.
https://twitter.com/diamondbuses/status/489430716007346176?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=diamondbuses&utm_content=489430716007346176
226 upgrade? :P
Quote from: vinh1000 on July 16, 2014, 04:31:13 PM
https://twitter.com/diamondbuses/status/489430716007346176?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=diamondbuses&utm_content=489430716007346176
226 upgrade? :P
Simon had confirmed that some newer Solo's would be moving in to Tividale to operate higher mileage routes. At least that free's up B7RLE 30834 which frequently appears on the 226 at present
Coming on from tomorrow. Hopefully.
Should be nice to see the 226 upgraded, if with vehicles potentially slightly small? Still, they should cope with the hills better than some of the buses put on there eg older MPDs and they're nice little buses too. Wonder if more old MPDs will be withdrawn from TE as a result if 20535/6 now replace the likes of 20501 etc etc.
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 16, 2014, 09:49:17 PM
Should be nice to see the 226 upgraded, if with vehicles potentially slightly small? Still, they should cope with the hills better than some of the buses put on there eg older MPDs and they're nice little buses too. Wonder if more old MPDs will be withdrawn from TE as a result if 20535/6 now replace the likes of 20501 etc etc.
Upgrading, or downgrading...depends on how you view it!
Seen a Rotala Wessex Engineering Support van being towed past the Toby Carvery in Quinton. About 40 minutes ago.
Anyone know what order the solo's r running
from Dudley today I know they have a 09 reg & 57 on there
Well, yesterday it was 20841, MX57UPW, V377SVV and 20535. 20841 I think then broke down and was replaced by an MPD so then none of the new solos at all.
20841 is a decent bus although yesterday it was roasting hot inside it!!
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 19, 2014, 12:23:56 PM
Well, yesterday it was 20841, MX57UPW, V377SVV and 20535. 20841 I think then broke down and was replaced by an MPD so then none of the new solos at all.
20841 is a decent bus although yesterday it was roasting hot inside it!!
And 20002 was on there
30826's front LED display is not working still (Everytime i see it the display is blank). Its on the 002 today with a piece of paper reading 002 stuck to the windscreen
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 19, 2014, 12:23:56 PM
Well, yesterday it was 20841, MX57UPW, V377SVV and 20535. 20841 I think then broke down and was replaced by an MPD so then none of the new solos at all.
20841 is a decent bus although yesterday it was roasting hot inside it!!
here is the above bus https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14513253029/
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 21-Jul-2014. To amend Route.
20535 is back on the 226 today in just plain red
https://flic.kr/p/orpy3h
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 23, 2014, 08:25:01 PM
20535 is back on the 226 today in just plain red
https://flic.kr/p/orpy3h
Has it ever left? I saw it at 5pm tonight as well.
What happened to the 226 being converted to 08/09 plate Solo's?
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2014, 08:28:12 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 23, 2014, 08:25:01 PM
20535 is back on the 226 today in just plain red
https://flic.kr/p/orpy3h
Has it ever left? I saw it at 5pm tonight as well.
What happened to the 226 being converted to 08/09 plate Solo's?
It went for a week and half (after debranding) and the solos exclusivity hasn't lasted a day! It was doing the 2015 ex merry hill
Quote from: Winston on July 23, 2014, 08:28:12 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 23, 2014, 08:25:01 PM
20535 is back on the 226 today in just plain red
https://flic.kr/p/orpy3h
Has it ever left? I saw it at 5pm tonight as well.
What happened to the 226 being converted to 08/09 plate Solo's?
I saw one of the 09 plate Solo's on the 326 in Bilston yesterday
There are at least two of newly acquired Solo's on the 226 today.
Quote from: Nathan on July 25, 2014, 02:26:00 PM
There are at least two of newly acquired Solo's on the 226 today.
Do you know what they are?
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2014, 02:31:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 25, 2014, 02:26:00 PM
There are at least two of newly acquired Solo's on the 226 today.
Do you know what they are?
Sorry didn't catch the identities. One was an 08 plate and the other was an 09 plate
20536 is now debranded with similar logos to 30454. On the 124 today!
Quote from: Nathan on July 25, 2014, 03:05:30 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2014, 02:31:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 25, 2014, 02:26:00 PM
There are at least two of newly acquired Solo's on the 226 today.
Do you know what they are?
Sorry didn't catch the identities. One was an 08 plate and the other was an 09 plate
20841 MX09HJG & 20868 MX08MZE were both on the 226 last night
MX09 HJG was the Solo that passed me through Kingswinford whilst on the 256
There's an 002 liveried Plaxton Centro parked up in one of the scrap yards, presumably there for work to be done to it:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/14807737953/
Are the three Signature Mercedes Citaros out today on the 82/88?
Quote from: Winston on July 30, 2014, 11:51:49 PM
There's an 002 liveried Plaxton Centro parked up in one of the scrap yards, presumably there for work to be done to it:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/14807737953/
Looks like the MAN, 30806
Quote from: N94 on August 01, 2014, 11:21:43 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 30, 2014, 11:51:49 PM
There's an 002 liveried Plaxton Centro parked up in one of the scrap yards, presumably there for work to be done to it:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/14807737953/
Looks like the MAN, 30806
I was thinking it was a MAN, as others of the batch have been there for work to be done in the past
Not sure what happened, but 2 71s following each other tonight. The drivers spoke to each other; the the first bus went around the roundabout a couple of times then carry on route, I think it was NIS. I didnt see them swap passengers but I assume this would have happend
It is the man as I can see the urban 90 seats and the sports thing on the back. Will this return in service as haven't been on it in ages and is a really nice bus
Anyone know what bus the 202 exiting halesowen at 10:25 is?
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
It is parked in the little triangle at the end of Long Acew
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 09:09:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
It is parked in the little triangle at the end of Long Acew
I saw a picture of it at Long Acre a couple of weeks again but assumed it was just there for work to be done
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 09:59:44 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 09:09:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
It is parked in the little triangle at the end of Long Acew
I saw a picture of it at Long Acre a couple of weeks again but assumed it was just there for work to be done
Where Winston? You got a link?
Quote from: Will on August 07, 2014, 10:09:46 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 09:59:44 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 09:09:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
It is parked in the little triangle at the end of Long Acew
I saw a picture of it at Long Acre a couple of weeks again but assumed it was just there for work to be done
Where Winston? You got a link?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/14666859036/
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: Will on August 07, 2014, 10:09:46 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 09:59:44 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 09:09:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
It is parked in the little triangle at the end of Long Acew
I saw a picture of it at Long Acre a couple of weeks again but assumed it was just there for work to be done
Where Winston? You got a link?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/14666859036/
Grazie :)
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
Does anybody know why??
Quote from: Will on August 07, 2014, 11:03:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
Does anybody know why??
I would guess it's because 30904 didn't come back how Rotala had pictured it coming back. So it could be going back to come back how they want it.
Quote from: tank90 on August 08, 2014, 10:47:38 AM
Quote from: Will on August 07, 2014, 11:03:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
Does anybody know why??
I would guess it's because 30904 didn't come back how Rotala had pictured it coming back. So it could be going back to come back how they want it.
Possibly but also what has got to be taken into account is that it's not DDA compliant (i.e. no wheelchair ramp) but they no the reasons so we won't jump to conclusions we'll have to just wait and see if they reveal the reasons why
Quote from: Will on August 08, 2014, 11:06:09 AM
Quote from: tank90 on August 08, 2014, 10:47:38 AM
Quote from: Will on August 07, 2014, 11:03:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
Does anybody know why??
I would guess it's because 30904 didn't come back how Rotala had pictured it coming back. So it could be going back to come back how they want it.
Possibly but also what has got to be taken into account is that it's not DDA compliant (i.e. no wheelchair ramp) but they no the reasons so we won't jump to conclusions we'll have to just wait and see if they reveal the reasons why
Simon has already alooded to the fact he's not happy that it when away with a ramp and didn't come back with one. As for its sister bus W906 that could be to repaint it and push it to KR or back to RH.
New 67/143 services much improved from September.
Later buses from Redditch-Studley and MUCH later buses between Bromsgrove and Redditch. Good idea to split this route back up-should help with timekeeping.
Quote from: tank90 on August 08, 2014, 10:47:38 AM
Quote from: Will on August 07, 2014, 11:03:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 07, 2014, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 07, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
July fleet changes now on the front page of the main site
Interesting with the withdrawal of 30904 ???
Does anybody know why??
I would guess it's because 30904 didn't come back how Rotala had pictured it coming back. So it could be going back to come back how they want it.
The mystery deepens!
Will 002 branded 806 return into service anytime soon?
Noted on the Norwich Buses Blog is that Cadets YJ51EKB/F/M have been sold to Sanders of Holt. There is a picture of EKM at the depot on the site in allover black, presumably they will be painted yellowy-orange in due course.
Quote from: Cheese on August 26, 2014, 05:27:51 PM
Noted on the Norwich Buses Blog is that Cadets YJ51EKB/F/M have been sold to Sanders of Holt. There is a picture of EKM at the depot on the site in allover black, presumably they will be painted yellowy-orange in due course.
Thanks for the update! Shame to see EKF/M go as they're really nice buses, not so much EKB which seems to rattle/shake/vibrate a lot at idle...
shame they have lost some dafs, really like them!
PD0001374/211 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Merry Hill and Dudley given service number 81 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/286 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Wolverhampton Bus Station and Stowlawn given service number 26A effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2014, 08:20:44 PM
PD0001374/211 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Merry Hill and Dudley given service number 81 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/286 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Wolverhampton Bus Station and Stowlawn given service number 26A effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Wolverhampton road works I assume...
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 29, 2014, 08:30:09 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2014, 08:20:44 PM
PD0001374/211 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Merry Hill and Dudley given service number 81 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/286 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Wolverhampton Bus Station and Stowlawn given service number 26A effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Wolverhampton road works I assume...
Those are probably the new routes out of W'ton due to the new road layout
Any idea what 30408 was displaying not in service with a women non uniformed on?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 01, 2014, 01:21:53 PM
Any idea what 30408 was displaying not in service with a women non uniformed on?
Not sure why but it was on the 002 this morning (0906 ex merry hill)
Cancellations in the notices and proceedings
PD1028090/173
CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ
Operating between West Heath and Rubery & The Great Park given service number 42 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
PD1028090/3
CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ
Operating between Birmingham, Erdington, Sixways and Birmingham, Hunters Moon given service number 25 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
PD1028090/184
CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ
Operating between Bearwood Bus Station and Oldbury given service number 122 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
PD0001374/208
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW
Operating between Darlaston and Woods Estate given service number 65 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
PD0001374/158
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW
Operating between Brandhall and Cape Hill given service number 55 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
PD0001374/210
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW
Operating between Bloxwich and Bilston given service number 326 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
PD0001374/193
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW
Operating between Catshill and Walsall Wood given service number 24 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
PD0001374/206
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW
Operating between County Bridge and Bilston given service number 303 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
PD0001374/150
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW
Operating between Dudley Bus Station and Kingswinford given service number 226 effective from 26-Oct-2014.
Diamond don't appear to have done very well on the Centro tenders again.
There is also an alteration in the n&p for the 226.
Look out for a unexpected registration for a tender win on a route diamond lost... (clue it isn't the 226...)
Looks like it might be just the evenings and Sundays going on the 226 having checked on the vosa portal
Someone decided to expunge registration variation 7 from the vosa system
PD0001374 SI
DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD
Director(s): CHRISTOPHER BLYTH, FRANK GEOFFREY FLIGHT, KIM TAYLOR, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, SIMON LEE DUNN, ROBERT ANTHONY DUNN.
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW
Increased authorisation at existing operating centre: ISLAND DRIVE KIDDERMINSTER DY10 1EZ ()
New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 35 vehicle(s),
Decreased authorisation at existing operating centre: BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE , BIRMINGHAM B7 5JJ ()
New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 20 vehicle(s),
PD0001374/339 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: West Bromich Bus Station
Finish Point: Friar Park
Via: Stone Cross
Service Number: 41
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-OCT-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD1028090/193 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Fox & Goose, Washwoodheath Road, Birmingham
Finish Point: Sixways, Erdington
Via:
Service Number: 25
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-OCT-2014
Other Details: Monday to saturday, except bank holidays
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 05, 2014, 11:12:00 AM
Look out for a unexpected registration for a tender win on a route diamond lost... (clue it isn't the 226...)
55 ;)
Quote from: Metrorider on September 06, 2014, 01:49:37 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 05, 2014, 11:12:00 AM
Look out for a unexpected registration for a tender win on a route diamond lost... (clue it isn't the 226...)
55 ;)
Yep...that certainly will be interesting!
I'm going off what I've heard from various sources that have told me about the 55 (which can be found in the October Tenders thread...) about the 55
From Diamond's website:
We will commence operating the 62, 70, 145A & 149 services from Saturday 6th September. First day of operation for the S69 service is Monday 8th September.
Only a few days late...
30217 will soon be coke cans
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15163577696/
Quote from: John on September 09, 2014, 08:37:55 AM
30217 will soon be coke cans
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15163577696/
Previously parked at the Kidderminster depot along with the other scrap vehicles that were moved over from Long Acre earlier this year.
Quote from: Will on September 09, 2014, 10:03:24 AM
Quote from: John on September 09, 2014, 08:37:55 AM
30217 will soon be coke cans
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15163577696/
Previously parked at the Kidderminster depot along with the other scrap vehicles that were moved over from Long Acre earlier this year.
They came from the overflow yard at Tividale
Quote from: Winston on September 09, 2014, 10:16:36 AM
Quote from: Will on September 09, 2014, 10:03:24 AM
Quote from: John on September 09, 2014, 08:37:55 AM
30217 will soon be coke cans
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15163577696/
Previously parked at the Kidderminster depot along with the other scrap vehicles that were moved over from Long Acre earlier this year.
They came from the overflow yard at Tividale
Ah yes! That's it I wasn't sure which one
27.10.2014 diamond to start on 302 lower farm.
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 09, 2014, 05:13:10 PM
27.10.2014 diamond to start on 302 lower farm.
That will please my mate on Lower Farm.
Any timetable yet?
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 09, 2014, 05:13:10 PM
27.10.2014 diamond to start on 302 lower farm.
That's a first for a long, long time!l
I assume the new 302 commercial services will give the buses made surplus following the loss of daytime Centro tendered routes 303 & 326 something to do
Something is obviously going on between WCC & Rotala in Droitwich, they have been operated for 3 days max:
PD0001374/319 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich, Omberley Street East and Reddich Bus Station given service number 354 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/320 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich Ombersley Street East and Droitwich, Ombersley Street East given service number 17 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/322 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droittwich, Ombersley Street East and Droitwich, Ombersley Street East given service number 20 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/323 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich, Ombersley Street, East and Droitwich, Ombersley Street East given service number 19A/19C effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/326 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich, Ombersley Street East and Droitwich, Ombersley Street East given service number 18 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/331 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich and Kidderminster Bus Station given service number 133 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
Quote from: Winston on September 10, 2014, 04:32:42 PM
Something is obviously going on between WCC & Rotala in Droitwich, they have been operated for 3 days max:
PD0001374/319 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich, Omberley Street East and Reddich Bus Station given service number 354 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/320 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich Ombersley Street East and Droitwich, Ombersley Street East given service number 17 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/322 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droittwich, Ombersley Street East and Droitwich, Ombersley Street East given service number 20 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/323 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich, Ombersley Street, East and Droitwich, Ombersley Street East given service number 19A/19C effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/326 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich, Ombersley Street East and Droitwich, Ombersley Street East given service number 18 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
PD0001374/331 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich and Kidderminster Bus Station given service number 133 effective from 04-Sep-2014.
I don't know whether it's some procedural technicality or something very serious. According to the VOSA site, no-one is now running these services! Can someone say whether Diamond is still operating them? Surely if Diamond had really ceased on the 4th, someone on this site would have said so? For these services I would have expected that the successful tenderer would have been obliged to take on the Woosh drivers. Anyone know if that was the case? I still find Diamond's 'refusal' to accept the outcome of the 141/145 tender as extraordinary. It could be that the man who deals with these registration matters went home to his tea halfway through and tomorrow morning new registrations appear and things become clearer.
There was a Diamond bus operating the 20 route today so they are still on there. There was also an all white Optare Solo parked up without fleetnames (possibly wmsnt) next to Morrisons.
There's an allover blue MPD W57-JVV on the 226 since at least 6pm, I've seen it twice and can't remember if it's KR's W572JVV or whether is could have been RH's W573JVV repainted.
Either way neither should be at Tividale
Quote from: Winston on September 09, 2014, 06:51:07 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 09, 2014, 05:13:10 PM
27.10.2014 diamond to start on 302 lower farm.
That's a first for a long, long time!l
I assume the new 302 commercial services will give the buses made surplus following the loss of daytime Centro tendered routes 303 & 326 something to do
any idea whos won 326, this is a fairly busy route, maybe diamond could of offered to take it commercially to keep a competitor off??
Quote from: bwsau cymru on September 11, 2014, 10:53:47 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 09, 2014, 06:51:07 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 09, 2014, 05:13:10 PM
27.10.2014 diamond to start on 302 lower farm.
That's a first for a long, long time!l
I assume the new 302 commercial services will give the buses made surplus following the loss of daytime Centro tendered routes 303 & 326 something to do
any idea whos won 326, this is a fairly busy route, maybe diamond could of offered to take it commercially to keep a competitor off??
Arriva have won the 326.
That's what First Bristol seem to be doing to Rotala owned Wessex.
Quote from: Winston on September 11, 2014, 10:45:00 PM
There's an allover blue MPD W57-JVV on the 226 since at least 6pm, I've seen it twice and can't remember if it's KR's W572JVV or whether is could have been RH's W573JVV repainted.
Either way neither should be at Tividale
It was 20573. In other news, the solos have been banned according to a couple of drivers off the 226...I wonder why :-)
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 11, 2014, 11:14:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 11, 2014, 10:45:00 PM
There's an allover blue MPD W57-JVV on the 226 since at least 6pm, I've seen it twice and can't remember if it's KR's W572JVV or whether is could have been RH's W573JVV repainted.
Either way neither should be at Tividale
It was 20573. In other news, the solos have been banned according to a couple of drivers off the 226...I wonder why :-)
I thought it was more likely W573JVV, but couldn't be certain. Is the 226 back to old MPD's again then?
Quote from: Winston on September 11, 2014, 11:17:13 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 11, 2014, 11:14:17 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 11, 2014, 10:45:00 PM
There's an allover blue MPD W57-JVV on the 226 since at least 6pm, I've seen it twice and can't remember if it's KR's W572JVV or whether is could have been RH's W573JVV repainted.
Either way neither should be at Tividale
It was 20573. In other news, the solos have been banned according to a couple of drivers off the 226...I wonder why :-)
I thought it was more likely W573JVV, but couldn't be certain. Is the 226 back to old MPD's again then?
that's what I've heard...although the person who told me was the driver who had it this evening.
20535, 20536, 30214 all on the 226 today...
(spot the odd one out!)
Quote from: Winston on September 11, 2014, 10:55:46 PM
Quote from: bwsau cymru on September 11, 2014, 10:53:47 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 09, 2014, 06:51:07 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 09, 2014, 05:13:10 PM
27.10.2014 diamond to start on 302 lower farm.
That's a first for a long, long time!l
I assume the new 302 commercial services will give the buses made surplus following the loss of daytime Centro tendered routes 303 & 326 something to do
any idea whos won 326, this is a fairly busy route, maybe diamond could of offered to take it commercially to keep a competitor off??
Arriva have won the 326.
That's what First Bristol seem to be doing to Rotala owned Wessex.
If it wasn't arriva I would of been shocked!
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 12, 2014, 08:19:16 PM
20535, 20536, 30214 all on the 226 today...
(spot the odd one out!)
One of the 09 plate Solo's was back out on the 226 today with the female driver.
Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2014, 10:31:58 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 12, 2014, 08:19:16 PM
20535, 20536, 30214 all on the 226 today...
(spot the odd one out!)
One of the 09 plate Solo's was back out on the 226 today with the female driver.
20869
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 13, 2014, 10:35:04 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2014, 10:31:58 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 12, 2014, 08:19:16 PM
20535, 20536, 30214 all on the 226 today...
(spot the odd one out!)
One of the 09 plate Solo's was back out on the 226 today with the female driver.
20869
Red Diamond liveried MPD 20501 S758RNE was on the 226 around 6.30pm
That one always seems to be the breakdown replacement bus. Seen it a lot when the solos were on
Any idea what 806 was on today?
I know 811 was on 4H
Apparently the 1720 or 1750 226 off Dudley decided to do an inspection of the council car parks. According to what I've been told it was either 20 down or 10 early....
I was told he was last seen heading down Constitution Hill (even further off the diversion....) about 1740 past Flood Street Zone 4 Car Park.
Redditch-based Streetlite (30163; BV63 OFO) has made a very very strange appearance in Kidderminster tonight [Wednesday, Sept 24th] and has apparantly been seen by a friend of mine operating on the number 3! I can't think of ANY logical reason why it has come down to Kidderminster on a weekday night extremely strange!!
218 is a really good bus considering age. Rode it this morning. Quick
807 needs a clean at the back and all its panels putting back it looked unsightly on the 002 last night heading into Halesowen at 6:30ish.
202 seems to be late majority of time. Yesterday it left halesowen at 40 past the hour instead of 25 past, hard to make up time on that route though. The worst thing was these two ladies were waiting for it, and the 4h came into space, so 202 pulled just in front of 4 blocking the entire road, while people went through the door and on the road to the 202. However they didn't see till it had dissapeared. Bad of driver in all honesty
PD0001374/341 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bilston Bus Station
Finish Point: Penderford Business Park
Via: Wednesfield, Low Hill, i54 Suite
Service Number: 25A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-OCT-2014
Other Details: Monday to Sunday
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 28, 2014, 04:39:38 PM
202 seems to be late majority of time. Yesterday it left halesowen at 40 past the hour instead of 25 past, hard to make up time on that route though. The worst thing was these two ladies were waiting for it, and the 4h came into space, so 202 pulled just in front of 4 blocking the entire road, while people went through the door and on the road to the 202. However they didn't see till it had dissapeared. Bad of driver in all honesty
This sort of things happens a few times every hour in Kidderminster, due to ludicrous moves to start and terminate as many services as possible at the three stand Town Hall stops. The busy road is very frequently blocked due to five or six buses clammering for a stand...
Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2014, 10:59:55 PM
PD0001374/341 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bilston Bus Station
Finish Point: Penderford Business Park
Via: Wednesfield, Low Hill, i54 Suite
Service Number: 25A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-OCT-2014
Other Details: Monday to Sunday
Strange choice of route imo. Why run the A and not the C?
Quote from: Nathan on September 30, 2014, 12:53:10 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2014, 10:59:55 PM
PD0001374/341 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bilston Bus Station
Finish Point: Penderford Business Park
Via: Wednesfield, Low Hill, i54 Suite
Service Number: 25A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-OCT-2014
Other Details: Monday to Sunday
Strange choice of route imo? Why run the A and not the C?
It does seem a bit of a random choice of route, but could it be to keep buses in the area to pick up the newly gained Centro tenders in an evening?
Quote from: Nathan on September 30, 2014, 12:53:10 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2014, 10:59:55 PM
PD0001374/341 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bilston Bus Station
Finish Point: Penderford Business Park
Via: Wednesfield, Low Hill, i54 Suite
Service Number: 25A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-OCT-2014
Other Details: Monday to Sunday
Strange choice of route imo. Why run the A and not the C?
Because they are not running a circular?
True but I would guess they change to 25C to go back to Bilston? (Probably the dumb post I have made.)
Unless they do 25A in both directions? That'd confuse the passengers on the C direction. ;)
Just because the NXWM route is numbered 25C in that direction does not mean that Diamond have to do the same number. Take the 305 and 401E for example
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 30, 2014, 06:14:15 PM
Just because the NXWM route is numbered 25C in that direction does not mean that Diamond have to do the same number. Take the 305 and 401E for example
The 305?
And the 401e was the same number when the 401 ran to Walsall via current 45 route just that Diamond kept the original Pete's number, meaning it's a nice reminder of the old numbering system/old 401 route! :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 30, 2014, 06:46:53 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 30, 2014, 06:14:15 PM
Just because the NXWM route is numbered 25C in that direction does not mean that Diamond have to do the same number. Take the 305 and 401E for example
The 305?
And the 401e was the same number when the 401 ran to Walsall via current 45 route just that Diamond kept the original Pete's number, meaning it's a nice reminder of the old numbering system/old 401 route! :)
The NXWM 305 was a variant of the 405 which followed a similar route to the 401E before one of the network reviews. Maybe Tony can explain better.
Just like the 337 was a variant of the 333 between Walsall and Darlaston used to compete against the 333X if i remember correctly
You will probably find that Diamond's 25 is the evening and Sunday tendered operation picked up in the emergency round as per Arriva's 27, 28E and 62/A.
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 30, 2014, 06:57:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 30, 2014, 06:46:53 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 30, 2014, 06:14:15 PM
Just because the NXWM route is numbered 25C in that direction does not mean that Diamond have to do the same number. Take the 305 and 401E for example
The 305?
And the 401e was the same number when the 401 ran to Walsall via current 45 route just that Diamond kept the original Pete's number, meaning it's a nice reminder of the old numbering system/old 401 route! :)
The NXWM 305 was a variant of the 405 which followed a similar route to the 401E before one of the network reviews. Maybe Tony can explain better.
Just like the 337 was a variant of the 333 between Walsall and Darlaston used to compete against the 333X if i remember correctly
Didn't TWM try and compete with Pete's on the 401e and indeed the 119... Interestingly, they lost on both!
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 30, 2014, 07:18:06 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 30, 2014, 06:57:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 30, 2014, 06:46:53 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 30, 2014, 06:14:15 PM
Just because the NXWM route is numbered 25C in that direction does not mean that Diamond have to do the same number. Take the 305 and 401E for example
The 305?
And the 401e was the same number when the 401 ran to Walsall via current 45 route just that Diamond kept the original Pete's number, meaning it's a nice reminder of the old numbering system/old 401 route! :)
The NXWM 305 was a variant of the 405 which followed a similar route to the 401E before one of the network reviews. Maybe Tony can explain better.
Just like the 337 was a variant of the 333 between Walsall and Darlaston used to compete against the 333X if i remember correctly
Didn't TWM try and compete with Pete's on the 401e and indeed the 119... Interestingly, they lost on both!
So who runs between Sutton & Falcon Lodge now?
Emergency round of tenders?
Has an operator failed?
(Remember when A2Z failed & a few operators took over their routes? )
No, a number of services were reviewed but not in time for the main batch of tenders.
Quote from: 646 on September 30, 2014, 06:57:57 PM
You will probably find that Diamond's 25 is the evening and Sunday tendered operation picked up in the emergency round as per Arriva's 27, 28E and 62/A.
Cheers for clearing that up. I guess its no more late night Trident thrashes down Stafford Rd at night :( ;)
Quote from: Nathan on September 30, 2014, 09:38:07 PM
Quote from: 646 on September 30, 2014, 06:57:57 PM
You will probably find that Diamond's 25 is the evening and Sunday tendered operation picked up in the emergency round as per Arriva's 27, 28E and 62/A.
Cheers for clearing that up. I guess its no more late night Trident thrashes down Stafford Rd at night :( ;)
You would struggle to have a 'late night Trident thrash' any other time
original 30201 YJ51EKA
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15385492036/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15405352351/
PD1028090/182 - CENTRAL CONNECT LTD T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Hamstead and Birmingham given service number 16 effective from 30-Nov-2014. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Tony on September 30, 2014, 10:12:10 PM
Quote from: Nathan on September 30, 2014, 09:38:07 PM
Quote from: 646 on September 30, 2014, 06:57:57 PM
You will probably find that Diamond's 25 is the evening and Sunday tendered operation picked up in the emergency round as per Arriva's 27, 28E and 62/A.
Cheers for clearing that up. I guess its no more late night Trident thrashes down Stafford Rd at night :( ;)
You would struggle to have a 'late night Trident thrash' any other time
Valid point
Have they changed the style/font on certain buses eg 002 branded buses changed and 30002 also
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 08, 2014, 07:52:12 PM
Have they changed the style/font on certain buses eg 002 branded buses changed and 30002 also
Yes the mobitec displays have been updated.
Quote from: Metrorider on October 09, 2014, 09:00:29 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 08, 2014, 07:52:12 PM
Have they changed the style/font on certain buses eg 002 branded buses changed and 30002 also
Yes the mobitec displays have been updated.
Everyone is playing round with their destination display styles it seems! :-)
Saw the mobitecs earlier on 30806 and I thought then that they had been changed.
It was displaying "Weoley Castle 002"
Also I noticed 20869 has the redditch services in the mobitecs.
20573 was on the 226 today
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 09, 2014, 09:56:43 PM
20573 was on the 226 today
It's still showing as allocated to RH, but it's been a good few weeks since first saw it repainted on the 226.
PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 01-Dec-2014. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on October 10, 2014, 12:39:35 PM
PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 01-Dec-2014. To amend Timetable.
Maybe it might give it more layover time, to stay on time
The b7s have a delay when they open door to the stopping sign going off, if there is only one person getting off it doesn't have time to flash back off and stays on, then the driver thinks it's a prank, so when I pressed the bell, which was already on, he went straight past the stop. How come this happens?
Does anybody know where 30826 and 30831 are today?
2. PD0001374/325 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Worcester Bus Station and Stratford, Rother Street given service number 166 effective from 10-Oct-2014
I thought this stopped running when the septmember wcc subside where cut ?
PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 19-Dec-2014. To amend Timetable.
30834 has gained advertisement for 301 on 4H today though
30832/30833 and 30855 should have as well
Quote from: 4747 on October 25, 2014, 01:00:22 PM
30832/30833 and 30855 should have as well
So if they're all going to be 301 branded & the value branded B7RLE 's could possibly move on to the 302?
If that's the case, which route will lose its B7RLE allocation as a result of the 302 starting?
832 hadn't got it the other day, and now the 4H will loose another 3 buses I expec. What's the pvr for the 4?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 25, 2014, 03:08:12 PM
832 hadn't got it the other day, and now the 4H will loose another 3 buses I expec. What's the pvr for the 4?
It's looking that way, I can't see the 302 being launched with MPD's or Darts.
I think they 4's might be around 12-14ish pvr
Let's look forward to darts on 4 again, 4 new b7rles and 808,811 and 816 and 30002 and a dart would be nice. The 002 tends to share these buses though.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 25, 2014, 03:43:04 PM
Let's look forward to darts on 4 again, 4 new b7rles and 808,811 and 816 and 30002 and a dart would be nice. The 002 tends to share these buses though.
I wouldn't look forward to that prospect, the larger Darts will be old and any newer Darts will be MPD's. Diamond haven't even got so many 39 seat Cadets to fall back on these days, as they've sold 6 during Sept and only 2 x B7RLE's 30002 & 30855 were moved in to Tividale as replacements, Tividale are therefore still -4 higher capacity buses down. There's a 57 plate ex Wessex B7RLE/Wright (30813) that has been parked up at Long Acre untouched for a number of months, that could have bolstered numbers at Tividale.
I don't mind 432 and the dafs, but I hate the longer darts, 855 was on 4 the other day. They need some more larger buses
Quote from: Winston on October 25, 2014, 01:53:18 PM
Quote from: 4747 on October 25, 2014, 01:00:22 PM
30832/30833 and 30855 should have as well
So if they're all going to be 301 branded & the value branded B7RLE 's could possibly move on to the 302?
If that's the case, which route will lose its B7RLE allocation as a result of the 302 starting?
The branding is for the 301 and 302, photo of one will be on the main site soon!
Quote from: Tony on October 25, 2014, 06:47:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 25, 2014, 01:53:18 PM
Quote from: 4747 on October 25, 2014, 01:00:22 PM
30832/30833 and 30855 should have as well
So if they're all going to be 301 branded & the value branded B7RLE 's could possibly move on to the 302?
If that's the case, which route will lose its B7RLE allocation as a result of the 302 starting?
The branding is for the 301 and 302, photo of one will be on the main site soon!
Therefore another Diamond route will be loosing some/all of it's B7RLE then..... ::)
Quote from: Winston on October 25, 2014, 03:55:25 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 25, 2014, 03:43:04 PM
Let's look forward to darts on 4 again, 4 new b7rles and 808,811 and 816 and 30002 and a dart would be nice. The 002 tends to share these buses though.
I wouldn't look forward to that prospect, the larger Darts will be old and any newer Darts will be MPD's. Diamond haven't even got so many 39 seat Cadets to fall back on these days, as they've sold 6 during Sept and only 2 x B7RLE's 30002 & 30855 were moved in to Tividale as replacements, Tividale are therefore still -4 higher capacity buses down. There's a 57 plate ex Wessex B7RLE/Wright (30813) that has been parked up at Long Acre untouched for a number of months, that could have bolstered numbers at Tividale.
Plus if some of Tividale's remaining long darts have moved over to Kidderminster recently as was suggested on that thread that would leave even fewer full size buses to cover the core routes.
Quote from: Tony on October 25, 2014, 06:47:42 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 25, 2014, 01:53:18 PM
Quote from: 4747 on October 25, 2014, 01:00:22 PM
30832/30833 and 30855 should have as well
So if they're all going to be 301 branded & the value branded B7RLE 's could possibly move on to the 302?
If that's the case, which route will lose its B7RLE allocation as a result of the 302 starting?
The branding is for the 301 and 302, photo of one will be on the main site soon!
Here is the branding for the 301/302 on 30833. Never the best photos in Walsall bus station with all the reflection
Certainly will be interesting to see if the other branded "value" eclipses will be modified with this branding or will keep it and if the other eclipses at Tividale all gain this branding.
Hopefully they've put some branding in the interior as well as certainly on the Value eclipses it looks amazing!
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 25, 2014, 07:01:03 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 25, 2014, 03:55:25 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 25, 2014, 03:43:04 PM
Let's look forward to darts on 4 again, 4 new b7rles and 808,811 and 816 and 30002 and a dart would be nice. The 002 tends to share these buses though.
I wouldn't look forward to that prospect, the larger Darts will be old and any newer Darts will be MPD's. Diamond haven't even got so many 39 seat Cadets to fall back on these days, as they've sold 6 during Sept and only 2 x B7RLE's 30002 & 30855 were moved in to Tividale as replacements, Tividale are therefore still -4 higher capacity buses down. There's a 57 plate ex Wessex B7RLE/Wright (30813) that has been parked up at Long Acre untouched for a number of months, that could have bolstered numbers at Tividale.
Plus if some of Tividale's remaining long darts have moved over to Kidderminster recently as was suggested on that thread that would leave even fewer full size buses to cover the core routes.
Exactly, further investment @ Diamond in full size size buses in long overdue. The average age of the Diamond fleet is well below that of Rotala Group.
They've tweaked the stickers inside 30411 to mention the 302
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 25, 2014, 07:01:03 PM
Plus if some of Tividale's remaining long darts have moved over to Kidderminster recently as was suggested on that thread that would leave even fewer full size buses to cover the core routes.
30512 has gone to Kiddy last week
Quote from: 4747 on October 26, 2014, 10:01:42 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 25, 2014, 07:01:03 PM
Plus if some of Tividale's remaining long darts have moved over to Kidderminster recently as was suggested on that thread that would leave even fewer full size buses to cover the core routes.
30512 has gone to Kiddy last week
Which also becomes KR's oldest bus & introduces a third livery to an allocation of 30 (Now 31 with 30512)
I'd have thought that moving 30437 V377SVV (Black Diamond Livery) would have been more appropriate, to join sister V-SVV vehicles already at KR & keep the two liveries.
Quote from: Winston on October 26, 2014, 11:09:04 AM
Quote from: 4747 on October 26, 2014, 10:01:42 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 25, 2014, 07:01:03 PM
Plus if some of Tividale's remaining long darts have moved over to Kidderminster recently as was suggested on that thread that would leave even fewer full size buses to cover the core routes.
30512 has gone to Kiddy last week
Which also becomes KR's oldest bus & introduces a third livery to an allocation of 30 (Now 31 with 30512)
I'd have thought that moving 30437 V377SVV (Black Diamond Livery) would have been more appropriate, to join sister V-SVV vehicles already at KR & keep the two liveries.
Plus 30202/3, 30516 when they enter service and MW52PZP if that was a permanent transfer. The allocation there really is growing...
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 25, 2014, 07:30:55 PM
They've tweaked the stickers inside 30411 to mention the 302
@the trainbasher
Have they also added any branding on the sides like on 30833 or left them as they are?
You mention the interior branding being adapted to show the 302. Did you see if the branding on the back has also been changed or the sticker by the door on the nearside?
Thanks :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 26, 2014, 05:52:22 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 25, 2014, 07:30:55 PM
They've tweaked the stickers inside 30411 to mention the 302
@the trainbasher
Have they also added any branding on the sides like on 30833 or left them as they are?
You mention the interior branding being adapted to show the 302. Did you see if the branding on the back has also been changed or the sticker by the door on the nearside?
Thanks :)
That had just pure Diamond Value branding without any additions on it. I only saw the one set of stickers inside that had the route list of what value tickets were purchased.
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 26, 2014, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 26, 2014, 05:52:22 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 25, 2014, 07:30:55 PM
They've tweaked the stickers inside 30411 to mention the 302
@the trainbasher
Have they also added any branding on the sides like on 30833 or left them as they are?
You mention the interior branding being adapted to show the 302. Did you see if the branding on the back has also been changed or the sticker by the door on the nearside?
Thanks :)
That had just pure Diamond Value branding without any additions on it. I only saw the one set of stickers inside that had the route list of what value tickets were purchased.
Thanks for the info :)
It seems the 301 is entirely B7rle now-in contrast to when there were more cadets.
I also think that the "Value" branded eclipses are some of the smartest and nicest vehicles to travel on within the Diamond fleet.
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 26, 2014, 05:49:39 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 26, 2014, 11:09:04 AM
Quote from: 4747 on October 26, 2014, 10:01:42 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 25, 2014, 07:01:03 PM
Plus if some of Tividale's remaining long darts have moved over to Kidderminster recently as was suggested on that thread that would leave even fewer full size buses to cover the core routes.
30512 has gone to Kiddy last week
Which also becomes KR's oldest bus & introduces a third livery to an allocation of 30 (Now 31 with 30512)
I'd have thought that moving 30437 V377SVV (Black Diamond Livery) would have been more appropriate, to join sister V-SVV vehicles already at KR & keep the two liveries.
Plus 30202/3, 30516 when they enter service and MW52PZP if that was a permanent transfer. The allocation there really is growing...
30516 was included in the original 30 as its already allocated there, 30202/3 are expected to be replacing older MPD's so will have no impact on total allocation
Noticed the Not In Service display on 20606 this afternoon was alternating between the usual Not in Service and:
'Lest We Forget'
1914-2014
in inverted LEDs
Quote from: N94 on October 28, 2014, 07:51:56 PM
Noticed the Not In Service display on 20606 this afternoon was alternating between the usual Not in Service and:
'Lest We Forget'
1914-2014
in inverted LEDs
That's a nice touch. Hopefully Diamond will offer the same pledge as last year of carrying servicemen and women for free until the end of the year.
Signature routes 82/88 a bit of a mess yesterday - Optare Solo SR and an Enviro 200 on it. Neither big enough to take the capacity of the hourly route and lack the good pace of the Citaros.
Quote from: Liberator9 on November 05, 2014, 07:32:02 PM
Signature routes 82/88 a bit of a mess yesterday - Optare Solo SR and an Enviro 200 on it. Neither big enough to take the capacity of the hourly route and lack the good pace of the Citaros.
How regularly would you say this is happening now?
Were they full and standing?
There was a Diamond Solo stuck in the middle lane of the outbound carriageway of High Street Deritend outside the Custard Factory this afternoon around 4:30. ???
No idea what had happened, it looked like it had been abandoned with no lights on, and no driver or passengers on it! I couldn't see what had happened, it didn't appear to have any accident damage, so perhaps it had broken down?
It was a very awkward place anyway, as only one lane of traffic was open and the police were diverting vehicles around it.
Sorry for the delay in replying Diamond Dart.
The 88 and 82 do have good loads every time I see them - even with the Citaros on them. I don't know what would happen if the service frequency was to be increased - whether patronage would continue to grow or if loadings would be insufficient on a half hourly service. It would be worth a try though - would be good to see a frequency increase. It seems a world away from when Tridents and Mercs were used by NXC on the 19X and 19W in 2009!
Quote from: Liberator9 on November 07, 2014, 06:38:17 PM
Sorry for the delay in replying Diamond Dart.
The 88 and 82 do have good loads every time I see them - even with the Citaros on them. I don't know what would happen if the service frequency was to be increased - whether patronage would continue to grow or if loadings would be insufficient on a half hourly service. It would be worth a try though - would be good to see a frequency increase. It seems a world away from when Tridents and Mercs were used by NXC on the 19X and 19W in 2009!
No worries-do you often see other vehicles on the 82/8 that aren't citaros though?
I agree it would be interesting to see-most passengers seem to be OAPs though?
When the S11/ S15 finish, that bus then does a peak 82 trip so there is always one trip that is usually a Solo SR.
There was a Blue Diamond Plaxton Centro on the 82/88 yesterday. I think they're a Citaro down at the moment though, as having looked at the facebook page, it mentions breakdown on the route on Monday. Thanks Trident 4370 - I think it is the 15:50 from Solihull. That would've been the one I saw actually with the Solo SR on, on Tuesday.
PD0001374/100 - DIAMOND BUS COMPANY LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WALSALL, BRADFORD STREET and WALSALL, BRADFORD STREET given service number 401E effective from 04-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.
Diamond have taken 8 full size single decks off YourBus for the Midlands depots to try and help the overload of 29 seaters.
SV04 DVH/K/L/M (Wrights) are returning, having previously been Rotala vehicles along with
BK10 MFX/Y (Plaxtons Centros) all B7RLEs
SN10 CDF/K Enviro 300s
Quote from: Tony on November 14, 2014, 06:36:03 PM
Diamond have taken 8 full size single decks off YourBus for the Midlands depots to try and help the overload of 29 seaters.
SV04 DVH/K/L/M(Wrights) are returning, having previously been Rotala vehicles along with
BK10 MFX/Y(Plaxton Centros) all B7RLEs
SN10 CDF/K Enviro 300s
Excellent news :D :D :D
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's well I'm not even saying on here as I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum unfortunately hence why I am saying nothing..
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's bit of a "[blank]" (word I'm not even saying on here - I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum hence why I am saying nout!)
Bit of a.... Plank? Haha, always liked a game of Blankety Blank.
Thanks for the info, didn't realise they had inspectors.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 09:02:49 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's bit of a "[blank]" (word I'm not even saying on here - I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum hence why I am saying nout!)
Bit of a.... Plank? Haha, always liked a game of Blankety Blank.
Thanks for the info, didn't realise they had inspectors.
Well not quite the word I was going to use but as there's Diamond mangement "geestapo" watching this forum I have bite my tongue
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 09:06:05 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 09:02:49 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's bit of a "[blank]" (word I'm not even saying on here - I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum hence why I am saying nout!)
Bit of a.... Plank? Haha, always liked a game of Blankety Blank.
Thanks for the info, didn't realise they had inspectors.
Well not quite the word I was going to use but as there's Diamond mangement "geestapo" watching this forum I have bite my tongue
I get what you're driving at. Best to keep it on the quiet.
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's well I'm not even saying on here as I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum unfortunately hence why I am saying nothing..
Diamond have buses in Kidderminster???!!! When did this happen - I was there for four hours on Friday and didn't see any buses at all. Let alone inspectors!! Perhaps I didn't travel on the roads they serve!!
Quote from: don on November 16, 2014, 08:53:02 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's well I'm not even saying on here as I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum unfortunately hence why I am saying nothing..
Diamond have buses in Kidderminster???!!! When did this happen - I was there for four hours on Friday and didn't see any buses at all. Let alone inspectors!! Perhaps I didn't travel on the roads they serve!!
2 years ago come March 2015, they bought First Wyvern's Redditch & Kidderminster operations off First, have a garage & the largest fleet in the town??? Where were you standing?
if u stand on the corner over the road from Tesco u will c buses going to the bus station & others will turn up the road by the library I saw loads when I was there a while back https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14024366014/in/set-72157629374012447 bus station is behind me road to the left is where they use in Kidderminster hope that helps
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 09:06:05 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 09:02:49 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's bit of a "[blank]" (word I'm not even saying on here - I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum hence why I am saying nout!)
Bit of a.... Plank? Haha, always liked a game of Blankety Blank.
Thanks for the info, didn't realise they had inspectors.
Well not quite the word I was going to use but as there's Diamond mangement "geestapo" watching this forum I have bite my tongue
Rotala inspector driving 142, what a rude person he is lol
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 17, 2014, 04:29:17 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 09:06:05 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 09:02:49 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's bit of a "[blank]" (word I'm not even saying on here - I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum hence why I am saying nout!)
Bit of a.... Plank? Haha, always liked a game of Blankety Blank.
Thanks for the info, didn't realise they had inspectors.
Well not quite the word I was going to use but as there's Diamond mangement "geestapo" watching this forum I have bite my tongue
Rotala inspector driving 142, what a rude person he is lol
Fat bloke? Wears his ID card on his tie? Yeah that's Neil I can't stand him
Quote from: Winston on November 16, 2014, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: don on November 16, 2014, 08:53:02 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's well I'm not even saying on here as I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum unfortunately hence why I am saying nothing..
Diamond have buses in Kidderminster???!!! When did this happen - I was there for four hours on Friday and didn't see any buses at all. Let alone inspectors!! Perhaps I didn't travel on the roads they serve!!
2 years ago come March 2015, they bought First Wyvern's Redditch & Kidderminster operations off First, have a garage & the largest fleet in the town??? Where were you standing?
I wasn't able to do any standing around bus gazing as I had no free time - I ended up driving there so travelled in from the east, went part round the ring road, out towards Bewdley and into a housing estate - arrived at lunchtime and left in the evening peak - never saw a single bus - a concerted effort to get a public transport route yielded great connections by rail but I was surprised Diamond didn't figure in the Traveline route (which incidentally had a ten minute walk either end as well - seriously ten mins from the rail station!!) - I decided I'd need to go by taxi if I used public transport to be sure of timings.
The only non NXWM bus I saw in my whole drive through North Worcestershire/ South Birmingham was a double decker 144 near Bromsgrove.
Now that would have been impossible even on a Sunday in Midland Red days!!
Only Kidderminster routes on a Sunday are 3/X3.
Quote from: don on November 17, 2014, 11:32:21 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 16, 2014, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: don on November 16, 2014, 08:53:02 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's well I'm not even saying on here as I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum unfortunately hence why I am saying nothing..
Diamond have buses in Kidderminster???!!! When did this happen - I was there for four hours on Friday and didn't see any buses at all. Let alone inspectors!! Perhaps I didn't travel on the roads they serve!!
2 years ago come March 2015, they bought First Wyvern's Redditch & Kidderminster operations off First, have a garage & the largest fleet in the town??? Where were you standing?
I wasn't able to do any standing around bus gazing as I had no free time - I ended up driving there so travelled in from the east, went part round the ring road, out towards Bewdley and into a housing estate - arrived at lunchtime and left in the evening peak - never saw a single bus - a concerted effort to get a public transport route yielded great connections by rail but I was surprised Diamond didn't figure in the Traveline route (which incidentally had a ten minute walk either end as well - seriously ten mins from the rail station!!) - I decided I'd need to go by taxi if I used public transport to be sure of timings.
The only non NXWM bus I saw in my whole drive through North Worcestershire/ South Birmingham was a double decker 144 near Bromsgrove.
Now that would have been impossible even on a Sunday in Midland Red days!!
Had you gone the opposite away around the ring ring & headed towards Stourport, you would have see the Diamond (ex First) Kidderminster garage location in the centre of a traffic island.
Daf 30210 now in diamond (blue livery).
Quote from: Ash on November 18, 2014, 08:08:45 PM
Daf 30210 now in diamond (blue livery).
Thanks for the info on that Ash! :)
IIRC that one had sustained minor front accident damage?
Quote from: don on November 17, 2014, 11:32:21 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 16, 2014, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: don on November 16, 2014, 08:53:02 PM
Quote from: Will on November 15, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 15, 2014, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 15, 2014, 05:27:02 PM
806 was being driven by a rotala inspector
1) Rotala have inspectors?
2) 806? Not NXWM? Haha
Liverpool Street,
Yes they certainly do they have got one in Redditch and one in Kidderminster the latter one (Kidder) he's well I'm not even saying on here as I do believe there are Rotala management staff on this forum unfortunately hence why I am saying nothing..
Diamond have buses in Kidderminster???!!! When did this happen - I was there for four hours on Friday and didn't see any buses at all. Let alone inspectors!! Perhaps I didn't travel on the roads they serve!!
2 years ago come March 2015, they bought First Wyvern's Redditch & Kidderminster operations off First, have a garage & the largest fleet in the town??? Where were you standing?
I wasn't able to do any standing around bus gazing as I had no free time - I ended up driving there so travelled in from the east, went part round the ring road, out towards Bewdley and into a housing estate - arrived at lunchtime and left in the evening peak - never saw a single bus - a concerted effort to get a public transport route yielded great connections by rail but I was surprised Diamond didn't figure in the Traveline route (which incidentally had a ten minute walk either end as well - seriously ten mins from the rail station!!) - I decided I'd need to go by taxi if I used public transport to be sure of timings.
The only non NXWM bus I saw in my whole drive through North Worcestershire/ South Birmingham was a double decker 144 near Bromsgrove.
Now that would have been impossible even on a Sunday in Midland Red days!!
Going back into Midland Red days, in 1952 the 144 was every 20 minutes Monday to Fridays and Sundays, every 15 mins on Saturdays. Apart from Sundays, today's offering is not so bad. The 318 Bromsgrove to Stourbridge was every 30 minutes every day including Sundays and evenings (every 20 minutes Saturday evening). How this route has declined! Now a subsidised two-hourly affair.
OK, that's in the past, but I do think that bus companies particularly in Worcestershire have been a bit slow to try commercial services on Sundays. The day has completely changed from my youth when nothing happened and all the shops were shut. In the West Midlands County, there is a much better situation. There are towns in Worcestershire, it's not all rural space.
Looks as if W337VGX is set to be withdrawn after its accident...
Going back into Midland Red days, in 1952 the 144 was every 20 minutes Monday to Fridays and Sundays, every 15 mins on Saturdays. Apart from Sundays, today's offering is not so bad. The 318 Bromsgrove to Stourbridge was every 30 minutes every day including Sundays and evenings (every 20 minutes Saturday evening). How this route has declined! Now a subsidised two-hourly affair.
[/quote]
When I were a lad, the 318 was also a Redditch - Bromsgrove - Stourbridge service. Any takers for this route ?? :D
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 22, 2014, 08:44:08 PM
Looks as if W337VGX is set to be withdrawn after its accident...
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/emergency-services/2014/11/22/six-injured-as-bus-and-car-collide/
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 22, 2014, 08:44:08 PM
Looks as if W337VGX is set to be withdrawn after its accident...
Trouble is, that's another large Dart down at Tividale
Quote from: Winston on November 22, 2014, 10:30:54 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 22, 2014, 08:44:08 PM
Looks as if W337VGX is set to be withdrawn after its accident...
Trouble is, that's another large Dart down at Tividale
Yes and I get the feeling that a Kidderminster-based long Dart (for e.g. 30438/439/512) will return to the Black Country unless they transfer one over from Long Acre
Quote from: Will on November 22, 2014, 10:35:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 22, 2014, 10:30:54 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 22, 2014, 08:44:08 PM
Looks as if W337VGX is set to be withdrawn after its accident...
Trouble is, that's another large Dart down at Tividale
Yes and I get the feeling that a Kidderminster-based long Dart (for e.g. 30438/439/512) will return to the Black Country unless they transfer one over from Long Acre
No long darts left at LAC.
Probably able to be covered by 30210 returning to service and 30860 transferring over if it hasn't already.
301/302 value branded 30833 on the 002. It will do the 1636 off merry hill
best service to find 30210
Quote from: Solo1 on November 23, 2014, 04:13:02 PM
best service to find 30210
Stand in West Brom-most likely on 40, 42A/C, 43, 4H.
Quote from: Solo1 on November 23, 2014, 04:13:02 PM
best service to find 30210
Last time I went on one of them series of buses the driver had to get out at every stop and kick the door to shut
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 23, 2014, 04:42:55 PM
Stand in West Brom-most likely on 40, 42A/C, 43, 4H.
Agreed, they all generally live on those routes these days. Nice buses to drive though.
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 23, 2014, 04:42:55 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on November 23, 2014, 04:13:02 PM
best service to find 30210
Stand in West Brom-most likely on 40, 42A/C, 43, 4H.
I wouldn't stand there too long it's not on the road yet!
A few Diamonds missing from the 16 today, thought I'd catch one into town for a change, waited 20 mins in Hamstead letting numerous NX B7TLs go past, gave up and caught one of them instead, only diamond bus I saw was a dart by Handsworth Park, unless they're all stuck by the markets methinks somethings up
213 was on 4H - had inspectors on nice bus, new panels applied I think, really struggles getting up hills, going at a mere 5mph(as bad as a b6) but once it was on flat road, it went very quick indeed
I think it was took off though as 432 covered the timetable that the 213 was meant to do
30413 on 4H
Anyone know which vehicle was involved in the RTA in Walsall earlier?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 28, 2014, 11:06:24 PM
Anyone know which vehicle was involved in the RTA in Walsall earlier?
30833
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 29, 2014, 08:18:46 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 28, 2014, 11:06:24 PM
Anyone know which vehicle was involved in the RTA in Walsall earlier?
30833
And already back out in service, just caught it on the 301. Surprised cause the damage looked fairly substantial when I saw it
Quote from: Kevin on November 30, 2014, 03:27:11 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 29, 2014, 08:18:46 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 28, 2014, 11:06:24 PM
Anyone know which vehicle was involved in the RTA in Walsall earlier?
30833
And already back out in service, just caught it on the 301. Surprised cause the damage looked fairly substantial when I saw it
Fair play to them for turning that accident damage around pretty quick. Did it have logos etc re-applied?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 30, 2014, 04:06:22 PM
Quote from: Kevin on November 30, 2014, 03:27:11 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 29, 2014, 08:18:46 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 28, 2014, 11:06:24 PM
Anyone know which vehicle was involved in the RTA in Walsall earlier?
30833
And already back out in service, just caught it on the 301. Surprised cause the damage looked fairly substantial when I saw it
Fair play to them for turning that accident damage around pretty quick. Did it have logos etc re-applied?
No, but it seems like it just needed a few new panels, which is weird when you look how damaged the car was
Quote from: Kevin on November 30, 2014, 04:20:23 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 30, 2014, 04:06:22 PM
Quote from: Kevin on November 30, 2014, 03:27:11 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 29, 2014, 08:18:46 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 28, 2014, 11:06:24 PM
Anyone know which vehicle was involved in the RTA in Walsall earlier?
30833
And already back out in service, just caught it on the 301. Surprised cause the damage looked fairly substantial when I saw it
Fair play to them for turning that accident damage around pretty quick. Did it have logos etc re-applied?
No, but it seems like it just needed a few new panels, which is weird when you look how damaged the car was
A wright bodied b7rle must be amongst the best, most solidly built buses... Thanks for the info :)
30813 (FJ57 CYW) now in service at Tividale on the 4, if it has not already been mentioned
It's been there a few weeks.
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 03, 2014, 04:56:15 PM
It's been there a few weeks.
Yes I think I must have been mistaking 860/855 for it as I didn't know it was in service. It's not a bad bus. Much prefer the ex midland ones though
I've noticed on the RTI display on my stop this week that the 002 is displaying Summerfield (or something similar) as the destination instead of Weoley Castle
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 03, 2014, 06:57:23 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 03, 2014, 04:56:15 PM
It's been there a few weeks.
Yes I think I must have been mistaking 860/855 for it as I didn't know it was in service. It's not a bad bus. Much prefer the ex midland ones though
In particular, 30834 KX57MTE is a fantastic bus to travel on! Seems as if it's set up slightly different to the other ones, possibly.
Quote from: N94 on December 03, 2014, 07:12:41 PM
I've noticed on the RTI display on my stop this week that the 002 is displaying Summerfield (or something similar) as the destination instead of Weoley Castle
It would be showing Somerfield-the name of the shop on Castle Square now called the Co-Op and think that's been the case for several years now?
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 03, 2014, 07:17:15 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 03, 2014, 06:57:23 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 03, 2014, 04:56:15 PM
It's been there a few weeks.
Yes I think I must have been mistaking 860/855 for it as I didn't know it was in service. It's not a bad bus. Much prefer the ex midland ones though
In particular, 30834 KX57MTE is a fantastic bus to travel on! Seems as if it's set up slightly different to the other ones, possibly.
30832 is my favourite for its power
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 03, 2014, 07:18:13 PM
Quote from: N94 on December 03, 2014, 07:12:41 PM
I've noticed on the RTI display on my stop this week that the 002 is displaying Summerfield (or something similar) as the destination instead of Weoley Castle
It would be showing Somerfield-the name of the shop on Castle Square now called the Co-Op and think that's been the case for several years now?
Ah, thanks. That expains it. I just found it odd because in the past it's always said Weoley Castle, until this week.
Quote from: N94 on December 03, 2014, 07:43:49 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 03, 2014, 07:18:13 PM
Quote from: N94 on December 03, 2014, 07:12:41 PM
I've noticed on the RTI display on my stop this week that the 002 is displaying Summerfield (or something similar) as the destination instead of Weoley Castle
It would be showing Somerfield-the name of the shop on Castle Square now called the Co-Op and think that's been the case for several years now?
Ah, thanks. That expains it. I just found it odd because in the past it's always said Weoley Castle, until this week.
No worries! :) I think it might be listed on the Diamond timetable hence why RTI was showing it. Bus displays obviously show Weoley Castle though! :)
Interesting fleet changes for this month...
Good to see some 8 vehicles acquired-6 b7rle's, 2 e300's and also 7 scrappers sold.
Kidderminster depot must be a bit emptier now that these are gone, as several of these were latterly being stored there.
Is it really "Dunn Line" if they even still exist that have acquired them though? Surely they have been sold for scrap to a South Yorkshire firm:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15163577696
And https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/14494912673
Which has been there since at least November 2013.
Haven't the vehicles acquired come from a totally unrelated company-Yourbus-or Dunn Motor Traction Ltd as well?
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 04, 2014, 01:16:37 AM
Interesting fleet changes for this month...
Good to see some 8 vehicles acquired-6 b7rle's, 2 e300's and also 7 scrappers sold.
Kidderminster depot must be a bit emptier now that these are gone, as several of these were latterly being stored there.
Is it really "Dunn Line" if they even still exist that have acquired them though? Surely they have been sold for scrap to a South Yorkshire firm:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15163577696
And https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/14494912673
Which has been there since at least November 2013.
Haven't the vehicles acquired come from a totally unrelated company-Yourbus-or Dunn Motor Traction Ltd as well?
Yes, that's me typing that late last night. They have passed to Your Bus
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2014, 08:16:37 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 04, 2014, 01:16:37 AM
Interesting fleet changes for this month...
Good to see some 8 vehicles acquired-6 b7rle's, 2 e300's and also 7 scrappers sold.
Kidderminster depot must be a bit emptier now that these are gone, as several of these were latterly being stored there.
Is it really "Dunn Line" if they even still exist that have acquired them though? Surely they have been sold for scrap to a South Yorkshire firm:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15163577696
And https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/14494912673
Which has been there since at least November 2013.
Haven't the vehicles acquired come from a totally unrelated company-Yourbus-or Dunn Motor Traction Ltd as well?
Yes, that's me typing that late last night. They have passed to Your Bus
the could have done or are still to come may sold to dunn-line then to diamond . from a certain local who have about that many ? that the will not be needing soon.
Am I thinking correct that those Darts 20656 (V656 HEC); 31495 (S405 TMB); 30378 (S378 TMB) will be re-entering service somewhere?? If that is the case I say fair play at least they'm not being turned into coke cans if they are re-entering service somewhere it is a shame that they couldn't of been done up and entered service at Kiddy rather than elsewhere.
Quote from: Will on December 04, 2014, 02:52:45 PM
Am I thinking correct that those Darts 20656 (V656 HEC); 31495 (S405 TMB); 30378 (S378 TMB) will be re-entering service somewhere?? If that is the case I say fair play at least they'm not being turned into coke cans if they are re-entering service somewhere it is a shame that they couldn't of been done up and entered service at Kiddy rather than elsewhere.
they certainly wont be with Yourbus, their fleet is made up of Citaro's from new these days.
A KS03 solo just gone past russells hall hospital with the front panel missing under the windscreen, whilst not in service
A couple of diamonds on the 226 are not in service
Pardon?
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 06, 2014, 03:37:26 PM
A couple of diamonds on the 226 are not in service
How are they not in service and yet on the 226?
Quote from: Kevin on December 07, 2014, 10:10:43 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 06, 2014, 03:37:26 PM
A couple of diamonds on the 226 are not in service
How are they not in service and yet on the 226?
They were running round the 226 route and knocking themselves out of service at various points (yet running along the route empty)
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 07, 2014, 10:35:20 PM
They were running round the 226 route and knocking themselves out of service at various points (yet running along the route empty)
Seems to be normal for diamond on the 226 at the moment, 1 driver in particular loves driving it round with "sorry not in service" on the front.
Quote from: Metrorider on December 08, 2014, 08:58:37 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 07, 2014, 10:35:20 PM
They were running round the 226 route and knocking themselves out of service at various points (yet running along the route empty)
Seems to be normal for diamond on the 226 at the moment, 1 driver in particular loves driving it round with "sorry not in service" on the front.
And some like coming into Brierley Hill with the mobitecs showing the 108 and turning empty in the peaks via the High Street :-)
W573JVV was working the 42C today in West Bromwich, so that's either still there or back at Tividale.
Can some of you guys in the know explain what's going on in Kidderminster? I was there on Wednesday and made a slightly more concerted effort to see some buses than last time. In the bus station I saw quite a few Whittles vehicles passing through and parked up - saw a handful of blue diamonds and even an Arriva mini Dart (packed with people). Then I saw the thread and website saying EYMS were selling/ have sold parts of the operation.
The bus station only looks part used for service stops. Driving around I saw several whittles vehicles but couldn't help noticing lots of stop poles with no signs.
Altogether a rather confusing look for an outsider. Presumably operating bus services there is not greatly profitable.
Quote from: don on December 13, 2014, 01:09:27 PM
Can some of you guys in the know explain what's going on in Kidderminster? I was there on Wednesday and made a slightly more concerted effort to see some buses than last time. In the bus station I saw quite a few Whittles vehicles passing through and parked up - saw a handful of blue diamonds and even an Arriva mini Dart (packed with people). Then I saw the thread and website saying EYMS were selling/ have sold parts of the operation.
The bus station only looks part used for service stops. Driving around I saw several whittles vehicles but couldn't help noticing lots of stop poles with no signs.
Altogether a rather confusing look for an outsider. Presumably operating bus services there is not greatly profitable.
Basical only whittles and arriava and diamond long distance services and a small firm R &B travel, and a service run by the local dial a ride
and why there are stops with no flags on only half the stand are in use, and vehicles park up there it is something that happened in firsts days
not quite sure what , I do have a idea but not even 50% sure so I will not say, the main terminus is jus down the road by the town hall , where there is redevelopment work for the town should be starting in January, and with whittles closing at the end of the year (early January) things may change
in the bus station because all the whittles services will be operated by other operators who may use the town hall. hope that helps do not know about being confusing for a outsider it is confusing for locals as well everything with the sale not quite complete I think
The bus that does the 2005 off Halesowen to a merry Hill now does the 2200 243 off Merry Hill
How long has 30813 been at Tividale for
Quote from: Solo1 on December 13, 2014, 09:18:29 PM
How long has 30813 been at Tividale for
Around a month tops
30941 on the 25A/C tonight. Seen parked up on Wednesfield High St at 21:39
Wessex B7 30937 BK 13 NZN was parked at Long acre this afternoon.
Quote from: Ced on December 13, 2014, 01:47:41 PM
Quote from: don on December 13, 2014, 01:09:27 PM
Can some of you guys in the know explain what's going on in Kidderminster? I was there on Wednesday and made a slightly more concerted effort to see some buses than last time. In the bus station I saw quite a few Whittles vehicles passing through and parked up - saw a handful of blue diamonds and even an Arriva mini Dart (packed with people). Then I saw the thread and website saying EYMS were selling/ have sold parts of the operation.
The bus station only looks part used for service stops. Driving around I saw several whittles vehicles but couldn't help noticing lots of stop poles with no signs.
Altogether a rather confusing look for an outsider. Presumably operating bus services there is not greatly profitable.
Basical only whittles and arriava and diamond long distance services and a small firm R &B travel, and a service run by the local dial a ride
and why there are stops with no flags on only half the stand are in use, and vehicles park up there it is something that happened in firsts days
not quite sure what , I do have a idea but not even 50% sure so I will not say, the main terminus is jus down the road by the town hall , where there is redevelopment work for the town should be starting in January, and with whittles closing at the end of the year (early January) things may change
in the bus station because all the whittles services will be operated by other operators who may use the town hall. hope that helps do not know about being confusing for a outsider it is confusing for locals as well everything with the sale not quite complete I think
Cheers for that. Bus deregulation and government cuts seem to be playing a big part (mentioned on Whittles' web site) - I will keep watching this space.
Quote from: John on December 03, 2014, 04:48:38 PM
30813 (FJ57 CYW) now in service at Tividale on the 4, if it has not already been mentioned
her us the bus on the 4 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15877880008/
Losing track of the number of b7rle's being moved into Tividale!
30862 has now moved over, presumably 30858 has as well, following the entry into service of at least some of the e300's and 04 eclipses at Redditch.
Interesting that RH seems to be keeping the repainted ones, like 30860 which hasn't transferred over yet as it was on the 146 today. Possibly 30858/30862 instead?
Wonder if any more will move over?
Diamond from what I've heard have got a major staff shortage at Tividale. I've seen over the last couple of Saturdays 226 rota drivers covering turns on the 002/4H/243 and having to do quite a bit of extra runs
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 20, 2014, 08:10:10 PM
Diamond from what I've heard have got a major staff shortage at Tividale. I've seen over the last couple of Saturdays 226 rota drivers covering turns on the 002/4H/243 and having to do quite a bit of extra runs
No doubt a lot of companies are finding it at this time of the year! I have noticed drivers off usual rotas though, particularly being put onto the 302. Also seen a fair few drivers without uniforms who must be new and a couple of old 002 drivers are now with Hansons.
The 302 and 301 are on the same rota as the 282, 80 and 124 I believe
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 20, 2014, 08:28:30 PM
The 302 and 301 are on the same rota as the 282, 80 and 124 I believe
Drivers I've seen usually do 401e and 002 that are on there. 4/4H seems to have regular drivers on there and most 002 runs have regular drivers.
Have we worked out which bus is working out of KR onto the 002 each day or does it change?
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 20, 2014, 08:36:56 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 20, 2014, 08:28:30 PM
The 302 and 301 are on the same rota as the 282, 80 and 124 I believe
Drivers I've seen usually do 401e and 002 that are on there. 4/4H seems to have regular drivers on there and most 002 runs have regular drivers.
Have we worked out which bus is working out of KR onto the 002 each day or does it change?
Rob, I know the answer to that the vehicle that goes out of Kidderminster every morning is not the same one that comes back as the one that goes from Kidderminster returns to Tividale and that bus that goes from Tividale in a morning goes to Kidderminster as they interchange each day.
Quote from: Will on December 20, 2014, 08:43:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 20, 2014, 08:36:56 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 20, 2014, 08:28:30 PM
The 302 and 301 are on the same rota as the 282, 80 and 124 I believe
Drivers I've seen usually do 401e and 002 that are on there. 4/4H seems to have regular drivers on there and most 002 runs have regular drivers.
Have we worked out which bus is working out of KR onto the 002 each day or does it change?
Rob, I know the answer to that the vehicle that goes out of Kidderminster every morning is not the same one that comes back as the one that goes from Kidderminster returns to Tividale and that bus that goes from Tividale in a morning goes to Kidderminster as they interchange each day.
Cheers Will! I wondered if that was the case, especially as then TE could do the majority of the maintenance of types KR don't operate.
Wonder why they even do that?
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 20, 2014, 08:49:55 PM
Quote from: Will on December 20, 2014, 08:43:13 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 20, 2014, 08:36:56 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 20, 2014, 08:28:30 PM
The 302 and 301 are on the same rota as the 282, 80 and 124 I believe
Drivers I've seen usually do 401e and 002 that are on there. 4/4H seems to have regular drivers on there and most 002 runs have regular drivers.
Have we worked out which bus is working out of KR onto the 002 each day or does it change?
Rob, I know the answer to that the vehicle that goes out of Kidderminster every morning is not the same one that comes back as the one that goes from Kidderminster returns to Tividale and that bus that goes from Tividale in a morning goes to Kidderminster as they interchange each day.
Cheers Will! I wondered if that was the case, especially as then TE could do the majority of the maintenance of types KR don't operate.
Wonder why they even do that?
Well you know what Diamond are like 😛
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 20, 2014, 08:28:30 PM
The 302 and 301 are on the same rota as the 282, 80 and 124 I believe
not quite...there are 2 duties on the 80/282/124 rota which have 301/302 on them and a duty on the 40 rota that does 301. The bulk of the 282 is on the 56 rota I am led to believe
Diamond 501 following the Dudley-Wolverhampton 27 with drivers on it.
Quote from: BN on December 21, 2014, 01:28:42 PM
Diamond 501 following the Dudley-Wolverhampton 27 with drivers on it.
They were route learning on the 28E this morning also in time for Boxing Day
Anyone know why there was a Value branded B7 displaying ''County bridge 303'' that passed Willenhall McDonalds @1820. Also, wouldn't that have been taken off the blinds after Igo got the tender for the 303?
Quote from: ARJ2901 on December 21, 2014, 08:40:27 PM
Anyone know why there was a Value branded B7 displaying ''County bridge 303'' that passed Willenhall McDonalds @1820. Also, wouldn't that have been taken off the blinds after Igo got the tender for the 303?
Well Value branded 30407 is on the 255 tonight so was most likely the bus you saw running private to Wolverhampton
Quote from: Nathan on December 21, 2014, 08:46:57 PM
Quote from: ARJ2901 on December 21, 2014, 08:40:27 PM
Anyone know why there was a Value branded B7 displaying ''County bridge 303'' that passed Willenhall McDonalds @1820. Also, wouldn't that have been taken off the blinds after Igo got the tender for the 303?
Well Value branded 30407 is on the 255 tonight so was most likely the bus you saw running private to Wolverhampton
Funnily enough I also saw this bus outside McDonalds this evening! It's quite common on a Sunday evening to pass Diamond buses heading along Clarkes Lane from the Lane Head direction at around 1800ish. I've always assumed they are running empty from Mossley back to Tividale having operated the 301.
Does anybody know where 30813 40858 30859 and 30862 are today? Thanks
Quote from: Ashley on December 22, 2014, 09:29:50 AM
Does anybody know where 30813 40858 30859 and 30862 are today? Thanks
I'm sure 30813 is on 002, departed merry hill at 9:45 ish
Quote from: notepanel on December 21, 2014, 11:37:21 PM
Quote from: Nathan on December 21, 2014, 08:46:57 PM
Quote from: ARJ2901 on December 21, 2014, 08:40:27 PM
Anyone know why there was a Value branded B7 displaying ''County bridge 303'' that passed Willenhall McDonalds @1820. Also, wouldn't that have been taken off the blinds after Igo got the tender for the 303?
Well Value branded 30407 is on the 255 tonight so was most likely the bus you saw running private to Wolverhampton
Funnily enough I also saw this bus outside McDonalds this evening! It's quite common on a Sunday evening to pass Diamond buses heading along Clarkes Lane from the Lane Head direction at around 1800ish. I've always assumed they are running empty from Mossley back to Tividale having operated the 301.
Thought they went back through Bloxwich & Walsall off the 301?
Sj04 dvh currently on the 50 for anyone who wants it.
Quote from: trident4370 on December 24, 2014, 10:47:03 AM
Sj04 dvh currently on the 50 for anyone who wants it.
Think this bus is out on the 16 today
Is it ironic that the B7RLEs that have been recently been acquired from yourbus have previously appeared within Rotala?
30883 (http://www.busphotography.co.uk/picture.php?/7747/category/5) is just one example...
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 28, 2014, 12:15:37 AM
Is it ironic that the B7RLEs that have been recently been acquired from yourbus have previously appeared within Rotala?
30883 (http://www.busphotography.co.uk/picture.php?/7747/category/5) is just one example...
Not really, all four 04 plate B7RLE were operated at Central Connect before being moved to Wessex & branded for the Bath U18 iirc, they then returned from Bath after being replaced by new B7RLE and may have operated for Central Connect/Blue Diamond briefly before being sold to Yourbus. I seem to remember Rotala may have taken ex Yourbus X-reg Tridents in part exchange
There are rarely any B7RLE/Wright available on the second-hand market
Which depots are the ex yourbus at as only 1 report of one of them & how long before they enter service
Quote from: Solo1 on December 28, 2014, 09:33:02 AM
Which depots are the ex yourbus at as only 1 report of one of them & how long before they enter service
4 are already in service.
Both E300's & SJ04DVL are in service at Redditch
SJ04DVH is currently in service at Long Acre
Quote from: Winston on December 28, 2014, 09:59:00 AM
Quote from: Solo1 on December 28, 2014, 09:33:02 AM
Which depots are the ex yourbus at as only 1 report of one of them & how long before they enter service
4 are already in service.
Both E300's & SJ04DVL are in service at Redditch
SJ04DVH is currently in service at Long Acre
SJ04DVM also at Redditch, saw it in Bromsgrove last Monday
PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.
Any one c what centro's was on 56 at 517 X city
Police incident causing diversion to 226 in Brierley Hill.
This is why the 226 is diverted
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/01/03/motorcyclist-taken-to-hospital-after-collision-with-brierley-hill-bus/
Looks like at least the Saturday 255 (2145 ex Merry Hill) comes off the 226 as 20868 was on both.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 30, 2014, 02:19:11 PM
PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.
Maybe an evening timetable?
Former 002 branded now in fleet livery finally caught up with it https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16216837155/
What red diamond b7 has the same interior as 30832,33,34?
Which depot has the 3 latest buses from
Dawson rentals & how long before they enter service thanks
Quote from: Solo1 on January 09, 2015, 05:14:09 PM
Which depot has the 3 latest buses from
Dawson rentals & how long before they enter service thanks
Haven't you noticed, as soon as people know they post it on here, Simon gives me everything that has happened on once a month and the last was only 3 days ago
Me and my mate (who is a driver) are convinced 30426 (S397 HVV) hasn't been transferred to Kidderminster indefinitely we both think that it's a loan from Tividale although saying that look how long 30512 has been here unfortunately all 426 is good for is coke cans I'm afraid she's had her day
Quote from: Will on January 09, 2015, 05:21:47 PM
Me and my mate (who is a driver) are convinced 30426 (S397 HVV) hasn't been transferred to Kidderminster indefinitely we both think that it's a loan from Tividale although saying that look how long 30512 has been here unfortunately all 426 is good for is coke cans I'm afraid she's had her day
Enjoy 426 :-), one of worst buses at te. 20654 was sounding a bit strained.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 09, 2015, 04:32:55 PM
What red diamond b7 has the same interior as 30832,33,34?
30861 is the odd one out to the rest of the batch being an 07 plate
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 09, 2015, 06:04:52 PM
Quote from: Will on January 09, 2015, 05:21:47 PM
Me and my mate (who is a driver) are convinced 30426 (S397 HVV) hasn't been transferred to Kidderminster indefinitely we both think that it's a loan from Tividale although saying that look how long 30512 has been here unfortunately all 426 is good for is coke cans I'm afraid she's had her day
Enjoy 426 :-), one of worst buses at te. 20654 was sounding a bit strained.
Ohh that's outrageous 😑
Quote from: Winston on January 09, 2015, 06:10:35 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 09, 2015, 04:32:55 PM
What red diamond b7 has the same interior as 30832,33,34?
30861 is the odd one out of the rest of the batch being an 07 plate
That's at te then as caught it on 4H this morning
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 09, 2015, 06:43:58 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 09, 2015, 06:10:35 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 09, 2015, 04:32:55 PM
What red diamond b7 has the same interior as 30832,33,34?
30861 is the odd one out to the rest of the batch being an 07 plate
That's at te then as caught it on 4H this morning
It is at TE, Tony's photographed it on the 301 on the 5th Jan
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30861.html
30490 'KV03 ZGL' out on the 16 today
Right behind 002 branded 30809 on the 205 in Kingswinford.
Bit of a stupid question but are 30488 30489 and 30490 allocated to Long Acre
Quote from: Ashley on January 18, 2015, 01:10:56 PM
Bit of a stupid question but are 30488 30489 and 30490 allocated to Long Acre
I don't know, I hope they don't go up to redditch though, in my opinion they are getting all the nice buses
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 01:59:10 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 18, 2015, 01:10:56 PM
Bit of a stupid question but are 30488 30489 and 30490 allocated to Long Acre
I don't know, I hope they don't go up to redditch though, in my opinion they are getting all the nice buses
TE recently have a had a fair few b7rle's moved in?!
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 18, 2015, 04:15:53 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 01:59:10 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 18, 2015, 01:10:56 PM
Bit of a stupid question but are 30488 30489 and 30490 allocated to Long Acre
I don't know, I hope they don't go up to redditch though, in my opinion they are getting all the nice buses
TE recently have a had a fair few b7rle's moved in?!
Redditch cast offs.
Apart from 30941 batch. We need e300s
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 04:57:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 18, 2015, 04:15:53 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 01:59:10 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 18, 2015, 01:10:56 PM
Bit of a stupid question but are 30488 30489 and 30490 allocated to Long Acre
I don't know, I hope they don't go up to redditch though, in my opinion they are getting all the nice buses
TE recently have a had a fair few b7rle's moved in?!
Redditch cast offs.
Apart from 30941 batch. We need e300s
Redditch cast off's?! You could say the same about the e300's being CT Plus/Yourbus cast off's!!
The b7rle's are in fantastic condition inside and when repanelled and painted with old interior notices taken off the 1/2 that still have them, they'll pass as new buses.
E300's are mostly older and it would make sense to standardise them at one depot...
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 04:57:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 18, 2015, 04:15:53 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 01:59:10 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 18, 2015, 01:10:56 PM
Bit of a stupid question but are 30488 30489 and 30490 allocated to Long Acre
I don't know, I hope they don't go up to redditch though, in my opinion they are getting all the nice buses
TE recently have a had a fair few b7rle's moved in?!
Redditch cast offs.
Apart from 30941 batch. We need e300s
The Redditch cast offs as you put it are 5-6 years younger than the incoming E300's & Tividale doesn't/has never operated the type. So it would be daft putting 30488-490 in there.
The ex midland b7rles are miles better. They lack any character, all the same, and 30813, not the best bus, very slow
The value branded are pretty good, but they get dirty easily.
The Royales are by far the best buses at te.
Am I correct in thinking kidderminster getting mans?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 05:14:53 PM
The ex midland b7rles are miles better. They lack any character, all the same, and 30813, not the best bus, very slow
The value branded are pretty good, but they get dirty easily.
The Royales are by far the best buses at te.
Am I correct in thinking kidderminster getting mans?
There's still the 2 x 10 plate B7RLE/Plaxton Centro to be allocated yet
KR are getting approx 4 x MAN/Centro's from Heathrow when the BA staff shuttle moves to NX end of Feb
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 05:14:53 PM
The ex midland b7rles are miles better. They lack any character, all the same, and 30813, not the best bus, very slow
The value branded are pretty good, but they get dirty easily.
The Royales are by far the best buses at te.
Am I correct in thinking kidderminster getting mans?
I imagine the Value branded ones get dirty at the same rate as any other member of fleet...?!
30813 and the other b7rle's are certainly not slow... It's hard as has been said before for passengers to judge whether a bus is slow or not either... All depends on driving style!
The ex Midland Classic ones are nice but the red moquette makes for a far brighter and nicer looking interior on the RH ones.
KR getting ex Heathrow MANs
Quote from: Winston on January 18, 2015, 05:26:38 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 05:14:53 PM
The ex midland b7rles are miles better. They lack any character, all the same, and 30813, not the best bus, very slow
The value branded are pretty good, but they get dirty easily.
The Royales are by far the best buses at te.
Am I correct in thinking kidderminster getting mans?
There's still the 2 x 10 plate B7RLE/Plaxton Centro to be allocated yet
KR are getting approx 4 x MAN/Centro's from Heathrow when the BA staff shuttle moves to NX end of Feb
What are the regs for these 2 10 plate buses ?
I thought they were meant to be standardising vehicles at each garage
Why has redditch got streetlites and b7rles and e300s and sb120. Surely te should have the b7rles and sb120
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 06:06:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 18, 2015, 05:26:38 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 05:14:53 PM
The ex midland b7rles are miles better. They lack any character, all the same, and 30813, not the best bus, very slow
The value branded are pretty good, but they get dirty easily.
The Royales are by far the best buses at te.
Am I correct in thinking kidderminster getting mans?
There's still the 2 x 10 plate B7RLE/Plaxton Centro to be allocated yet
KR are getting approx 4 x MAN/Centro's from Heathrow when the BA staff shuttle moves to NX end of Feb
What are the regs for these 2 10 plate buses
BK10MFX/Y, 30880/1 as on main site.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 06:06:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 18, 2015, 05:26:38 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2015, 05:14:53 PM
The ex midland b7rles are miles better. They lack any character, all the same, and 30813, not the best bus, very slow
The value branded are pretty good, but they get dirty easily.
The Royales are by far the best buses at te.
Am I correct in thinking kidderminster getting mans?
There's still the 2 x 10 plate B7RLE/Plaxton Centro to be allocated yet
KR are getting approx 4 x MAN/Centro's from Heathrow when the BA staff shuttle moves to NX end of Feb
What are the regs for these 2 10 plate buses ?
I thought they were meant to be standardising vehicles at each garage
Why has redditch got streetlites and b7rles and e300s and sb120. Surely te should have the b7rles and sb120
It's a miss match here granted but, 1 E300's came to diamond via First, 2 B7RLEs are the ones Steve ordered when he was still at Rotala so them there Volvos are ours (Redditch's, Reddoins get attached to good buses, it's a shame they leave to go else where >:( ), 3 Streetlites came as a sweetener to butter up us Reddions TE can have them, but they are loud and well not the best buses at RH, 4 SB120 we had them to help with over crowding, they are ok but again not the best, 5 MANs are here again due to the First take over and the need for buses of a larger size.
The RH Volvos that were bought for RH need to stay here, as they have better wheelchair and buggy space for all routes in Redditch.
TE got 940-943 the same reg year RH got the Streets.
Agreed the latest E300s should come here to Redditch, then the 04 plate Volvos can go to LAC as the 02/03 plate E300s will fall foul of rules which RH doesn't have. But the other Volvos need to stay here and not go off to TE or LAC if those depots need more buses Rotala need to buy new ones not shift them around.
For the 142 the ticket States 610 was on it? Any ideas. Was also running 10 minutes late
With the 16&50 now part of the 'Diamond Value' I wonder if we'll see allocated vehicles with Value branding?
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on January 21, 2015, 05:52:50 PM
With the 16&50 now part of the 'Diamond Value' I wonder if we'll see allocated vehicles with Value branding?
Aren't the 16 & 50 at Long Acre and the Value B7's at Tividale?
Quote from: ARJ2901 on January 21, 2015, 06:09:29 PM
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on January 21, 2015, 05:52:50 PM
With the 16&50 now part of the 'Diamond Value' I wonder if we'll see allocated vehicles with Value branding?
Aren't the 16 & 50 at Long Acre and the Value B7's at Tividale?
Correct
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2015, 06:21:29 PM
Quote from: ARJ2901 on January 21, 2015, 06:09:29 PM
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on January 21, 2015, 05:52:50 PM
With the 16&50 now part of the 'Diamond Value' I wonder if we'll see allocated vehicles with Value branding?
Aren't the 16 & 50 at Long Acre and the Value B7's at Tividale?
Correct
but allocating specific vehicles for the routes, with the branding could attract more passengers. Would be nice to see!
30816 has some nice additions to it...
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 22, 2015, 04:08:47 PM
30816 has some nice additions to it...
Care to elaborate?!
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 22, 2015, 04:19:07 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 22, 2015, 04:08:47 PM
30816 has some nice additions to it...
Care to elaborate?!
Little stickers on doors, a cctv screen like what nxwm have and a 2 shelf newspaper stand, and a fresh looking paint job
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 22, 2015, 05:00:06 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 22, 2015, 04:19:07 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 22, 2015, 04:08:47 PM
30816 has some nice additions to it...
Care to elaborate?!
Little stickers on doors, a cctv screen like what nxwm have and a 2 shelf newspaper stand, and a fresh looking paint job
It was repainted pretty recently as you can see on main site photos...
Do you mean Welcome Aboard sticker on cab door? Those have been there a while.
Don't know if it always had a cctv interior screen-was it working?
A newspaper rack...do you mean the normal one for the Metro?
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 22, 2015, 05:04:51 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 22, 2015, 05:00:06 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 22, 2015, 04:19:07 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 22, 2015, 04:08:47 PM
30816 has some nice additions to it...
Care to elaborate?!
Little stickers on doors, a cctv screen like what nxwm have and a 2 shelf newspaper stand, and a fresh looking paint job
It was repainted pretty recently as you can see on main site photos...
Do you mean Welcome Aboard sticker on cab door? Those have been there a while.
Don't know if it always had a cctv interior screen-was it working?
A newspaper rack...do you mean the normal one for the Metro?
Yes welcome aboard stickers, cctv screen was off I think, and no not the usual newspaper stands, but was for the metro
When will 30488 enter service as 30489 & 30490
Are both in service at long acre & when will 30210 enter service
the one that's been painted in the new blue
@Trident 4194 @Matt 30880/30881 have double height metro racks
Maybe I got 30881 or something as I got it today same time on 4h
THE 3rd ex Bristol bus with diamond bus Kx03ZGL on 16 yesterday https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15780658273/
Anyone know of shady lane properties are ? sorry for a long post tried to put a link on a few times but no matter
how I tried it would not work
1. PD0001374/346 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Cheswick Green
Finish Point: Dorridge Train Station
Via: Solihull Train Station
Service Number: S2
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
2. PD0001374/347 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wythall
Finish Point: Hockley Heath
Via: Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge
Service Number: S3
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, Sunday to Hockley Heath Only
3. PD0001374/348 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Dorridge Train Station
Finish Point: Cheswick Green
Via: Solihull Train Station
Service Number: S4
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details:
4. PD0001374/349 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull Train Station
Finish Point: Solihull Train Station
Via:
Service Number: S11
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
5. PD0001374/350 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull Train Station
Finish Point: Solihull Train Station
Via: Blenheim Road
Service Number: S15
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
6. PD0001374/351 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hamstead
Finish Point: Birmingham
Via: Hockley
Service Number: 16
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Sunday, except 25 & 26 December
7. PD0001374/352 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Lichfield Bus Station
Finish Point: Lichfield Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 20
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
8. PD0001374/353 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Fox & Goose, Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham
Finish Point: Sixways, Erdington
Via:
Service Number: 25
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
9. PD0001374/354 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hawksley
Finish Point: Maypole
Via: Kings Heath, Northfield, Bourneville
Service Number: 27
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Sunday and bank holidays
10. PD0001374/355 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull
Finish Point: Acocks Green
Via: Olton
Service Number: 30
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
11. PD0001374/356 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Ansty Park
Finish Point: Ansty Park
Via: Coventry Train Station, & Dorchester Way
Service Number: X30
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
12. PD0001374/357 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Birmingham City Centre
Finish Point: Kings Heath
Via:
Service Number: 34
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
13. PD0001374/358 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Birmingham
Finish Point: Druids Heath
Via: Maypole, Moseley
Service Number: 50
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Sunday except 25 & 26 December
14. PD0001374/359 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Erdington
Finish Point: Smithswood
Via: Saltley, Glebe Estate, Shard End
Service Number: 53
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
15. PD0001374/360 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade
Finish Point: Erdington, High Street
Via:
Service Number: 66A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Sundays only, except 25 & 26 December
16. PD0001374/361 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull
Finish Point: Sutton Coldfield
Via: Chelmsley Wood
Service Number: 71
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Evenings Monday to Sunday, except 25 & 26 December
17. PD1028090/17 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Lichfield Bus Station and Lichfield Bus Station given service number 20/21/22/23 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
18. PD1028090/57 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ERDINGTON and SMITHS WOOD given service number 53 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
19. PD1028090/116 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between New Hall and Birmingham City Centre given service number 108 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
20. PD1028090/132 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Ansty Park and Ansty Park given service number X30 effective from 28-Mar-201
21. PD1028090/135 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Park Hall School and Sheldon given service number 99 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
22. PD1028090/149 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hawkesley and Alcester given service number 27 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
23. PD1028090/150 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Perry Barr and Tanhouse Avenue given service number 654A effective from 28-Mar-2015.
24. PD1028090/155 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and S2 Dorridge S2C Balsall Common given service number S2 , S2A, S2C effective from 28-Mar-2015.
25. PD1028090/156 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Dorridge Hockley heath given service number S3 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
26. PD1028090/157 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 82 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
27. PD1028090/158 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Cheswick Green given service number S4 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
28. PD1028090/160 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Station and Solihull Station given service number S11 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
29. PD1028090/161 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Acocks Green given service number 30 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
30. PD1028090/163 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull - Circular and Solihull given service number S15 effective from 28-Mar-2015
31. PD1028090/170 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham, Star City given service number 66A effective from 28-Mar-2015.
32. PD1028090/175 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Sutton Coldfield given service number 71 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
33. PD1028090/182 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hamstead and Birmingham given service number 16 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
34. PD1028090/183 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
35. PD1028090/185 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Rail Station and Balsall Common Island given service number 88 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
36. PD1028090/186 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Fiveways and Weoley Castle given service number 647 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
37. PD1028090/189 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Priory Queensway and Clock Garage given service number 72 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
38. PD1028090/190 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade and Chelmsley Wood Interchange given service number 71 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
39. PD1028090/191 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE and KINGSHEATH given service number 34 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
40. PD1028090/192 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Brookvale Park, Park Road and Erdngton given service number 600 effective from 28-Mar-2015.
5 4Hs, a 002 and a 192 all at once in Halesowen bus station.
How many of the 4Hs were on time?
Shady Lane Properties is Central Connect renamed
Quote from: the trainbasher on January 30, 2015, 06:19:06 PM
5 4Hs, a 002 and a 192 all at once in Halesowen bus station.
How many of the 4Hs were on time?
None of them were ontime this morning, with 20002 in convoy with 3094*, then in halesowen coming back the 15:41 was 5 mins late, then the 51 past didn't turn up which was meant to be 30408, ended up catching 142 which was 5 mins late, but the driver put his foot to the gas and made up 2 mins. The 2065* can reach some pretty dangerous speeds
Quote from: Matt on January 30, 2015, 06:32:47 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on January 30, 2015, 06:19:06 PM
5 4Hs, a 002 and a 192 all at once in Halesowen bus station.
How many of the 4Hs were on time?
Hahaha I love it. Imagine the smell in the bus station!
The smell in the bus station?
Quote from: Tony on January 30, 2015, 06:21:12 PM
Shady Lane Properties is Central Connect renamed
So will all Diamond services now be on the main Diamond licence (PD0001374)? No more separate licence for Central Connect Long Acre.
Quote from: D10 on January 30, 2015, 09:03:31 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 30, 2015, 06:21:12 PM
Shady Lane Properties is Central Connect renamed
So will all Diamond services now be on the main Diamond licence (PD0001374)? No more separate licence for Central Connect Long Acre.
That is the Plan. Rotala announced it some time ago that they planned to simplify their company structure
Me and
@Matt caught the 04 plate with no fleet number, I think he liked it, was very similar to walsall b7rles, unfortunately I have only caught one ever, so can't really compare
I can only assume the Tividale inspector was in Kidderminster this afternoon stood at a bus stop just out of the town stopping buses getting on board and checking everybody's tickets and passes I saw his car parked over the road from the bus stop a dark blue coloured 04 plate Ford Focus with Diamond logos on it and the fleet number of 'A13'
Will the evolution mcv come back, or did they sell them permanently to New Zealand? They were great buses
@Trident 4194 they won't be coming back as they were sold and converted for nZ operational configuration
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 01, 2015, 03:51:03 PM
@Trident 4194 they won't be coming back as they were sold and converted for nZ operational configuration
@trainbasher you know why they sold them?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 01, 2015, 03:48:28 PM
Will the evolution mcv come back, or did they sell them permanently to New Zealand? They were great buses
Great buses as long as you were four foot tall with both legs amputated above the knee!
I would hardly call any bus where nearly every operator that bought them, sold them within 5 years to an operator on the complete opposite side of the world a great bus.
Quote from: Tony on February 01, 2015, 04:01:35 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 01, 2015, 03:48:28 PM
Will the evolution mcv come back, or did they sell them permanently to New Zealand? They were great buses
Great buses as long as you were four foot tall with both legs amputated above the knee!
I would hardly call any bus where nearly every operator that bought them, sold them within 5 years to an operator on the complete opposite side of the world a great bus.
Why did they buy them to start with then? Weren't they heavy on fuel?
Some were man chassis, some darts
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 01, 2015, 07:14:45 PM
Some were man chassis, some darts
I thought they were all man, what chassis was super sixteen buses?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 01, 2015, 06:44:52 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 01, 2015, 04:01:35 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 01, 2015, 03:48:28 PM
Will the evolution mcv come back, or did they sell them permanently to New Zealand? They were great buses
Great buses as long as you were four foot tall with both legs amputated above the knee!
I would hardly call any bus where nearly every operator that bought them, sold them within 5 years to an operator on the complete opposite side of the world a great bus.
Why did they buy them to start with then? Weren't they heavy on fuel?
They were going cheap, many had been sat unregistered for sometime as no one else wanted them.
PD0001374/370 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Perry Bar, One Stop
Finish Point: Tanhouse Avenue
Via:
Service Number: 654A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Sundays and Bank Holidays, except 25 & 26 December
PD0001374/362 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: SUTTON COLDFIELD
Finish Point: CHELMSLEY WOOD
Via:
Service Number: 71
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: SUNDAYS
4. PD0001374/363 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE
Finish Point: CLOCK GARAGE ISLAND
Via:
Service Number: 72
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: MONDAY TO SUNDAY EVENINGS, EXCEPT 25&26 DECEMBER
5. PD0001374/364 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull
Finish Point: Coventry
Via:
Service Number: 82
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except Bank holidays
6. PD0001374/365 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Solihull Train Station
Finish Point: Balsall Common
Via:
Service Number: 88
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except Bank holidays
7. PD0001374/366 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Acocks Green Village
Finish Point: Lea Village/Lyndon
Via:
Service Number: 99
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except Bank Holidays
8. PD0001374/367 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Newhall
Finish Point: Birmingham
Via:
Service Number: 108
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Friday Except Bank holidays
9. PD0001374/368 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Brookville Park, Park Road
Finish Point: Erdington
Via:
Service Number: 600
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except Bank holidays
10. PD0001374/369 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Weoley Castle
Finish Point: Fiveways, Morrisons
Via:
Service Number: 647
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 28-MAR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except Bank holidays
Quote from: Will on January 31, 2015, 08:05:34 PM
I can only assume the Tividale inspector was in Kidderminster this afternoon stood at a bus stop just out of the town stopping buses getting on board and checking everybody's tickets and passes I saw his car parked over the road from the bus stop a dark blue coloured 04 plate Ford Focus with Diamond logos on it and the fleet number of 'A13'
I would say that was the Redditch inspector as the blue focus was being used.
PD0001374/319 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich, Omberley Street East and Reddich Bus Station given service number 354 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.
7. PD0001374/331 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Droitwich and Kidderminster Bus Station given service number 133 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.
oakwood travel are expecting two dart from diamond in
the next couple of weeks according to this link
http://cbnw.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/further-mpds-join-fleet.html?m=1
Which one r they having
Quote from: Solo1 on February 06, 2015, 09:53:30 PM
Which one r they having
I don't known which they are .only know what's In link
whats happening with the streetlite at heathrow?
Quote from: bwsau cymru on February 11, 2015, 09:29:02 PM
whats happening with the streetlite at heathrow?
Simon has previously suggested it may be going Preston along with a newer Solo
Quote from: Cedric on February 06, 2015, 10:09:35 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 06, 2015, 09:53:30 PM
Which one r they having
I don't known which they are .only know what's In link
Fylde Bus Blog reports V657/8HEC as having arrived at Catch 22 from Diamond.
http://fyldebus.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/routemasters-stand-in-while-darts-arrive.html
just found this
PD1028090/156 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Dorridge Hockley heath given service number S3/SW3 effective from 02-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
3. PD1028090/157 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 82 effective from 02-Mar-2015. To amend Route.
4. PD1028090/160 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull Station and Solihull Station given service number S11 effective from 02-Mar-2015. To amend Route.
5. PD1028090/161 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Acocks Green given service number 30 effective from 02-Mar-2015. To amend Route.
6. PD1028090/163 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull - Circular and Solihull given service number S15 effective from 02-Mar-2015. To amend Route.
7. PD1028090/175 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Sutton Coldfield given service number 71 effective from 02-Mar-2015. To amend Route.
8. PD1028090/185 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull Rail Station and Balsall Common Island given service number 88 effective from 02-Mar-2015. To amend Route.
9. PD1028090/190 - SHADY LANE PROPERTY LIMITED T/A North Birmingham Busways, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade and Chelmsley Wood Interchange given service number 71 effective from 02-Mar-2015. To amend Route.
More than likely related to the 'Solihull Gateway' changes prior to the above routes moving on to the main Diamond license at end of March
Correct, they'll be the changes due to the Solihull Gateway works starting on the same date.
EDIT: details for Diamond services here:
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ChangestoservicesinSolihull_320.html
Quote from: Stu on February 13, 2015, 07:04:02 PM
Correct, they'll be the changes due to the Solihull Gateway works starting on the same date.
EDIT: details for Diamond services here:
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ChangestoservicesinSolihull_320.html
Not being from Birmingham/Solihull area what is the Solihull gateway development ?
Quote from: Cedric on February 13, 2015, 07:20:14 PM
Quote from: Stu on February 13, 2015, 07:04:02 PM
Correct, they'll be the changes due to the Solihull Gateway works starting on the same date.
EDIT: details for Diamond services here:
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ChangestoservicesinSolihull_320.html
Not being from Birmingham/Solihull area what is the Solihull gateway development ?
The link is in that link, or click below:
http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Solihullgateway
Saw a Wessex Solo NIS on Lode Lane earlier, didnt get the reg/fleet number as I was driving
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on February 14, 2015, 06:49:07 PM
Saw a Wessex Solo NIS on Lode Lane earlier, didnt get the reg/fleet number as I was driving
possibly going to long acre depot
PD0001374/354 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hawksley and Maypole given service number 27 effective from 25-Apr-2015.
PD0001374/366 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Acocks Green Village and Lea Village/Lyndon given service number 99/96 effective from 25-Apr-2015.
PD0001374/371 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Brandwood Park Road
Finish Point: Shirley, Sainsbury's
Via: Kings Heath
Service Number: 69
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except bank holidays
PD0001374/372 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: West Bromwich Bus Station
Finish Point: Stone Cross
Via:
Service Number: 66
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except bank holidays
PD0001374/373 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Northfield
Finish Point: Selly Oak
Via: Cotteridge
Service Number: 38
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except bank holidays
PD0001374/374 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Sparkhill, Warwick Road/Baker Street
Finish Point: Belchers Lane (island)
Via: Heartlands Hospital & Acocks Green
Service Number: 36
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except bank holidays
Tender registrations
Just saying for the benefit of those who haven't seen the results
Good to see Diamond finally gain off WMSNT!!
I don't really know where to put this, but do you know where I can find some pics of the ludlows scanias?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 01, 2015, 06:27:59 PM
I don't really know where to put this, but do you know where I can find some pics of the ludlows scanias?
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ludlows+of+halesowen+bus+photos&hl=en-GB&rlz=1T4GGNI_en-GBGB549GB549&biw=1247&bih=600&tbm=isch&imgil=6aVeo9fPZ1sGkM%253A%253BN9VcAqRnlNhaaM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwmbusphotos.com%25252FArriva%25252F3578.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=6aVeo9fPZ1sGkM%253A%252CN9VcAqRnlNhaaM%252C_&usg=__1dvgTRNFaRCbdAI_WBDPP3tm_gk%3D&ved=0CDQQyjc&ei=_YjzVKiuK8az7AbtsoHwDw#imgdii=_&imgrc=6aVeo9fPZ1sGkM%253A%3BN9VcAqRnlNhaaM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwmbusphotos.com%252FArriva%252FludlowsYN55RCF.JPG%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwmbusphotos.com%252FArriva%252F3578.html%3B2048%3B1536
hope it works
anyone notice on the timetables it now says operated by central connect and not diamond anyone know why this is?
Quote from: Jaysnerz007 on March 02, 2015, 10:10:01 PM
anyone notice on the timetables it now says operated by central connect and not diamond anyone know why this is?
Diamond Long Acre garage is still operated on Central Connect's license, hence all services from that garage are on Central Connect's license, not Diamond's
PD0001374/358 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 26-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/375 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall Bus Station (Stand N)
Finish Point: Blakenhall, Blakenhall Church
Via:
Service Number: 29
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
Quote from: Winston on March 03, 2015, 11:48:37 AM
PD0001374/358 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 26-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/375 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall Bus Station (Stand N)
Finish Point: Blakenhall, Blakenhall Church
Via:
Service Number: 29
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
DVSA have published those quickly, they are still 54 days away
@Matt you know the driver that was on the 4H today, he is the one that plays the music, did you hear it?
Anyone remember what happened two years ago today?
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 05, 2015, 12:08:14 PM
Anyone remember what happened two years ago today?
Rotala officially took over First RH & KR?
Quote from: Winston on March 05, 2015, 12:19:16 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 05, 2015, 12:08:14 PM
Anyone remember what happened two years ago today?
Rotala officially took over First RH & KR?
Yep. How time has flown!
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2015, 12:20:59 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 03, 2015, 11:48:37 AM
PD0001374/358 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 26-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/375 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall Bus Station (Stand N)
Finish Point: Blakenhall, Blakenhall Church
Via:
Service Number: 29
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
DVSA have published those quickly, they are still 54 days away
is the 29 going to be a daytime commercial service?
Quote from: bwsau cymru on March 05, 2015, 03:31:03 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2015, 12:20:59 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 03, 2015, 11:48:37 AM
PD0001374/358 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 26-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/375 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall Bus Station (Stand N)
Finish Point: Blakenhall, Blakenhall Church
Via:
Service Number: 29
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
DVSA have published those quickly, they are still 54 days away
is the 29 going to be a daytime commercial service?
Yes
Now I wouldnt guessed another route into Blakenall, as theres already the Arriva 19.
Maybe another operator ought to try the Beechdale corridor too!
(And why cant they spell Blakenall properly? )
Quote from: Westy on March 05, 2015, 09:05:29 PM
Now I wouldnt guessed another route into Blakenall, as theres already the Arriva 19.
Maybe another operator ought to try the Beechdale corridor too!
(And why cant they spell Blakenall properly? )
On a side note, why do Network West Midlands/operators now and in the past have a tendency to mispell Blakenall?!
Is the 19 well-used that Arriva operate
@Westy ?
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 05, 2015, 09:53:29 PM
Quote from: Westy on March 05, 2015, 09:05:29 PM
Now I wouldnt guessed another route into Blakenall, as theres already the Arriva 19.
Maybe another operator ought to try the Beechdale corridor too!
(And why cant they spell Blakenall properly? )
On a side note, why do Network West Midlands/operators now and in the past have a tendency to mispell Blakenall?!
Is the 19 well-used that Arriva operate @Westy ?
Well a single decker can definetely cope, from what Ive seen.
God knows why a double deck appears every so often.
(But I dont live on the route anyway. Im on the daytime 2 & 2a, but have to catch the Nx Bloxwich Road services!)
Quote from: Westy on March 05, 2015, 10:27:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 05, 2015, 09:53:29 PM
Quote from: Westy on March 05, 2015, 09:05:29 PM
Now I wouldnt guessed another route into Blakenall, as theres already the Arriva 19.
Maybe another operator ought to try the Beechdale corridor too!
(And why cant they spell Blakenall properly? )
On a side note, why do Network West Midlands/operators now and in the past have a tendency to mispell Blakenall?!
Is the 19 well-used that Arriva operate @Westy ?
Well a single decker can definetely cope, from what Ive seen.
God knows why a double deck appears every so often.
(But I dont live on the route anyway. Im on the daytime 2 & 2a, but have to catch the Nx Bloxwich Road services!)
I'm always surprised seeing deckers as you say, whenever I've seen it on several times, single deckers would always cope with the loadings...
Midland didn't seem to do that well, but I reckon maybe Diamond will do better if the service is added to Diamond Value which I'm sure it will. Its an excellent benefit to the fine people of Walsall to now have such a large rapidly growing competitive network. However I think some decent condition darts will be fine for the route. Good luck to them!
Quote from: bwsau cymru on March 06, 2015, 12:20:12 AM
Midland didn't seem to do that well, but I reckon maybe Diamond will do better if the service is added to Diamond Value which I'm sure it will. Its an excellent benefit to the fine people of Walsall to now have such a large rapidly growing competitive network. However I think some decent condition darts will be fine for the route. Good luck to them!
Ive never seen a full B7Lre on the Diamond 301 & 302 anyway.
Those should have been decent MPDs at least, putting the longer single deckers where needed most.
Quote from: Westy on March 06, 2015, 05:25:34 PM
Quote from: bwsau cymru on March 06, 2015, 12:20:12 AM
Midland didn't seem to do that well, but I reckon maybe Diamond will do better if the service is added to Diamond Value which I'm sure it will. Its an excellent benefit to the fine people of Walsall to now have such a large rapidly growing competitive network. However I think some decent condition darts will be fine for the route. Good luck to them!
Ive never seen a full B7Lre on the Diamond 301 & 302 anyway.
Those should have been decent MPDs at least, putting the longer single deckers where needed most.
The 301&302 to have Mini Pointers???
Which Depot operate the 647??
Thanks
PD0001374/344 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Kidderminster Bus Station and Halesowen Bus Station given service number 192 effective from 12-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/374 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Sparkhill, Warwick Road/Baker Street and Belchers Lane (island) given service number 36 effective from 26-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/376 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Mustow Green, Island by telephone box
Finish Point: King Charles Lower School/ King Charles Upper School
Via:
Service Number: 803
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 12-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Friday, Schooldays only
Quote from: Winston on March 11, 2015, 04:38:00 PM
PD0001374/374 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Sparkhill, Warwick Road/Baker Street and Belchers Lane (island) given service number 36 effective from 26-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
First thing that comes to mind is the 45 min frequency, maybe they're going to make something more clockface from it?
Mx57 ups throwing out black smoke up hills, comfy and warm enough inside though
Quote from: Kevin on March 11, 2015, 10:38:34 PM
Quote from: Winston on March 11, 2015, 04:38:00 PM
PD0001374/374 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Sparkhill, Warwick Road/Baker Street and Belchers Lane (island) given service number 36 effective from 26-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
First thing that comes to mind is the 45 min frequency, maybe they're going to make something more clockface from it?
Hopefully its to avoid waiting in Acocks Green and clogging up stand AL while the 30 and 96/99 are also laying over there!
Quote from: bususer12 on March 12, 2015, 09:43:12 AM
Mx57 ups throwing out black smoke up hills, comfy and warm enough inside though
back on 226 today, still throwing black smoke out. Not good
@bususer12 and I bet you can probably hear it a mile of!!
There's a certain driver that simply can not drive. He revs the bus really hard and then takes the foot of the gas, he drives really fast then slows down, he stops at every bus stop even though he can clearly see no one wants to get on or off. He is constantly messing with something in the cab for some reason. I'm not mentioning any names incase he gets told off.
On the contrary there is a really nice old guy who is a very good driver and very wise, and even drops me off right outside my school, when the bus stop is about 3 minutes away.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 18, 2015, 06:51:52 PM
There's a certain driver that simply can not drive. He revs the bus really hard and then takes the foot of the gas, he drives really fast then slows down, he stops at every bus stop even though he can clearly see no one wants to get on or off. He is constantly messing with something in the cab for some reason. I'm not mentioning any names incase he gets told off.
On the contrary there is a really nice old guy who is a very good driver and very wise, and even drops me off right outside my school, when the bus stop is about 3 minutes away.
If it's the one I'm thinking of he's never been to sure as a bus driver really. Really nice guy to speak to but I sadly think he chose the wrong career. Its an e-cig he's always messing with in the cab!
I know who your referring to with the nice guy as well, a genuinely nice guy that tries to help everyone :-)
Quote from: Metrorider on March 19, 2015, 01:20:28 PM
If it's the one I'm thinking of he's never been to sure as a bus driver really. Really nice guy to speak to but I sadly think he chose the wrong career. Its an e-cig he's always messing with in the cab!
I know who your referring to with the nice guy as well, a genuinely nice guy that tries to help everyone :-)
If he is using an e-cig whilst in the cab on the bus, then Simon will be having words. It is policy that normal or e-cigs are not to be used in the cab or on the bus by drivers.
There's no law against e cigs in the workplace vehicles
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 19, 2015, 10:22:28 PM
There's no law against e cigs in the workplace vehicles
No law it's just Rotala have classed them the same.
Or they did a couple of months ago.
Quote from: tank90 on March 19, 2015, 10:29:14 PM
No law it's just Rotala have classed them the same.
Or they did a couple of months ago.
Well if he is breaching company policy and regulations then any reputable company would be required to investigate it otherwise they would be party to a ET in the future if procedures were not followed.
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 19, 2015, 10:37:24 PM
Well if he is breaching company policy and regulations then any reputable company would be required to investigate it otherwise they would be party to a ET in the future if procedures were not followed.
Aye I agree.
It's whether or not anyone tells Rotala it's happening.
Quote from: tank90 on March 19, 2015, 10:41:06 PM
Aye I agree.
It's whether or not anyone tells Rotala it's happening.
Surely Rotala have CCTV?
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 19, 2015, 10:43:38 PM
Surely Rotala have CCTV?
Errrrm.... I'm saying nothing to that one I think everyone knows the answer to that!! 😂😂
Quote from: Will on March 19, 2015, 11:05:33 PM
Errrrm.... I'm saying nothing to that one I think everyone knows the answer to that!! 😂😂
:-)
Quote from: Winston on March 19, 2015, 11:25:43 PM
External CCTV only generally
If someone can advise what route the driver was on, what day, what journey time and a brief description then we will look at whether the bus has CCTV. If not, I will consider what is the appropriate way to deal with this.
Simon
Quote from: Simon Dunn on March 20, 2015, 08:48:11 AM
If someone can advise what route the driver was on, what day, what journey time and a brief description then we will look at whether the bus has CCTV. If not, I will consider what is the appropriate way to deal with this.
Simon
I really don't want to get him in trouble though, he's a really kind driver and really friendly, I had him today and he wasn't messing with anything.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 20, 2015, 03:59:23 PM
I really don't want to get him in trouble though, he's a really kind driver and really friendly, I had him today and he wasn't messing with anything.
So, why mention it in the first place then?
Looks likes Rotala has purchased another Transbus Enviro300 KW02DSE ex Airbus and a Optare Solo MX55WDM ex Peterborough Local Link.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/16287423563/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/16287423563/)
Also 30302 SN09FUW has been given a clean/wash after not being used for the last few years due to it acting as a spare vehicle for BA Staff Shuttle. Last time I saw 30302 it was caked in dust.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/16720024160/in/photostream/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/16720024160/in/photostream/)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/15727805719/in/set-72157644608936885 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/15727805719/in/set-72157644608936885) (30302 is in the far left of the photo)
Quote from: Reece on March 23, 2015, 09:11:57 PM
Looks likes Rotala has purchased another Transbus Enviro 300 KW02DSE ex Airbus and a Optare Solo MX55WDM ex Peterborough Local Link.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/16287423563/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/16287423563/)
If you look closely into the interior it's yellow, and if I'm right it will have a history with Truronian at The Eden Project in an old China Clay pit in St Austell Cornwall.
PD0001374/385 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Coventry, Leisure Centre and National Grid House, Warwick given service number NGH effective from 19-May-2015.
PD0001374/377 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Kiddermister Bus Station
Finish Point: Kinver, Brockleys Walk
Via: Wolverley
Service Number: 580
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 12-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
Quote from: Winston on March 27, 2015, 01:15:40 PM
PD0001374/385 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Coventry, Leisure Centre and National Grid House, Warwick given service number NGH effective from 19-May-2015.
PD0001374/377 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Kiddermister Bus Station
Finish Point: Kinver, Brockleys Walk
Via: Wolverley
Service Number: 580
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 12-APR-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
the 580 is currently run by wossh they only started on it January when whittles finished
@Cedric it was only a temp arrangement I believe
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 27, 2015, 02:19:07 PM
@Cedric it was only a temp arrangement I believe
wonder if the same goes for the 16 that started at the same time which goes from bewdley to stourport
Another Diamond Solo & a Signature Solo SR both up North to have work done of them:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/16323226583/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/16917324376/
Quote from: Winston on March 27, 2015, 03:55:37 PM
Another Diamond Solo & a Signature Solo SR both up North to have work done of them:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/16323226583/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/16917324376/
There is an SLT dart at Long Acre as well
Quote from: Tony on March 27, 2015, 04:18:31 PM
There is an SLT dart at Long Acre as well
This one?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/16720002630/
Probably passing through on its way to Ensign eventually
http://www.ensignbus.com/2002-mini-pointer-dart.html
Quote from: Winston on March 27, 2015, 03:55:37 PM
Another Diamond Solo & a Signature Solo SR both up North to have work done of them:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/16323226583/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/16917324376/
KR 30382 also up North
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/16947170815/
Quote from: Winston on March 28, 2015, 01:05:30 PM
KR 30382 also up North
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/16947170815/
Back with Kidderminster, on the 192 today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/16771141399/
this was on 1 of Tividale's buses to day https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16750691117/
Quote from: Solo1 on March 28, 2015, 07:29:36 PM
this was on 1 of Tividale's buses to day https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16750691117/
What route was that on as that's a Kidderminster-based vehicle
Quote from: Will on March 28, 2015, 07:40:15 PM
What route was that on as that's a Kidderminster-based vehicle
42a/c & 43 service from west brom
Quote from: Solo1 on March 28, 2015, 07:45:40 PM
42a/c & 43 service from west brom
That's odd why would a Kidderminster vehicle be on that...
Quote from: Will on March 28, 2015, 07:50:52 PM
That's odd why would a Kidderminster vehicle be on that...
Loan?
Quote from: Nathan on March 28, 2015, 07:54:07 PM
Loan?
Could be I guess I hope 851 hasn't gone back to Tividale
20851 isn't as bad as it's made out to be...Surely?
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 28, 2015, 08:24:10 PM
20851 isn't as bad as it's made out to be...Surely?
Several drivers at Kiddy speak very highly of 851 say it's fast in comparison to it's sisters (20848/49)
20855 is still in Kidderminster today saw it this morning on the 2. wonder when it's going to tividale
Quote from: Cedric on March 30, 2015, 04:03:39 PM
20855 is still in Kidderminster today saw it this morning on the 2. wonder when it's going to tividale
Might be imminent Cedric but saying that it MAY not go at all after all anything is possible with Diamond!
PD0001374/376 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Mustow Green, Island by telephone box and King Charles Lower School/ King Charles Upper School given service number 803 effective from 12-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
this replaced a school contract and it has not been running very long and theres this change already
20011 was parked in city on Friday
http://www.busphotography.co.uk/picture.php?/11253
PD0001374/301 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kidderminster Town Hall and Kidderminster Town Hall given service number 10 effective from 31-May-2015. To amend Timetable.
4. PD0001374/318 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kidderminster Town Hall and Kidderminster Town Hall given service number 1 effective from 31-May-2015. To amend Timetable.
2. PD0001374/388 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Stratford Town Centre, Wood Street
Finish Point: Stratford Town Centre, Wood Street
Via: West Green Drive
Service Number: 19
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-JUN-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
attached map of bus routes in stratford showing route of 19.
suppose Redditch will operate it
Quote from: Cedric on April 27, 2015, 02:54:16 PM
attached map of bus routes in stratford showing route of 19.
suppose Redditch will operate it
Interesting that Diamond are expanding outside of Redditch & in to Stagecoach / Johnsons territory
Any idea who currently operates the 19?
there's a plain white E200 on 96/99
just passed Sheldon 1510
Is this a new bus or on loan to long acre?
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on April 27, 2015, 03:11:33 PM
there's a plain white E200 on 96/99
just passed Sheldon 1510
Is this a new bus or on loan to long acre?
@nxwmbusfan1999 the 96/99 is operated by Igo from today
Quote from: Winston on April 27, 2015, 03:03:50 PM
Interesting that Diamond are expanding outside of Redditch & in to Stagecoach / Johnsons territory
Any idea who currently operates the 19?
been looking around , it is stagecoach that operates the 19 now .
Quote from: Cedric on April 27, 2015, 03:27:23 PM
been looking around , it is stagecoach that operates the 19 now .
@Cedric there's a few more now:
PD0001374/389 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Lower Quinton Post Office
Finish Point: Statford Girls Grammar School
Via: Long Marston, Welford, Clifford Chambers, Stratford School
Service Number: 290
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 01-JUN-2015
Other Details: Mpnday to Friday, school days only
PD0001374/390 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Hockley Heath, Old Warwick Road
Finish Point: Stratford Girls Grammar School
Via: Henley, Aston Cantlow, Wilmcote, Stratfor School Bus Park, Station Street.
Service Number: 229S
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 01-JUN-2015
Other Details: Monday to Friday, school days only
PD0001374/391 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Stratford, Bridge Street
Finish Point: Snitterfield
Via: Wilmcote, Aston Cantlow
Service Number: 229
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-JUN-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
PD0001374/392 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Stratford, Bridge Street
Finish Point: Pebworth
Via: Welford, Long Marston
Service Number: 27
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-JUN-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays
PD0001374/393 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Stratford, Bridge Street
Finish Point: Redditch Bus Station
Via: Alcester, Studley
Service Number: 26
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-JUN-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday - excluding bank holidays
19 & 26 are ex Stagecoach Warwickshire & 27 & 229/S ex Johnsons
Quote from: Winston on April 27, 2015, 03:43:06 PM
19 & 26 are ex Stagecoach Warwickshire & 27 & 229/S ex Johnsons
Wonder if stagecoach and Johnson will expand more in the diamond area .
Quote from: Cedric on April 27, 2015, 04:25:34 PM
Wonder if stagecoach and Johnson will expand more in the diamond area .
@Cedric The only reason why Stagecoach has lost these services in Stratford on Avon is because they have had some bad vehicle shortages recently to the point where the 26 between Stratford and Redditch has recently been non Low Floor more often than it should be.
https://flic.kr/p/rVxo6Q (https://flic.kr/p/rVxo6Q)
https://flic.kr/p/p3JcDp (https://flic.kr/p/p3JcDp)
Quote from: Reece on April 27, 2015, 04:40:59 PM
@Cedric The only reason why Stagecoach has lost these services in Stratford on Avon is because they have had some bad vehicle shortages recently to the point where the 26 between Stratford and Redditch has recently been non Low Floor more often than it should be.
https://flic.kr/p/rVxo6Q (https://flic.kr/p/rVxo6Q)
https://flic.kr/p/p3JcDp (https://flic.kr/p/p3JcDp)
think it more the tenders where up , what you say about stagecoach recce is proberly right . but do you know any reason for Johnson losing there 2 routes
Any one know what what looked like
A volo b7 on the 50 tonight saw it at approx 5.10 at digbeth
but it went up rea st be for I could I'd it Thanks
Quote from: Cedric on April 27, 2015, 04:55:34 PM
think it more the tenders where up , what you say about stagecoach recce is proberly right . but do you know any reason for Johnson losing there 2 routes
Diamond may just have won them all on price, it will be interesting to see what buses they put on those routes, as they will no doubt need extra now RH depot
Quote from: Winston on April 27, 2015, 05:37:47 PM
Diamond may just have won them all on price, it will be interesting to see what buses they put on those routes, as they will no doubt need extra now RH depot
Well redditch do get all the best buses
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 27, 2015, 06:02:55 PM
Well redditch do get all the best buses
Really? Unless I'm mistaken Tividale have over recent months had the majority of RH B7RLE/Wright
Quote from: Winston on April 27, 2015, 06:06:19 PM
Really? Unless I'm mistaken Tividale have over recent months had the majority of RH B7RLE/Wright
Yes redditch used them and now been casted off too tividale, so rh get even more new buses.
@Simon Dunn needs to have a look at his allocations
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 27, 2015, 06:09:12 PM
Yes redditch used them and now been casted off too tividale, so rh get even more new buses. @Simon Dunn needs to have a look at his allocations
What new buses have RH had? they've had 4 x 04 plate B7RLE/Wright & 2 x 10 plate E300's
Well based on the amount of problems I've seen this weekend on the diamond fleet (engines turning off when the bus stops at a stop for no reason, struggling to turn back on, no power going uphill on some buses, etc etc) I tend to agree with
@Trident 4194!
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 27, 2015, 06:18:30 PM
Well based on the amount of problems I've seen this weekend on the diamond fleet (engines turning off when the bus stops at a stop for no reason, struggling to turn back on, no power going uphill on some buses, etc etc) I tend to agree with @Trident 4194!
I had 30407 this morning, and it randomly turned its engine off, then driver had to rev it hard when it turned back on
Solo, broken down on the 36 this afternoon. Good way to start off a new service! Even better, it was repaired and carried on in service, after missing a could of trips aparrently, But it left 5 minutes early, while a centro inspector was out and about!
Quote from: Winston on April 27, 2015, 05:37:47 PM
Diamond may just have won them all on price, it will be interesting to see what buses they put on those routes, as they will no doubt need extra now RH depot
winston
with changes happing in Kidderminster on same date to 4 routes in Kidderminster which means a couple of extra vehicles may be need here as well they are the 1/2/2l/10
Quote from: Cedric on April 27, 2015, 08:28:31 PM
winston
with changes happing in Kidderminster on same date to 4 routes in Kidderminster which means a couple of extra vehicles may be need here as well they are the 1/2/2l/10
Cheers Cedric, forgot about those enhancements happening on the same date
Quote from: Winston on April 27, 2015, 08:50:37 PM
Cheers Cedric, forgot about those enhancements happening on the same date
there is the 4a as well on that day but did not included it as from what I have heard the change is very minor
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 27, 2015, 06:02:55 PM
Well redditch do get all the best buses
Really????
Tividale has 13 plate B7s RH has 63 plate Streetlites. RH also has the unreliable MANs which pour out black smoke from time to time, the Ex Loathian DDs over heat, the enviros from Hansons are temperamental. The Ex RH B7 s are good buses they have had a hard life in Redditch but are needed just as much here as at Tividale. I agree Rotala need to look at the fleet they run, and now Diamond Redditch appear to be running the 26 new DDs will be needed for the 26, as travellers can be higher on some days and not when you want them to be. But this doesn't mean RH needs to loose it's Volvo's of 07/57/08/58 plates as these are good buses that are needed and need proper or as I call it the pre First care. By that I mean they aren't all out every day as they do need to be looked after, granted a bus in a garage going no where is money lost, but if it's having routine care then it's money well spent.
Wonder if some of the county link buses Johnson's
has ¬ sure if stagecoach had any at Stratford wil
Move to Redditch for the new services
30805 - KX08HMY - Plaxton Centro is at Barnsley Scarp Yard.
https://flic.kr/p/s7SG78 (https://flic.kr/p/s7SG78)
https://flic.kr/p/sn3a3C (https://flic.kr/p/sn3a3C)
Quote from: Reece on May 01, 2015, 09:00:45 AM
30805 - KX08HMY - Plaxton Centro is at Burnley Scarp Yard.
https://flic.kr/p/s7SG78 (https://flic.kr/p/s7SG78)
https://flic.kr/p/sn3a3C (https://flic.kr/p/sn3a3C)
Barnsley, for work to be done on it no doubt.
Curious.
Currently walking up from Bromsgrove station towards Finstall (work at a campsite round there) and a 143 passed me displaying "Bromsgrove DIRECT via Finstall".
Surely direct would apply to the X3, not the 143, or are Diamond trying to be in competition with themselves?
Quote from: Kevin on May 02, 2015, 09:20:52 AM
Curious.
Currently walking up from Bromsgrove station towards Finstall (work at a campsite round there) and a 143 passed me displaying "Bromsgrove DIRECT via Finstall".
Surely direct would apply to the X3, not the 143, or are Diamond trying to be in competition with themselves?
It's because the 143 used to serve Webheath on its way into and out of Redditch hence the Direct.
diamonds latest primo https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/17345296871/
30165 I think is for Redditch for the 26.
One thing I can't understand is why Redditch has got MPDs and a Solo. What routes need them that we don't know about?
Unless they are replacing older MPDs and being used on the 26 with the Streetlite.
Hopefully the value branded buses go onto the 29.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 03, 2015, 10:15:35 AM
Hopefully the value branded buses go onto the 29.
I think it is fairly obvious what is going on the 29, when Diamond have already branded one bus for it!
http://wmbusphotos.com/centralConnect/30888.html
Quote from: Tony on May 03, 2015, 10:22:35 AM
I think it is fairly obvious what is going on the 29, when Diamond have already branded one bus for it!
http://wmbusphotos.com/centralConnect/30888.html
They will need other buses for it aswell though
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 03, 2015, 10:25:19 AM
They will need other buses for it aswell though
How about the other two identical ones!
Quote from: Tony on May 03, 2015, 10:26:50 AM
How about the other two identical ones!
Only 3 buses needed for that route? It's every 10-15 minutes
Quote from: tank90 on May 02, 2015, 11:28:41 PM
30165 I think is for Redditch for the 26.
One thing I can't understand is why Redditch has got MPDs and a Solo. What routes need them that we don't know about?
Unless they are replacing older MPDs and being used on the 26 with the Streetlite.
the solo at Redditch as a guess will before
the 19 service in Stratford as they won this from stagecoach
What operates on 40?
Quote from: Solo1 on May 03, 2015, 11:35:13 AM
the solo at Redditch as a guess will before
the 19 service in Stratford as they won this from stagecoach
Forgot about that ::)
But still the amount of MPDs we have it wouldn't hurt putting one over at Stratford maybe, I don't know.
Anyone taking bets on where 30166 B8RLE MCV will be based. I have a feeling not Redditch.
Quote from: tank90 on May 03, 2015, 11:57:06 PM
Forgot about that ::)
But still the amount of MPDs we have it wouldn't hurt putting one over at Stratford maybe, I don't know.
Anyone taking bets on where 30166 B8RLE MCV will be based. I have a feeling not Redditch.
Tividale :P
Quote from: tank90 on May 03, 2015, 11:57:06 PM
Forgot about that ::)
But still the amount of MPDs we have it wouldn't hurt putting one over at Stratford maybe, I don't know.
Anyone taking bets on where 30166 B8RLE MCV will be based. I have a feeling not Redditch.
Probably be branded for the 002
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 04, 2015, 08:06:33 AM
Probably be branded for the 002
I think it will end up at Atherton as I read they are investing in the fleet but will will have to wait,& see
30492 has a green interior
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 04, 2015, 05:57:13 PM
30492 has a green interior
That is because it was originally for the Eden project
30887 (white dart KP54 BYJ) at Long Acre on the 16 today
A signature bus, possibly a versa, parked inside a unit at Garrets Green.
I am led to believe it's the old Ring&Ride depot - there were a couple of Ring & Ride minibuses there and an enviro 200 yesterday
Which bus do you think is the most expensive in the diamond fleet?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 08, 2015, 05:32:22 PM
Which bus do you think is the most expensive in the diamond fleet?
Probably the hybrids.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 08, 2015, 05:32:22 PM
Which bus do you think is the most expensive in the diamond fleet?
Diamond Signature 30030 Mercedes Citaro BF60OFA
https://flic.kr/p/p3gzwA (https://flic.kr/p/p3gzwA) Exterior
https://flic.kr/p/d6zvq5 (https://flic.kr/p/d6zvq5) Interior
Quote from: Reece on May 08, 2015, 08:13:37 PM
Diamond Signature 30030 Mercedes Citaro BF60OFA
https://flic.kr/p/p3gzwA (https://flic.kr/p/p3gzwA) Exterior
https://flic.kr/p/d6zvq5 (https://flic.kr/p/d6zvq5) Interior
Think I've Ben on that, not sure though, I've been on one merc citaro signature anyway. Are they all the same?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 09, 2015, 08:21:59 AM
Think I've Ben on that, not sure though, I've been on one merc citaro signature anyway. Are they all the same?
@Trident 4194 The 60 reg Citaro has a different interior to the other two - the 2009 and early 2010 Citaros have lower back seats, but are still leather. This video by nxwmbusfan1999 gives a good shot of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDTbnc-rBy0
Does anyone know why diamond value buses keep making really loud noises, they don't seem very healthy !
former Arriva volo b8RLE now painted on 16 last night but why is in in this livery & not in blue https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/17638462846/in/dateposted-public/
Quote from: Solo1 on May 15, 2015, 06:52:29 AM
former Arriva volo b8RLE now painted on 16 last night but why is in in this livery & not in blue https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/17638462846/in/dateposted-public/
That is a good question one we will have to ask Simon about. I have a feeling it maybe due to it being a demonstrator I'm not sure with out asking Simon.
Anyone who wants photo of
30166 B8RLE its on 50
Picture- https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/17541519649/in/dateposted-public/
I know diamond are hated by many, but I just can't help liking them, every bus is somehow different and the customer skills are first class. Really do hope diamond continue to grow In the West Midlands area. There vehicles are always clean, sometimes unreliable but you get that with every company. The only vehicles I hate are the value branded buses in the rotala fleet. All the vehicles look in good conditions, exterior and interior.
Long live diamond
Well done
@Simon Dunn and the rest
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 19, 2015, 08:00:19 PM
I know diamond are hated by many, but I just can't help liking them, every bus is somehow different and the customer skills are first class. Really do hope diamond continue to grow In the West Midlands area. There vehicles are always clean, sometimes unreliable but you get that with every company. The only vehicles I hate are the value branded buses in the rotala fleet. All the vehicles look in good conditions, exterior and interior.
Long live diamond
Well done @Simon Dunn and the rest
I quite like diamond, but think its a bit unfair how they gave the 56 hybridsw then topok them away, I often see clapped out darts on the 56 at rush hour with standing passengers
I might as well give my 2 pence on this:
My opinion of Diamond is generally quite positive. I used to use the 303 and 326 quite regularly when both were run by Diamond (I still use the 326, as it is the best route for getting to my nan's, but the 303, not so). When both services were ran by Diamond, i noticed that they were punctual on both (same with the old 342, then the 41), and the communication skills of the drivers were first class, at least in comparison to Arriva (I have nothing against Arriva, as on Evenings and Sundays, i don't have much of a choice). The same goes for the 301/302, and the 4/4H, if ever i have to use any of these services, i will often let an NX bus pass, and wait for the Diamond bus, as the drivers are generally nice and punctual, at least when i used them, they were. The livery, while basic, is attractive, and smart (again, in my opinion) and the buses are decent (even the Value branded buses, as they are the only buses i can actually fall asleep on)
Apologies if i've said anything controversial ::)
South Lanc's Tempo T800SLT 58
was at Long Acre depot today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/17847519670/in/dateposted/
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on May 24, 2015, 11:10:12 AM
South Lanc's Tempo T800SLT 58
was at Long Acre depot today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/17847519670/in/dateposted/
Apparently 30538 has been there a couple of days. Could it be in to go to repainted into Diamond livery?
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 24, 2015, 11:17:51 AM
Apparently 30538 has been there a couple of days. Could it be in to go to repainted into Diamond livery?
30508 was there today couldn't get pic as south lanc T77SLT was parked infront of it
Quote from: Matt on May 25, 2015, 07:09:38 PM
The B8RLE was on the 16 today, and 30508
30508 in blue
@Matt ?
How does rotalas fleet numbering work? Is it a bit like Stagecoach
Quote from: Matt on May 25, 2015, 07:09:38 PM
The B8RLE was on the 16 today, and 30508
when did 30508 move as they have sister bus there
Does the 82 go the same way as the 900 through Meriden too Coventry?
Towards Coventry it double runs to Pickford to maintain a service from eastern end of Meriden to Coventry as a result of A45 central reservation was closed. It's clearly shown on Centro area maps.
Is Long Acre depot keeping B8 30166 or just on loan?
30166 is only on loan till they get all the info they need
Quote from: Solo1 on June 06, 2015, 10:46:56 PM
30166 is only on loan till they get all the info they need
Anyone know til when? Because I haven't even seen the thing yet let alone travel on it. Impressive considering I've been using the 16 a fair bit these past few weeks
@Kevin if u get chance to get it try the 50
Black Diamond on fire in Bewdley. Assume this is today
https://twitter.com/LKWilliams_star/status/610489459633750017 (https://twitter.com/LKWilliams_star/status/610489459633750017)
Quote from: uniquicity on June 15, 2015, 06:30:34 PM
Black Diamond on fire in Bewdley. Assume this is today
https://twitter.com/LKWilliams_star/status/610489459633750017 (https://twitter.com/LKWilliams_star/status/610489459633750017)
One word to describe that...oops!!
Quote from: uniquicity on June 15, 2015, 06:30:34 PM
Black Diamond on fire in Bewdley. Assume this is today
https://twitter.com/LKWilliams_star/status/610489459633750017 (https://twitter.com/LKWilliams_star/status/610489459633750017)
30438 - V391 SVV decided to set it's self on fire while operating a 2L Service this afternoon.
Quote from: Reece on June 15, 2015, 09:27:11 PM
30438 - V391 SVV decided to set it's self on fire while operating a 2L Service this afternoon.
Does the 2L go through Blackstone now?
Quote from: StourportSam on June 16, 2015, 10:13:15 AM
Does the 2L go through Blackstone now?
I went on the 2L Saturday and from Kidderminster to bewdley all journeys go habberley wribenhall Queensway eastate bewdley bark hill hales park (same as the 2) and then along the route its all was took to Ludlow , and re the fire incdent diamonds website and face book page refer to the incident being in Ludlow
Quote from: Cedric on June 16, 2015, 10:32:26 AM
I went on the 2L Saturday and from Kidderminster to bewdley all journeys go habberley wribenhall Queensway eastate bewdley bark hill hales park (same as the 2) and then along the route its all was took to Ludlow , and re the fire incdent diamonds website and face book page refer to the incident being in Ludlow
The photo of V391 SVV on fire is definitely taken at Blackstone!
Quote from: StourportSam on June 16, 2015, 01:00:25 PM
The photo of V391 SVV on fire is definitely taken at Blackstone!
The Express & Star story says no passengers were on board
Quote from: StourportSam on June 16, 2015, 01:00:25 PM
The photo of V391 SVV on fire is definitely taken at Blackstone!
Sam just seen express and star picture . and it says by the blackstone picnic area and it closed the stourport road for about half an hour . must have been one running not in service or one replaced by another vehicle on the 2L as that is not part of the route.
30887 now blue, but without logos
http://wmbusphotos.com/centralConnect/30887.html
Finally saw (and caught) 30166 this week! Loving this bus so smooth along the Hamstead Road!
Quote from: Kevin on June 21, 2015, 11:57:04 AM
Finally saw (and caught) 30166 this week! Loving this bus so smooth along the Hamstead Road!
I caught it yesterday and it's very fast and smooth
Quote from: Kevin on June 21, 2015, 11:57:04 AM
Finally saw (and caught) 30166 this week! Loving this bus so smooth along the Hamstead Road!
You did well to catch it, it has now moved up to Atherton on loan to Diamond Bus North West
PD0001374/69 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between REDDITCH BUS STATION and REDDITCH BUS STATION given service number 57/58 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/171 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between REDDITCH and ASTWOOD BANK given service number 70/70s effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/292 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Redditch Bus Station given service number 51 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/295 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham Small Brook Queensway and Redditch Bus Station given service number 146 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/296 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Redditch Bus Station given service number 55 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/297 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Marlbrook/Bromsgrove and Redditch/Studley given service number 142 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/299 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Kidderminster Town Hall and Bark Hill, Littleton Road given service number 2 effective from 31-Aug-2015.
PD0001374/300 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kidderminster Bus Station and Ludlow, Lower Galdeford given service number 2L effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/301 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kidderminster Town Hall and Kidderminster Town Hall given service number 10 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/321 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Redditch Bus Station given service number 64 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/330 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Wychbold, Crown Inn and St. Bede's RC Middle School given service number 180 effective from 31-Aug-2015.
PD0001374/333 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Redditch Bus Station given service number 67 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/334 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Redditch Bus Station given service number 62 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/336 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Bromsgrove Bus Station and Longbridge Station given service number 145A effective from 31-Aug-2015.
PD0001374/394 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Redditch Bus Station
Finish Point: Redditch Bus Station
Via: Matchborough, Alexandra Hospital, Walkwood
Service Number: 47
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2015
Other Details: Monday to Sunday
Quote from: Winston on July 09, 2015, 04:34:52 PM
PD0001374/394 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Redditch Bus Station
Finish Point: Redditch Bus Station
Via: Matchborough, Alexandra Hospital, Walkwood
Service Number: 47
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2015
Other Details: Monday to Sunday
A Redditch Outer Circle?
What is the patronage on the 108 like??
Quote from: Dylan4579 on July 21, 2015, 10:34:22 PM
What is the patronage on the 108 like??
The ones I see both in the mornings and afternoons do carry good loads. Full Solos and MPDs
How about 255's? I'm curious to know which routes they come off
Quote from: Nathan on July 28, 2015, 09:53:06 PM
How about 255's? I'm curious to know which routes they come off
The 2040 from Wolves comes off the 56 if that helps.
Which buses does diamond use on the S2 and 82?
The S2 is the hybrid Versas along with a few other routes in Solihull and the 82 is the signature Citaros which also operate on the 88.
Why does the 16 get any type of bus? Today I saw 2 solos,30929,30000, another b7 and a mpd?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 30, 2015, 08:59:03 PM
Why does the 16 get any type of bus? Today I saw 2 solos,30929,30000, another b7 and a mpd?
Because there aren't enough of anyone type
Quote from: Winston on July 30, 2015, 09:01:40 PM
Because there aren't enough of anyone type
Diamond journeys are so quick in comparision with nx on the 16.
@Trident 4194 mainly as they hardly pick anyone up!
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 30, 2015, 09:34:11 PM
@Trident 4194 mainly as they hardly pick anyone up!
I've been on many a full Diamond 16. Even on a Sunday.
Because they've been on the route for so long a lot of people have nBus passes just so they could catch the Diamonds ifbthey turn up, or even let the NX buses pass
Wessex 40602/40605 just passed Regents Park Station in the direction of Edgware Road 1827hrs
Heard off a friend of mine
Flights Hallmark Levantes
FN06FLC and FLD are at Long Acre depot on VOR
(Both ex First Cymru)
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on August 15, 2015, 10:28:39 PM
Heard off a friend of mine
Flights Hallmark Levantes
FN06FLC and FLD are at Long Acre depot on VOR
(Both ex First Cymru)
Here's 13116. They have been with Rotala for sometime
https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/67444577@N02/20593561512/
PD0001374/364 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 82 effective from 17-Aug-2015. To amend Route.
@Solo1 it is for the Coventry city centre diversions I think
ALX300 30902 W902JNF , Arriva London DW5 (only Gemini) , optare solo electric T5EEV all at long acre depot today
Could be some interesting sights in redditch tomorrow, apparently Signatures are moving in tonight!
Apparently the 16 is moving to Tividale too at the same time
Not sure when they are moving but have been told, Signatures,X30/1, 30, 36 & possibly 38 to Redditch. Others to Tividale. Some 71 duties also at redditch.
Are they trying to close Long Acre?Is there any info on what signature buses Redditch are getting yet?
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 22, 2015, 04:48:23 PM
Are they trying to close Long Acre?Is there any info on what signature buses Redditch are getting yet?
@Dylanbusboy45 I believe Long Arce will be closed down. Anyone know if it is still up for sale?
Ok thanks for that info
@2206.
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 22, 2015, 04:48:23 PM
Are they trying to close Long Acre?Is there any info on what signature buses Redditch are getting yet?
Would assume all of them, to operate the Signature services!
Looking at
@Simon Dunn posts on FB group (used bus and coach trader)
Levantes 11315 and 11316 and Ex South Lanc Dart MH53BLU are up for sale
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 22, 2015, 04:48:23 PM
Are they trying to close Long Acre?Is there any info on what signature buses Redditch are getting yet?
See Simon's comment here: http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2074.msg157118#msg157118
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on August 22, 2015, 04:17:52 PM
Not sure when they are moving but have been told, Signatures,X30/1, 30, 36 & possibly 38 to Redditch. Others to Tividale. Some 71 duties also at redditch.
Don't think they have gone to Redditch
@Matt.N0056 one of the Signature busses was on the 50 today.
Quote from: 2206 on August 24, 2015, 07:22:46 PM
Don't think they have gone to Redditch @Matt.N0056 one of the Signature busses was on the 50 today.
Only some may have gone? Of the signatures I saw tonight, they had updated destinations and FWS had Kidderminster Depot on the destination. So tbh, I'm not sure what's happening!
I think the 'Diamond Bus, Kidderminster Depot' is set up on all Diamond Bus blinds, Ive certainly seen it on Tividale and Redditch buses
Quote from: jc on August 24, 2015, 07:55:22 PM
I think the 'Diamond Bus, Kidderminster Depot' is set up on all Diamond Bus blinds, Ive certainly seen it on Tividale and Redditch buses
Oh right. That explains that then. With regards to a Signature bus on the 50, maybe it wasn't used on Saturday, so was taken to Redditch after service. Or they may be keeping it for late night S3s for the time being?
Not uncommon for a Signature to stray onto the 16 or 50 - if there's a spare that day.
Quote from: Liberator9 on August 24, 2015, 10:06:33 PM
Not uncommon for a Signature to stray onto the 16 or 50 - if there's a spare that day.
Nobody said it was uncommon
@Liberator9 Just that these were apparently supposed to have to have transferred to Redditch along with the signature services on Saturday Night. I personally expect they did not though after seeing one on the 50 today.
Sorry - my mistake - misunderstood the post :) Not too sure what's transferred so far - think the Signatures are still Long Acre at the moment to the best of my knowledge.
Quote from: Liberator9 on August 25, 2015, 10:43:36 PM
Sorry - my mistake - misunderstood the post :) Not too sure what's transferred so far - think the Signatures are still Long Acre at the moment to the best of my knowledge.
There were around 15 Signatures in Redditch depot on Sunday evening, didn't note the fleet numbers I am afraid but not sure whether all of them had moved over.
Appears the NG work in Leamington along with 30406? YN08NXL have moved to Redditch, not sure this has been mentioned yet, apologees if it has!
Quote from: jc on August 26, 2015, 03:16:26 PM
Appears the NG work in Leamington along with 30406? YN08NXL have moved to Redditch, not sure this has been mentioned yet, apologees if it has!
@jc The NG shuttle bus work moved to RH during April with MPD 21009 & 30406
http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html
Quote from: Winston on August 26, 2015, 03:22:10 PM
@jc The NG shuttle bus work moved to RH during April with MPD 21009 & 30406
http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html
MPD 21009 is no longer used, 20844 is the minibus on there and 30406
The 143/149 services off Redditch had a vehicle upgrade today - for one day only ? ! ! ? I travelled on one Streetlite, passed another and later noted a Signature Versa as well. On the downside,SJ04DVL was also on the 143/149 route, sounding "loud" and with a fair bit of clag as it went up New Road on its way out of Bromsgrove. :o
@Cheese Thanks for that info - Blue Diamond Streetlite on the S3 today! Very shocked but pleased to see - could get a bit of variety by the looks of it due to this garage change.
Since signature buses have been transferred to Redditch
What would be allocations now for S2/S3/S4
@nxwmbusfan1999 Should remain as Solo SRs and Versas for them - the S2/3/4 have all been moved to Redditch as well. Streetlites clearly going to be the backup buses for them.
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on August 26, 2015, 10:14:10 PM
Since signature buses have been transferred to Redditch
What would be allocations now for S2/S3/S4
Signature Busses have transferred to Redditch with the Signature Services!
@nxwmbusfan1999
just seen this on the ensign site DAF DB250's LJ03MWN / MVT / MWU / MWD WLT719 (reg to be retained by Arriva) : Rotala Group
wonder where there going ? as I spoted a strange liveried bus in Kidderminster depot on sunday could not see it good as I was going round the island
Quote from: Cedric on September 02, 2015, 11:30:52 AM
just seen this on the ensign site DAF DB250's LJ03MWN / MVT / MWU / MWD WLT719 (reg to be retained by Arriva) : Rotala Group
wonder where there going ? as I spoted a strange liveried bus in Kidderminster depot on sunday could not see it good as I was going round the island
@Cedric Those 5 are DAF DB250/Wright Gemini Double Deckers, they are for Avonmouth (Wessex)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/20160762013/in/dateposted/
Quote from: Winston on September 02, 2015, 12:08:17 PM
@Cedric Those 5 are DAF DB250/Wright Gemini Double Deckers, they are for Avonmouth (Wessex)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115199517@N06/20160762013/in/dateposted/
it was not one of them I saw then as it was a single deck bus
Quote from: Cedric on September 02, 2015, 01:08:29 PM
it was not one of them I saw then as it was a single deck bus
Was it 'the eighties' liveried bus from Wessex (a Y reg ALX200 Dart)?
Quote from: StourportSam on September 03, 2015, 12:21:45 AM
Was it 'the eighties' liveried bus from Wessex (a Y reg ALX200 Dart)?
Sam it was parked up against the side wall of the depot and I was being driven past in a taxi it caught my eye , the colour was all I could really see an the shape of the top of the roof . I was coming towards the depot from the stourport way . so you may see it if you are on a bus coming that way
2. PD0001374/43 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between BROWNHILLS WEST and BIRMINGHAM given service number 56 effective from 25-Oct-2015.
3. PD0001374/101 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WEST BROMWICH and BILSTON given service number 42A/42C effective from 25-Oct-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
4. PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 25-Oct-2015. To amend Timetable.
5. PD0001374/243 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich Bus Station and Worlds End given service number 54/54A effective from 25-Oct-2015. To amend Route and Stopping Places.
6. PD0001374/255 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bromsgrove and Halesowen given service number 202/204 effective from 25-Oct-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
7. PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stourbridge Bus Station and Halesowen Bus Station given service number 142 effective from 25-Oct-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
8. PD0001374/351 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Hamstead and Birmingham given service number 16 effective from 25-Oct-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
9. PD0001374/358 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham and Druids Heath given service number 50 effective from 25-Oct-2015. To amend Timetable.
I'm surprised that Diamond appear to be chucking in the towel with their 56 (unless there's a new registration still to come?), it's a well established route & I always thought it was well used.
Quote from: Winston on September 03, 2015, 11:25:52 AM
I'm surprised that Diamond appear to be chucking in the towel with their 56 (unless there's a new registration still to come?), it's a well established route & I always thought it was well used.
I can't see it going either. It carries very good loads in the peak times, and steady during the day
Quote from: John on September 03, 2015, 11:35:10 AM
I can't see it going either. It carries very good loads in the peak times, and steady during the day
I did wonder if the recent introduction of NXWM's Platinum 936 may have caused a drop in passenger numbers, but it seems a little premature to give in for such an established Diamond service
Quote from: Winston on September 03, 2015, 11:41:57 AM
I did wonder if the recent introduction of NXWM's Platinum 936 may have caused a drop in passenger numbers, but it seems a little premature to give in for such an established Diamond service
I agree the 56 is not a bad route,but given the 936 going Platinum would you run such a route from Tividale unless it was exceptional.
Wouldn't surprise me if the 16 wasn't next and even the 50 cannot be sacrosanct,though at least it is accessible from Redditch.
Anyone know where the versa was today? The one reported on 301 yesterday?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 03, 2015, 06:06:31 PM
Anyone know where the versa was today? The one reported on 301 yesterday?
It's on the 4H.
Quote from: arrifirststage on September 03, 2015, 03:56:36 PM
I agree the 56 is not a bad route,but given the 936 going Platinum would you run such a route from Tividale unless it was exceptional.
Wouldn't surprise me if the 16 wasn't next and even the 50 cannot be sacrosanct,though at least it is accessible from Redditch.
The 16 was run for years from Tividale (under both Diamond & Birmingham Coach Company) prior to the route moving in to Long Acre, so can't see the 16 going anywhere. I doubt Redditch would have capacity for the 50 having just taken on the Solihull Signature work & fleet.
Maybe Platinum 936 has killed off the remaining daytime trade for the 56 & it's not worth running it as a peaks only Mon -Fri service
Quote from: Ash on September 03, 2015, 06:16:39 PM
It's on the 4H.
Ohhh nooo, my local route :-(
Anyone know if that versa will stay at tividale?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 03, 2015, 06:34:32 PM
Ohhh nooo, my local route :-(
Anyone know if that versa will stay at tividale?
It's currently on the 18:25 ex Walsall on the 4H.
Hopefully it's one of my bus to or from school tommorow, would love a ride on one, bring back memories when they were common on the 4H
Quote from: Winston on September 03, 2015, 06:28:47 PM
I doubt Redditch would have capacity for the 50 having just taken on the Solihull Signature work & fleet.
Ok so capacity might be a problem but would make more sense running the 50 from Redditch surely? Hell they could even run some journeys to / from Redditch / Wythall (just saying....)
And yeah, surely they're not giving up on the 56 after all this time?
Well their is only one depot left for the 50 if Redditch and Tividale have got no room and that's Kidderminster
Quote from: Reece on September 04, 2015, 09:44:36 AM
Well their is only one depot left for the 50 if Redditch and Tividale have got no room and that's Kidderminster
If the 56 dose go there will be room for the 50 at Trivadle
@Reece
Quote from: Reece on September 04, 2015, 09:44:36 AM
Well their is only one depot left for the 50 if Redditch and Tividale have got no room and that's Kidderminster
Tividale depot is due to be extended this year both office space & depot yard
Quote from: Kevin on September 04, 2015, 07:41:21 AM
surely they're not giving up on the 56 after all this time?
From the horses mouth, so to speak...
Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 11, 2015, 07:06:42 AM
There will be no replacement.
We are going to focus our efforts elsewhere
Simon
Wow.
End of an era there then! :'(
@Tony Sorry - managed to miss the blue writing regarding not posting on the other thread!
@Trident 4194 That Hybrid was on the S3 on Friday just gone - assume it'll work that most of the time as it did at Long Acre. Rather interestingly there's been a Hybrid on the S11 a couple of days last week.
That hybrid is on the S2/4 today (14th)
Quote from: Winston on September 03, 2015, 06:28:47 PM
The 16 was run for years from Tividale (under both Diamond & Birmingham Coach Company) prior to the route moving in to Long Acre, so can't see the 16 going anywhere. I doubt Redditch would have capacity for the 50 having just taken on the Solihull Signature work & fleet.
Maybe Platinum 936 has killed off the remaining daytime trade for the 56 & it's not worth running it as a peaks only Mon -Fri service
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/Cancellationofservice56-BrownhillstoBirmingham_389.html
Diamond have now posted on their website about the withdrawal of the 56. Such a shame but I guess if a service no longer pays they have little choice.
Doesn't seem like they have really tried to fight to keep it going thou - no special fares, promotions etc. perhaps even cutting down to hourly during off peaks and keeping the peak service going.
Quote from: sonic84 on September 15, 2015, 06:21:18 PM
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/Cancellationofservice56-BrownhillstoBirmingham_389.html
Diamond have now posted on their website about the withdrawal of the 56. Such a shame but I guess if a service no longer pays they have little choice.
Doesn't seem like they have really tried to fight to keep it going thou - no special fares, promotions etc. perhaps even cutting down to hourly during off peaks and keeping the peak service going.
I assume that option was looked at before deciding to totally withdraw the 56 service.Running a higher frequency service at peaks compared to daytime frequency would have been the ideal scenario so the 56 became more of a commuter service, but it leaves you with buses & drivers with nothing to do between peaks unless you can find a suitable daytime service during 9am -3pm that they could operate to ensure they've got a full days work
The 56 gets absolutely rammed in the peaks! I always see people specifically waiting for the diamond bus. Quite sad really how they let it go from the hybrids and now you see all sorts of tatty MPD's crammed to the brim during the peaks
Kidderminster v463/4 one of them was on the 50 tonight has this bus moved Or has service moved
Quote from: Solo1 on September 16, 2015, 09:49:19 PM
Kidderminster v463/4 one of them was on the 50 tonight has this bus moved Or has service moved
It would of been V463 TVV because was V464 TVV was on the 2 to Bewdley this morning
PD0001374/250 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ROCKET POOL and WOLVERHAMPTON given service number 530 effective from 15-Nov-2015.
PD0001374/285 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Walsall and Brownhills given service number 3A effective from 15-Nov-2015.
PD0001374/286 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wolverhampton Bus Station and Stowlawn given service number 26A effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/341 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Bilston Bus Station and Penderford Business Park given service number 25A effective from 15-Nov-2015.
PD0001374/395 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: County Bridge, Devon Road
Finish Point: Bilston Bus Station
Via: Willenhall
Service Number: 303
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 15-NOV-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday excluding bank holidays
Those look like the tender changes
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 18, 2015, 01:14:05 PM
Those look like the tender changes
Not sure if that is all of them, but Diamond appear to have the 303 back off Igo
PD0001374/359 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Erdington and Smithswood given service number 53 effective from 15-Nov-2015.
Quote from: Winston on September 18, 2015, 01:20:35 PM
Not sure if that is all of them, but Diamond appear to have the 303 back off Igo
Any idea who's got the other routes?
(Surely NX hasn't bid low enough to win a tender have they?)
Quote from: Westy on September 22, 2015, 10:34:54 PM
Any idea who's got the other routes?
(Surely NX hasn't bid low enough to win a tender have they?)
Here's the list of routes with awards that have been made public to date, the 53 isn't on there.
http://centro.org.uk/media/589013/Buscontracts-Renewals-Outcome-October2015.pdf
Quote from: Winston on September 22, 2015, 10:41:59 PM
Here's the list of routes with awards that have been made public to date, the 53 isn't on there.
http://centro.org.uk/media/589013/Buscontracts-Renewals-Outcome-October2015.pdf
There's always some however that haven't been awarded when the data was publically released
Network WM has just updated its service changes page.
The 142 will be extended from Halesowen to Quinton from 25th October. Also there will be new Sunday 4H journeys from this date. Furthermore a new 202S school journey added. More changes here: http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/bus/servicechanges/ServiceChangesPages/25October.aspx
@Winston whats does it mean under the comment stating lowest bid. Also the 205 is mentioned twice once for nxwm and once for diamond
@Chris the diamond one is the nights and Sundays and the nxwm is some other tendered trips on it
Great news about the 142!! Wonder if they will use mpds? An the pvr and frequency?
Quote from: s94 on September 23, 2015, 02:07:11 PM
Network WM has just updated its service changes page.
The 142 will be extended from Halesowen to Quinton from 25th October. Also there will be new Sunday 4H journeys from this date. Furthermore a new 202S school journey added. More changes here: http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/bus/servicechanges/ServiceChangesPages/25October.aspx
I am surprised about the 142 extension. I can't imagine it will be used particularly well as worlds end already have a link to Halesowen with the 99 but I may be proven wrong.
Great news about a Sunday service on the 4H thou! It is strange to think a few years back Hayley Green only had the two hourly 292 on a Sunday but now has 4 buses an hour with the 4H and 244 combined.
PD0001374/347 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wythall and Hockley Heath given service number S3 effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
PD0001374/348 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Dorridge Train Station and Cheswick Green given service number S4 effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Route and Stopping Places.
PD0001374/349 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Solihull Train Station given service number S11 effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Route.
PD0001374/350 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Solihull Train Station given service number S15 effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Route.
PD0001374/361 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Sutton Coldfield given service number 71 effective from 16-Nov-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
PD0001374/362 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between SUTTON COLDFIELD and CHELMSLEY WOOD given service number 71 effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Route.
PD0001374/364 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 82 effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/365 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Balsall Common given service number 88 effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
End of the solihull "improvement" works possibly?
Quote from: Chris on September 23, 2015, 02:43:33 PM
@Winston whats does it mean under the comment stating lowest bid. Also the 205 is mentioned twice once for nxwm and once for diamond
Interestingly, the 205 evening journeys have been withdrawn from 15 Nov, is the Diamond tender just for Sundays then?
Two Diamond buses taking their long lunch on the 900 unloading stop at the back of Selfridges now have parking tickets on their windscreens!
Quote from: Tony on September 25, 2015, 03:16:38 PM
Two Diamond buses taking their long lunch on the 900 unloading stop at the back of Selfridges now have parking tickets on their windscreens!
did not know they could do that to a bus in a bus stop
Quote from: Cedric on September 25, 2015, 03:40:09 PM
did not know they could do that to a bus in a bus stop
They have been parked there for well over 30 minutes. The rule on that stop is you are only allowed one minute unless you are dropping off passengers. The longest you are allowed on the Bus Stands in Birmingham as opposed to Bus Stops is 10 minutes
PD0001374/203 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wall Heath, Blaze Park and Blackheath, The Ashley given service number 205 effective from 15-Nov-2015. To amend Route and Timetable
Ex? GA London Metrobus Scania parked in long acre this morning I think fleet number was 432.
Diamond 4H going towards Walsall from Halesowen takes so long in comparison with reverse. Why?
I would suggest five to ten mins of this is due to yhr diamond route using Church Croft, Richmond Street and Stourbridgr Road to access Earls Way towards Walsall. The right turn on to Stourbrdge Road is particularly nasty and that can be busy, especially at peaks.
Yes probably, also I saw a man on 192 driving with the back open. Is this legal?
@Trident 4194 some little delinquents probably opened the back flap without the driver realising
Quote from: tphi12000 on September 30, 2015, 09:33:20 PM
Ex? GA London Metrobus Scania parked in long acre this morning I think fleet number was 432.
4 noted in the yard on Saturday including 439.
As I suspected from looking at the new timetable for the 142 on network West Midlands website it looks as if the 142 will interwork with the 54.
@sonic84 want to put money on delays occurring more often on it because of the interworking
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 06, 2015, 08:26:55 AM
@sonic84 want to put money on delays occurring more often on it because of the interworking
with the 54 being re-routed so as to avoid the motorway island possibly not as a rule but when the tesco bags are playing at home that will be a different story!!
B20 WTS was at a bus stop fairly near Smethwick Galton Bridge/Oldbury area last night around 7:30pm with all lights and hazards on - destination display read 'VOR' - I'm not local so don't know if that's of any significance but have posted it anyway.
@StourportSam they usually display that when the bus needs some attention by the mechanics when they get to depot
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 08, 2015, 02:23:31 PM
@StourportSam they usually display that when the bus needs some attention by the mechanics when they get to depot
@the trainbasher - I've known some Kidderminster drivers display it instead of "Sorry! I'm Not In Service" although as it is I prefer the latter!
4. PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 14-Dec-2015. To amend Timetable.
Me and a mate of mine decided to have a ride over to Long Acre yesterday evening to see if there was much activity going on as this is the penultimate week of operations at Long Acre as it closes at the end of next week and from then everything else that isn't already will be Tividale operated nothing was noted on my vist with my mate we looked over the wall and most of the dead/scrap buses have gone the only remaining buses that are present include
20571 (W571 JVV)
30902 (W902 JNF)
20533 (X372 CUY)
30904 (W904 JNF)
30384 (V384 SVV)
un-identifiable Red & White liveried long Dart
3x former Metro Bus Double Deckers
un-identifiable Plaxton Centro
54-plate Wessex Connect liveried (Blue & Silver) Dart with a 'Diamond' sticker on the front
a South Lancashire Travel liveried Optare Solo
Passed Long Acre today
and noticed a UID Preston Bus Citaro parked up
anyone know what it was?
Quote from: James4368 on October 28, 2015, 05:49:26 PM
Passed Long Acre today
and noticed a UID Preston Bus Citaro parked up
anyone know what it was?
Either one of these 2 ex Yourbus examples
https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/22150463878/in/dateposted/
or the third one off those acquired
One of the Former Yourbus Citaros has made it to Preston, also present this morning was the long standing example, so must have been one of the former Yourbus ones you saw
Quote from: Solo1 on October 21, 2015, 03:33:37 PM
4. PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 14-Dec-2015. To amend Timetable.
Late night Christmas shopping journeys like last year again?
Any idea when the contracts are up for the Signature services - back of my head says June 2017? Honestly getting sick of the unreliability of the service - use Johnsons whenever possible as they actually use far better buses (Scanias and Tempos) and actually run to schedule.
Quote from: Liberator9 on October 31, 2015, 03:17:26 PM
Any idea when the contracts are up for the Signature services - back of my head says June 2017? Honestly getting sick of the unreliability of the service - use Johnsons whenever possible as they actually use far better buses (Scanias and Tempos) and actually run to schedule.
2017 is about right. Probably be in the October tenders though? Noticed they had a few 'probelms' today! It seems to be most Saturday's!
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on October 31, 2015, 06:40:02 PM
2017 is about right. Probably be in the October tenders though? Noticed they had a few 'probelms' today! It seems to be most Saturday's!
I noticed three of their buses parked up in Acocks Green village earlier this afternoon, not sure why as they only have two services (30 and 36)! Solo and two Darts, one of which did have 30 showing on the rear display, presume one of the others must have been on the 36. Not sure if it was related, but there appeared to be a police car parked in front of the pub.
@Matt.N0056 Thanks! Thought it was - could well be in the October tenders - just that the tenders in the past have been June 2010 and June 2013 - ask me, too generous letting them have until 2017 - much rather Johnsons ran the Signature services.
Yeah they certainly did have problems today - S2/4 for example was a bus down. Good job I had the S20 to rely on - nice to have the Scania on that. They had a Dart parked up at Solihull Station yesterday afternoon at the 30/S2 stop - there mid afternoon and still there after 1 1/2 hours - just empty; no driver with door open.
Quote from: Liberator9 on October 31, 2015, 07:18:07 PM
@Matt.N0056
Thanks! Thought it was - could well be in the October tenders - just that the tenders in the past have been June 2010 and June 2013 - ask me, too generous letting them have until 2017 - much rather Johnsons ran the Signature services.
Yeah they certainly did have problems today - S2/4 for example was a bus down. Good job I had the S20 to rely on - nice to have the Scania on that. They had a Dart parked up at Solihull Station yesterday afternoon at the 30/S2 stop - there mid afternoon and still there after 1 1/2 hours - just empty; no driver with door open.
Are you sure they are even still tendered?
Didn't Central Buses win the tenders initially last time around? Diamond may have taken some/all Signature services commercial to retain the routes
Quote from: Liberator9 on October 31, 2015, 07:18:07 PM
@Matt.N0056
Yeah they certainly did have problems today - S2/4 for example was a bus down. Good job I had the S20 to rely on - nice to have the Scania on that. They had a Dart parked up at Solihull Station yesterday afternoon at the 30/S2 stop - there mid afternoon and still there after 1 1/2 hours - just empty; no driver with door open.
@Liberator9 not just one but 2 buses down this morning! Later that seemed to be sorted but the others were having problems!
Quote from: Winston on October 31, 2015, 07:23:00 PM
Are you sure they are even still tendered?
Didn't Central Buses win the tenders initially last time around? Diamond may have taken some/all Signature services commercial to retain the routes
@Winston I believe they are, remember seeing them on one of the centro contract outcomes, as one contract. I'm nto sure what happened with the Central Buses registrations
EDIT: the tender outcome
http://centro.org.uk/media/20848/BusContracts_renewals_outcome_June2013.pdf
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on October 31, 2015, 07:54:29 PM
EDIT: the tender outcome
http://centro.org.uk/media/20848/BusContracts_renewals_outcome_June2013.pdf
@Matt.N0056 Fair play on the tender outcomes, but you will notice that the 82 isn't included. Neither is the 88 but it the S8 on the outcomes?
I'd have thought the contracts would be for either 3 or 5 years
Quote from: Winston on October 31, 2015, 08:38:25 PM
@Matt.N0056 Fair play on the tender outcomes, but you will notice that the 82 isn't included. Neither is the 88 but it the S8 on the outcomes?
I'd have thought the contracts would be for either 3 or 5 years
@Winston true, but I assumed they would be included anyway. 3 or 5 years sounds about right so maybe it could be next year. Someone from diamond didnsayvwheb they were up, but I've completely forgot!
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on October 31, 2015, 08:43:00 PM
@Winston true, but I assumed they would be included anyway. 3 or 5 years sounds about right so maybe it could be next year. Someone from diamond didnsayvwheb they were up, but I've completely forgot!
@Matt.N0056 You could find the revised tender bid included for the 82 to be taken commercial (if it wasn't already), the 82's loadings suggest it would be possible. Not sure on the 88?
I reckon the Signature routes listed might be up for re-tender next year?
The S3 and 82 would probably manage commercially from what I've heard - the S2/4 would need Centro still. Not sure regarding the 88. Will have to wait and see.
@Matt.N0056 Thought there were two missing! Except I didn't wait long enough to deem it not turning up - caught the S20 instead - wow, they really were down then!
@Liberator9 would have jumped on and drove one myself. If only I had my cpc!
@Matt.N0056 Haha - wish you could've - assume Redditch suffering driver shortages.
@Liberator9 it seems that way. More services moved over and I suppose drivers gone elsewhere!
It's just been pointed out to me that Diamond are still running the 66A
Check online and yeah there is a timetable for every half hour on Sunday's between Erdington and Sutton.
Every half hour...
...The weekday service along that route has now been reduced to hourly...
I just.... Wow....
Saw a red Wright Eclipse pass me on the Stratford Road, no logos on, while I was waiting for the 37. It was then parked up in Acocks Green village at the stand next to the pub, where I could see the fleetnumber '862', found it on Tony's fleetlist as '30862' BU08MTE. Didn't have any logo on the front, unlike in Tony's last pic of it.
This would have been around 6:30pm when I got back to the village, no idea why it would be round here at this time of day.
Quote from: Stu on November 02, 2015, 06:54:06 PM
Saw a red Wright Eclipse pass me on the Stratford Road, no logos on, while I was waiting for the 37. It was then parked up in Acocks Green village at the stand next to the pub, where I could see the fleetnumber '862', found it on Tony's fleetlist as '30862' BU08MTE. Didn't have any logo on the front, unlike in Tony's last pic of it.
This would have been around 6:30pm when I got back to the village, no idea why it would be round here at this time of day.
Could have been on the 36
@Stu
Quote from: 2206 on November 02, 2015, 07:07:08 PM
Could have been on the 36 @Stu
It wasn't on the 36, because it passed me on the Stratford Road in Sparkbrook, coming from Camp Hill island (the 36 doesn't go up there). It was showing 'Sorry Not In Service' when I saw it in Sparkbrook, but the displays were blank when I saw it later in Acocks Green.
This red Eclipse was annoyingly parked in a spot I wanted to park my bus and use the toilets in that pub. I was on the 11C.
@Simon Dunn Please tell your drivers the correct route on the 142, as it varies everyday, and please make it more reliable, it is stupid time tabling, I could create a better one myself.
A man asked supervisor in halesowen where the 142 is. He said" how long have you been using the 142? It's the most unreliable bus service in the West Midlands".
I don't like to moan but changes need to be made quickly. Solos are a good sign on the route, and I'm sure the route can be successful.
30813 is back at tividale
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 06, 2015, 06:17:25 PM
@Simon Dunn
Please tell your drivers the correct route on the 142, as it varies everyday, and please make it more reliable, it is stupid time tabling, I could create a better one myself.
A man asked supervisor in halesowen where the 142 is. He said" how long have you been using the 142? It's the most unreliable bus service in the West Midlands".
I don't like to moan but changes need to be made quickly. Solos are a good sign on the route, and I'm sure the route can be successful.
30813 is back at tividale
It was never unreliable when at Kidderminster mate I assure you of that as it was driven by quality Kidderminster drivers as 5 of them I'm very good friends with
Has somebody messed up the bus stop locations in Solihull Rail Station from the 15th? 3S3 to Hockley Heath & S4 using Stand A, so they will have to double back around the station!
20847 is on the 30 today not seen one of them on there for a while now
Near Acocks Green at about 15:15
Does anybody know which operator is taking over the 53 service, Erdington to Smiths Wood from 15/11.
Can't find any info on anyone's website. I did tweet NetworkWM this morning, but so far no reply as yet.
Running out of operators to run this route. Would it be WMSNT?
Quote from: Gareth on November 12, 2015, 11:56:01 AM
Does anybody know which operator is taking over the 53 service, Erdington to Smiths Wood from 15/11.
Can't find any info on anyone's website. I did tweet NetworkWM this morning, but so far no reply as yet.
Running out of operators to run this route. Would it be WMSNT?
@Gareth It is Igo, I believe with a new fleet of buses
Thanks Winston!
Network WM replied to my tweet. And despite mentioning it was the 53 from Eridington, I'm told it's being replaced by the 50a/c and the 129! One reason why duplicate numbers are a bad idea!
I been informed by Simon that the following ex SLT Dennis Dart MPDs are going to be put into service with Diamond West Midlands to help ease the DDA pressure on Diamond WM...
20716: ME52BLU
20717: MG53BLU
20718: MH53BLU
They are being prepared to be repainted into Diamond livery this week at Long Acre. Long Acre has temporarily been reopened till the end of this week to get buses repainted quicker.
03 plate dart on the 36 this morning displaying -
Diamond Bus
Kidderminster Depot
Quote from: 2206 on December 09, 2015, 05:23:48 PM
03 plate dart on the 36 this morning displaying -
Diamond Bus
Kidderminster Depot
They all do even the buses in Redditch
Will they be any buses at Long Acre or is it fully closed now?
Quote from: James4368 on December 12, 2015, 06:25:17 PM
Will they be any buses at Long Acre or is it fully closed now?
@James4368 There are only buses going through repair, prep & paint left at Long Acre.
Quote from: Winston on December 12, 2015, 07:10:25 PM
@James4368 There are only buses going through repair, prep & paint left at Long Acre.
Cheers
@Winston
Quote from: James4368 on December 12, 2015, 07:13:31 PM
Cheers @Winston
@James4368 - here onwards will give you an idea of what's there:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/23676793155/in/dateposted/
Quote from: Winston on December 12, 2015, 07:22:54 PM
@James4368 - here onwards will give you an idea of what's there:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/23676793155/in/dateposted/
Didn't know they had a dehaviland dash 8 lol
PD0001374/101 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WEST BROMWICH and BILSTON given service number 42A/42C effective from 21-Feb-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
9. PD0001374/255 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bromsgrove and Halesowen given service number 202/204 effective from 21-Feb-2016. To amend Timetable.
10. PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stourbridge Bus Station and Halesowen Bus Station given service number 142 effective from 21-Feb-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
Quote from: Cedric on December 30, 2015, 03:30:09 PM
PD0001374/101 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WEST BROMWICH and BILSTON given service number 42A/42C effective from 21-Feb-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
9. PD0001374/255 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bromsgrove and Halesowen given service number 202/204 effective from 21-Feb-2016. To amend Timetable.
10. PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stourbridge Bus Station and Halesowen Bus Station given service number 142 effective from 21-Feb-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
They cut the 142 back to Halesowen to Stourbridge?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 30, 2015, 04:42:48 PM
They cut the 142 back to Halesowen to Stourbridge?
Saw 2 142's today and each was displaying HALESOWEN instead of WORLDS END??
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 15, 2016, 07:53:03 PM
Saw 2 142's today and each was displaying HALESOWEN instead of WORLDS END??
obviously it's as was reported i.e. it's been reverted back to what it was originally oh dear...
Quote from: Will on January 15, 2016, 08:02:10 PM
obviously it's as was reported i.e. it's been reverted back to what it was originally oh dear...
Considering the route change isn't due until 21st Feb, I doubt it
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 15, 2016, 08:56:16 PM
How on earth could that possibly be the case? Bus routes don't change overnight without warning!
There are a couple of trips in the morning that only run to Halesowen
Quote from: Will on January 15, 2016, 08:02:10 PM
obviously it's as was reported i.e. it's been reverted back to what it was originally oh dear...
Most drivers just use Halesowen, as no one uses it to worlds end!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 16, 2016, 09:16:46 AM
Most drivers just use Halesowen, as no one uses it to worlds end!
Think that was always going to be the case that the extension wasn't going to be used.
Quote from: Tomf1993 on January 17, 2016, 08:45:10 PM
Cheers @Tony always helpful. Looked at their garage on google maps other day, did not see a wash, I see they have two yards like Diamond does at Tividale.
Actually
@Tomf1993 Diamond only have the one yard at Tivi now which is the main one the yard they used to have was/is owned by a woman who from what I'm led to believe 'evicted' them off it as she wanted it back to use for something else how true/accurate that is I'm unaware but that is what I was told
I see, thanks mate, I the second site I referred to was that car park across the road.
Quote from: Tomf1993 on January 17, 2016, 09:09:58 PM
I see, thanks mate, I the second site I referred to was that car park across the road.
Yeah that's the one
Quote from: Will on January 17, 2016, 09:07:53 PM
Actually @Tomf1993 Diamond only have the one yard at Tivi now which is the main one the yard they used to have was/is owned by a woman who from what I'm led to believe 'evicted' them off it as she wanted it back to use for something else how true/accurate that is I'm unaware but that is what I was told
Nope, there are two yards, Y HWJ dart certainly was parked across on the other yard recently
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 17, 2016, 09:11:45 PM
Nope, there are two yards, Y HWJ dart certainly was parked across on the other yard recently
Oh ::) they must of obtained another well if that's the case why have all the scrap buses come to KD if they have a dead yard at Tividale.....oh the wonders of Diamond the mind boggles
What scrap buses?
Quote from: Will on January 17, 2016, 09:07:53 PM
Actually @Tomf1993 Diamond only have the one yard at Tivi now which is the main one the yard they used to have was/is owned by a woman who from what I'm led to believe 'evicted' them off it as she wanted it back to use for something else how true/accurate that is I'm unaware but that is what I was told
No women will be evicting Rotala from the yard on the other side of the road from the main Tividale depot, as they own it! In fact they've acquired the whole site including office block:
http://announce.ft.com/Detail/?DocKey=1323-12625237-61S44RE5BKFOFLBOIP2SSGS058
Why have two sites, drivers gotta walk all away around to get the buses from the car park, seems odd thats 10 mins walk it is, unless they put a hole through the main depot fence so they can just cross over.
Quote from: Tomf1993 on January 17, 2016, 10:33:33 PM
Why have two sites, drivers gotta walk all away around to get the buses from the car park, seems odd thats 10 mins walk it is, unless they put a hole through the main depot fence so they can just cross over.
If that walk took you 10 mins I doubt you'd be a bus driver! :p Plus vehicles operate at the moment from Hallbridge Way
Quote from: Winston on January 17, 2016, 10:26:33 PM
No women will be evicting Rotala from the yard on the other side of the road from the main Tividale depot, as they own it! In fact they've acquired the whole site including office block:
http://announce.ft.com/Detail/?DocKey=1323-12625237-61S44RE5BKFOFLBOIP2SSGS058
Well they never used to own it!
Lol , drivers have to walk around Hallbridge Way, then Tipton Road to John's Lane to get some buses, atleast 5 - 10 mins walk that is, so that is 10 mins calculated into their duty time. All the buses do not run from Hallbridge Way as that yard cant hold all the buses, half get parked in the car park mate. Also why are some buses red, blue and black? Why not just have one colour and have a nice branded system in place, with plenty off publicity etc I know more people use the 29 301 302 compared to the TWM one as its just a 2 pound return, very good price.
Quote from: Tomf1993 on January 17, 2016, 11:05:55 PM
Lol , drivers have to walk around Hallbridge Way, then Tipton Road to John's Lane to get some buses, atleast 5 - 10 mins walk that is, so that is 10 mins calculated into their duty time. All the buses do not run from Hallbridge Way as that yard cant hold all the buses, half get parked in the car park mate. Also why are some buses red, blue and black? Why not just have one colour and have a nice branded system in place, with plenty off publicity etc I know more people use the 29 301 302 compared to the TWM one as its just a 2 pound return, very good price.
No they don't, as there's a gate in to Britannia St opposite Barnshaw Section benders, level with the bus wash (been there years) staff only have to cross the A457
The reason they've acquired it is the whole Tividale operation will be moving across the road. So there'll be a big yard, car park and traffic. Current depot to become all head office/engineering/extra space for withdrawn buses/engineering etc.
Quote from: Winston on January 17, 2016, 11:21:07 PM
No they don't, as there's a gate in to Britannia St opposite Barnshaw Section benders, level with the bus wash (been there years) staff only have to cross the A457
Thanks
@Winston did not know that :-)
Despite all the problems in Redditch Rotala shares are at an all time high, according to Coach and Bus weekly. Shares in all the big groups have fallen sharply, in line with the rest of the stock market. They must be doing something right somewhere..
PD0001374/392 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Stratford, Bridge Street and Pebworth given service number 27 effective from 15-Feb-2016. To amend Route and Timetable
Does anyone know if/when the Signature Citaros are out? IE BF60OFA/BV10ZJU? They only ever seem to have BV10ZJU out on a Saturday now.
Any one got the plans of what the new diamond depot at Tividale
Will.look like thanks
PD0001374/367 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newhall and Birmingham given service number 108 effective from 10-Apr-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/375 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station (Stand N) and Blakenall, Blakenhall Church given service number 29 effective from 10-Apr-2016. To amend Timetable.
wonder what the changes are
Interesting about the 29, my local route.
I see from the nxwm site that the 142 frequency is being amended to every 40 minutes due to reliability issues.
There is no mention about it being cut back to Halesowen - Stourbridge only.
Quote from: sonic84 on February 14, 2016, 06:33:38 PM
I see from the nxwm site that the 142 frequency is being amended to every 40 minutes due to reliability issues.
There is no mention about it being cut back to Halesowen - Stourbridge only.
NWM I presume
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 12, 2016, 02:37:50 PM
Interesting about the 29, my local route.
Doesnt that one operate late evenings, but the 301 (& 302) don't, if the NWM timetable I saw was right?
Must admit I'm intrigued to know how Diamond managed to run that one late evenings, competing with a half hourly NX 29, when they couldn't complete in the evenings on the 301 against NX, finishing around 7pm?
PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Stourbridge Bus Station and Halesowen Bus Station given service number 142 effective from 21-Feb-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
30165 was in Leamington Spa today for some reason...
Sorry for the poor picture... I didn't expect to see it!!
Quote from: Adam 404 on February 16, 2016, 03:08:25 PM
30165 was in Leamington Spa today for some reason...
Sorry for the poor picture... I didn't expect to see it!!
Diamond operate the National Grid shuttle service serving Leamington Rail St from Redditch Garage
Quote from: Winston on February 16, 2016, 03:30:06 PM
Diamond operate the National Grid shuttle service serving Leamington Rail St from Redditch Garage
Oh right, Thanks
@Winston for clearing that up.
Just going to leave this here.....
http://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/worcestershire-county-council-withdraw-number-diamond-bus-contracts/
Quote from: Will on February 17, 2016, 06:25:39 PM
Just going to leave this here.....
http://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/worcestershire-county-council-withdraw-number-diamond-bus-contracts/
Is it just me, or has the Redditch Standard Webpage broken down and failing to operate its advertised service?
Quote from: Tony on February 17, 2016, 06:41:30 PM
Is it just me, or has the Redditch Standard Webpage broken down and failing to operate its advertised service?
It has
Quote from: Tony on February 17, 2016, 06:41:30 PM
Is it just me, or has the Redditch Standard Webpage broken down and failing to operate its advertised service?
It is indeed broke, must have so many viewers!!
Probably right there
@Trident 4194 ! It's broke for me too
Time to switch to a more reliable newspaper then:
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/14283796.Bus_operator_loses_its_contract_to_run_services_on_school_routes_following_complaints/
It only involves 3 school services from 11th March i.e. S57, S91 & S94
5. PD0001374/293 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Areley Kings (Post Office) and Areley Kings (Post Office) given service number 3/X3 effective from 10-Apr-2016. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
PD0001374/297 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Marlbrook/Bromsgrove and Redditch/Studley given service number 42 effective from 10-Apr-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
3. PD0001374/335 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Bromsgrove Bus Station and Webbs of Wychbold given service number 149 effective from 10-Apr-2016.
anyone know how long the 42 has been run by diamond can not find it on there timetable section for worc's
Quote from: Cedric on February 19, 2016, 01:33:10 PM
PD0001374/297 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Marlbrook/Bromsgrove and Redditch/Studley given service number 42 effective from 10-Apr-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
Is the 42 the 143 re-numbered?? There's no record of a 42 on Diamond's website
IGO run a 42 around Rubery, Frankley and West Heath. So that does not help much. Maybe a typing error ?? :o
Quote from: Winston on February 19, 2016, 01:54:07 PM
Is the 42 the 143 re-numbered??
This seems to be more like it with the vehicles off the Webbs workings going through to Marlbrook instead ?? :)
Quote from: Winston on February 19, 2016, 01:54:07 PM
Is the 42 the 143 re-numbered?? There's no record of a 42 on Diamond's website
142 and 143 all Diamond are doing is re routing and numbering routes. Why I have no Idea. What people in Redditch don't like is flaming number changes for no reason at all and this is a case in point. the 142 Redditch to Marlbrook, 143 Redditch to Lickey End, X3 (X33) Kidderminster to Redditch later Aryle Kings to Redditch was fine. but 42 43 make no sense to anyone even more so when you add in 47 48. Some folk already think the 47 is a short version of the 247 or 147. Diamond have lost touch with the people of Redditch i.e. the older people who have known Midland Red West numbers for many years and I am fedd up telling Diamond this and yet they know better. Well judging by the lack of people on buses I think they don't and please please can people not tell me its not like that is this where they are I don't care. I have had enough of Diamond and there new ideas, but when Asda Redditch ask for the 64 to come closer to the store they don't but change other routes it pisses me off.
You're forgetting the numbers Diamond brought back eg 67. Original Redditch numbers were R7/R8 etc weren't they?
Quote from: tank90 on February 19, 2016, 08:43:28 PM
142 and 143 all Diamond are doing is re routing and numbering routes. Why I have no Idea. What people in Redditch don't like is flaming number changes for no reason at all and this is a case in point. the 142 Redditch to Marlbrook, 143 Redditch to Lickey End, X3 (X33) Kidderminster to Redditch later Aryle Kings to Redditch was fine. but 42 43 make no sense to anyone even more so when you add in 47 48. Some folk already think the 47 is a short version of the 247 or 147. Diamond have lost touch with the people of Redditch i.e. the older people who have known Midland Red West numbers for many years and I am fedd up telling Diamond this and yet they know better. Well judging by the lack of people on buses I think they don't and please please can people not tell me its not like that is this where they are I don't care. I have had enough of Diamond and there new ideas, but when Asda Redditch ask for the 64 to come closer to the store they don't but change other routes it pisses me off.
They've obviously been re-numbered in to the current Redditch series of 40's / 50's or 60's typically. I assume the 42/43 will be co-ordinated is to provide a half hourly frequency over common sections between Redditch & Bromsgrove and the X3 has ultimately been re-numbered as it will no longer serve Arley Kings instead terminating at Kidderminster General.
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 19, 2016, 08:54:58 PM
You're forgetting the numbers Diamond brought back eg 67. Original Redditch numbers were R7/R8 etc weren't they?
No, what is the 67 was the 71 which first changed to the 67.
The Rs where National Express days, before I was born (1990) R1 R2 Batchley 51 50 52, R3 R4 R5 R6 Oakenshaw 53 54 55 56, R7 R8 R9 Matchborough 57 58 59, and then my Rs are patchy but how I have been told they change are add exchange the R for 5 or remove the R and add 50 i.e. the R20 became 70.
First changed the 143 to serve Studley because funding for the 67 stopped. But up until then it had been the 67, Diamond had only split it up, the only sense able idea they had.
But for years we had numbers like
50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 61A, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 142, 143, 146, 147, 334, 343, 246, 247, 353, X33, X3, X5, X6, X7, X8, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 226, 25, 26, 183, 182.
As for the X3 just add a 3 and extend it back to the Alex ::) as the X33 which was the Hospital Links number.
PS 40's were never Redditch numbers, 1-19 Wyre Forest, 20-39 Worcester, 40-49 Malvern, 50-79 Redditch, as for Evesham I can't Remember but 90-99 Bromsgrove, then 14x's had Xs at one point apart from two I think but any way 24Xs where only done when the 146/147 were split up as the 146/147 carried on to Evesham and the 246/247 didn't come along for a while.
Looks like some fares are going up from 29th February a Diamond Network is going up to £6.50 from £6.20.
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ChangestoDiamondfaresinRedditch_447.html (http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ChangestoDiamondfaresinRedditch_447.html)
Quote from: Reece on February 23, 2016, 08:57:27 AM
Looks like some fares are going up from 29th February a Diamond Network is going up to £6.50 from £6.20.
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ChangestoDiamondfaresinRedditch_447.html (http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ChangestoDiamondfaresinRedditch_447.html)
And some are going down too!
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 23, 2016, 11:20:38 AM
And some are going down too!
All the fares still seem very good value :)
I hope the £2 route 29 adult return is staying, although It could be cheaper like a pound
Quote from: StourportSam on February 23, 2016, 04:33:03 PM
All the fares still seem very good value :)
I reckon the Redditch fares are about the country's cheapest for a day ticket!
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 23, 2016, 04:34:52 PM
I hope the £2 route 29 adult return is staying, although It could be cheaper like a pound
Why? I didn't think you would be travelling with Diamond anymore after your comments.
Its still cheap and cheerful :D even though you never know when the bus will turn up most of the time. please their timetable anit good, you have a bus at 5 mins apart them a gap of 15 mins or more, the route needs a 4th bus just to level out the service evenly.
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 23, 2016, 04:48:18 PM
Its still cheap and cheerful :D even though you never know when the bus will turn up most of the time. please their timetable anit good, you have a bus at 5 mins apart them a gap of 15 mins or more, the route needs a 4th bus just to level out the service evenly.
That's exactly why the timetable is like it is, so it can be operated by 3 buses instead or 4 to keep costs lower
Your missing my point, that is just silly, people wont use a bus service that is inconstant and unreliable, this is why TWM 29 gets most of the passengers and people wont wait for the cheap bus as it does not turn up.
Anyway it seems to be reliable today, drivers are running to time, but it is odd that their is a 5 min gap, then a 15 min gap. TWM always have a constant level of service with 6 buses.
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 23, 2016, 05:04:55 PM
Anyway it seems to be reliable today, drivers are running to time, but it is odd that their is a 5 min gap, then a 15 min gap. TWM always have a constant level of service with 6 buses.
You chop & change your mind more often than your underpants.....
Your missing my point, Diamond run their 29 with half the number of buses compared to NXWM's 29, hence why they can charge the low fares they do as their operating costs are much lower
And having drivers doing 12 hour shifts which they are sick off doing.
They might be charging lower fares my friend, but I find every day I am the only stupid one waiting at the stop for their bus lol
If drivers don't like the 12 hr shifts, get another job with another operator, there's always a shortage of drivers.
I expect to see Diamond withdrawing their 29 on VOSA, seen as though you're there only passenger...
VOSA wont be withdrawing due to lowest passenger use, more like poor vehicle conditions
Anyway I get on a Blackenal Church to Walsall no one else ever gets on only OAP which have free passes, but most of the time its just me on board, or some boy in a green Hi Vis who stays with a driver for the whole day
!
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 23, 2016, 05:31:47 PM
VOSA wont be withdrawing due to lowest passenger use, more like poor vehicle conditions
Anyway I get on a Blackenal Church to Walsall no one else ever gets on only OAP which have free passes, but most of the time its just me on board, or some boy in a green Hi Vis who stays with a driver for the whole day
Hope you can substantiate the above comments.
I think comments from that guy who is on here who used to work for them is enough said.
One possible reason for why Diamonds 29 is quieter than the NXWM 29 may be because a lot of passengers in the West Midlands have NXWM bus passes.
@Tomf1993
tbh I catch the diamond 301 or 302 down to the bus station if they stop for me and some get decent loads but they all seem spotless and usualkly a decent bus like b7rle. They don't seem as bad as tom is making them out to be. Cant speak for the 29 though.
1. PD0001374/360 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade and Erdington, High Street given service number 15A effective from 24-Apr-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
2. PD0001374/396 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Perry Barr One Stop
Finish Point: Perry barr One Stop
Via: Aston, Six Ways
Service Number: 68A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 24-APR-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays.
I assume the 15A is the current 66A tendered journey's, the 68A appears to be a new service (commercial?)
Quote from: Winston on March 08, 2016, 03:52:54 PM
I assume the 15A is the current 66A tendered journey's, the 68A appears to be a new service (commercial?)
http://nxbus.co.uk/routes/west-midlands/B068A/?timetable[day]=&tab= Starts at Perry Barr the NX68A & Finishes there to!
Quote from: Adam 404 on March 08, 2016, 03:58:34 PM
http://nxbus.co.uk/routes/west-midlands/B068A/?timetable[day]=&tab= Starts at Perry Barr the NX68A & Finishes there to!
I'd expect there to be a 68C as well still to show on VOSA, otherwise we'll have another Social Travel Outer Circle example
Quote from: Winston on March 08, 2016, 04:30:12 PM
I'd expect there to be a 68C as well still to show on VOSA, otherwise we'll have another Social Travel Outer Circle example
Unless NX are getting rid of the 68A/C? It can't be one of their big hitters and seems a very unlikely choice of commercial route for Diamond.
Quote from: DiamondDart on March 08, 2016, 04:35:43 PM
Unless NX are getting rid of the 68A/C? It can't be one of their big hitters and seems a very unlikely choice of commercial route for Diamond.
Possible? I think the 68A/C was introduced commercially by NX, so either a replacement or competing service
68 is tendered
Quote from: Tony on March 08, 2016, 04:43:14 PM
68 is tendered
Fair enough, I thought NX had re-introduced it commercially on the back of the original North B'ham Circular 68A/C still being missed
I guess other Centro tendered service and potential commercial changes may start to appear online with the 24th April date coming up.
Quote from: Winston on March 08, 2016, 04:48:08 PM
Fair enough, I thought NX had re-introduced it commercially on the back of the original North B'ham Circular 68A/C still being missed
No connection between the two beyond the service numbers. Current 68 is just the Perry Barr - Aston service once part of the 123 (or even 440 if you go back far enough).
The 15A/C I suppose could be considered close to the old north brum circle
From 11/04/2016
Service 29 (Walsall - Blackenhall) has evening Journeys removed and a New Sunday Service.
From 15/04/2016
Service 68 has been won by Diamond from National Express. Centro Also claim that is replaces "54 extensions"
Service 66A is withdrawn and replaced by Sunday Service 15A/C operated by Diamond
More Information can be found here: http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/1335/busservicechanges-issued-20160316.pdf
Quote from: Adam 404 on March 16, 2016, 04:11:56 PM
From 15/04/2016
Service 68 has been won by Diamond from National Express. Centro Also claim that is replaces "54 extensions"
Service 66A is withdrawn and replaced by Sunday Service 15A/C operated by Diamond
More Information can be found here: http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/1335/busservicechanges-issued-20160316.pdf
The bit about the NX 54 extensions is intriguing. My guess is just someone somewhere ballsed up some facts along the way because the only extension on the route is at the Hamstead end of an evening and Sunday (which in itself is incredibly pointless but never mind)
Quote from: Kevin on March 17, 2016, 10:14:41 AM
The bit about the NX 54 extensions is intriguing. My guess is just someone somewhere ballsed up some facts along the way because the only extension on the route is at the Hamstead end of an evening and Sunday (which in itself is incredibly pointless but never mind)
Not too sure of this but; didn't the 54 used to go up to Perry Barr, this was cut back and replaced by the 68A/C. So it could have been extended to Perry Barr at one point and cut back recently? Thus it's coving the '54 extention'?
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 17, 2016, 12:14:19 PM
Not too sure of this but; didn't the 54 used to go up to Perry Barr, this was cut back and replaced by the 68A/C. So it could have been extended to Perry Barr at one point and cut back recently? Thus it's coving the '54 extention'?
No.
The 654 (as it was) wad extended beyond Perry Barr to Aston to provide that subsidised section that no one seems to know what to do with. Was split because of traffic reasons into the 54 (original Hamstead - Handsworth Wood - Perry Barr bit) and the new 68A/C circle doing Perry Barr to Aston
Quote from: Kevin on March 17, 2016, 12:27:59 PM
No.
The 654 (as it was) wad extended beyond Perry Barr to Aston to provide that subsidised section that no one seems to know what to do with. Was split because of traffic reasons into the 54 (original Hamstead - Handsworth Wood - Perry Barr bit) and the new 68A/C circle doing Perry Barr to Aston
Ah right, my bad! Not very clued up on routes outside Solihull :o
Are tividale having all Redditch b7rles, 04 plated ones. 30882 and 30885 here atm
I believe it's for the greater good them coming
Quote from: Adam 404 on March 16, 2016, 04:11:56 PM
From 11/04/2016
Service 29 (Walsall - Blackenhall) has evening Journeys removed and a New Sunday Service.
Timetables are now available as below:
Service 29: http://journeyplanner.networkwestmidlands.com/Timetables/cen_18029_B_H_y11/8/Outbound/0
Quote from: Adam 404 on March 16, 2016, 04:11:56 PM
From 15/04/2016
Service 68 has been won by Diamond from National Express. Centro Also claim that is replaces "54 extensions"
Service 66A is withdrawn and replaced by Sunday Service 15A/C operated by Diamond
Service 68A Timetable: http://journeyplanner.networkwestmidlands.com/Timetables/cen_1868A_%20_H_y11/1/Outbound/0
Service 68C Timetable: http://journeyplanner.networkwestmidlands.com/Timetables/cen_1868C_%20_H_y11/1/Outbound/0
It is the same as the current timetable operated by National Express
Service 15: Unavailable
Alternatively: http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ServiceChangesintheWestMidlands_455.html (West Midlands)
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ServiceChangesinWorcestershire_454.html (Worcestershire)
Haven't seen this posted so I will just mention these:
PD0001374/311 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Moxley and Bilston given service number 80 effective from 29-Mar-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/339 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between West Bromich Bus Station and Friar Park given service number 41 effective from 04-Apr-2016. To amend Route.
Many Thanks.
Nice to see diamond twitter ignoring people who are asking about the way a diverted service is going
PD0001374/351 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Hamstead and Birmingham given service number 16/16W effective from 29-May-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
16. PD0001374/347 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Wythall and Hockley Heath given service number S3 effective from 11-Apr-2016. To amend Route.
17. PD0001374/365 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Balsall Common given service number 88 effective from 11-Apr-2016. To amend Route.
Quote from: Solo1 on April 12, 2016, 03:46:42 PM
16. PD0001374/347 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Wythall and Hockley Heath given service number S3 effective from 11-Apr-2016. To amend Route.
17. PD0001374/365 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Balsall Common given service number 88 effective from 11-Apr-2016. To amend Route.
Possibly for the diversion in knowle
Quote from: Adam 404 on March 16, 2016, 04:11:56 PM
From 15/04/2016
Service 68 has been won by Diamond from National Express. Centro Also claim that is replaces "54 extensions"
Service 66A is withdrawn and replaced by Sunday Service 15A/C operated by Diamond
More Information can be found here: http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/1335/busservicechanges-issued-20160316.pdf
These changes have been set back to the
24th of AprilTimetables are now on Diamonds website
15A/C: http://www.diamondbuses.com/services/WestMidlands_5/15AC-ErdingtontoSuttonColdfieldNewservicecommences24April2016_484.html (Sunday Service only)
68A/C: http://www.diamondbuses.com/services/WestMidlands_5/68AC-PerryBarrtoAstonNewservicecommences24April2016_485.html (Monday to Saturday Service)
The stops on the 68A/C at the moment have both NX and Diamond times mentioned, and they're exactly the same
New Service 16W from 29th May 2015
West Bromwich - Birmingham
http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/1422/busservicechanges-issued-20160418.pdf
Page Number 14.
Quote from: Adam 404 on April 18, 2016, 07:20:42 PM
New Service 16W from 29th May 2015
West Bromwich - Birmingham
http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/1422/busservicechanges-issued-20160418.pdf
Page Number 14.
Bit of a compete against the 46 then? Hmmm interesting
I remember one point when Diamonds 16s went just beyond the Green Lane terminus to the Newton Road
what was 32309 streetlite doing at merry hill when they are for the 4 service pic on my flicr site
One trip goes onto the 255 I believe
The 16 reg streetlite was at merry hill 16. 45 parked up bit early for 255 unless was having on 226
Quote from: Solo1 on April 24, 2016, 04:51:16 AM
The 16 reg streetlite was at merry hill 16. 45 parked up bit early for 255 unless was having on 226
Or 002....
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2016/05/03/140-new-black-country-jobs-as-diamond-bus-company-expands/
Quote from: Will on May 03, 2016, 08:45:20 AM
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2016/05/03/140-new-black-country-jobs-as-diamond-bus-company-expands/
Will Very interesting article wonder what the expansion is going to bring
Quote from: Will on May 03, 2016, 08:45:20 AM
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2016/05/03/140-new-black-country-jobs-as-diamond-bus-company-expands/
Lol.... "two new services were launched..."
Can't really claim they've launched them, being tendered services
It's good to see Diamond back on a stronger patch, this is more the kind of expansion with drivers being required seen in 2009. The thing is, a new depot wouldn't have been bought and drivers required if they intended to just stay as they are. I'd reckon with Swift opening up the market, competition could soon be easier with people having more flexibility between operators. There are a lot of opportinities in the Black Country market in particular, I doubt much of the expansion will come in the Birmingham area where NX have the market sewn up.
It'll be interesting to see where expansion comes, 16W is one example but I assume it'll be a combination of tendered and commercial. You never know, Arriva might want out of Wednesfield following discussions in Burton. That would add circa 50 buses, Hansons is about half the size but with some more tempting routes than the likes of the 10/19. I guess Arriva's Wednesfield op could bring with it the decently used 35 and many of the Black Country's tendered bus routes which could work off Diamond daytime work and could be a springboard to competing routes on corridors they'd gain presence on through tendered work.
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 03, 2016, 01:50:33 PM
It'll be interesting to see where expansion comes, 16W is one example but I assume it'll be a combination of tendered and commercial. You never know, Arriva might want out of Wednesfield following discussions in Burton. That would add circa 50 buses, Hansons is about half the size but with some more tempting routes than the likes of the 10/19. I guess Arriva's Wednesfield op could bring with it the decently used 35 and many of the Black Country's tendered bus routes which could work off Diamond daytime work and could be a springboard to competing routes on corridors they'd gain presence on through tendered work.
Didn't Diamond, or its original companies operate quite a number of those tendered services previously and which can't exactly have been massively profitable? My own view is that tendered work is a very risky business model these days because of continuous local authority cuts and any company basing significant portions of their business on that are on dodgy ground long term. There is one other company in the West Mids, in particular, who seem to undercut most others to get a lot of tendered work but who are at most risk should services be cut back or abandoned. I think Diamond would be better off focusing on commercial routes rather than trying to plan any large scale expansion taking over tendered work, particularly as there is a shortage of quality bus drivers out there as I'm sure most bus companies would agree with.
Quote from: Will on May 03, 2016, 08:45:20 AM
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2016/05/03/140-new-black-country-jobs-as-diamond-bus-company-expands/
That says they run a service between Merry Hill Shopping Centre and Birmingham though they don't operate one.
Quote from: 2206 on May 03, 2016, 09:45:40 PM
That says they run a service between Merry Hill Shopping Centre and Birmingham though they don't operate one.
Assuming they mean the 002 which serves Weoley Castle (ok, in the Birmingham Borough but tbh don't expect much from the Express & Lies when it comes to articles about bus services)
PD0001374/35 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between WEST BROMWICH BUS STATION and WEDNESBURY BUS STATION given service number 40 effective from 24-Jul-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 24-Jul-2016. To amend Timetable
PD0001374/255 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bromsgrove and Halesowen given service number 202/204 effective from 24-Jul-2016. To amend Timetable.
5. PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 24-Jul-2016. To amend Timetable.
6. PD0001374/349 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Solihull Train Station given service number S11 effective from 24-Jul-2016.
7. PD0001374/350 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Solihull Train Station given service number S15 effective from 24-Jul-2016.
8. PD0001374/397 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Kidderminster Bus Station
Finish Point: Stourbridge Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 25
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 24-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
Wonder what the 25 service is as central buses run to bridgenorth is it that busy
Quote from: Solo1 on June 07, 2016, 12:52:02 PM
Wonder what the 25 service is as central buses run to bridgenorth is it that busy
Probably to compete with the 125. I wonder what will happen with the passenger loadings? When Arriva tried to get Central off the Xpre55 with the X65, I noticed a lot of people stayed loyal to Central Buses. I wonder if the same thing will happen again.
Quote from: Solo1 on June 07, 2016, 12:52:02 PM
Wonder what the 25 service is as central buses run to bridgenorth is it that busy
It can be but I think Diamond is only doing this because of Central soon introducing MetroCity's to the 125. I also think Diamond might in a effort to attract passengers have the 25 as part of their Diamond Value network nothing would surprise me.
30125 is now at Redditch. Don't know how long it will be there for. Levante FN06 FLC is also on loan to Redditch.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 07, 2016, 05:49:15 PM
30125 is now at Redditch. Don't know how long it will be there for.
More than likely it will stay there
@Michael Bevan as it will more than likely join the other signature Versa's and will more than likely be used on the 57/58 (et al)
Quote from: Will on June 07, 2016, 05:58:52 PM
More than likely it will stay there @Michael Bevan as it will more than likely join the other signature Versa's and will more than likely be used on the 57/58 (et al)
It's been on the 58 today I think.
Quote from: Nathan on June 07, 2016, 11:07:12 AM
6. PD0001374/349 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Solihull Train Station given service number S11 effective from 24-Jul-2016.
7. PD0001374/350 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Solihull Train Station given service number S15 effective from 24-Jul-2016.
I assume the S11 & S15 Signature routes have been cancelled by Diamond as a result of Centro tender changes
I've just seen (30888) KP54BYM in West Brom bus station on the 40 and I've noticed it's been de-branded looks better in my opinion those Darts never did suit 29 branding anyway
OFA on the S3s along with 2 streetlites. 2 hybrids on the 82/8 aswell ::)
PD0001374/300 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kidderminster Bus Station and Ludlow, Lower Galdeford given service number 2L/2 effective from 05-Sep-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/391 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stratford, Bridge Street and Snitterfield given service number 229 effective from 05-Sep-2016. To amend Route.
PD0001374/394 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: From: Redditch Bus Station To: Redditch Bus Station Via: Matchborough, Alexandra Hospital, Walkwood Name or No: 47/48 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015 Other Details: Monday to Sunday
PD0001374/399 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Solihull Railway Station
Via: Buryfield Road
Service Number: S11
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-SEP-2016
Other Details:
PD0001374/399 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Railway Station and Solihull Railway Station given service number S11 effective from 05-Sep-2016.
PD0001374/400 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Solihull Railway Station
Via: Blenheim Road
Service Number: S15
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-SEP-2016
Other Details:
PD0001374/400 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Railway Station and Solihull Railway Station given service number S15 effective from 05-Sep-2016.
PD0001374/364 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 82 effective from 05-Sep-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/365 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Balsall Common given service number 88 effective from 05-Sep-2016. To amend Timetable.
30938 now route branded for the 25
Quote from: Winston on July 18, 2016, 05:53:42 PM
PD0001374/399 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Solihull Railway Station
Via: Buryfield Road
Service Number: S11
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-SEP-2016
Other Details:
PD0001374/399 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Railway Station and Solihull Railway Station given service number S11 effective from 05-Sep-2016.
PD0001374/400 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Solihull Railway Station
Via: Blenheim Road
Service Number: S15
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-SEP-2016
Other Details:
PD0001374/400 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Railway Station and Solihull Railway Station given service number S15 effective from 05-Sep-2016.
I'm a bit puzzled, are these cancellations of new registrations? Or are these new registrations of previously cancelled registrations? :o
Quote from: Tony on July 22, 2016, 07:14:12 PM
30938 now route branded for the 25
Having seen the picture it looks rather good actually, very smart branding.
Quote from: Cheese on July 22, 2016, 08:10:10 PM
Having seen the picture it looks rather good actually, very smart branding.
What picture
Quote from: RS on July 22, 2016, 08:22:51 PM
What picture
A picture of 30938 branded for the 25, and no I haven't got the ability to post it here before you ask....
Quote from: Cheese on July 22, 2016, 08:39:28 PM
A picture of 30938 branded for the 25, and no I haven't got the ability to post it here before you ask....
A Diamond Manager has posted it on his facebook page, I don't pinch other peoples photos without permission, so wil not be copy and pasting it
There is a sneak peak of the branding on the diamond facebook page.
Quote from: Stu on July 22, 2016, 07:52:48 PM
I'm a bit puzzled, are these cancellations of new registrations? Or are these new registrations of previously cancelled registrations? :o
@Stu the only thing I can think of is going from commercial to subsidised, but I didn't think that would require a new registration.
Also interesting that the 82 changes has been put back till September, however on NWM site there's still a new timetable for next week and a different on me for September!
PD0001374/403 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Stourbridge Bus Station
Finish Point: Wall Heath, Dudley Road
Via: Ashwood Park
Service Number: 267
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday excluding bank holidays
PD0001374/404 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wednesfield, High Street
Finish Point: Wolverhampton Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 50
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday Except bank holidays
PD0001374/405 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Bilston Street
Finish Point: Goldthorn Park, Ednam Road
Via:
Service Number: 61
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday Except bank holidays
PD0001374/406 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Sedgley, Market Hall
Finish Point: Bilston, Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 224
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday Except bank holidays
PD0001374/407 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Halesowen, Bus Station
Finish Point: Blackheath, Market
Via:
Service Number: 231
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday Except public holidays
PD0001374/408 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Kingswinford Cross
Finish Point: Strourbridge, Bus Station
Via:
Service Number: 657
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday Except bank holidays
PD0001374/151 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Wolverhampton and Merry Hill Centre given service number 255 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/203 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Wall Heath, Blaze Park and Blackheath, The Ashley given service number 205 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/211 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill and Dudley given service number 81 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/311 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Moxley and Bilston given service number 80 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/312 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Dudley and Merry Hill Centre given service number 243 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/315 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Gormal Wood and Merry Hill Bus Station given service number 282 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/348 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Dorridge Train Station and Cheswick Green given service number S4 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/360 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade and Erdington, High Street given service number 15A effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/361 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Sutton Coldfield given service number 71 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/362 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between SUTTON COLDFIELD and CHELMSLEY WOOD given service number 71 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/369 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Weoley Castle and Fiveways, Morrisons given service number 647 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/150 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Dudley Bus Station and Kingswinford given service number 226 effective from 23-Oct-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/153 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich, Bus Station and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 4/4H/4M effective from 23-Oct-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/346 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Cheswick Green and Dorridge Train Station given service number S2 effective from 23-Oct-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/347 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wythall and Hockley Heath given service number S3 effective from 23-Oct-2016. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on July 18, 2016, 05:53:42 PM
PD0001374/300 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kidderminster Bus Station and Ludlow, Lower Galdeford given service number 2L/2 effective from 05-Sep-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/391 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stratford, Bridge Street and Snitterfield given service number 229 effective from 05-Sep-2016. To amend Route.
PD0001374/394 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: From: Redditch Bus Station To: Redditch Bus Station Via: Matchborough, Alexandra Hospital, Walkwood Name or No: 47/48 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015 Other Details: Monday to Sunday
PD0001374/399 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Solihull Railway Station
Via: Buryfield Road
Service Number: S11
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-SEP-2016
Other Details:
PD0001374/399 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Railway Station and Solihull Railway Station given service number S11 effective from 05-Sep-2016.
PD0001374/400 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull Railway Station
Finish Point: Solihull Railway Station
Via: Blenheim Road
Service Number: S15
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-SEP-2016
Other Details:
PD0001374/400 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Railway Station and Solihull Railway Station given service number S15 effective from 05-Sep-2016.
PD0001374/364 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 82 effective from 05-Sep-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/365 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Train Station and Balsall Common given service number 88 effective from 05-Sep-2016. To amend Timetable.
no change taken place yet on the Kidderminster routes 2/2L
PD0001374/401 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull Train Station
Finish Point: Solihull
Via:
Service Number: S15
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-SEP-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday (except bank holidays)
PD0001374/402 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Solihull
Finish Point: Solihull Train Station
Via: Buryfield Road
Service Number: S11
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-SEP-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday (except bank holidays)
Quote from: Cedric on September 06, 2016, 12:59:03 PM
PD0001374/348 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Dorridge Train Station and Cheswick Green given service number S4 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/360 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade and Erdington, High Street given service number 15A effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/361 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull and Sutton Coldfield given service number 71 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
PD0001374/362 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between SUTTON COLDFIELD and CHELMSLEY WOOD given service number 71 effective from 23-Oct-2016.
S4 Registration withdrawn and placed with S2 registration
15A & 15C are withdrawn
71 service is withdrawn as NXWM have won the contract to run the 71 in the evening.
Quote from: Cedric on September 06, 2016, 01:04:21 PM
PD0001374/346 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Cheswick Green and Dorridge Train Station given service number S2 effective from 23-Oct-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0001374/347 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wythall and Hockley Heath given service number S3 effective from 23-Oct-2016. To amend Timetable.
S2 & S3 will have additional late services (S3 will have new Sunday & evening service between Solihull & Dickens Heath)
Look at Page 12 - 15 on the TfWM service changes list.
Quote from: Adam 404 on September 13, 2016, 04:06:14 PM
S4 Registration withdrawn and placed with S2 registration
15A & 15C are withdrawn
71 service is withdrawn as NXWM have won the contract to run the 71 in the evening.
S2 & S3 will have additional late services (S3 will have new Sunday & evening service between Solihull & Dickens Heath)
Look at Page 12 - 15 on the TfWM service changes list.
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/1719/busservicechanges-issued-20160913.pdf
That says it will only operate between Castle Bromwich and Solihull College. Will Sutton - Castle Bromwich no longer have an evening service? Plus will Diamond still operate the Sunday Daytime journeys?
A bit off topic but does anyone know if the ludlows scanias( the newer ones) are still in service and if so where?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 14, 2016, 09:49:34 AM
A bit off topic but does anyone know if the ludlows scanias( the newer ones) are still in service and if so where?
They were branded for the Durham to Sunderland route (Prince Bishops) with Go North East but that has just had new buses so may not be on there anymore. I did one of these from Houghton-le-Spring to Sunderland a couple of years back.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 14, 2016, 09:49:34 AM
A bit off topic but does anyone know if the ludlows scanias( the newer ones) are still in service and if so where?
A few also made their way to Arriva Derby, YN55 RCF (3578) & YN04 AHA (3580), I think
Quote from: Alex on September 14, 2016, 10:33:54 AM
A few also made their way to Arriva Derby, YN55 RCF (3578) & YN04 AHA (3580), I think
3578-3580 were all ex Ludlows Scania Omnicities
Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2016, 10:50:51 AM
3578-3580 were all ex Ludlows Scania Omnicities
Thanks might have to go and look for them.
The S plate ones are with Midland Classic
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 14, 2016, 07:09:35 PM
The S plate ones are with Midland Classic
They were but pretty sure they have now been scrapped as they were not DDA compliant
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 14, 2016, 07:09:35 PM
The S plate ones are with Midland Classic
I think they have been withdrawn but cracking buses nevertheless
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 14, 2016, 07:28:13 PM
I think they have been withdrawn but cracking buses nevertheless
Yes had a ride on one of them a few years ago and it was a great bus
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 14, 2016, 07:28:13 PM
I think they have been withdrawn but cracking buses nevertheless
There were the YN51--- Scania/Wright Solars as well
Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2016, 07:58:23 PM
There were the YN51--- Scania/Wright Solars as well
Where are they now?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 14, 2016, 08:48:23 PM
Where are they now?
As has already been said, they are with Go North East
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4098/4802066252_efa48bf7e0_b.jpg
Quote from: Tony on September 14, 2016, 08:59:39 PM
As has already been said, they are with Go North East
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4098/4802066252_efa48bf7e0_b.jpg
Never remember them.
PD0001374/255 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bromsgrove and Halesowen given service number 202/202S effective from 31-Oct-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 31-Oct-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stourbridge Bus Station and Queen Elizabeth Hospital given service number 142 effective from 31-Oct-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
Quote from: Ash on September 15, 2016, 10:58:28 AM
PD0001374/255 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bromsgrove and Halesowen given service number 202/202S effective from 31-Oct-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/259 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Merry Hill Centre and Weoley Castle given service number 002 effective from 31-Oct-2016. To amend Timetable.
PD0001374/260 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stourbridge Bus Station and Queen Elizabeth Hospital given service number 142 effective from 31-Oct-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
When were they posted on VOSA?
They were put on the VOSA website on the 10th September.
Quote from: Ash on September 15, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
They were put on the VOSA website on the 10th September.
Ah that explains why everyone has missed them, the 10th being a Sat.
Any idea if much involved with the changes?
142 extended to Queen Elizabeth?
Quote from: Chris on September 15, 2016, 12:03:22 PM
142 extended to Queen Elizabeth?
Every half hour to the QE I am lead to believe.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 15, 2016, 09:28:04 AM
Never remember them.
Vaguely recall doing one of them on their very first day in service on the 004 from Harborne to Halesowen.
Quote from: Cheese on September 15, 2016, 04:39:32 PM
Every half hour to the QE I am lead to believe.
The World's End extension didn't last long before being cut back to Stourbridge to Halesowen. Unless the 142 is going to follow the 004 to Harborne (Hanson's cutting frequency from same date) then onward to terminate at the QE
Quote from: Winston on September 15, 2016, 05:09:50 PM
The World's End extension didn't last long before being cut back to Stourbridge to Halesowen. Unless the 142 is going to follow the 004 to Harborne (Hanson's cutting frequency from same date) then onward to terminate at the QE
Sounds a good idea too me!!!
Quote from: Cedric on September 06, 2016, 01:12:12 PM
no change taken place yet on the Kidderminster routes 2/2L
That's because Worcestershire CC made a U turn about withdrawing the funding for the 2L at the last min.
Quote from: Cheese on September 15, 2016, 04:39:32 PM
Every half hour to the QE I am lead to believe.
what the route it will take if any one knows
Some more information about the 142 changes have been posted on the diamond bus website.
http://diamondbuses.com/news/Changestoyour142service_511.html
Quote from: Ash on September 16, 2016, 03:42:54 PM
Some more information about the 142 changes have been posted on the diamond bus website.
http://diamondbuses.com/news/Changestoyour142service_511.html
Wonder if they will try and time it a couple of mins in front of hansons.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 16, 2016, 04:09:04 PM
Wonder if they will try and time it a couple of mins in front of hansons.
The weblink to the Diamond Bus news page alreadys reads
Diamond will be extending service 142 from Halesowen via Quinton to Harborne running every 30 minutes so that exisiting 004 passengers can still enjoy a half hourly frequency.
Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2016, 04:31:55 PM
The weblink to the Diamond Bus news page alreadys reads
Diamond will be extending service 142 from Halesowen via Quinton to Harborne running every 30 minutes so that exisiting 004 passengers can still enjoy a half hourly frequency.
No because the 142 is going every half an hour, so how will that work as it would be more than half hour frequency with 004
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 16, 2016, 05:03:08 PM
No because the 142 is going every half an hour, so how will that work as it would be more than half hour frequency with 004
Having re-read it,
It does read that the 142 will be half hourly from Stourbridge right through to the QE, hence Diamond will be now competing with Hanson's revised 004 hourly timings between Halesowen - Harbourne from 31st Oct & NXWM's 99.
I'm not sure why it is suggested existing Hanson's 004 passengers will regain an half hourly service, as the 142 obviously doesn't link to Merry Hill, but the opening statement is suggesting it is filling the gap left by Hanson's decision to cut the frequency of the 004 to hourly. Where it is actually a competing service
Would have thought pvr would be about 5/6?
No doubt darts
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 16, 2016, 06:03:56 PM
Would have thought pvr would be about 5/6?
No doubt darts
I would think the Pvr will increase to somwhere near that, have a better idea of plans when the timetable is released.
I'd have thought it will be Solos or MPD's, no alternative other than full size B7RLE's / E300's which are a bit OTT
Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2016, 06:15:33 PM
I'd have thought it will be Solos or MPD's, no alternative other than full size B7RLE's / E300's which are a bit OTT
There are the Plaxton Primo.
Quote from: 2206 on September 16, 2016, 06:35:46 PM
There are the Plaxton Primo.
There are also only 4.
My point was there are very few large midi's i.e full length Darts on fleet, so it's Solo/MPD/Primo most likely, not doubt a combination of all three types.
Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2016, 06:40:11 PM
There are also only 4.
My point was there are very few large midi's i.e full length Darts on fleet, so it's Solo/MPD/Primo most likely, not doubt a combination of all three types.
I doubt a full size bus would easily get round Stourbridge section. Branding on a few buses would be a great start.
The lack of knowledge of previous 142 attempt was reason it failed I think
former Diamond Kidderminster (31501, R220MSA) no longer owned by Rhys Hand' CityFox now in the ownership of First West of England - https://flic.kr/p/JLR66p
PD0001374/409 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Chelmsley Wood Interchange
Finish Point: Sutton Coldfield
Via:
Service Number: 71
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Sunday and Bank Holidays
Details of Diamond Service Changes October: http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/DiamondWestMidlandsServiceChangesinOctober_517.html
PD0001374/410 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bloxwich
Finish Point: Walsall bus station
Via:
Service Number: 19
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays except bank holidays.
PD0001374/411 - DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Erdington, Sixways
Finish Point: Sutton Coldfield
Via:
Service Number: 15A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-OCT-2016
Other Details: Sundays only 23/10/16 to 13/11/16 inclusive.
20734 was on the 71 today.
Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2016, 05:23:11 PM
Having re-read it,
It does read that the 142 will be half hourly from Stourbridge right through to the QE, hence Diamond will be now competing with Hanson's revised 004 hourly timings between Halesowen - Harbourne from 31st Oct & NXWM's 99.
I'm not sure why it is suggested existing Hanson's 004 passengers will regain an half hourly service, as the 142 obviously doesn't link to Merry Hill, but the opening statement is suggesting it is filling the gap left by Hanson's decision to cut the frequency of the 004 to hourly. Where it is actually a competing service
Caught the first 142 going from the hospital towards Halesowen this morning. There was a very friendly driver on board and two passengers on when I got on. Could be a very handy link if it is advertised well.
Quote from: sonic84 on October 31, 2016, 07:22:23 PM
Caught the first 142 going from the hospital towards Halesowen this morning. There was a very friendly driver on board and two passengers on when I got on. Could be a very handy link if it is advertised well.
Biggish guy who put his thumbs up as you got off? He was 5 late which seemed normal for all 142 today. Streetlites should be used to get some custom
Public Inquiry (52887) held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL on 30 November 2016 at 10:00(Previous Publication:(2240)
)PD0001374 SN
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Director(s): KIM TAYLOR, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, SIMON LEE DUNN.
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE WARLEY B69 3HW
PSV - S14 - Consideration of new application under Section 14 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
PSV - S155 - Consideration of a financial penalty under Section 155 of the Transport Act 2000
PSV - S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
Is the PI linked to Redditch or is it all 3 depots
Can anyone go to this public enquiry? Because if so then I think I am :D
Quote from: Will on November 21, 2016, 06:44:16 PM
Can anyone go to this public enquiry? Because if so then I think I am :D
The whole point of a public enquiry is that it is public, anyone can go along. I went along to the First Wyvern one a few years ago to see how the whole process worked. Usually a couple of rows of seats are available for visitors.
Just going to leave this here... http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/14922870.Bus_on_fire_A449_at_Ombersley/
Quote from: Will on November 23, 2016, 03:08:28 PM
Just going to leave this here... http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/14922870.Bus_on_fire_A449_at_Ombersley/
Wasn't expecting it to be a man.
Could anyone kindly update those of us in the Worcester Area, as to how the KIDDERMINSTER and REDDITCH operations are succeeding (or not) ?
- Things like profitability, service reliability; "on-the-up" or "going downhill" (?), would be very interesting to me.
I have a lot of sympathy for small operators trying to "make it pay" in today's conditions etc.
IF anyone wants to reply, you could do so on the midlandred.net forum if you wish.
Thanks.
According to
@Tony another Diamond Bus has today caught fire around West Bromwich does anyone know anything about it I can't seem to find any details on any of the West Midlands news pages or Google
https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/diamond-buses-in-the-dock/
Thanks for the link Cedric .
WMFS report
https://twitter.com/solihullfire/status/803505587925426176?s=04
Quote from: Tony on November 29, 2016, 09:09:08 AM
WMFS report
https://twitter.com/solihullfire/status/803505587925426176?s=04
Lovely that's another one 😁
Judgement day for diamond tomorrow (if they haven't got it postponed)
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 29, 2016, 09:28:50 PM
Judgement day for diamond tomorrow (if they haven't got it postponed)
Think it's the same article as Redditch Advertiser already posted, the article also quotes that Diamond have applied for an additional license for expanded services in the WM, I assume in relation to new Tividale depot.
https://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/news/diamond-bus-in-the-dock-over-its-services-in-worcestershire-warwickshire-and-the-west-midlands/
Anyone been to the PI if it was on and if so how interesting was it
On Facebook, it appears that YJ07JRO got stuck in a grass verge at a junction while running the S77 service.
Did anyone from off here go the Public Enquiry yesterday (30/11) I have been searching Google for any outcome/results but to no avail ::)
@Tony have you heard or read anything?
Quote from: Will on December 01, 2016, 01:02:36 AM
Did anyone from off here go the Public Enquiry yesterday (30/11) I have been searching Google for any outcome/results but to no avail ::) @Tony have you heard or read anything?
All depends if any journalists bothered to trek into Birmingham to attend the inquiry. Otherwise, the decision will be in Notices and Proceedings (the VOSA publication) in the next couple of weeks.
Would expect it to be featured in Route One bus Mag as they do a section on Pi`s weekly.(If any decision was reached of course)
Todays N&P
Public Inquiry (72511) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 30 November 2016 commencing at 10:00 hours (Previous Publication:(2265)) (Moved from 6 September 2016).
PD0001374 SN
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Director(s): SIMON LEE DUNN, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, KIM TAYLOR
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
PSV - S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
S111 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 111 (The Transport Act 1985)
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 02, 2016, 12:07:05 AM
Todays N&P
Public Inquiry (72511) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 30 November 2016 commencing at 10:00 hours (Previous Publication:(2265)) (Moved from 6 September 2016).
PD0001374 SN
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Director(s): SIMON LEE DUNN, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, KIM TAYLOR
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
PSV - S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
S111 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 111 (The Transport Act 1985)
The Traffic Commissioner has not made a decision, because of the level of detail and evidence and will advice in due course.
A couple of facts on Maintenance and timekeeping
1. Maintenance - No further action recommended by DVSA
2. Timeliness - Initial compliancy - 81% Rotala then put forward reasonable excuse accounting for a further 10%. then provided evidence of compliancy today as the Monitoring exercise was 12 months old, which was 92.69% They also provided information about the rest of the West Midlands Market which was given from a TfWM report, which outlined this at just under 81%.
The Traffic Commissioner will publish his report in due course.
Maintenance - No further action.
How much did diamond management pay for the TC to say that!
The maintenance of their buses make Hi-Ride look professional
Timeliness - Initial compliancy - 81% Rotala then put forward reasonable excuse accounting for a further 10%. then provided evidence of compliancy today as the Monitoring exercise was 12 months old, which was 92.69% They also provided information about the rest of the West Midlands Market which was given from a TfWM report, which outlined this at just under 81%.
All I have to say to diamond about that is Unfortunately, although the answer was indeed clear, simple and straightforward, there is some difficulty in justifiably assigning to it the fourth of the epithets you applied to the statement inasmuch as the precise correlation between the information you communicated and the facts insofar as they can be determined and demonstrated is such as to cause epistemological problems of sufficient magnitude as to lay upon the logical and semantic resources of the English language a heavier burden than they can reasonably be expected to bear.
Comments censored as not to upset Diamond, even though I am entitled to an opinion!
Quote from: Tony on December 02, 2016, 05:44:25 PM
The Traffic Commissioner has not made a decision, because of the level of detail and evidence and will advice in due course.
A couple of facts on Maintenance and timekeeping
1. Maintenance - No further action recommended by DVSA
2. Timeliness - Initial compliancy - 81% Rotala then put forward reasonable excuse accounting for a further 10%. then provided evidence of compliancy today as the Monitoring exercise was 12 months old, which was 92.69% They also provided information about the rest of the West Midlands Market which was given from a TfWM report, which outlined this at just under 81%.
The Traffic Commissioner will publish his report in due course.
would they look at how many buses have cought fire recently in such a short period?
Quote from: karl724223 on December 02, 2016, 06:22:50 PM
would they look at how many buses have cought fire recently in such a short period?
The chap from TfWM told me that this PI only considered evidence up to the end of 2015, so no
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 02, 2016, 06:14:36 PM
Maintenance - No further action.
How much did diamond management pay for the TC to say that!
The maintenance of their buses make Hi-Ride look professional
Timeliness - Initial compliancy - 81% Rotala then put forward reasonable excuse accounting for a further 10%. then provided evidence of compliancy today as the Monitoring exercise was 12 months old, which was 92.69% They also provided information about the rest of the West Midlands Market which was given from a TfWM report, which outlined this at just under 81%.
All I have to say to diamond about that is Unfortunately, although the answer was indeed clear, simple and straightforward, there is some difficulty in justifiably assigning to it the fourth of the epithets you applied to the statement inasmuch as the precise correlation between the information you communicated and the facts insofar as they can be determined and demonstrated is such as to cause epistemological problems of sufficient magnitude as to lay upon the logical and semantic resources of the English language a heavier burden than they can reasonably be expected to bear.
Tom,
I couldn't of put it any better myself
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 02, 2016, 06:14:36 PM
Maintenance - No further action.
How much did diamond management pay for the TC to say that!
The maintenance of their buses make Hi-Ride look professional
Timeliness - Initial compliancy - 81% Rotala then put forward reasonable excuse accounting for a further 10%. then provided evidence of compliancy today as the Monitoring exercise was 12 months old, which was 92.69% They also provided information about the rest of the West Midlands Market which was given from a TfWM report, which outlined this at just under 81%.
All I have to say to diamond about that is Unfortunately, although the answer was indeed clear, simple and straightforward, there is some difficulty in justifiably assigning to it the fourth of the epithets you applied to the statement inasmuch as the precise correlation between the information you communicated and the facts insofar as they can be determined and demonstrated is such as to cause epistemological problems of sufficient magnitude as to lay upon the logical and semantic resources of the English language a heavier burden than they can reasonably be expected to bear.
Comments censored as not to upset Diamond, even though I am entitled to an opinion!
It seems that they will get away with blue murder
The maintenance of vehicles could be improved, but as a company there fine.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 03, 2016, 11:39:13 AM
The maintenance of vehicles could be improved
And you know that better than DVSA who actually inspect them?
Quote from: Tony on December 03, 2016, 12:44:25 PM
And you know that better than DVSA who actually inspect them?
Do diamond get £500 million or billion to invest in new buses though??
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 03, 2016, 01:13:08 PM
Do diamond get £500 million or billion to invest in new buses though??
I haven't got a clue what that stupid comment has to do with my post
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 03, 2016, 11:39:13 AM
The maintenance of vehicles could be improved, but as a company there fine.
Lol you're such a moron
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 03, 2016, 11:39:13 AM
The maintenance of vehicles could be improved, but as a company there fine.
WOW! Who put 50p in that dickhead! 😂
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 03, 2016, 11:39:13 AM
The maintenance of vehicles could be improved, but as a company there fine.
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi0.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Fnewsfeed%2F000%2F131%2F351%2Feb6.jpg%3F1307463786&hash=b81acf7a31ca084cf23dbbc8de26d4ab2ce867b1)
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 03, 2016, 01:13:08 PM
Do diamond get £500 million or billion to invest in new buses though??
I'm sure Diamond could spend more or new or nearly new buses than they have done the past 4 or 5 years. There's plenty of other smaller operators that regularly invest. With the number of emissions restrictions coming in to force & others constantly being raised, they will need to buy more environmentally buses in the future.
I think you're getting carried away with the number of 00000's again.
Quote from: Tony on December 02, 2016, 06:33:02 PM
The chap from TfWM told me that this PI only considered evidence up to the end of 2015, so no
A bit more detail on the recent PI:
http://www.route-one.net/magazines/emag/routeone671/#/18/
Quote from: Winston on December 21, 2016, 12:18:41 PM
A bit more detail on the recent PI:
http://www.route-one.net/magazines/emag/routeone671/#/18/
Which are non dda buses?
How many of diamond buses are still in red I know there a
Small dart still about or something that the only one still in red
Quote from: Solo1 on January 28, 2017, 11:30:20 PM
How many of diamond buses are still in red I know there a
Small dart still about or something that the only one still in red
30862 the only one I know of.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 28, 2017, 11:31:19 PM
30862 the only one I know of.
There's also the two former swift 226 branded MPD's that are still allover red 20535/6
Quote from: Winston on January 28, 2017, 11:41:08 PM
There's also the two former swift 226 branded MPD's that are still allover red 20535/6
@Winston those Darts will probably be withdrawn soon so they probably won't be painted but as for 30862 that has now also been painted (https://flic.kr/p/Rz2LJJ) although it beats me why it took them so long to paint those 2 buses all that remains to be painted now are any remaining "Black Diamond" buses which I know there's some
How many are still in black livery & thete can't be many
left in blue diamond livery
Quote from: Solo1 on January 29, 2017, 08:31:11 AM
How many are still in black livery & thete can't be many
left in blue diamond livery
There's quite a few darts in black diamond, and not all royals have been repainted either.
I thought 'Blue Diamond' livery & the current blue Diamond livery was the same?
If theres any 'Blue Diamond' left, surely the easiest & quickest solution is to carefully peel off the 'Blue' part of the fleetname?
Quote from: Westy on January 29, 2017, 04:28:38 PM
I thought 'Blue Diamond' livery & the current blue Diamond livery was the same?
If theres any 'Blue Diamond' left, surely the easiest & quickest solution is to carefully peel off the 'Blue' part of the fleetname?
They did that to 30637 (X637 AKW) when it transferred to Kidderminster from Long Acre in 2014 and in doing so they made it look awfully scruffy (see here: https://flic.kr/p/p2up1v)
Quote from: Westy on January 29, 2017, 04:28:38 PM
I thought 'Blue Diamond' livery & the current blue Diamond livery was the same?
If theres any 'Blue Diamond' left, surely the easiest & quickest solution is to carefully peel off the 'Blue' part of the fleetname?
the blue diamond Long acre is a different shade of blue. The blue now is a brighter one
Why was a hallmark coach having a police escort 2 vans & a back car in small heath day
Quote from: Solo1 on February 20, 2017, 12:18:58 PM
Why was a hallmark coach having a police escort 2 vans & a back car in small heath day
Football team?
The coach was backed out on to grange rd small heath then went 1st right to the watering hole island then 3rd exit of the island
The latest 3 x Solo's acquired by Rotala during Feb 20743-5 were originally new as Solo EV (Electric Vehicles), YJ60KFL/KFN have recently been photographed at the place adjacent to the Yorkshire scrapyards that Rotala use for major engine re-build etc, does anyone know if these 3 are still electric vehicles?
YJ60KFN originally with Yourbus working in Durham:
http://www.ipernity.com/doc/rgphotography/34113577
YJ60KFL:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/32997327982/in/dateposted/
YJ60KFN:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/32182878793/in/dateposted/
I think they've been converted back to diesel. Yourbus Durham ran them on the Cathedral service until around 2014 if I remember rightly. Stanley Travel took over using diesel Solos, the EVs were meant to be refurbished for the contract but never were and seemingly vanished, they can't have been used in a few years.
Even Yourbus latterly had a WF StreetLite up from Heanor for the contract suggesting the EVs weren't that reliable! Plus very quietused on streets with a high number of pedestrians!
PD0001374/363 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE to CLOCK GARAGE ISLAND
Service number: 72
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 22 Apr 2017
PD0001374/412 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: ERDINGTON, SIXWAYS to SUTTON COLDFIELD via BOLDMERE
Service number: 15A (15C)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 22 Apr 2017
I thought all the signature versa's were sent back to where they came from as I saw 1 to day in solihull ending in d & 1 solo Sr along with streetlites
Quote from: Solo1 on March 03, 2017, 03:55:33 PM
I thought all the signature versa's were sent back to where they came from as I saw 1 to day in solihull ending in d & 1 solo Sr along with streetlites
Some of them are still being used. 3 on locals, 1 in Solihull and 1 possibly in kiddy
What will replace them
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 03, 2017, 04:34:42 PM
Some of them are still being used. 3 on locals, 1 in Solihull and 1 possibly in kiddy
Quote from: Solo1 on March 03, 2017, 07:13:53 PM
What will replace them
there is one being used down here in kidderminster saw it today but unable to id it
Quote from: Cedric on March 03, 2017, 07:28:22 PM
there is one being used down here in kidderminster saw it today but unable to id it
Possibly 30128, was yesterday
Quote from: Solo1 on March 03, 2017, 07:13:53 PM
What will replace them
We already have 32307-10 operating in Solihull, and 30167/8 should be allocated to Solihull Services, as Has already been said in the Tividale thread
20977 on 28a think this nus is normally on 30/36
service
Quote from: Solo1 on March 20, 2017, 10:02:17 AM
20977 on 28a think this nus is normally on 30/36
service
20976 also on there. WF streetlites are first choice for 28A. 36 is now Darts, with 2nd choice solos. (833/847 on 36 today)
What's the 30 streetlites still or dart & streetlite
Quote from: Solo1 on March 20, 2017, 10:02:17 AM
20977 on 28a think this nus is normally on 30/36
service
20976 and 20977 are on the 28A today.
At 07:47 this morning 20976 and 20977 were at Ward End, The Fox and Goose about to operate a 28A in convey to Small Heath. 20977 was 30 minutes late and should have operated the 07:17 journey, as it came dead via Stechford from Redditch Garage.
Both just had Diamond Bus on the destination display and a paper 28A route number in the wind screen.
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on March 20, 2017, 01:12:57 PM
20976 also on there. WF streetlites are first choice for 28A. 36 is now Darts, with 2nd choice solos. (833/847 on 36 today)
Will be interesting to see them on the 28A.
Quote from: 2206 on March 20, 2017, 05:28:34 PM
20976 and 20977 are on the 28A today.
At 07:47 this morning 20976 and 20977 were at Ward End, The Fox and Goose about to operate a 28A in convey to Small Heath. 20977 was 30 minutes late and should have operated the 07:17 journey, as it came dead via Stechford from Redditch Garage.
Both just had Diamond Bus on the destination display and a paper 28A route number in the wind screen.
Will be interesting to see them on the 28A.
Not excusing it but sometimes diamond seem to not tell the drivers their boards so they turn up for their usual board- then realise he was 30 mins late.
I think it's safe to say the bx09 plate buses have been the best buses for both NX and diamond
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 20, 2017, 07:25:43 PM
Not excusing it but sometimes diamond seem to not tell the drivers their boards so they turn up for their usual board- then realise he was 30 mins late.
I may be wrong here, but isn't it a drivers responsibility to find out what board he is on??
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 31, 2017, 04:45:30 PM
I may be wrong here, but isn't it a drivers responsibility to find out what board he is on??
Probably, I would like to see a duty card of diamond or rota...
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 31, 2017, 06:04:30 PM
Probably, I would like to see a duty card of diamond or rota...
They're not hard to miss. Most drivers have them hanging off their wayfarers.
Quote from: Dom on March 31, 2017, 08:19:56 PM
They're not hard to miss. Most drivers have them hanging off their wayfarers.
"Most drivers" no mate try *some* lol usually they're by the cab window
Quote from: Dom on March 31, 2017, 08:19:56 PM
They're not hard to miss. Most drivers have them hanging off their wayfarers.
Don't diamond drivers carry their duty cards with them, whereas NX stay in bus? How do NX drivers know if that the case what time they have to be driving?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 31, 2017, 08:24:46 PM
Don't diamond drivers carry their duty cards with them, whereas NX stay in bus? How do NX drivers know if that the case what time they have to be driving?
At Redditch, the running board stays on the bus. Of a morning we are given a 'prescription'. This tells you when you start driving, which service, running board, time you come off and so on.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 31, 2017, 08:24:46 PM
Don't diamond drivers carry their duty cards with them, whereas NX stay in bus? How do NX drivers know if that the case what time they have to be driving?
At First, all the driving boards are at the garage and in the drivers rest room, along with duty boards. I'd imagine NXWM and Diamond would be the same too. We also get a printout of our duty when signing on for the shift. Duty cards stay with the bus all day.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 31, 2017, 08:24:46 PM
Don't diamond drivers carry their duty cards with them, whereas NX stay in bus? How do NX drivers know if that the case what time they have to be driving?
Every duty has a duty number. There's a timetable in garage. Find your name on it, and find out what duty number you have on what day.
Then, there's another board with duties on it. Find your duty on this board. Tells you what you're doing.
A duty may look like this:
11C/01 GAR0430-0900FHR
11C/12 FHR0930-1200FHR
This tells you that on this day, you begin at Garage at 04:30 and you end at Fox Hollies Road relief point at 09:00. Then you begin again at Fox Hollies Road at 0930 till 1200.
That's all the information you have. To find out individual trips, you can go and find a copy of the running board to find out the specific times.
You'd write the duty information either on your phone or in your diary, or you can take a picture of it. That's how you know where to go.
30823 on the 226 along with two solos and a dart...
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 01, 2017, 08:58:20 AM
30823 on the 226 along with two solos and a dart...
Isn't that usual?
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 01, 2017, 09:11:37 AM
30823 is a ex Royale
I see a few full size deckers on 226 nowadays
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 01, 2017, 12:28:00 PM
I see a few full size deckers on 226 nowadays
30488 & 30860 are on there today, Royale's do also appear from time to time, there were one in the week aswell
Do you think diamond actually specify what routes to put the royales on?
It's a shame that diamond regarding marketing has gone downhill really... 002 ones seem to be mismatch with some having old branding, some new branding and some no branding at all.
Super 16
Nifty 50
Stourbridge hopper-142
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 01, 2017, 06:28:57 PM
Do you think diamond actually specify what routes to put the royales on?
It's a shame that diamond regarding marketing has gone downhill really... 002 ones seem to be mismatch with some having old branding, some new branding and some no branding at all.
Super 16
Nifty 50
Stourbridge hopper-142
Ever since Jonny 5 left.
Quote from: BN on April 02, 2017, 10:26:36 AM
Ever since Jonny 5 left.
Shame that the mcv were so unreliable. The branding did suit them rather well? What was Jonny 5 job in diamond?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 02, 2017, 11:25:18 AM
Shame that the mcv were so unreliable. The branding did suit them rather well? What was Jonny 5 job in diamond?
Jon Everill was the marketing manager, very clever and inspirational person.
Quote from: BN on April 02, 2017, 11:59:09 AM
Jon Everill was the marketing manager, very clever and inspirational person.
Thanks for that info, must admit he did a excellent job, with the bright colour schemes
Will the 002 ever be re-numbered ?
Quote from: Chris on April 06, 2017, 11:29:13 AM
Will the 002 ever be re-numbered ?
is that a serious question?!....Why would it need to be ::) dear or dear and I thought
@Trident 4194 was simple
Quote from: Will on April 06, 2017, 01:14:46 PM
is that a serious question?!....Why would it need to be ::) dear or dear and I thought @Trident 4194 was simple
Reason for the question
@Will is that Merry Hill Bus Station stand calls the 002 the 2...
Quote from: Will on April 06, 2017, 01:14:46 PM
is that a serious question?!....Why would it need to be ::) dear or dear and I thought @Trident 4194 was simple
The 002 and 004 do not fit in with the current service number structure being favoured at present, so yes, I think it is a valid question.
If the Dudley review ever goes ahead, I think you'll find these will be the first two services that get renumbered.
Quote from: Stu on April 06, 2017, 07:56:07 PM
The 002 and 004 do not fit in with the current service number structure being favoured at present, so yes, I think it is a valid question.
If the Dudley review ever goes ahead, I think you'll find these will be the first two services that get renumbered.
Sounds like a possible data error on the part of NWM, perhaps the leading two zeros got lost in formatting leaving just '2' and then nobody checked the data before printing. Having seen some old Centro bus stop data spreadsheets many years ago I am not at all surprised this could happen.
Love how a Diamond bus is driving around with no tax on it hmmph
@Simon Dunn
Love how a Diamond bus is driving around with no tax on it hmmph
@Simon DunnI find that hard to believe but you never know......what fleet number was it ?
Quote from: 4747 on April 07, 2017, 03:44:29 PM
Love how a Diamond bus is driving around with no tax on it hmmph @Simon Dunn
I find that hard to believe but you never know......what fleet number was it ?
tax disc are no longer used data kept on line
Quote from: Cedric on April 07, 2017, 04:04:24 PM
tax disc are no longer used data kept on line
They were abolished in October 2014. I'd hope he knew that by now
Quote from: 4747 on April 07, 2017, 04:09:49 PM
They were abolished in October 2014. I'd hope he knew that by now
in that case how do you know it has no tax on .
Quote from: Cedric on April 07, 2017, 04:17:30 PM
in that case how do you know it has no tax on .
All you need is vehicle reg to go online and check but it would be a bit sad to check the status of a random bus.
Hey
I was on the bus at time and did a DVLA check
Just did one today and its showing taxed now
It was BK13 NZT on the 50 at the time
Quote from: vinh1000 on April 08, 2017, 10:38:06 AM
Hey
I was on the bus at time and did a DVLA check
Just did one today and its showing taxed now
It was BK13 NZT on the 50 at the time
It sometimes takes a few days for the DVSA website to update, specially if the vehicle has been retaxed at a Post office
I am told that, that vehicle and another were taxed at the post office.
Most vehicles are taxed online every month, sometimes this is not possible so we have to go to the post office to do any this doesn't capture
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ContactlessPaymentComingSoontoDiamondBuses_590.html
They are the 2nd bus operator though, not the 1st as it says. As NX already offer it on the X1 and X2.
Quote from: 2206 on April 12, 2017, 06:19:10 PM
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ContactlessPaymentComingSoontoDiamondBuses_590.html
They are the 2nd bus operator though, not the 1st as it says. As NX already offer it on the X1 and X2.
They will be the first operator to offer it network wide on all buses, NX's is just a trial at present, covering just the two routes.
Service changes from 30th May. Assuming the Central Buses registration is linked to the withdrawal of Monday to Saturday daytime trips on the 142.
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ServiceChangesinMay_592.html
Quote from: Nathan on April 21, 2017, 09:27:47 PM
Service changes from 30th May. Assuming the Central Buses registration is linked to the withdrawal of Monday to Saturday daytime trips on the 142.
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/ServiceChangesinMay_592.html
Surprised Diamond are coming off the daytime 142's, thought they were doing ok
Quote from: Winston on April 21, 2017, 11:51:17 PM
Surprised Diamond are coming off the daytime 142's, thought they were doing ok
Well right through Harborne up to the QE Diamond on Tuesday in the day were carrying full loads on the 142.
Hansons load were very low, about 5 on average per bus, with some carrying none. Surprising Diamond are coming of. So no service to Harborne on either the 142 and 004 then from May 30th.
Quote from: 2206 on April 22, 2017, 09:58:37 AM
Well right through Harborne up to the QE Diamond on Tuesday in the day were carrying full loads on the 142.
Hansons load were very low, about 5 on average per bus, with some carrying none. Surprising Diamond are coming of. So no service to Harborne on either the 142 and 004 then from May 30th.
I was under the impression that the 142 was doing pretty well since being extended. Definitely seems a strange move to pull off the 142 daytimes, especially now Diamond will have the eve & Sunday 142 tendered services from tommorrow.
Also the extended 244 (former 99 route) will not be as frequent as it currently is from tommorrow.
That's now two former Diamond routes that Central Buses are now taking on then....
Quote from: Westy on January 29, 2017, 04:28:38 PM
If theres any 'Blue Diamond' left, surely the easiest & quickest solution is to carefully peel off the 'Blue' part of the fleetname?
20837, on the 25 (Ward End - Erdington) today still has Blue Diamond on it.
What are they building at the old long acre site whete blue diamondbus was
Western Power depot? I think long acre is being turned ok into that
What are people's opinions on primos??
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 16, 2017, 09:22:04 PM
What are people's opinions on primos??
Gutless. And I'm being kind. Veolia Cymru had a few before they folded and they are worse than Streetlites,which are just as bad.
Quote from: markcf83 on May 16, 2017, 09:30:46 PM
Gutless. And I'm being kind. Veolia Cymru had a few before they folded and they are worse than Streetlites,which are just as bad.
The suspensions also seem to be quite bad- they low to the floor??
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 16, 2017, 09:22:04 PM
What are people's opinions on primos??
I've driven 20007. The BU08 one. Jerks a lot, but nippy as hell. Felt incredibly light. Battered condition tho it was
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 16, 2017, 09:22:04 PM
What are people's opinions on primos??
Get rid of it! Abolish it! Remove it! Expunge it! Eliminate it! Eradicate it! Exterminate it! Get rid of it!
Quote from: MW on May 16, 2017, 09:33:23 PM
I've driven 20007. The BU08 one. Jerks a lot, but nippy as hell. Felt incredibly light. Battered condition tho it was
I do have to say they have got a turn for speed, they do feel flimsy though
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 16, 2017, 09:51:06 PM
Get rid of it! Abolish it! Remove it! Expunge it! Eliminate it! Eradicate it! Exterminate it! Get rid of it!
Is that your revised version of catch it, bin it, kill it?
Personally I think they're quick and reasonably comfy little buses.
Speaking of small buses though, is 20745 in service yet?
And my other question is will Diamond receive any more Wessex stock owing to cuts there? (apart from the two E200's at Kiddy)
A first for diamond the 21.15 226 departure from Merry Hill driving like a snail not like a grand prix as normal!
Noticed how quick the new ticket machine responds to Swift cards! they much look like Midland Classic ticket machines! Much more compact mm
Alps noticed it goes to each stop automatically on the machine so you don't have to change the fare stage manually
Quote from: Chris on May 22, 2017, 09:37:27 PM
A first for diamond the 21.15 226 departure from Merry Hill driving like a snail not like a grand prix as normal!
Gets you home quicker though I bet
Arrived bang on time!
Do diamond not need to use the 10/60 reg solos on 142 then?
20976 on 28a has broke down top of hom mooor rd the back is up
Free WIFI on Signature & 4/4H buses.
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/FreeWiFinowavailableonDiamondandSignatureBuses_602.html
PD0001374/429 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Ward End, Fox & Goose to Small Heath, Arthur Street via Heartlands Hospital
Service number: 28A
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 04 Sep 2017
Does anyone know whats happening to the 28A?
PD0001374/417 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Merry Hill Bus Station to Halesowen Bus Station via Netherend Lane
Service number: 13
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 04 Sep 2017
PD0001374/431 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Halesowen Bus Station to Merry Hill Bus Station via Timbertree
Service number: 17
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 04 Sep 2017
PD0001374/421 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Dudley Bus Station to Merry Hill via Rowley Regis Hospital
Service number: 208
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 04 Sep 2017
The timetable is being adjusted on 28A. Believe it is just afternoon journeys as they are unreliable due to congestion
@2206
Diamond Bus has been named as the number one "Fastest Growing Business" within Sandwell Council's index:
http://www.rotalaplc.com/news/diamond-bus-tops-sandwells-top-50-companies-list.html
Quote from: PM on July 28, 2017, 11:07:51 AM
Diamond Bus has been named as the number one "Fastest Growing Business" within Sandwell Council's index:
http://www.rotalaplc.com/news/diamond-bus-tops-sandwells-top-50-companies-list.html
Bet that this doesn't get congratulated by anyone on here. On the other hand if it was nx...
Quote from: PM on July 28, 2017, 11:07:51 AM
Diamond Bus has been named as the number one "Fastest Growing Business" within Sandwell Council's index:
http://www.rotalaplc.com/news/diamond-bus-tops-sandwells-top-50-companies-list.html
This isn't having a go at Diamond, but it shows figures can be used to prove anything and it is actually a non-story.
"Diamond is the Fastest growing company in Sandwell by 43%" Diamond hasn't grown by anywhere near 43% what it has done is move all it's employees out of Birmingham into Sandwell, so the number of employees based within the Borough of Sandwell has risen 43%, but as for Birmingham the number has dropped by 100% so there is a net loss of 57%! (me just proving you can do anything with figures - I know Diamond's staff numbers haven't actually dropped by 57%)
Quote from: Tony on July 28, 2017, 11:35:29 AM
This isn't having a go at Diamond, but it shows figures can be used to prove anything and it is actually a non-story.
"Diamond is the Fastest growing company in Sandwell by 43%" Diamond hasn't grown by anywhere near 43% what it has done is move all it's employees out of Birmingham into Sandwell, so the number of employees based within the Borough of Sandwell has risen 43%, but as for Birmingham the number has dropped by 100% so there is a net loss of 57%! (me just proving you can do anything with figures - I know Diamond's staff numbers haven't actually dropped by 57%)
The 'true' actual Diamond growth came from April where Diamond commenced all the TfWM tenders won and absorbed the remaining bit of Arriva Wednesfield's opp's
Quote from: Winston on July 28, 2017, 11:54:26 AM
The 'true' actual Diamond growth came from April where Diamond commenced all the TfWM tenders won and absorbed the remaining bit of Arriva Wednesfield's opp's
And I guess the Hansons acquisition now provides further growth!
Quote from: Tony on July 28, 2017, 11:35:29 AM
This isn't having a go at Diamond, but it shows figures can be used to prove anything and it is actually a non-story.
"Diamond is the Fastest growing company in Sandwell by 43%" Diamond hasn't grown by anywhere near 43% what it has done is move all it's employees out of Birmingham into Sandwell, so the number of employees based within the Borough of Sandwell has risen 43%, but as for Birmingham the number has dropped by 100% so there is a net loss of 57%! (me just proving you can do anything with figures - I know Diamond's staff numbers haven't actually dropped by 57%)
Tony
At no point did we enter a competition for this award. We were told we were the winner, and at that point highlighted some of the points you have mentioned above.
That being said the staff numbers outside any change are up year on year by around 25% for the period in question. This period does not cover the period from April 2017.
Simon
What citato caught fr Diamond as I can't find any of pictures of it
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 03, 2017, 03:47:39 PM
What citato caught fr Diamond as I can't find any of pictures of it
30401. It's parked out of use in yard opposite main Tividale depot
Quote from: Winston on August 03, 2017, 04:02:02 PM
30401. It's parked out of use in yard opposite main Tividale depot
Oh ok is there any of pictures of it at all
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 03, 2017, 04:02:52 PM
Oh ok is there any of pictures of it at all
No
Tony's website does have pictures of any bus
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 03, 2017, 04:02:52 PM
Oh ok is there any of pictures of it at all
Here you go: http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30401.html :D
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 03, 2017, 04:02:52 PM
Oh ok is there any of pictures of it at all
http://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/news/14040284.Flames_engulf_bus_at_Tudor_Grange_Academy_in_Redditch/#gallery0
Does anyone know which routes the ex Hanson's vehicles 20530/1/2 usually are allocated to?
PD0001374/450 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge bus Station to Merry Hill Bus Station via Oldwinsford
Service number: 287
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/449 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Dudley Bus Station to Stourbridge Bus Station via Merry Hill
Service number: 276
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/448 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Russells Hall Hospital to Potters Cross, Kinver via Merry Hill
Service number: 228
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/447 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge bus Station to Stourbridge Bus Station via Brockmoor
Service number: 250 (251)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/446 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge bus Station to Potters Cross, Kinver via Wollaston
Service number: 227
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/445 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Bearwood to Oldbury via Langley
Service number: 122
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/444 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Foxyards Estate to Merry Hill Centre via Dudley
Service number: 24
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/442 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Olbury, Halesowen Street to Bearwood Bus Station via Brandhall
Service number: 20 (21)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/441 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Brierley Hill to Fatherless Barn via Cradley Interchange
Service number: 14
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/150 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Dudley Bus Station to Kingswinford
Service number: 226
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Sep 2017
PD0001374/457 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: BRANDHALL to CAPE HILL via SMETHWICK
Service number: 55
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Sep 2017
Huh, wasn't expecting Diamond to keep the 276 route, I thought Hansons only had it to avoid running dead from Stourbridge to Dudley?
One for Simon to consider?
X30 Coventry station to Ansty Park (out of city).
There is far too much distance between the Fairfax St swimming baths stop FX1 and the next stop at Gosford Green (end of Sky Blue Way) which is way outside the city centre. Must be more than 1/2 a mile.
Why not also call at Hales St (Old Fire Station) DF stop which breaks up the distance? Might also pick up a few extra fares?
From the station I have seen quite a few people not realise Fairfax St is the last stop for city centre and they cant then get off until Gosford Green to get back to town. To then have to cross a very busy and dangerous dual carriageway to find a city bound service just makes it all worse. Introducing Stop DF would become your insurance plan as the X30 passes the outside of Pool Meadow.
There was a blue n white bus on 124
Remember that Diamond start operating on Hanson's services from next week. Timetables are now on the diamond site.
There is also a timetable change on the 004 the following week
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 23, 2017, 07:07:24 PM
There is also a timetable change on the 004 the following week
The frequency will be reduced to hourly during the day, remaining half hourly at peak times and with an extra bus at about 11am/midday.
Quote from: 2206 on August 23, 2017, 07:54:05 PM
The frequency will be reduced to hourly during the day, remaining half hourly at peak times and with an extra bus at about 11am/midday.
The new timetable per the Diamond website is very strange. It's basically hourly but every 2 to 3 hours there is a half hourly bus slotted in. The gap becomes 30 / 30 / 60 / 30 / 30 / 60 /60 in places. Think this is likely to cause a bit of confusion, especially given all the changes to the 004 over the last 12 months.
Also spotted that the timetable on the Diamond website doesn't match the new timetable on the Network West Midlands which I believe is what the Hansons revised timetable was due to be.
Wessex Optare at merry hill
Just a thought as so many operators going bust or being closed down there's a boat load of second hand enviro 200s knocking around at various dealers
As diamond have bought hansons enviro 200s to go in there fleet wonder if future buses will be enviro 200s to replace older darts
Your thoughts?
Does anyone know which diamond vehicles are out on the ex Hanson's services today?
Further to my above, 21021 (0060) is doing the 657/267 today, 21015 (0521) is on 251
Lots of hansons buses still operating on hansons old routes. 1550 or 1551 has got diamond fleet name on front
What route were they on then
Quote from: ChrisGoode on August 29, 2017, 02:24:16 PM
What route were they on then
One of them is on the 004.
Its got a Diamond fleetname at the front and Hansons Local Bus fleetnames on the sides.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 29, 2017, 01:21:45 PM
Lots of hansons buses still operating on hansons old routes. 1550 or 1551 has got diamond fleet name on front
All 4 buses on the 004 today are ex Hansons buses.
Was talking about the ex Hansons routes at the weekend, and wondered what people think about Diamond running the 318?
Anyone reckon there's any mileage in the idea of them replacing the 318 with an extension to the 43 through from Redditch? Bring back the old Redditch - Stourbridge route?
Also now that Diamond run a considerable number of services around the Bromsgrove area, anyone agree they'd be best placed to attempt something with the Halesowen route (147)?
Quote from: Kevin on August 30, 2017, 10:09:59 PM
Was talking about the ex Hansons routes at the weekend, and wondered what people think about Diamond running the 318?
Anyone reckon there's any mileage in the idea of them replacing the 318 with an extension to the 43 through from Redditch? Bring back the old Redditch - Stourbridge route?
I have done a quick mock up of a timetable and although it is a good idea in principle, you would need to do some crazy Arriva style interworking to make it viable!
Quote from: Kevin on August 30, 2017, 10:09:59 PM
Was talking about the ex Hansons routes at the weekend, and wondered what people think about Diamond running the 318?
Anyone reckon there's any mileage in the idea of them replacing the 318 with an extension to the 43 through from Redditch? Bring back the old Redditch - Stourbridge route?
Also now that Diamond run a considerable number of services around the Bromsgrove area, anyone agree they'd be best placed to attempt something with the Halesowen route (147)?
Well considering that would mess up the current interworking System of the 42/43 which currently work fine with 4 buses usually long buses like E300s. Is the 318 suitable for E300s? But another option which could possible be looked at maybe is interworking the 202 and 318 possible?
PD0001374/443 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Merry Hill Bus Station to Harborne High Street via Halesowen
Service number: 004
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 02 Oct 2017
Like a breakers yard at merry hill today all the solos broke down today
Amey colleague at UTC says he saw a few darts on the back of tow trucks today, presumably heading off for scrap
One of the buses on the 287 today had paper numbers in the windows while the display was wishing everybody a Merry Christmas from Hanson Buses on the display???
What bus was it
Didn't catch the fleet number but was the xx:05 from Stourbridge. Was in virtual overall white if that helps.
Ex Arriva Pointer on 1915 226 Ex Merry Hill
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 25, 2017, 07:11:40 PM
One of the buses on the 287 today had paper numbers in the windows while the display was wishing everybody a Merry Christmas from Hanson Buses on the display???
That's because the Centrad destination blind doesn't work properly on that bus the driver turned the blind off in the end but still it displayed Merry Christmas. So paper numbers have been being used instead.
KR dart displaying x18 to Stratford in Stourbridge bus station today
Diamond wifi is so much better than nx wifi. Any reasons for this?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 31, 2017, 10:55:26 PM
KR dart displaying x18 to Stratford in Stourbridge bus station today
Diamond wifi is so much better than nx wifi. Any reasons for this?
Its more than likely, that it would have actually been displaying X19 (A few tendered trips between Stratford and Redditch that Diamond Redditch operate, at other times the route is operated by Stagecoach.)
http://www.diamondbuses.com/services.html?routeID=281
The X18 operates between Coventry and Evesham via Leamington, Warwick and Stratford and its only operated by Stagecoach.
Quote from: 2206 on October 31, 2017, 11:06:44 PM
Its more than likely, that it would have actually been displaying X19 (A few tendered trips between Stratford and Redditch that Diamond Redditch operate, at other times the route is operated by Stagecoach.)
http://www.diamondbuses.com/services.html?routeID=281
The X18 operates between Coventry and Evesham via Leamington, Warwick and Stratford and its only operated by Stagecoach.
I went to Long Acre back in the Central Connect days and I was tinkering around with the minuted on one of those NC double deckers they used to have. This it was R/S reg, and that had the 65 Perry Common destinations in it to my surprise. It may well have been the X18 is what I'm saying.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 31, 2017, 10:55:26 PM
Diamond wifi is so much better than nx wifi. Any reasons for this?
How so? Only issue I've had with NX WiFi is it sometimes decides I've reached a "limit" when I'd only just got on the bus
Quote from: Kevin on November 01, 2017, 07:53:50 AM
How so? Only issue I've had with NX WiFi is it sometimes decides I've reached a "limit" when I'd only just got on the bus
It seems unresponsive, and often tells me I have lost connection
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 01, 2017, 02:58:39 PM
It seems unresponsive, and often tells me I have lost connection
loads on here will tell you you have lost connection
Worcestershire cancellations from Year End: :(
PD0001374/319 Cancelled (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Droitwich, Omberley Street East to Reddich Bus Station
Service number: 354
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 31 Dec 2017
PD0001374/331 Cancelled (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Droitwich to Kidderminster Bus Station
Service number: 133
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 31 Dec 2017
PD0001374/332 Cancelled (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Bradley Green, Church Turn to Tudor Grange Academy, Redditch via Ridgeway Middle School, AM only
Service number: S70
Service type: School or Works
Effective date: 31 Dec 2017
PD0001374/322 Cancelled (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Droittwich, Ombersley Street East to Droitwich, Ombersley Street East
Service number: 20
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 31 Dec 2017
PD0001374/323 Cancelled (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Droitwich, Ombersley Street, East to Droitwich, Ombersley Street East
Service number: 19A (19C)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 31 Dec 2017
PD0001374/326 Cancelled (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Droitwich, Ombersley Street East to Droitwich, Ombersley Street East
Service number: 18
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 31 Dec 2017
PD0001374/320 Cancelled (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Droitwich Ombersley Street East to Droitwich, Ombersley Street East
Service number: 17
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 31 Dec 2017
Looks like another operater may have potentially won the WCC tendered routes from Diamond, it's most if not all of Droitwich network.
Quote from: Winston on November 18, 2017, 02:15:21 PM
Looks like another operater may have potentially won the WCC tendered routes from Diamond, it's most if not all of Droitwich network.
maybe Woosh they ran most of them before, think whittles ran the 133
Quote from: Winston on November 18, 2017, 02:15:21 PM
Looks like another operater may have potentially won the WCC tendered routes from Diamond, it's most if not all of Droitwich network.
I saw mention somewhere that Diamond were planning new services in Droitwich. Whether that is true - and these cancellations are part of that - we will see.
Two different routes, same operator, two different depots, two different prices!
And yet the one that is cheaper is a slightly longer route which drops me closer to home!
And yet the tendered service I boarded (because Kidderminster don't do a full loop on one of their services after 1628 ex merry hill) I got charged more!
£1.50 on the Kidderminster allocated route
£1.90 on the Tividale allocated service!
Quote from: Winston on November 18, 2017, 02:15:21 PM
Looks like another operater may have potentially won the WCC tendered routes from Diamond, it's most if not all of Droitwich network.
PD1093425/26 Registered (Short notice)
ASTONS COACHES LTD
Route: Droitwich to Droitwich
Service number: 19 (21)
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 02 Jan 2018
First time since diamonds takeover an e300 on the 287
Quote from: Kevin on August 30, 2017, 10:09:59 PM
Was talking about the ex Hansons routes at the weekend, and wondered what people think about Diamond running the 318?
Anyone reckon there's any mileage in the idea of them replacing the 318 with an extension to the 43 through from Redditch? Bring back the old Redditch - Stourbridge route?
Also now that Diamond run a considerable number of services around the Bromsgrove area, anyone agree they'd be best placed to attempt something with the Halesowen route (147)?
PD0001374/462 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Bromsgrove Rail Station to Stourbridge Bus Sation via Belbroughton
Service number: 318
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 31 Dec 2017
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 30, 2017, 08:41:23 PM
Two different routes, same operator, two different depots, two different prices!
And yet the one that is cheaper is a slightly longer route which drops me closer to home!
And yet the tendered service I boarded (because Kidderminster don't do a full loop on one of their services after 1628 ex merry hill) I got charged more!
£1.50 on the Kidderminster allocated route
£1.90 on the Tividale allocated service!
Which two routes was this?
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 05, 2017, 09:09:06 PM
226 - £1.90
251 - £1.50
251 should be £1 with this merry hill special.
Quote from: Dom on December 06, 2017, 12:44:57 AM
251 should be £1 with this merry hill special.
That got withdrawn at the start of the month.
Quote from: Winston on November 18, 2017, 02:15:21 PM
Looks like another operater may have potentially won the WCC tendered routes from Diamond, it's most if not all of Droitwich network.
PD1086613/17 Registered (Short notice)
MUMTAZ ALI & PARTNERS
Route: Briar Mill, Droitwich to Ombersley Street East, Droitwich
Service number: 20 (20A, 20B)
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 02 Jan 2018
The new website & realtime seems to work well and is easy to use on a computer. I haven't tried it on a phone yet.
I won't knock any operator for late running or missing buses today with the state of the roads, but while most routes are showing the buses the 50 is currently showing no buses running. Seems a bit strange.
Link is here
http://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/bus-services/
Quote from: Tony on December 15, 2017, 12:13:12 PM
The new website & realtime seems to work well and is easy to use on a computer. I haven't tried it on a phone yet.
I won't knock any operator for late running or missing buses today with the state of the roads, but while most routes are showing the buses the 50 is currently showing no buses running. Seems a bit strange.
Link is here
http://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/bus-services/
There's quite a few routes that show as no live data including the 50
Quote from: Winston on December 15, 2017, 12:27:39 PM
There's quite a few routes that show as no live data including the 50
All the others I had looked at were showing the correct number of vehicles, or just one missing, which could be the driver is at the terminus with details in his machine or defective equipment, so not necessarily missing.
Quote from: Tony on December 15, 2017, 12:43:00 PM
All the others I had looked at were showing the correct number of vehicles, or just one missing, which could be the driver is at the terminus with details in his machine or defective equipment, so not necessarily missing.
Fair point, other than the 202 still showing no live data, all other services not showing are one vehicle Pvr. The 267 wasn't showing previously when I repleid, but is now.
Isn't the website meant to tell passengers how late the buses are?
When I was looking earlier I saw a 657 way off route in Brierley Hill according to their site.
Quote from: Winston on December 15, 2017, 12:54:30 PM
Fair point, other than the 202 still showing no live data, all other services not showing are one vehicle Pvr. The 267 wasn't showing previously when I repleid, but is now.
Well the 10:22 202 from Halesowen got cancelled
PD0001374/454 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Amblecote to Ridgewood High School
Service number: 749
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Feb 2018
PD0001374/462 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Bromsgrove Rail Station to Stourbridge Bus Sation via Belbroughton
Service number: 318
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Feb 2018
PD0001374/260 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge Bus Station to Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Service number: 142
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 08 Jan 2018
PD0001374/450 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge bus Station to Merry Hill Bus Station via Oldwinsford
Service number: 287
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 08 Jan 2017
PD0001374/449 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Dudley Bus Station to Stourbridge Bus Station via Merry Hill
Service number: 276
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 08 Jan 2018
PD0001374/463 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Bromsgrove, Lickey/Bromsgrove Bus Station to Reddich Bus Station via Cofton Hackett, Alvechurch
Service number: 182 (183)
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 26 Feb 2018
anyone tried the bus tracker either on the website or app yet? . i have tried it from my places as my local bus goes right passed my door and the bus comes past on time the tracker says
The 142 being brought back??!!!! Please yes
Quote from: Cedric on January 02, 2018, 09:29:26 PM
anyone tried the bus tracker either on the website or app yet? . i have tried it from my places as my local bus goes right passed my door and the bus comes past on time the tracker says
Yeah I use the bus tracker app it's very accurate and useful as you know exactly when the bus will turn up, however at stops it doesn't give real time and is also unavailable on network West Midlands app
So they put in a short notice registration for the 318 at the end of the year. Then cancel it two weeks later.
Hope it doesn't go, but hell that's just me being selfish
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 02, 2018, 10:12:19 PM
The 142 being brought back??!!!! Please yes
Could it just be that it hasn't been updated on the DVSA website for some reason and this is an amendment tendered journeys that still remain?
Whats wrong with the Central Buses service you've got at the moment?
Quote from: Tony on April 26, 2017, 06:56:39 PM
I don't see what you don't get and how you say the logic is unreal.
It loses loads of money, needs thousands more passengers to break even. Simons has told you that. So it is not successful
If it was losing loads of money and needed thousand more passengers to break even why would it be comming back
@Trident 4194
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 02, 2018, 10:12:19 PM
The 142 being brought back??!!!! Please yes
Quote from: 2206 on January 02, 2018, 10:50:20 PM
Could it just be that it hasn't been updated on the DVSA website for some reason and this is an amendment tendered journeys that still remain?
Whats wrong with the Central Buses service you've got at the moment?
If it was losing loads of money and needed thousand more passengers to break even why would it be comming back @Trident 4194
Registration for diversion due to the bridge near Stourbridge Town being shut until May.
Quote from: Diamond BusParkfield Road in Stourbridge will be closed from 7th January until 6th May 2018, due to reconstruction work on the bridge. During this time the following Diamond services will be diverted:
Services 142, 276 and 287 towards Stourbridge Bus Station:
Normal line of route until Red Hill, then left into Cranbourne Rd, right onto Hagley Rd, left onto the ring road: New Rd, Bath Rd, St Johns Rd, then left into Foster Street East and right into Stourbridge Bus Station.
Stops along Red Hill and Parkfield Rd will not be served.
Services from Stourbridge Bus Station will serve their normal line of route.
Affected Services: 142 276 287
Quote from: Kevin on January 02, 2018, 10:25:34 PM
So they put in a short notice registration for the 318 at the end of the year. Then cancel it two weeks later.
Hope it doesn't go, but hell that's just me being selfish
Probably a tender change or something similar.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 02, 2018, 10:12:19 PM
The 142 being brought back??!!!! Please yes
I am sure some residents in B32 will be very pleased to see 142 back to QEHB route.
Quote from: Sayeed on January 03, 2018, 12:16:12 AM
I am sure some residents in B32 will be very pleased to see 142 back to QEHB route.
Its not coming back
@Sayeed ,
@the trainbasher has just said above its the registration of a diversion on the few evening and Sunday tendered journeys between Halesowen and Stourbridge that still remain due due a bridge closure in Stourbridge.
Anyone heard of the bus crash in Stratford with a lorry?
Lorry driver died, bus driver injured.
Quote from: MW on January 17, 2018, 09:25:37 PM
Anyone heard of the bus crash in Stratford with a lorry?
Lorry driver died, bus driver injured.
Story is on Coventry Evening Telegraph website
I was having a browse through Flickr earlier and I found this (http://"https://www.flickr.com/photos/mals_uk_buses/16124902271/in/photolist-dwW8B4-qyUkEp-dUxct4-XGu4ed-Rqdhgj-rmREfL-9KeKsn-r8HMhi-jRdSzE-pHVEbE-dxHepq-e3tkkf-fx5sdb-pL57YE-B7KTpz-BC3KyJ-C2Bpsd-qswJNG-L3Girp-cGWtww") image of a Diamond Solo on the 313 route. How long did they operate on that for? I caught the 313 near-daily to go to school after 2013, and before that I walked along part of the route from my old house, and I can't remember seeing them on there at all. The closest I can remember is the 300/310 back in the day.
If anyone can bring me up to speed on this, it'd be much appreciated.
Quote from: DJ98 on January 25, 2018, 11:49:22 AM
I was having a browse through Flickr earlier and I found this (http://"https://www.flickr.com/photos/mals_uk_buses/16124902271/in/photolist-dwW8B4-qyUkEp-dUxct4-XGu4ed-Rqdhgj-rmREfL-9KeKsn-r8HMhi-jRdSzE-pHVEbE-dxHepq-e3tkkf-fx5sdb-pL57YE-B7KTpz-BC3KyJ-C2Bpsd-qswJNG-L3Girp-cGWtww") image of a Diamond Solo on the 313 route. How long did they operate on that for? I caught the 313 near-daily to go to school after 2013, and before that I walked along part of the route from my old house, and I can't remember seeing them on there at all. The closest I can remember is the 300/310 back in the day.
If anyone can bring me up to speed on this, it'd be much appreciated.
Didnt Diamond have the evening & Sunday tender on the 313 at some point between Wednesbury & Dudley, while Twm ran a mixture of the 311 / 311a / 312 on the other routes at those times?
Quote from: Westy on January 25, 2018, 11:05:07 PM
Didnt Diamond have the evening & Sunday tender on the 313 at some point between Wednesbury & Dudley, while Twm ran a mixture of the 311 / 311a / 312 on the other routes at those times?
That seems like it'd be correct, since the image showed a Solo on the 313 running to Wednesbury. I remember the 311A, which went down Owen Street, rather than through Princes End, but what route did the 312 take? I have zero memory of that route, unfortunatley. All that I can find online from images, is that it ran from Stourbridge to Walsall, via Dudley and Wednesbury, so I'm guessing it took a different route than the 311 or 313 did somewhere along the route?
Quote from: Westy on January 25, 2018, 11:05:07 PM
Didnt Diamond have the evening & Sunday tender on the 313 at some point between Wednesbury & Dudley, while Twm ran a mixture of the 311 / 311a / 312 on the other routes at those times?
There was a half-arsed 313A, but it was withdrawn some time before the 311A.
The 313A from memory, was certain early morning journeys that served Wood Green Road, rather than the Myvod.
Wasnt the 311a & 312 the same service renumbered from one to the other?
I'll dig out my Centro maps later, but I bet I don't have the relavant one!
Quote from: DJ98 on January 26, 2018, 12:00:59 PM
That seems like it'd be correct, since the image showed a Solo on the 313 running to Wednesbury. I remember the 311A, which went down Owen Street, rather than through Princes End, but what route did the 312 take? I have zero memory of that route, unfortunatley. All that I can find online from images, is that it ran from Stourbridge to Walsall, via Dudley and Wednesbury, so I'm guessing it took a different route than the 311 or 313 did somewhere along the route?
The 312 was via 313 between Walsall and Wednesbury, then via 311 from Wednesbury, but using Owen Street in Tipton to get to Dudley then on to Stourbridge via the now 246.
The 311A was the same but used the 311 route between Walsall & Wednesbury
Quote from: Tony on January 26, 2018, 07:02:50 PM
The 311A was the same but used the 311 route between Walsall & Wednesbury
I recall seeing the 311A serving Myvod Road, didn't it run Evenings and Sundays?
Quote from: Jack on January 26, 2018, 07:44:01 PM
I recall seeing the 311A serving Myvod Road, didn't it run Evenings and Sundays?
The original 311A when I was a driver at Walsall that I described the route was a couple of early morning journeys towards Walsall only that ran at the same time as the 312. The one you are referring to was a later incarnation of the route to use that number
PD0001374/370 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Perry Bar, One Stop to Tanhouse Avenue
Service number: 54A
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
PD0001374/374 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Sparkhill, Warwick Road/Baker Street to Belchers Lane (island) via Heartlands Hospital & Acocks Green
Service number: 36
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
PD0001374/373 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Northfield to Selly Oak via Cotteridge
Service number: 38
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
PD0001374/371 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Brandwood Park Road to Shirley, Sainsbury's via Kings Heath
Service number: 69
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
Are all those commercial services
@Winston?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 16, 2018, 07:53:10 PM
Are all those commercial services @Winston?
Tendered ones that were up for renewal in April
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 16, 2018, 08:02:16 PM
Tendered ones that were up for renewal in April
Interesting that they've cancelled them, that'd mean they've lost them doesn't it?
So I wander who's won them?
Quote from: 2206 on February 16, 2018, 08:45:31 PM
Interesting that they've cancelled them, that'd mean they've lost them doesn't it?
So I wander who's won them?
If they have lost them, I would say igo
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 16, 2018, 09:00:52 PM
If they have lost them, I would say igo
Could it be Claribels, maybe as well?
Quote from: 2206 on February 16, 2018, 09:01:52 PM
Could it be Claribels, maybe as well?
Would Claribels need more Buses if they had them? No way would a Pulsar fit on some of the roads the 54A serves!
Anyone noticed quite a few Diamond Buses with adverts on? Not seen that for a few years
Quote from: PM on February 16, 2018, 10:34:10 PM
Anyone noticed quite a few Diamond Buses with adverts on? Not seen that for a few years
They inherited existing advertising contracts with Adverta when acquiring South Lancs, Hansons and Central Buses businesses. Presumably the revenue was lucrative enough for them to decide to allow advertising space on the rest of the fleet.
Quote from: Winston on February 16, 2018, 07:51:19 PM
PD0001374/370 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Perry Bar, One Stop to Tanhouse Avenue
Service number: 54A
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
PD0001374/374 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Sparkhill, Warwick Road/Baker Street to Belchers Lane (island) via Heartlands Hospital & Acocks Green
Service number: 36
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
PD0001374/373 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Northfield to Selly Oak via Cotteridge
Service number: 38
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
PD0001374/371 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Brandwood Park Road to Shirley, Sainsbury's via Kings Heath
Service number: 69
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
iGo have gained the new tenders for these
Quote from: metrocity on February 17, 2018, 11:01:31 AM
They inherited existing advertising contracts with Adverta when acquiring South Lancs, Hansons and Central Buses businesses. Presumably the revenue was lucrative enough for them to decide to allow advertising space on the rest of the fleet.
It makes sense to sell advertising space on the fleet, maybe even consider involving the whole group. It's another valuable revenue stream.
Quote from: Winston on February 16, 2018, 07:51:19 PM
PD0001374/374 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Sparkhill, Warwick Road/Baker Street to Belchers Lane (island) via Heartlands Hospital & Acocks Green
Service number: 36
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2018
I'm not surprised that Diamond have given up on this one, and best of luck to igo if they're indeed taking it on.
Surely the 36 needs to be considered for splitting up and incorporating into other routes, as whenever I see these buses they are usually empty. The non-clockface timetable (every 45 mins) probably doesn't help either.
Quote from: Stu on February 17, 2018, 07:21:09 PM
I'm not surprised that Diamond have given up on this one, and best of luck to igo if they're indeed taking it on.
Surely the 36 needs to be considered for splitting up and incorporating into other routes, as whenever I see these buses they are usually empty. The non-clockface timetable (every 45 mins) probably doesn't help either.
Monday to Friday peak times they carry a decent load - Acocks Green to Heartlands Hospital.
Speaking of the 36...
https://flic.kr/p/24rhCbt
Quote from: Winston on February 17, 2018, 03:58:09 PM
It makes sense to sell advertising space on the fleet, maybe even consider involving the whole group. It's another valuable revenue stream.
A better thought perhaps would be to use the said 'space' to market their own Services and promote bus usage to hopefully enhance revenues that way given how little some of these Advertising deals produce...
Quote from: Straightlines on February 22, 2018, 12:19:03 PM
A better thought perhaps would be to use the said 'space' to market their own Services and promote bus usage to hopefully enhance revenues that way given how little some of these Advertising deals produce...
I've got not idea what additional revenue is generated by buses carrying adverts. That said, NX have specifically de-branded / amending branding on some of their Platinum buses which promoted their features / marketed their services, in favour of carrying advert frames & adverts.
Quote from: Winston on February 22, 2018, 12:58:51 PM
I've got not idea what additional revenue is generated by buses carrying adverts. That said, NX have specifically de-branded / amending branding on some of their Platinum buses which promoted their features / marketed their services, in favour of carrying advert frames & adverts.
The figures are not small. One four week campaign by an advertiser bought in nearly £20,000 to NXWM
Quote from: Tony on February 22, 2018, 01:12:25 PM
The figures are not small. One four week campaign by an advertiser bought in nearly £20,000 to NXWM
Very worthwhile then! There's no reason why Diamond's single deck buses couldn't carry both adverts & route branding / marketing.
Ex hansons vehicle on 251 I presume but displaying 228 merry hill centre. Good job they follow same route
Central bus routes now tracking
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 01, 2018, 07:17:43 PM
Central bus routes now tracking
The 61 (Perry Barr, One Stop to Handsworth) service is listed as 'H61'.
Any idea why it's numbered this on the tracker?
Quote from: Jack on March 01, 2018, 08:03:17 PM
The 61 (Perry Barr, One Stop to Handsworth) service is listed as 'H61'.
Any idea why it's numbered this on the tracker?
More than 1 61 route?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 01, 2018, 08:12:03 PM
More than 1 61 route?
True but there's two 41 routes, the West Brom to Friar Park and the 41 in Walsall. Both don't have any letter before the digits.
Quote from: Jack on March 01, 2018, 08:13:38 PM
True but there's two 41 routes, the West Brom to Friar Park and the 41 in Walsall. Both don't have any letter before the digits.
Not sure then
Quote from: Jack on March 01, 2018, 08:13:38 PM
True but there's two 41 routes, the West Brom to Friar Park and the 41 in Walsall. Both don't have any letter before the digits.
They put a letter before the number on the machines, if the faretables are anything to go by.
I noticed the other day on the driver's machine that the Cannock X51 journeys are refered to as X51A's.
Quote from: Westy on March 01, 2018, 09:24:19 PM
They put a letter before the number on the machines, if the faretables are anything to go by.
I noticed the other day on the driver's machine that the Cannock X51 journeys are refered to as X51A's.
The 61 is H61 like the WB 5 which is H5. Probably something around Hamstead, Handsworth Wood area that cause the local routes around there to have a H. WB 46 is H46.
Quote from: Jack on March 01, 2018, 09:37:13 PM
The 61 is H61 like the WB 5 which is H5. Probably something around Hamstead, Handsworth Wood area that cause the local routes around there to have a H. WB 46 is H46.
Well in 1969, when the municipals were taken over by Wmpte, the duplicated fleet numbers,except for Birmingham, had the last letter of the town added to them, so Walsall vehicle 116 became Wmpte 116L & West Bromwich vehicle 101 became Wmpte 101H.
The 25 (Ward End to Erdington) is doing a diversion because of the snow. Heading to Erdington, instead of turning left onto Collingbourne Avenue from Bromford Road, its continuing down Bromford Road, left onto Coleshill Road, left onto Chipperfield Road and back to normal route. Vice versa for Buses to Ward End, but instead of turning right onto Collingbourne Avenue from Chipperfield Road, its continuing up Chipperfield Road, right onto Coleshill Road, right onto Bromford Road and back to normal route. Ex Central 21108 is on it as well today.
@Jack @Simon Dunn has stated anything 07 plate and younger will be repainted
Quote from: Chris on March 03, 2018, 04:50:13 PM
@Jack @Simon Dunn has stated anything 07 plate and younger will be repainted
Well sorry
@Chris, I don't have time to proof-read every post on the forum!
Quote from: Jack on March 03, 2018, 07:32:54 PM
Well sorry @Chris, I don't have time to proof-read every post on the forum!
Chris was only stating it. Simon Dunn hasn't got time to repeat answers I'm sure
Quote from: Jack on March 03, 2018, 07:32:54 PM
Well sorry @Chris, I don't have time to proof-read every post on the forum!
That was not an attack
@Jack I was just posting what Simon had said.
Quote from: Chris on March 03, 2018, 08:31:06 PM
That was not an attack @Jack I was just posting what Simon had said.
I never said it was.
Has diamond picked up any new contracts from April or will we see the black darts withdrawn with the loss of 36 38 69 to igo
Quote from: Solo1 on March 11, 2018, 02:24:21 PM
Has diamond picked up any new contracts from April or will we see the black darts withdrawn with the loss of 36 38 69 to igo
No - only a handful of routes were retendered:
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/2701/statutory-information-april-2018.pdf
Wonder what will move to Kidderminster as they have picked up some services
Quote from: Solo1 on March 11, 2018, 02:33:20 PM
Wonder what will move to Kidderminster as they have picked up some services
No need to wonder, they've lost more work than they've won.
Looks like the 192A may go back to being a 192 trip
B1305/CB001526 WYRE FOREST DIAL A RIDE, WFDC DEPOT, GREEN STREET, KIDDERMINSTER, WORCESTERSHIRE, DY10 1HA
From: West Hagley Garden Centre
To: Kidderminster Bus Station
Via: Blakedown Railway Station
No: 193
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 16th April 2018
Other Details: New Service
Also, the 82 is withdrawn from end of March
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 16, 2018, 12:06:46 AM
....
Also, the 82 is withdrawn from end of March
Wait
Which 82?
Online tracker reports 40630 on 78
@the trainbasher - Please do not report workings from the tracker in future, Winston
Ah well, I ask a question and get it deleted. And yet certain people are ready with their moderation buttons without pointing people to the place where their question could have been answered so they don't fall foul of the blue pen brigade...
PD0001374/479 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Birmingham International Station to Chelmsley Wood Bus Interchange via Digby Drive
Service number: 91A (91C)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 26 Feb 2018
Great start to the afternoon at Ansty Park with currently both X30's missing... No wonder they are currently building extra car parking!
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 16, 2018, 01:27:38 PM
Online tracker reports 40630 on 78
@the trainbasher - Please do not report workings from the tracker in future, Winston
That was quite common when Central Buses were in use.
Quote from: Jack on March 16, 2018, 03:48:27 PM
That was quite common when Central Buses were in use.
Ah fair enough. I'm just trying to work out diamonds interworkings and some of them in Kidderminster are interesting
Quote from: Straightlines on March 16, 2018, 02:26:05 PM
Great start to the afternoon at Ansty Park with currently both X30's missing... No wonder they are currently building extra car parking!
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157381384587178&id=44001117177
PD0001374/389 Cancellation (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Lower Quinton Post Office to Statford Girls Grammar School via Long Marston, Welford, Clifford Chambers, Stratford School
Service number: 290
Service type: School or Works
Effective date: 16 Apr 2018
20032 with paper number display on 287 rear partly open- smoking a bit- not the best representative of diamond
What bus is 11520 that appears on the tracker. Today it is on the 16.
Quote from: Mike360 on March 28, 2018, 03:46:55 PM
What bus is 11520 that appears on the tracker. Today it is on the 16.
From my observations there seems to be quite a few 11520 around the diamond fleet according to tracker
11520 is the first bus on the list of fleet numbers on the machine I think.
30814 - 16/W
Has it transferred back to Tividale or is it just a loan?
Quote from: Jack on March 31, 2018, 02:17:02 PM
30814 - 16/W
Has it transferred back to Tividale or is it just a loan?
Have you actually seen this one?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1761716120552523&set=gm.438067003303782&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Reports on here suggest Rotala have acquired another B7RLE/Optare Esteem from the same batch as 30408. PO58KPU it is currently working out of Redditch.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 31, 2018, 02:50:09 PM
Have you actually seen this one?
Yes, saw it in City earlier on 16.
IF I DIDN'T SEE IT THEN I WOULDN'T POST IT! ::)
Guessing its just an old display but there's a photo on the main site of one of the solos working the 108 displaying the old terminus or have diamond axed the Sutton to erdington extension that central added to the route
Quote from: Winston on March 31, 2018, 02:55:09 PM
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1761716120552523&set=gm.438067003303782&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Reports on here suggest Rotala have acquired another B7RLE/Optare Esteem from the same batch as 30408. PO58KPU it is currently working out of Redditch.
PO58KPU:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/99180483@N03/41142228251
Quote from: Lukeee on April 01, 2018, 01:15:00 PM
Guessing its just an old display but there's a photo on the main site of one of the solos working the 108 displaying the old terminus or have diamond axed the Sutton to erdington extension that central added to the route
The route hasn't changed, you probably just saw an old display:
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/timetables/#/route/cen_18108_A_H_y11-3
Quote from: Stu on April 02, 2018, 09:22:01 AM
The route hasn't changed, you probably just saw an old display:
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/timetables/#/route/cen_18108_A_H_y11-3
I suppose wrong display is a slight step in the right direction given the amount of non-Displays I've seen...
Quote from: Will on May 03, 2018, 10:35:15 AM
Seen this on Facebook last night an interesting read
http://www.route-one.net/articles/HSBC_supports_Rotala_s_acquisition_strategy
You can have all the acquisition strategies in the World but if you can't get the basics right...
Public Inquiry (76823) to be held at Wyre forest District Council, Wyre Forest House, Council Chamber, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 7WF, on 21 June 2018 commencing at 10:00
PD0001374 SN
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Director(s): SIMON LEE DUNN, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, KIM TAYLOR, ROBERT BAKER
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
I'd be very interested to find out what the people of Preston think of Rotala and whether they believe things have improved since takeover. Certainly in Worcestershire I have seen very little positive reaction to diamond, with numerous passengers saying they wish First would return to Kiddy and Redditch. And First weren't exactly great there either which says a lot!
Quote from: j789 on May 04, 2018, 06:27:32 PM
I'd be very interested to find out what the people of Preston think of Rotala and whether they believe things have improved since takeover. Certainly in Worcestershire I have seen very little positive reaction to diamond, with numerous passengers saying they wish First would return to Kiddy and Redditch. And First weren't exactly great there either which says a lot!
Tbh across the board I find diamond drivers some of the friendliest drivers ever encountered. The problem is the buses which are neglected it seems. If you are going to invest in new buses/ second hand then you need a good maintenance team if not aren't you essentially wasting your money? 10 reg solo yesterday just randomly cut out and crawled up hills. Just my views
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 04, 2018, 06:32:29 PM
Tbh across the board I find diamond drivers some of the friendliest drivers ever encountered. The problem is the buses which are neglected it seems. If you are going to invest in new buses/ second hand then you need a good maintenance team if not aren't you essentially wasting your money? 10 reg solo yesterday just randomly cut out and crawled up hills. Just my views
The drivers on the 16/W have always been friendly tbf, but I think some serious maintenance needs to happen on a lot of the vehicles.
Vlz had a bit of a knock.
As diamond have made a start on the repaints with Hanson's/central as eu6kpa is out wonder if any more have
been painted
Solo on tow seen heading away from wheatsheaf at 5.45 towards airport
Quote from: Solo1 on June 09, 2018, 07:08:33 PM
Solo on tow seen heading away from wheatsheaf at 5.45 towards airport
Was it a KS03 reg by any chance?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 09, 2018, 07:09:26 PM
Was it a KS03 reg by any chance?
not sure just noticed the solo on how
Any one know what service the 1720 75 comes off. Thanks
PD0001374/101 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: WEST BROMWICH to BILSTON
Service number: 42A (42C, 43)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 19 Aug 2018
Quote from: Winston on July 12, 2018, 10:56:48 AM
PD0001374/101 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: WEST BROMWICH to BILSTON
Service number: 42A (42C, 43)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 19 Aug 2018
Huh, I didn't think that they'd bring back the 42A and 42C. I wonder if that'll include an update to the 43 at all, to match the newer route taken by the NXWM one?
Will the 42A and C take the same routes as before, or is this something different?
PD0001374/340 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Lower Farm, Bloxwich to Walsall Bus Station
Service number: 302
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 02 Sep 2018
PD0001374/261 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Walsall Bus Station to Mossley, The Eagle
Service number: 301
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 02 Sep 2018
The 302 has been cancelled.
Quote from: 2206 on July 26, 2018, 06:16:48 PM
PD0001374/340 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Lower Farm, Bloxwich to Walsall Bus Station
Service number: 302
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 02 Sep 2018
The 302 has been cancelled.
The 302 hasn't been cancelled, they are simply moving it on to the same registration as 31/32.
PD0001374/483 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Handsworth, Booth Street to Q3 Academy
Service number: 742
Service type: School or Works
Effective date: 01 Sep 2018
PD0001374/481 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Perry Barr to St, Francis of Assisi School
Service number: 739
Service type: School or Works
Effective date: 01 Sep 2018
Did we ever find out why Nx never changed to the 31 & 32 in the first place?
Quote from: Winston on July 26, 2018, 07:16:29 PM
The 302 hasn't been cancelled, they are simply moving it on to the same registration as 31/32.
PD0001374/483 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Handsworth, Booth Street to Q3 Academy
Service number: 742
Service type: School or Works
Effective date: 01 Sep 2018
PD0001374/481 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Perry Barr to St, Francis of Assisi School
Service number: 739
Service type: School or Works
Effective date: 01 Sep 2018
Presumably the Tridents will no longer be required at Tividale then?
Quote from: metrocity on July 26, 2018, 08:48:53 PM
Presumably the Tridents will no longer be required at Tividale then?
Possibly not, unless Redditch need them for any schools work. They could well end up at Preston Bus
SK18 TKF
SK18 TKJ
Two new WF Streetlites for Rotala apparently. No idea if it's accurate info and if it is, what they're for.
SA9DSRXXX16141323 AM682 07/2018
SA9DSRXXX16141324 AM683 07/2018
Source being buslistsontheweb.co.uk
Quote from: MW on July 27, 2018, 02:13:01 AM
SK18 TKF
SK18 TKJ
Two new WF Streetlites for Rotala apparently. No idea if it's accurate info and if it is, what they're for.
SA9DSRXXX16141323 AM682 07/2018
SA9DSRXXX16141324 AM683 07/2018
Source being buslistsontheweb.co.uk
Yes, that's correct. They are at Hallmark Connections, Heathrow along with 4 more (20150-3), they are yet to enter service.
20150 ST18TLJ
20151 ST18TLN
20152 ST18TLO
20153 ST18TLF
20154 ST18TKF
20155 ST18TKJ
20150-3 are 9.5M MicroHybrid 37 seaters
20154/5 are 8.8M 33 seaters
Just prior to the order being placed, Heathrow were due to have the following i.e. 8 to replace the 5 x ex Wessex Scania's (originally returning off lease/since been purchased) & some Volvo's for cascade. Since the order has been placed, types & quantities have been tweaked by the looks of it:
5 x 9.5m
3 x 10.2m
Quote from: MW on July 27, 2018, 11:32:01 AM
The 9.5M are WFs though aren't they? The DF come in 10.2, 10.8 and 11.5 as far as I'm aware.
I'm sure the current Diamond WFs are all 9.5m B37Fs, whilst the NX Dundee ones are 8.8M B33Fs.
20974-20982 are WF 9.5M, I suspect you're right, they must all be WF (not seen any pictures as are having CCTV fitted at present). I'm getting confused, as what's been delivered is different to what was originally expected to be ordered/allocated.
I've edited/removed the above posts to save any more confusion
Quote from: Winston on July 27, 2018, 11:38:58 AM
20974-20982 are WF 9.5M, I suspect you're right, they must all be WF (not seen any pictures as are having CCTV fitted at present). I'm getting confused, as what's been delivered is different to what was originally expected to be ordered/allocated.
I've edited/removed the above posts to save any more confusion
CCTV? That's un-Rotala like, unless it's just dash cams.
You've put in the message above x5 9.5m & x3 10.2m. Rotala doesn't have any 10.2m Streetlites atm, so that's odd too. All the DF examples are 10.8m.
Quote from: MW on July 27, 2018, 11:43:10 AM
CCTV? That's un-Rotala like, unless it's just dash cams.
You've put in the message above x5 9.5m & x3 10.2m. Rotala doesn't have any 10.2m Streetlites atm, so that's odd too. All the DF examples are 10.8m.
No, Simon has said CCTV.
It's irrelavent whether Rotala currently have 10.2M DF examples, this is what was originally intended to be ordered (the Friday before the order was placed):
Daimler Streetlites
5 x 9.5m
3 x 10.2m
17 x 10.8m
The 17 will be Mark 3 versions. I assume the 9.5m / 10.2m examples where stock, whilst the 10.8m (Mark 3) were built to order. It's been obviously been tweaked since.
I saw a Diamond Bus (registered: SK16 GXH) standing facing the Ring Road in Upper Well Street, Coventry this afternoon with its Bonnet up, so possibly had broken down ???
Quote from: Straightlines on May 04, 2018, 07:56:27 AM
You can have all the acquisition strategies in the World but if you can't get the basics right...
Public Inquiry (76823) to be held at Wyre forest District Council, Wyre Forest House, Council Chamber, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 7WF, on 21 June 2018 commencing at 10:00
PD0001374 SN
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Director(s): SIMON LEE DUNN, ANTHONY CHARLES GOOZEE, KIM TAYLOR, ROBERT BAKER
HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW
S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
Outcome was a relatively small fine I believe
Where are the street lites going to going that's on order thanks
Quote from: Solo1 on August 03, 2018, 08:56:46 PM
Where are the street lites going to going that's on order thanks
See reply #1718, you've also already replied to it:
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2074.1710
Preserved t reg Hanson's dart at Bewdley Severn valley station. Rear looks a little messy now. Also noticed a few seat cushions taken out. I guess you can't ride this at preservation events?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 30, 2018, 03:49:04 PM
Preserved t reg Hanson's dart at Bewdley Severn valley station. Rear looks a little messy now. Also noticed a few seat cushions taken out. I guess you can't ride this at preservation events?
To do with this I think?
http://www.svr.co.uk/pdf/Special%20Events/SVR%20On%20the%20Buses%20Event%20Info.pdf
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 30, 2018, 03:49:04 PM
Preserved t reg Hanson's dart at Bewdley Severn valley station. Rear looks a little messy now. Also noticed a few seat cushions taken out. I guess you can't ride this at preservation events?
Yeh it will be at Bewdley for that on Sunday but it lives near there anyway so probably arrives early or being kept there at moment. I have rode it at an event so it's probably just under repair etc
What's the pvr for the new 31/32 service only 1 in red so far
PD0001374/423 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Blackheath to Cradley Heath Interchange
Service number: 12
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 27 Oct 2018
PD0001374/441 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Brierley Hill to Fatherless Barn via Cradley Interchange
Service number: 14
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 27 Oct 2018
PD0001374/410 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Bloxwich to Walsall bus station
Service number: 19
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 27 Oct 2018
PD0001374/395 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: County Bridge, Devon Road to Bilston Bus Station via Willenhall
Service number: 303
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 27 Oct 2018
Has Igo got the 14 from the 27th October
This is interesting but on the 29 on a sunday we have 3 different buses one from start of service till 13:00 then from 13:00 till 15:30 and then another one till The end of service i think them are the times correct me if im wrong
Highly recommend the 75 route to any who have not travelled on it before. Incredible route with lots of fast stretches especially on a versa. In my opinion a better route than the 82 and 87.
Am I right about the brownhills 23 and Walsall 36 interwork got 20051 from brownhills school to bloxwich.got a McDonald's from Walsall :) and saw it again on the 36 at Bradford place to drop my friend of so he could get picked up if so another interwork I will have to type on my computer
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 01, 2018, 08:35:12 PM
Am I right about the brownhills 23 and Walsall 36 interwork got 20051 from brownhills school to bloxwich.got a McDonald's from Walsall :) and saw it again on the 36 at Bradford place to drop my friend of so he could get picked up if so another interwork I will have to type on my computer
Surely another duty rather than an interwork?
Quote from: Westy on October 01, 2018, 09:17:49 PM
Surely another duty rather than an interwork?
Thanks for thats
yes the driver on the 23 hands over to a late night driver who then goes on 36 for the evening
Quote from: cris 99 on October 01, 2018, 10:29:08 PM
yes the driver on the 23 hands over to a late night driver who then goes on 36 for the evening
In bloxwich or Walsall if you know
in bloxwich the late night driver does a couple of 23s first
Quote from: cris 99 on October 01, 2018, 10:37:08 PM
in bloxwich the late night driver does a couple of 23s first
Thanks for the information
@cris 99
PD0001374/487 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Wednesbury Bus Station to West Bromwich Bus Station via Hill Top
Service number: 64
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 08 Oct 2018
PD0001374/447 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge bus Station to Stourbridge Bus Station via Brockmoor
Service number: 250 (251)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Oct 2018
Quote from: Winston on October 01, 2018, 11:13:45 PM
PD0001374/487 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Wednesbury Bus Station to West Bromwich Bus Station via Hill Top
Service number: 64
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 08 Oct 2018
PD0001374/447 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge bus Station to Stourbridge Bus Station via Brockmoor
Service number: 250 (251)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Oct 2018
So will they not be withdrawn
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 01, 2018, 11:17:21 PM
So will they not be withdrawn
No, Diamond have registered the majority of 250/1 journeys commercially & are taking over the 64 from Igo early.
How come Igo is surrendering some routes early are they in trouble?
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on October 01, 2018, 11:27:59 PM
How come Igo is surrendering some routes early are they in trouble?
I understand they're struggling for drivers which is causing operational issues.
Quote from: Winston on October 01, 2018, 11:30:26 PM
I understand they're struggling for drivers which is causing operational issues.
cant the ring& ride drivers help out
Quote from: Solo1 on October 02, 2018, 07:29:16 AM
cant the ring& ride drivers help out
Most of those drivers will only be qualified to drive vehicles with capacity up to 16 seats
Quote from: metrocity on October 02, 2018, 07:55:55 AM
Most of those drivers will only be qualified to drive vehicles with capacity up to 16 seats
ok what's the difference between 16 seat & a primo driving
Quote from: Solo1 on October 02, 2018, 08:11:32 AM
ok what's the difference between 16 seat & a primo driving
License entitlement
Quote from: Tony on October 02, 2018, 08:15:03 AM
License entitlement
can they apply to increase to a minibus to drive a psv bus
Quote from: Solo1 on October 02, 2018, 09:39:34 AM
can they apply to increase to a minibus to drive a psv bus
Of course they can, but it is a completely seperate license, so would have to take another driving test
On top of that remember there is all that discussion over whether section 22 permits can be used on stage carriage service a decision is due by the end of the year. Could be fun if blue or green discs are required as most igo ones are white!!
Hmm.
One wonders if Igo will be around in the long term then?
Another ex Hanson's route gone now...
As an aside, anyone know what the new livery looks like?
Is 20974 and 30120 withdrawn or out of use
And what garage is 30003 at please
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 02, 2018, 06:35:56 PM
Is 20974 and 30120 withdrawn or out of use
And what garage is 30003 at please
I only updated the fleet list on the main site last night.
Use that to check
Quote from: Tony on October 02, 2018, 06:43:26 PM
I only updated the fleet list on the main site last night.
Use that to check
Ok thanks for that Tony now done and checked
just a quick question wheres stanwell depot ?
Quote from: cris 99 on October 02, 2018, 08:08:20 PM
just a quick question wheres stanwell depot ?
Near Heathrow Airport
Anyone got a copy of the new 250/1 timetable so I can compare it against the current one?
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 03, 2018, 02:02:20 PM
Anyone got a copy of the new 250/1 timetable so I can compare it against the current one?
The NX tender which covers the 287 and part of the 250 is going to be the 28 service
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 03, 2018, 02:02:20 PM
Anyone got a copy of the new 250/1 timetable so I can compare it against the current one?
It was only showing as registered on Monday, so doubt it's in the public domain yet.
Quote from: Tony on October 03, 2018, 02:11:00 PM
The NX tender which covers the 287 and part of the 250 is going to be the 28 service
@Tony are the tender changes going to become new merged services.
With nx winning tenders will there be another big move around with platinums due?
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on October 03, 2018, 03:11:28 PM
@Tony are the tender changes going to become new merged services.
With nx winning tenders will there be another big move around with platinums due?
NX 28 is replacing the 287 + some of the 250 as Tony's already stated.
It will only be 2/3 buses worth of work if similar frequencies to now.
Quote from: Winston on October 03, 2018, 04:37:06 PM
NX 28 is replacing the 287 + some of the 250 as Tony's already stated.
It will only be 2/3 buses worth of work if similar frequencies to now.
It's 3 buses. First transfer into Pensnett on Friday
Quote from: Winston on October 03, 2018, 04:37:06 PM
NX 28 is replacing the 287 + some of the 250 as Tony's already stated.
It will only be 2/3 buses worth of work if similar frequencies to now.
So diamond and Nx competing on the 250?
Presume e200 on 28 service?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 03, 2018, 05:08:37 PM
So diamond and Nx competing on the 250?
Presume e200 on 28 service?
This is rather confusing. Unless Diamond have registered the other part of the circular commercially so it's an end to end route Merry Hill - Stourbridge via Brockmoor and Audnam with the 28 as Tony says via the current 287 and beyond to Wollaston to augment the 8? Pure guesswork obviously but if it is true then perhaps it does provide scope for an increase in frequency on the 8 as well
Rotala article in latest Routeone which also includes the revised livery application for Diamond's 27 new buses:
http://www.route-one.net/magazines/emag/routeone761/page_32.html
Heard this rumour for quite sometime now but apparently the 29 between Walsall-blakenall church is going to be scrapped is there any truth in this or is just another rumour that won't happen
Quote from: Winston on October 10, 2018, 12:28:41 PM
Rotala article in latest Routeone which also includes the revised livery application for Diamond's 27 new buses:
http://www.route-one.net/magazines/emag/routeone761/page_32.html
Also the diamond livery looks very nove can't wait to see it on the 27 new streetlites
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 15, 2018, 07:17:19 PM
Heard this rumour for quite sometime now but apparently the 29 between Walsall-blakenall church is going to be scrapped is there any truth in this or is just another rumour that won't happen
Also the diamond livery looks very nove can't wait to see it on the 27 new streetlites
Does that 29 get the passengers compared to the Nx version?
Its 2 different stops in Walsall for starters!
Quote from: Westy on October 15, 2018, 07:26:44 PM
Does that 29 get the passengers compared to the Nx version?
Its 2 different stops in Walsall for starters!
Tbh in the morning there is quite a few people on there with 4 buses on and then it goes back 3 but from what I've seen on Saturdays it's not very packed in the daytime
And also I don't seem why they have moved the NX 29 and left the diamond 29 so so it's both are quit far away from each other a lot of people when the stands changed where huffing and puffing about the two 29 both in different areas I didn't get why they did it but let's be honest if the 29 diamond moved stand that would only leave IGO's and diamonds 19 on its own so I can see where they might be coming from
Quote from: Westy on October 15, 2018, 07:26:44 PM
Does that 29 get the passengers compared to the Nx version?
Its 2 different stops in Walsall for starters!
Diamond don't even run the whole route, they only go to Blakenall.
And they only run till 20:00 aswell
A regular on the 29 who I was talking to on the way back from school said there going to withdraw the 29 in December just before Christmas is this true I'm sure
@Simon Dunn could confirm it and will NX increase the frequency of the 29 or maybe IGO could take over it would be a shame just seeing NX run the same buses on everyday with occasion volvos and deckers but with diamond they will stick on anything on well over the couple of weeks they have with volvos,enviro 300,darts,solos,solo SR (white),ex central solo,and a enviro 200 on one day a couple of weeks ago
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 18, 2018, 07:12:37 PM
A regular on the 29 who I was talking to on the way back from school said there going to withdraw the 29 in December just before Christmas is this true I'm sure @Simon Dunn could confirm it and will NX increase the frequency of the 29 or maybe IGO could take over it would be a shame just seeing NX run the same buses on everyday with occasion volvos and deckers but with diamond they will stick on anything on well over the couple of weeks they have with volvos,enviro 300,darts,solos,solo SR (white),ex central solo,and a enviro 200 on one day a couple of weeks ago
Strange that this "regular" claims to know something, before the company has announced anything.
Igo are a not for profit organisation.
So it is, extremley unlikely Igo would take it over, a service would still exsist operated by NX and they don't operate commercial services (The reason is to do with them being a not for profit operation - they run buses on tendered routes and operate the ring and ride service without making a profit), they seem to not have won anything and lost some services at the recent round as well.
It doesn't operate just so you can see what buses are on it, it's a commercial service, so if it's not commercially viable then it'd be withdrawn whatever operator is operating it, especially when there's an alternative service already in place.
Neither will your average passenger care if it's an Omnilink everyday, a bus is a bus and they'll only want to get from A to B.
There is nothing at present stopping igo from competing on a commercial service as long as any money over the cost to run the service is put back into the operation of the business so as not to make a profit.
They did run a placing journey on the 900 a few years back.
Having said that I can't imagine for one minute they would run on the 29.
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 18, 2018, 07:12:37 PM
A regular on the 29 who I was talking to on the way back from school said there going to withdraw the 29 in December just before Christmas is this true I'm sure @Simon Dunn could confirm it and will NX increase the frequency of the 29 or maybe IGO could take over it would be a shame just seeing NX run the same buses on everyday with occasion volvos and deckers but with diamond they will stick on anything on well over the couple of weeks they have with volvos,enviro 300,darts,solos,solo SR (white),ex central solo,and a enviro 200 on one day a couple of weeks ago
We are coming off the 29 on 25/11/18
@Simon Dunn is there a board that does a 4H and then goes onto a 54 upon reaching West Brom from Walsall?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 19, 2018, 09:18:54 AM
@Simon Dunn is there a board that does a 4H and then goes onto a 54 upon reaching West Brom from Walsall?
There are two duties that do this.
Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 19, 2018, 04:57:46 AM
We are coming off the 29 on 25/11/18
25/11/18 is a Sunday, will last day be Saturday 24th then? what other changes planned?
Quote from: Kevin2017 on October 19, 2018, 06:01:24 PM
25/11/18 is a Sunday, will last day be Saturday 24th then? what other changes planned?
They do run on a Sunday with 1 bus
How much is the 29 withdrawal down to using a different stop to Nx in Walsall & only running to Blakenall?
I got told due to passenger shortages by a driver
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 19, 2018, 07:02:50 PM
I got told due to passenger shortages by a driver
Do you mean driver shortages?
No sorry didn't make it clear no passengers on journeys
Diamond have received the first vehicle in their new order of Mellor Strata's with LS68 FOF arriving at Tividale today.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on October 23, 2018, 07:29:12 PM
Diamond have received the first vehicle in their new order of Mellor Strata's with LS68 FOF arriving at Tividale today.
Do you know if it was delivered in their new livery or will that be done by Diamond themselves?
Quote from: StourValley98 on October 23, 2018, 09:24:09 PM
Do you know if it was delivered in their new livery or will that be done by Diamond themselves?
It has been delivered in two tone blue base livery only.
Quote from: Winston on October 23, 2018, 09:31:22 PM
It has been delivered in two tone blue base livery only.
Gotcha, so any details and their logos are vinyl over the top then?
Quote from: StourValley98 on October 23, 2018, 09:38:25 PM
Gotcha, so any details and their logos are vinyl over the top then?
Yes, remainder is vinyl, same as current TfWM livery application
Picture here if you can view it:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212867805549455&set=gm.565165080593973&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Quote from: Winston on October 23, 2018, 09:50:06 PM
Yes, remainder is vinyl, same as current TfWM livery application
Picture here if you can view it:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212867805549455&set=gm.565165080593973&type=3&theater&ifg=1
I can't view that, but I've seen how the TfWM ones are done before anyhow. Thanks for the info.
Quote from: StourValley98 on October 24, 2018, 02:50:45 AM
I can't view that, but I've seen how the TfWM ones are done before anyhow. Thanks for the info.
@StourValley98 the photo also on the West Midlands Transport group too, which I know you're on. I've attached the photo below anyway by Kieran Chandail.
Will there be any fleet numbers to these vehicles or will it based on the number plate
They will be allocated fleet numbers.
Thank you so much for the reply and info greatly appreciated
Has the Diamond 12 service that operates between Cradley Heath and Blackheath been officially withdrawn, I know notices on buses were saying that Diamond were no longer operating the service, but can't find a replacement operator and the timetable has vanished from the Network West Milands website.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 28, 2018, 12:38:07 PM
Has the Diamond 12 service that operates between Cradley Heath and Blackheath been officially withdrawn, I know notices on buses were saying that Diamond were no longer operating the service, but can't find a replacement operator and the timetable has vanished from the Network West Milands website.
According to the NWM upcoming changes page it says service withdrawn due to very low passenger numbers.
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on October 28, 2018, 01:11:10 PM
According to the NWM upcoming changes page it says service withdrawn due to very low passenger numbers.
Thanks
@Matt.N0056
Anyone know where 20051 is based as I still see it on tividale routes
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on November 02, 2018, 08:14:44 PM
Anyone know where 20051 is based as I still see it on tividale routes
Tividale then
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 02, 2018, 08:19:15 PM
Tividale then
it listed as Kidderminster unless it's up here for repair/mot or another reason
Quote from: Solo1 on November 02, 2018, 08:22:34 PM
it listed as Kidderminster unless it's up here for repair/mot or another reason
It's allocated to Tividale.
Tividale
I was just looking at some of
@John photos and I came across this one which was like what NX have at there Birmingham garages (the display I'm on a about)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/45701989192/in/photostream/
21001 was my bus to harden road this morning I think this might be the last time I get a ride on also the driver was belting past ryecroft cemetery but the "BING" on The bell didn't work so had to get off at the next stop
Hi all, does anyone happen to know what typeface was used back in the day with this 002 branding? It was also applied to the 401E, 404, 226 and I'm sure others. Thanks.
(https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/5812607818_29fbcb2313_b.jpg)
@Simon Dunn just viewed your Twitter and there's a report of the last 002 from Weoley castle not operating. It seems this happened fairly recently too. Did the bus breakdown and no replacement could be found? Last bus of the day not operating really isn't great
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 04, 2018, 09:10:33 PM
@Simon Dunn just viewed your Twitter and there's a report of the last 002 from Weoley castle not operating. It seems this happened fairly recently too. Did the bus breakdown and no replacement could be found? Last bus of the day not operating really isn't great
If it doesn't affect you personally why you getting involved/brave for?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 04, 2018, 10:13:55 PM
If it doesn't affect you personally why you getting involved/brave for?
So as long as you don't catch the bus it's fine. I could also have relied on that service to turn up
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 04, 2018, 10:13:55 PM
If it doesn't affect you personally why you getting involved/brave for?
Could of been a family member
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 04, 2018, 10:13:55 PM
If it doesn't affect you personally why you getting involved/brave for?
That question can apply to yourself.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 04, 2018, 09:10:33 PM
@Simon Dunn just viewed your Twitter and there's a report of the last 002 from Weoley castle not operating. It seems this happened fairly recently too. Did the bus breakdown and no replacement could be found? Last bus of the day not operating really isn't great
Sorry for the delay - I have been in Hospital. Do you know the exact date this happened, and I will look into it.
Simon
Quote from: Simon Dunn on December 09, 2018, 07:51:25 AM
Sorry for the delay - I have been in Hospital. Do you know the exact date this happened, and I will look into it.
Simon
Tuesday 4th December
Quote from: Simon Dunn on December 09, 2018, 07:51:25 AM
Sorry for the delay - I have been in Hospital. Do you know the exact date this happened, and I will look into it.
Simon
Hoping you are well Simon and thank you for your continued contributions to this forum. :)
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 09, 2018, 08:37:24 AM
Tuesday 4th December
I have spoken to our customer services, and they have review what happened.
The service did operate - although very late.
Quote from: Simon Dunn on December 10, 2018, 06:23:33 PM
I have spoken to our customer services, and they have review what happened.
The service did operate - although very late.
Ah ok thanks for the reply and your continued participation in this forum
4H service what a joke. 18:30,18:45 and 19:15 did not operate from Hayley green.
@Simon Dunn The reason for this is traffic, I understand, but it's a absolute joke. When you get 2 buses which both terminate at Blackheath, and one that goes through. This means that from 18:30 to 19:45 there wouldn't be a bus to Halesowen or further. What kind of service is that really? The lack of communication from office is clearly a problem. Drivers get told to adjust themselves, not bothering about any passengers. Funny how the buses that terminate at Hayley green are the only ones that run ontime of an evening. I'm going to go as far as to say SOME of your drivers purposely run late so they can have a break.
Look forward to hearing your response.
Regards
@Trident 4194 not being funny, but do you ever think that some of your complaints on here could potentially lead to someone getting into serious trouble or even dismissed from there employment... It seems you are more than happy to jump on here and criticised professional drivers and making wild accusations "some of your drivers run late purposely so they can havwe a break" without having any viable information to make such accusations. I'm not trying to have a go at you because I ain't about that life but times are hard and friends are few and I'm sure being a driver is hard enouth. Like most professions. Without having to worry about vigilantes making unfounded accusations on a public forum...
Quote from: danny on December 13, 2018, 11:30:43 PM
@Trident 4194 not being funny, but do you ever think that some of your complaints on here could potentially lead to someone getting into serious trouble or even dismissed from there employment... It seems you are more than happy to jump on here and criticised professional drivers and making wild accusations "some of your drivers run late purposely so they can havwe a break" without having any viable information to make such accusations. I'm not trying to have a go at you because I ain't about that life but times are hard and friends are few and I'm sure being a driver is hard enouth. Like most professions. Without having to worry about vigilantes making unfounded accusations on a public forum...
At the end of the day, it's a public forum, and drivers are in a public, customer facing role. The criticism just comes as part of the job in my opinion.
Quote from: danny on December 13, 2018, 11:30:43 PM
@Trident 4194 not being funny, but do you ever think that some of your complaints on here could potentially lead to someone getting into serious trouble or even dismissed from there employment... It seems you are more than happy to jump on here and criticised professional drivers and making wild accusations "some of your drivers run late purposely so they can havwe a break" without having any viable information to make such accusations. I'm not trying to have a go at you because I ain't about that life but times are hard and friends are few and I'm sure being a driver is hard enouth. Like most professions. Without having to worry about vigilantes making unfounded accusations on a public forum...
I don't actually believe it's really a fault of the drivers I want to make that clear. I believe it's more organisations fault for not allowing more running time in peak times. I don't wish for any driver to be sacked nor would I want them to be. There may be a select couple that run late on purpose. They just want to arrive back at garage ontime, I understand that, but it's not good customer service. It would only be like filing a complaint to the company. They can't actually sack any of these drivers for running late anyway.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 13, 2018, 08:14:42 PM
4H service what a joke. 18:30,18:45 and 19:15 did not operate from Hayley green. @Simon Dunn
The reason for this is traffic, I understand, but it's a absolute joke. When you get 2 buses which both terminate at Blackheath, and one that goes through. This means that from 18:30 to 19:45 there wouldn't be a bus to Halesowen or further. What kind of service is that really? The lack of communication from office is clearly a problem. Drivers get told to adjust themselves, not bothering about any passengers. Funny how the buses that terminate at Hayley green are the only ones that run ontime of an evening. I'm going to go as far as to say SOME of your drivers purposely run late so they can have a break.
Look forward to hearing your response.
Regards
Where do you have the bus departing from at 1830/1845/1915?
Simon
Quote from: Simon Dunn on December 14, 2018, 04:00:05 PM
Where do you have the bus departing from at 1830/1845/1915?
Simon
Hayley green lutley lane. I don't want to get any drivers sacked, and to me it is more important to try and find a long term solution to this problem.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1885958994991792/permalink/2195377637383258/)30966 in New diamond livery ~credit to Ian Poole~
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1885958994991792/permalink/2195377637383258/
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on December 17, 2018, 04:47:47 PM
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1885958994991792/permalink/2195377637383258/)30966 in New diamond livery ~credit to Ian Poole~
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1885958994991792/permalink/2195377637383258/
Not viewable, as I'm not in the group!
Quote from: Westy on December 17, 2018, 05:15:30 PM
Not viewable, as I'm not in the group!
Sorry try and attach a picture
Does it work
Quote from: Westy on December 17, 2018, 05:15:30 PM
Not viewable, as I'm not in the group!
Here's a better photo of it which I took yesterday
@Westy. The livery is not complete yet, as it's still got to be vinyled up.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 18, 2018, 08:34:35 AM
Here's a better photo of it which I took yesterday @Westy. The livery is not complete yet, as it's still got to be vinyled up.
That looks so much better compared to the half-arsed attempt of a previous repaint it had...
That looks nice, on a par with the Nx crimson.
By the way, have all 'Black Diamond' & 'Red Diamond' vehicles disappeared now?
New Streetlites now in build in Ireland - Credit to the owner of this photo
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128789124@N06/46319887262/in/feed
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on December 18, 2018, 06:37:32 PM
New Streetlites now in build in Ireland - Credit to the owner of this photo
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128789124@N06/46319887262/in/feed
There's a picture here from the rear.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/32489056118/in/dateposted/
With them being MK3 examples, I was expecting them to have the odd shaped nearside grille in the front bumper as First Group examples
Quote from: Westy on December 18, 2018, 06:25:21 PM
That looks nice, on a par with the Nx crimson.
By the way, have all 'Black Diamond' & 'Red Diamond' vehicles disappeared now?
Red Diamond yes, Black Diamond no, 20522 at Redditch is still in Black Diamond livery.
Quote from: Winston on December 18, 2018, 06:50:10 PM
There's a picture here from the rear.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/32489056118/in/dateposted/
With them being MK3 examples, I was expecting them to have the odd shaped nearside grille in the front bumper as First Group examples
Yeah I was expecting that, think it may be just the Micro Hybrids that have it seeing as the Arriva Derby ones don't either ?
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on December 18, 2018, 08:55:15 PM
Yeah I was expecting that, think it may be just the Micro Hybrids that have it seeing as the Arriva Derby ones don't either ?
Diamond's 17 x Streetlites will also be Micro Hybrids. I noticed the Arriva one didn't either. Tbf the grille looked a bit odd anyway.
Just saw what looked like 30966 on The Dudley bypass tracker shoes this morning on 35a tracker shows a decker on there
Quote from: Solo1 on December 20, 2018, 01:54:40 PM
Just saw what looked like 30966 on The Dudley bypass tracker shoes this morning on 35a tracker shows a decker on there
The tracker isn't 100% accurate, hence why we said for members not to post tracker sightings.
Quote from: Solo1 on December 20, 2018, 01:54:40 PM
Just saw what looked like 30966 on The Dudley bypass tracker shoes this morning on 35a tracker shows a decker on there
I saw 30966 on the 35 photo will be on the photo link shortly
Quote from: Jack on December 18, 2018, 07:55:42 PM
Red Diamond yes, Black Diamond no, 20522 at Redditch is still in Black Diamond livery.
Can confirm 20522 is still a Black Diamond , just seen in Bromsgrove. 8)
Saw 30966 out of service at Kingstanding Circle this afternoon (would of been on the 88 or 89) still without the new vinyls.
The cancellations for all Solihull s1, s2, S3, S11, S15, 82 and 88 are now on VOSA.
Looking at VOSA, it seems there will be a new 11 and 12 service starting from the next day - 24th Feb - though the page doesn't contain any details on the route of these services, I assume they will be partial replacements for these services?
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/528540/
In addition to this, it appears Diamond have won the 42 service in Coventry from Johnsons.
PD0001374/490 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Brownshill Green, Hawkes Mill Road to Coventry, Pool Meadow
Service number: 42 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Feb 2019
After seeing a photo on Flickr: 20524 (YX09 HZB) is at Kidderminster depot repainted into the new two-tone livery. It moved over on the 20th December, the photographer took the photo on Boxing Day.
New Route 12 - Solihulll Circular via Damsonwood.
PD0001374/492 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Solihull Railway Station to Station Approach via Huxbey Drive
Service number: 12 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Feb 2019 Replacing route S1 it seems.
New Route 11:
PD0001374/491 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Solihull Railway Station to Solihull Railway Station via Beechwood Park Road
Service number: 11 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Feb 2019
Solihull Circular via Beechwood Park Rd. Replacing route S11 it seems.
Does anyone know if they've kept the S2/S3, or whats happening to those routes?
Quote from: 2206 on January 04, 2019, 10:54:01 AM
New Route 12 - Solihulll Circular via Damsonwood.
PD0001374/492 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Solihull Railway Station to Station Approach via Huxbey Drive
Service number: 12 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Feb 2019 Replacing route S1 it seems.
New Route 11:
PD0001374/491 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Solihull Railway Station to Solihull Railway Station via Beechwood Park Road
Service number: 11 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Feb 2019
Solihull Circular via Beechwood Park Rd. Replacing route S11 it seems.
Does anyone know if they've kept the S2/S3, or whats happening to those routes?
Driver talk would suggest S2/S3 are gains for Silverline
Quote from: metrocity on January 04, 2019, 11:22:44 AM
Driver talk would suggest S2/S3 are gains for Silverline
They are advertising for extra drivers now, even mentioning 'new buses', will be interesting to see how the Solihull network looks by Easter.
Diamond confirming the changes to their Solihull and Coventry services....
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/signature-changes/
Quote from: JPC on January 11, 2019, 08:00:28 PM
Diamond confirming the changes to their Solihull and Coventry services....
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/signature-changes/
Very goof of diamond to offer part refunds for those with monthly passes for their services, and advising the last date they should purchase them. Great customer focus there
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 11, 2019, 08:25:07 PM
Very goof of diamond to offer part refunds for those with monthly passes for their services, and advising the last date they should purchase them. Great customer focus there
Well I don't think it would have been very good if they didn't do that, considering these passes will be useless to passenger after the date of withdrawl - e.g. if someone had paid for a term pass lasting till April.
I'm sure I've seen other operators elcewhere, offer refunds in the past as well.
So does this mean 'Spot The Signature' on other routes, as presumbly they wont be repainted straightaway?
Quote from: Westy on January 11, 2019, 08:46:00 PM
So does this mean 'Spot The Signature' on other routes, as presumbly they wont be repainted straightaway?
Redditch routes will suddenly become Signature, lol
Quote from: Kevin on January 12, 2019, 03:14:28 PM
Redditch routes will suddenly become Signature, lol
Or maybe the 50, in response to Platinum lol
Quote from: MW on January 12, 2019, 05:29:53 PM
Or maybe the 50, in response to Platinum lol
That would actually make sense aswell signature VS platinum
Quote from: Kevin on January 12, 2019, 03:14:28 PM
Redditch routes will suddenly become Signature, lol
That may be the case in the short term but judging by the website...
Quote'Diamond Signature' will be withdrawn and our services that are continuing in the area will be operated as Diamond Buses.
Maybe, it could be that the signature vehicles are leaving the fleet altogether?
I would of thought the signature buses would of been painted into the new livery & used on Redditch services
Quote from: Solo1 on January 12, 2019, 07:10:44 PM
I would of thought the signature buses would of been painted into the new livery & used on Redditch services
Maybe
@Simon Dunn could confirm what's gonna happen to them
posted on another forum new buses for Kidderminster and Redditch minibuses quote for Redditch and for Kidderminster buses are for 125 ? I do not know if it is right as people who posted said a driver told them . which I have tried to tell the person from Kidderminster before not to take everything drivers tell them as correct.
Quote from: Cedric on January 20, 2019, 12:30:48 PM
posted on another forum new buses for Kidderminster and Redditch minibuses quote for Redditch and for Kidderminster buses are for 125 ? I do not know if it is right as people who posted said a driver told them . which I have tried to tell the person from Kidderminster before not to take everything drivers tell them as correct.
Redditch are due 3 x Mellor Strata's & I believe 4 × 9.6m Streetlites, not sure on Kidderminster. Highly unlikely mininuses will go on the 125. More likely a WCC tendered route.
Quote from: Winston on January 20, 2019, 02:25:28 PM
Redditch are due 3 x Mellor Strata's & I believe 4 × 9.6m Streetlites, not sure on Kidderminster. Highly unlikely mininuses will go on the 125. More likely a WCC tendered route.
I thought all the streetlites were for tividale
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on January 20, 2019, 02:37:09 PM
I thought all the streetlites were for tividale
There's 17 x 10.6m Streetlites due imminently which were destined for Central Birmingham routes.
Rotala have since ordered a further 10 x 9.6m Streetlites for Diamond, 5 x 9.6m Streetlites for Hotel Hoppa & 15 more Mellor Strata's (3 confirmed for Redditch to date)
If the rumours are true about the 50 being operated from Redditch after February, I'd expect a further 8-9 Streetlites from those 17 will be heading to Redditch too.
Quote from: MW on January 20, 2019, 03:23:07 PM
If the rumours are true about the 50 being operated from Redditch after February, I'd expect a further 8-9 Streetlites from those 17 will be heading to Redditch too.
If those rumours were true I wonder if they'd return to operating 50 journeys through to Redditch (obviously not every journey, like 1 per hour or even god forbid half hourly)
20524 in New livery photo in photo links page
Fleetnumbers & registrations for the 17 x Wrights Streetlite Micro Hybrid 10.8m, 41 Seaters, Daimler Engined, all will be in two-tone Dimaond Bus livery:
32221 SN68AJJ (Arrived at Tividale in base colours approx an hour ago - see Rotala Facebook page)
32222 SN68AJH
32223 SN68AJG
32224 SN68AJF
32225 SN68AJE
32226 SN68AJD
32227 SN68AJC
32228 SN68AJB
32229 SN68AJA
32230 SN68AHW
32231 SN68AHT
32232 SN68AHS
32233 SN68AHR
32234 SN68AHM
32235 SN68AHH
32236 SN68AHB
32237 SN68AGW
Depot/route allocations still to be confirmed.
I'm trying to find out some background information about the ROTALA operation in the West Midlands. I have found out
Go West Midlands entered in December 2005 taking over BCC and then in March 2006 People's Express.
ROTALA entered in October 2006 introducing the Central Connect brand, taking over Zak's (10/06), Birmingham Motor Traction (11/06), NBB (07/07), Ludlows (09/07).
ROTALA then purchased the Go West Midlands operation.
Was it GWM or ROTALA who introduced the Black, Blue and Red Diamond brands and what dates were these introduced?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 27, 2019, 04:47:27 PM
I'm trying to find out some background information about the ROTALA operation in the West Midlands. I have found out
Go West Midlands entered in December 2005 taking over BCC and then in March 2006 People's Express.
ROTALA entered in October 2006 introducing the Central Connect brand, taking over Zak's (10/06), Birmingham Motor Traction (11/06), NBB (07/07), Ludlows (09/07).
ROTALA then purchased the Go West Midlands operation.
Was it GWM or ROTALA who introduced the Black, Blue and Red Diamond brands and what dates were these introduced?
Blue Diamond was introduced a lot later than that from what I remember.
Blue Diamond was what was Central Connect which ran out of Long Arce, Rotalla certainly introduced this one.
I believe it was Rotalla, Red Diamond was Redditch and Worcester, Black Diamond for the Black Country.
All of those are now long gone though and all Diamond buses operate as Diamond Buses.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 27, 2019, 04:47:27 PM
I'm trying to find out some background information about the ROTALA operation in the West Midlands. I have found out
Go West Midlands entered in December 2005 taking over BCC and then in March 2006 People's Express.
ROTALA entered in October 2006 introducing the Central Connect brand, taking over Zak's (10/06), Birmingham Motor Traction (11/06), NBB (07/07), Ludlows (09/07).
ROTALA then purchased the Go West Midlands operation.
Was it GWM or ROTALA who introduced the Black, Blue and Red Diamond brands and what dates were these introduced?
Black Diamond was officially launched 8th October 2008 (see John Everill's launch photos):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johneverill/33262363244/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johneverill/33719896000/in/photostream/
The first Volvo B7RLE/Plaxton Centro ventured out for photos un-registered on the 18th July 2008:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johneverill/34079439295/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johneverill/34104462145/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johneverill/33719456670/in/photostream/
The first vehicles to enter service were the MAN / Plaxton Centro's 802-805 (now 30802-5) & 08 plate Volvo B7RLE / Plaxton Centro's 807-810 (now 30807-10) all late July/August 2008.
I believe the 'Red Diamond' brand was also first introduced with the arrival of the first 4 x Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse 850-853 (now 30850-2 & 30862), there's a picture on Tony's main page of 850 on 19th July 2008 @ Tividale depot:
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30850.html
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 27, 2019, 04:47:27 PM
I'm trying to find out some background information about the ROTALA operation in the West Midlands. I have found out
Go West Midlands entered in December 2005 taking over BCC and then in March 2006 People's Express.
ROTALA entered in October 2006 introducing the Central Connect brand, taking over Zak's (10/06), Birmingham Motor Traction (11/06), NBB (07/07), Ludlows (09/07).
ROTALA then purchased the Go West Midlands operation.
Was it GWM or ROTALA who introduced the Black, Blue and Red Diamond brands and what dates were these introduced?
It was rotalla that introduced black/red/blue diamond. Go West Midlands used a modified version of the old diamond buses BCC livery (loosing the black roof and changing the logo)
I hope I have done this right - copied from the DeCourcey forum.
Quote from: JPC on July 21, 2018, 03:00:57 PM
I also wonder if the Diamond X30/31 tender is due for expiry possibly next year, the service began in summer of 2009 and was allocated funding by the now defunct Advantage West Midlands, it'll be another mop up by WMCA I suppose.
Does this mean the X30/31 tender ending/starting April 2019? Any news yet on what will happen?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 27, 2019, 04:47:27 PM
I'm trying to find out some background information about the ROTALA operation in the West Midlands. I have found out
Go West Midlands entered in December 2005 taking over BCC and then in March 2006 People's Express.
ROTALA entered in October 2006 introducing the Central Connect brand, taking over Zak's (10/06), Birmingham Motor Traction (11/06), NBB (07/07), Ludlows (09/07).
ROTALA then purchased the Go West Midlands operation.
Was it GWM or ROTALA who introduced the Black, Blue and Red Diamond brands and what dates were these introduced?
Central Connect traded as a separate business to Diamond, eventually being rebranded Blue diamond in 2011. Ludlows was kept as a separate business for about a year after the deal before it was absorbed into the Diamond network in 2008/2009
Fair play to the mother:
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/mother-hands-daughter-police-after-15743438
Quote from: sonic84 on January 28, 2019, 06:30:56 PM
Central Connect traded as a separate business to Diamond, eventually being rebranded Blue diamond in 2011. Ludlows was kept as a separate business for about a year after the deal before it was absorbed into the Diamond network in 2008/2009
Red and Black Diamond were introduced in 8/2008. Blue Diamond was introduced 11/2011.
Ludlows was purchased by Rotala (Central Connect) 21/6/2007, the sale was finalized on 1/4/2008. By then Rotala had purchased Go Ahead West Midlands (Diamond). Ludlow's was merged with the Diamond operations at Tividale on 1/1/2009 and the Halesowen base closed. Central Connect (Blue Diamond) and Diamond were merged in Dec 2012.
Is tividale new streetlight out today
Quote from: Jordan on January 30, 2019, 01:02:58 PM
Is tividale new streetlight out today
No it's booked for the rest of the vinyals to be applied today
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on January 30, 2019, 02:18:01 PM
No it's booked for the rest of the vinyals to be applied today
Incorrect, it's been sighted in service on the 31.
Quote from: Nathan on January 30, 2019, 02:24:05 PM
Incorrect, it's been sighted in service.
Vinyling has been postponed until tomorrow, so it's been sent out on the 31/32 this afternoon.
Quote from: Nathan on January 30, 2019, 02:24:05 PM
Incorrect, it's been sighted in service on the 31.
Oh thanks my local I'll see if I can find it
Quote from: Michael Bevan on January 30, 2019, 03:11:14 PM
Vinyling has been postponed until tomorrow, so it's been sent out on the 31/32 this afternoon.
photo in the photo links of it on 31
32221 has now had all of it's vinyls applied. I've been told it will be going on the 31/32 again this afternoon on the same board as yesterday.
32227 has been noted at Heysham Docks today along with 3 x 9.6m all over white examples (2 with Diamond WM legal lettering, 1 x DBNW)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nsf323alistair/
Registrations for the 10 x 9.6m DF Streetlites (arriving in white / to dealer stock spec) are as follows:
20157 SN68AJT
20158 SN68AJW
20159 SN68AJZ
20160 SN68AKA
20161 SN68AJK
20162 SN68AJL
20163 SN68AJM
20164 SN68AJP
20165 SN68AJR
20166 SN68AJS
Only 20157-60 are confirmed allocated to DBNW at Atherton.
There's a streetlite on the 002, '68 reg. Didn't catch anything else
Any (68reg) streetlites out today, at all?
theres 2 on the 002 according to the bus tracker.
Quote from: midlandred2003 on February 05, 2019, 09:43:08 AM
theres 2 on the 002 according to the bus tracker.
Cheers. Much appreciated. :D
@Winston do you think some the white streetlites will come to tividale to replace the victims of the arson attack?
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on February 05, 2019, 12:59:21 PM
@Winston do you think some the white streetlites will come to tividale to replace the victims of the arson attack?
And withdrawn then straight away?
All the fire victims were already off the road.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on February 05, 2019, 12:59:21 PM
@Winston do you think some the white streetlites will come to tividale to replace the victims of the arson attack?
4 were initially thought to be going to Redditch for the 146 & 1 Coventry, the other 2 were unallocated, but none of this has been confirmed.
Only some of the two-tone blue ones will go to Tividale (trialled on 002) then 3 to Kiddi for 125 & 7 ish to Redditch to operate the 50 if that's still moving from Tividale to cover loss of Signature work from end of Feb.
It's a shame if the 125 goes Streetshites. :( The MetroCity's are powerful buses, I just hope they don't get ruined
Quote from: Jack on February 05, 2019, 04:39:53 PM
It's a shame if the 125 goes Streetshites. :( The MetroCity's are powerful buses, I just hope they don't get ruined
There not very reliable either by the amount of times they aren't on the 125
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 05, 2019, 05:26:30 PM
There not very reliable either by the amount of times they aren't on the 125
Poor things, gone are the days of CB when they were always mechanically healthy.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 05, 2019, 05:26:30 PM
There not very reliable either by the amount of times they aren't on the 125
This maybe nothing to do with reliability. When CB operated them from Kidderminster they only had 1 or 2 routes to put them on. Diamond have considerably more routes to spread them across and buses to put on the 125.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 05, 2019, 05:26:30 PM
There not very reliable either by the amount of times they aren't on the 125
They always seem to be reliably in use, just not always on the 125. Fairly often they are used on the 3.
Quote from: StourportSam on February 11, 2019, 03:01:06 PM
They always seem to be reliably in use, just not always on the 125. Fairly often they are used on the 3.
I assume that's because the Scania Omnilinks intended for the 3 and very often elsewhere i.e. 42/43 & 202.
Incidentally, the 202 has two Metrocities on today, in lieu of usual Omnilinks
I thought centro ' s was used on 202
Quote from: Solo1 on February 11, 2019, 05:05:38 PM
I thought centro ' s was used on 202
Centros and omnilinks usually.
According to this weeks NWM service changes sheet there are changes to tendered routes in March:
Diamond 30 (Solihull to Acocks Green): Withdrawn by Diamond. Replaced by Igo A12, with a reduced hourly frequency and minor reroute.
And from 24/03:
Igo 96 (Hall Green to Sheldon Wheatsheaf): Withdrawn.
PD0001374/493 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Wednesbury Bus Station to Wednesbury Bus Station via Tipton
Service number: 22 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2019
Quote from: Sandy Lane on January 28, 2019, 04:45:29 PM
I hope I have done this right - copied from the DeCourcey forum.
Does this mean the X30/31 tender ending/starting April 2019? Any news yet on what will happen?
For at least a week now the X30 has seen right olde bruisers 30501/4 paired on the service. Bit of an impression change compared to when the route first started and new leather seated hybrids were introduced a few years back. Is this because the tender ends soon or just random?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on March 07, 2019, 08:03:11 PM
For at least a week now the X30 has seen right olde bruisers 30501/4 paired on the service. Bit of an impression change compared to when the route first started and new leather seated hybrids were introduced a few years back. Is this because the tender ends soon or just random?
It's since the Signature brand was withdrawn.
Most of the 65 plate Streetlites can now be found on the 57/58. The 16 plates are on the 146, and supposed to be on the Coventry 1, but two of those Streetlites are having problems at the moment hence why they're not in Coventry. And then the 68 plate Streetlites are on the 50. 30165/67/68 are usually in Stratford or used on peak 50's.
Quote from: MW on March 07, 2019, 10:17:50 PM
It's since the Signature brand was withdrawn.
Most of the 65 plate Streetlites can now be found on the 57/58. The 16 plates are on the 146, and supposed to be on the Coventry 1, but two of those Streetlites are having problems at the moment hence why they're not in Coventry. And then the 68 plate Streetlites are on the 50. 30165/67/68 are usually in Stratford or used on peak 50's.
Thanks for the info MW.
Where dose the Streetlite 30165/7/8 go after the peak service
Quote from: MW on March 07, 2019, 10:17:50 PM
It's since the Signature brand was withdrawn.
Most of the 65 plate Streetlites can now be found on the 57/58. The 16 plates are on the 146, and supposed to be on the Coventry 1, but two of those Streetlites are having problems at the moment hence why they're not in Coventry. And then the 68 plate Streetlites are on the 50. 30165/67/68 are usually in Stratford or used on peak 50's.
Thank you - that's very interesting. Do you know what's happened to StreetLites 30162 (BV63 OFN) and 30163 (BV63 OFO)?
Quote from: DMCL on March 08, 2019, 04:24:15 PM
Thank you - that's very interesting. Do you know what's happened to StreetLites 30162 (BV63 OFN) and 30163 (BV63 OFO)?
30160-4 were all returned off lease a while back
Quote from: Winston on March 08, 2019, 04:25:05 PM
30160-4 were all returned off lease a while back
Thanks Winston
David
PD0001374/444 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Foxyards Estate to Merry Hill Centre via Dudley
Service number: 24 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 20 Apr 2019
PD0001374/405 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Wolverhampton, Bilston Street to Goldthorn Park, Ednam Road
Service number: 61 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 20 Apr 2019
PD0001374/445 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Bearwood to Oldbury via Langley
Service number: 122 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 20 Apr 2019
PD0001374/314 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Dudley to Cradley Heath
Service number: 124 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 20 Apr 2019
PD0001374/451 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Norton to Stourbridge Bus Station via Pedmore
Service number: 288 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 20 Apr 2019
PD0001374/403 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge Bus Station to Wall Heath, Dudley Road via Ashwood Park
Service number: 267 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 20 Apr 2019
PD0001374/421 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Dudley Bus Station to Merry Hill via Rowley Regis Hospital
Service number: 208 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 27 Apr 2019
PD0001374/408 Cancelled
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Kingswinford Cross to Strourbridge, Bus Station
Service number: 657 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 20 Apr 2019
PD0001374/420 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Dudley Bus Station to Bilston Bus Station via Sedley
Service number: 229 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 21 Apr 2019
PD0001374/469 Registered
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: 35 Lichfield - 35A Walsall to 35 Walsall - 35A Druids Heath via Castlefort, Rushall, Aldridge, Barns Lane, Stunnall
Service number: 35 (, 35A)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 26 Apr 2019
Might sound a silly question and apologies for asking it the above services when it states cancelled does that mean it will not run again or will not run by that operator
Quote from: mark114 on March 11, 2019, 12:02:03 PM
Might sound a silly question and apologies for asking it the above services when it states cancelled does that mean it will not run again or will not run by that operator
They are just confirmation of April's TfWM tender losses, which were already known.
Thank you so much Winston for that info it's greatly appreciated apologies again if my question was a silly one I have learning problems understanding some questions
It appears Diamond are sticking with the 75, despite losing the Warks CC tendered parts to Claribels
PD0001374/504 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Birmingham International Station to Birmingham Business Park
Service number: 75 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 22 Jul 2019
How come a Streetlite, which I guess was delivered post withdrawal of said route, was able to display route 156 details?
I saw said vehicle at Aston Manor today, plus have a picture saying so!
Quote from: fleetline6477 on July 15, 2019, 07:27:39 PM
It could have been programmed in specially for the event, the 156 (56) used to pass the Musuem.
I presume Rotala are the same as NX where you just add new routes when required to the file, but don't neccessarily delete the old ones at the same time. This allows you to update destinations before service changes avoiding the rush to do them on day 1. Old routes will then stay available if not deleted later. Any bus will get the same file including any old ones not deleted.
The difference with Rotala & NX is that Rotala do not standardise on destination equipment. I'm sure there's different versions of Mobitec itself what with the different size destination boards. Then Hanover, Centrad etc. Then there's the one that the 2008 B7RLEs have, although most of them appear to have been changed to Hanover now. I can't remember the company name.
It's difficult to keep on top of them all down to all the variants which is why you more commonly have Rotala vehicles with incorrect/missing destinations.
What I don't understand is why they keep switching over on brand new buses. 32212-9 have Hanover. 32220 is Mobitec. 32301-32308 are Hanover, then 32309/10 are Mobitec. Surely the 16 plates should have been the same as their all built to order with their custom seating etc.
Then the latest batch are Mobitec. The dealer stock ones you can understand, but the ones actually built to order should surely have the same boards. Does it just come down to cost of the equipment at that given moment?
Diamond Centro 30816 has now been repainted into their new livery. Just came across it at Wilcox Refinishers in Brownhills, who allowed me to come in and get some photos.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on July 16, 2019, 01:36:26 PM
Diamond Centro 30816 has now been repainted into their new livery. Just came across it at Wilcox Refinishers in Brownhills, who allowed me to come in and get some photos.
It seems odd that they have painted the glass panel above the door but not the panels above the passenger windows! 🤔 Just me being fussy, however it does look really good!
PD0001374/446 Cancelled (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Stourbridge bus Station to Potters Cross, Kinver via Wollaston
Service number: 227 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Sep 2019
PD0001374/448 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Russells Hall Hospital to Potters Cross, Kinver via Merry Hill
Service number: 228 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 09 Sep 2019
Probably putting the 227 on the 228 registration
According to latest Routeone, another 6 standard Mellor Strata's were ordered for Diamond Bus @ Coach & Bus UK
Quote from: Winston on October 10, 2019, 12:16:26 AM
According to latest Routeone, another 6 standard Mellor Strata's were ordered for Diamond Bus @ Coach & Bus UK
The next order for proper buses should be interesting given what's going on with Wrightbus. Will Rotala finally bite the bullet and go ADL? Or will they go to alternatives such as Optare/MCV?
I suspect it'll be ADL. Makes far more sense parts wise!
Quote from: MW on October 10, 2019, 03:38:14 AM
The next order for proper buses should be interesting given what's going on with Wrightbus. Will Rotala finally bite the bullet and go ADL? Or will they go to alternatives such as Optare/MCV?
I suspect it'll be ADL. Makes far more sense parts wise!
There is still a chance Wrightbus will find a buyer
Quote from: metrocity on October 10, 2019, 07:00:45 AM
There is still a chance Wrightbus will find a buyer
I think at last count there's now 5 interested parties.
Edit:
Jeff Wright seems to causing problems for potential bidders of Wrightbus:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49996934
at 18.07 tonight, saw a Diamond 226 towards Merry Hill go down Broad Street in Kingswinford, omitting serving the town centre. Was this shortcut Authorised?
I don't frequent the forum much as I am not a bususer anymore, what i jave just witnessed is part of why
Quote from: bususer12 on October 10, 2019, 06:13:14 PM
at 18.07 tonight, saw a Diamond 226 towards Merry Hill go down Broad Street in Kingswinford, omitting serving the town centre. Was this shortcut Authorised?
I don't frequent the forum much as I am not a bususer anymore, what i jave just witnessed is part of why
Bloody hell, last time a bus went down there was when the 264/265 was Metrobus operated with Kingswinford-Merry Hill shorts
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/543092/
Also notice the 28A (Ward End to Small Heath) has been cancelled by Diamond Bus.
Wander who will get it, maybe NX Bus (BY) as it would fit in with the 28 NX already operate?
Quote from: Busboy105 on February 06, 2020, 10:33:04 PM
They already operate the 36 which is kinda in the same area
Their 55 and 94 operate in the area as well.
Quote from: 2206 on February 06, 2020, 10:16:17 PM
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/543092/
Also notice the 28A (Ward End to Small Heath) has been cancelled by Diamond Bus.
Wander who will get it, maybe NX Bus (BY) as it would fit in with the 28 NX already operate?
Well considering that IGO went bust (plus they already had the route), There aren't many operators left. Maybe Claribels? They already operate the 36 which is kinda in the same area
Quote from: 2206 on February 06, 2020, 10:16:17 PM
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/543092/
Also notice the 28A (Ward End to Small Heath) has been cancelled by Diamond Bus.
Wander who will get it, maybe NX Bus (BY) as it would fit in with the 28 NX already operate?Their 55 and 94 operate in the area as well.
108 has also been cancelled, and I believe it's been won by NX in the April tenders.
Quote from: StourValley98 on February 10, 2020, 03:16:25 AM
108 has also been cancelled, and I believe it's been won by NX in the April tenders.
NX have also gained the 1 (Coventry) from Diamond
WhAt else is up for tender
NX are starting to pick a lot of tendered routes recently.
Quote from: Solo1 on February 10, 2020, 07:54:23 AM
WhAt else is up for tender
Nothing. Just the 4 x Diamond routes that have been withdrawn i.e. CV1, 23, 28A & 108
Quote from: StourValley98 on February 10, 2020, 03:16:25 AM
108 has also been cancelled, and I believe it's been won by NX in the April tenders.
Don't get that route. It follows a similar route to the old NX 115 except it's peak only and goes back to Erdington after already serving it.
Which 23? Wednesbury or the Bloxwich one?
Does anyone know what's happened to vehicles 20002, 20849,20855 as according to Tony's fleetlist (which is regularly updated) they are still at tividale
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2020, 06:13:55 PM
Does anyone know what's happened to vehicles 20002, 20849,20855 as according to Tony's fleetlist (which is regularly updated) they are still at tividale
Thanks for pointing these out. They are no longer in service. I must have missed changing the allocation
20002 withdrawn 12/18, still at Tividale
20849 withdrawn 9/16, still at Tividale
20855 went to Eccles in 9/17 and sold on in 6/18
Fleet list now corrected
Quote from: Tony on February 11, 2020, 06:21:50 PM
Thanks for pointing these out. They are no longer in service. I must have missed changing the allocation
20002 withdrawn 12/18, still at Tividale
20849 withdrawn 9/16, still at Tividale
20855 went to Eccles in 9/17 and sold on in 6/18
Fleet list now corrected
Ah ok thanks no problem
Quote from: Busboy105 on February 10, 2020, 03:43:49 PM
Don't get that route. It follows a similar route to the old NX 115 except it's peak only and goes back to Erdington after already serving it.
Yes it's only in the last couple of years that the 108 has been changed as it uses to terminate at New Hall
Quote from: sonic84 on February 11, 2020, 07:36:54 PM
Yes it's only in the last couple of years that the 108 has been changed as it uses to terminate at New Hall
It got changed to the present route following the take up of the service by Central Buses
Do many people use the 108 these days. The route seems long winded, always made more sense on the old route.
Quote from: Lukeee on February 11, 2020, 08:58:26 PM
Do many people use the 108 these days. The route seems long winded, always made more sense on the old route.
It's such a weird route. From Birmingham it goes non-stop to Walmley and then it serves Sutton Coldfield and then it goes to Erdington. Don't know what Central Buses was thinking modifying the route.
Would it work as an all-day service if it ran between Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield on it's current route or maybe join it with either the 167 or the 168?
Quote from: Busboy105 on February 12, 2020, 12:23:38 AM
It's such a weird route. From Birmingham it goes non-stop to Walmley and then it serves Sutton Coldfield and then it goes to Erdington. Don't know what Central Buses was thinking modifying the route.
Would it work as an all-day service if it ran between Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield on it's current route or maybe join it with either the 167 or the 168?
If its a tendered service then TFWM decide the route - not the operator
Quote from: metrocity on February 12, 2020, 07:13:11 AM
If its a tendered service then TFWM decide the route - not the operator
I think it is I'm not sure. Still whoever decided to change needs a good explanation as to why it was changed because it doesn't make sense.
Quote from: Busboy105 on February 12, 2020, 07:25:10 AM
I think it is I'm not sure. Still whoever decided to change needs a good explanation as to why it was changed because it doesn't make sense.
If I recall Diamond Bus withdrew the 108 and NX withdrew the 115 from the same date. TFWM then issued a tender which basically amalgamated the two routes.
Quote from: metrocity on February 12, 2020, 08:26:00 AM
If I recall Diamond Bus withdrew the 108 and NX withdrew the 115 from the same date. TFWM then issued a tender which basically amalgamated the two routes.
Yeah you're right on that one. Why was the 115 withdrawn anyway? Lack of demand maybe?
Quote from: metrocity on February 12, 2020, 08:26:00 AM
If I recall Diamond Bus withdrew the 108 and NX withdrew the 115 from the same date. TFWM then issued a tender which basically amalgamated the two routes.
115 was withdrawn before, it was the short lived 15A/C that was withdrawn the same time as the 108
Has the TfWM thing for the 40 service started yet? I've seen NXWM 40 buses in the TfWM livery yesterday, and Diamond were rocking their Central Connect livery (with dodgy matrix board) showing "0 West Bromwich 40" on its way into West Bromwich during rush hour.
To be honest the TfWM livery looks very similar to the NXWM livery at a glance that I may have mistaken some of the Diamond buses for NXWM buses.
No, from 15th March
Which depot operated the Lichfield city circulars?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 15, 2020, 06:47:56 PM
Which depot operated the Lichfield city circulars?
long acre
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2020, 07:25:33 PM
Long acre doesn't even exist does it?
No. But neither do the Lichfield Circulars under Diamond
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2020, 07:25:33 PM
Long acre doesn't even exist does it?
Where abouts was long acre?
Quote from: Winston on February 15, 2020, 07:27:00 PM
No. But neither do the Lichfield Circulars under Diamond
didn't blue diamond run it
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 15, 2020, 07:38:34 PM
Where abouts was long acre?
it was the other side of Aston train station by Holborn hill
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 15, 2020, 07:38:34 PM
Where abouts was long acre?
On Long Acre in Aston... the 66 goes past it.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2020, 07:25:33 PM
Long acre doesn't even exist does it?
Operated (past tense) is the clue
Quote from: Jack on February 15, 2020, 07:46:11 PM
On Long Acre in Aston... the 66 goes past it.
It's actually in Nechells and it's owned by Western Power now.
Quote from: Busboy105 on February 15, 2020, 07:48:05 PM
It's actually in Nechells and it's owned by Western Power now.
It's practically on the borderline of Aston and Nechells...
Rotala have agreed to take delivery of 3 extra DF 10.8m Dailmer Streetlites from Wrightbus:
32311 BD20ODM (White)
32312 BD20ODE (Diamond 2 Tone livery)
32313 BD20ODC (Diamond 2 Tone livery)
They are due to be delivered next week, not sure on allocations yet, 32311 may also not be for Diamond.
Re the 3streetlites might be for Kidderminster s post said new buses
Quote from: Solo1 on March 19, 2020, 10:30:44 PM
Re the 3streetlites might be for Kidderminster s post said new buses
What post?
Which depot services the Diamond routes in Stratford?
(I didn't even know Diamond ran there until I saw their buses in the town centre)
Quote from: ellspurs on March 20, 2020, 03:07:50 AM
Which depot services the Diamond routes in Stratford?
(I didn't even know Diamond ran there until I saw their buses in the town centre)
Redditch depot
Quote from: Winston on March 19, 2020, 10:20:54 PM
Rotala have agreed to take delivery of 3 extra DF 10.8m Dailmer Streetlites from Wrightbus:
32311 BD20ODM (White)
32312 BD20ODE (Diamond 2 Tone livery)
32313 BD20ODC (Diamond 2 Tone livery)
They are due to be delivered next week, not sure on allocations yet, 32311 may also not be for Diamond.
Nice to see some Birmingham plates. What's going on with fleet numbers though? First they were continuing on from the 65 plate Streetlites, now they've jumped to the 16 plates! What is the logic with these numbers? I would have expected 32241-43
Quote from: MW on March 20, 2020, 03:40:54 AM
Nice to see some Birmingham plates. What's going on with fleet numbers though? First they were continuing on from the 65 plate Streetlites, now they've jumped to the 16 plates! What is the logic with these numbers? I would have expected 32241-43
These 3 were unplanned extras
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/may-service-changes/
10 minute frequency on 4H. That's the best it's ever had
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 20, 2020, 12:59:44 PM
Hi Simon
With Social Distancing being the key phrase, have Rotala thought about reintroducing deckers to the Diamond WM fleet (I know they had them prior to Rotala taking over back in '08)
Think it was more recently than 2008 when Diamond last had deckers in the West Midlands fleet?
I'm sure there were some Olympians that were used on the 97 in 2011/2012. Operated under Blue Diamond.
Quote from: 2206 on May 20, 2020, 01:15:57 PM
Think it was more recently than 2008 when Diamond last had deckers in the West Midlands fleet?
I'm sure there were some Olympians that were used on the 97 in 2011/2012. Operated under Blue Diamond.
I must've missed them. I can't recall ever seeing a double decker Diamond bus in the West Midlands.
I remember being surprised when I saw one in Manchester, although that was more "what are they doing up here" than "oh it's a double decker".
Only a year or maybe too we had central deckers operating on the 4,002,301 302
Quote from: 2206 on May 20, 2020, 01:15:57 PM
Think it was more recently than 2008 when Diamond last had deckers in the West Midlands fleet?
I'm sure there were some Olympians that were used on the 97 in 2011/2012. Operated under Blue Diamond.
I remember seeing them on the 37 (4)too.
Quote from: 2206 on May 20, 2020, 01:15:57 PM
Think it was more recently than 2008 when Diamond last had deckers in the West Midlands fleet?
I'm sure there were some Olympians that were used on the 97 in 2011/2012. Operated under Blue Diamond.
yeah you are right. Tony re-posted a couple images of them about a month ago.
If Rotala are going to bring double deckers into Birmingham, what services would they be put on? The 16 and the 50 don't carry enough passengers to warrant them having them unlike their NX counterparts.
From Sunday 31st May
4 Walsall to West Bromwich Will continue to be withdrawn and replaced with a NEW 10 minute frequency 4H service between Walsall and Hayley Green via West Bromwich.
4H Walsall to Hayley Green Increased to a NEW 10 minute frequency 4H service between Walsall and Hayley Green via West Bromwich.
16 Hamstead to Birmingham Will be extended to include 16W route. Operating a NEW 10 minute frequency from West Bromwich to Birmingham via Hamstead.
16W West Bromwich to Birmingham Will be renumbered & combined with 16, Operating a NEW 10 minute frequency from West Bromwich to Birmingham via Hamstead.
202 Halesowen to Bromsgrove Will be replaced with NEW 44 route, which will operate hourly Monday to Saturday from Halesowen to Bromsgrove via Quinton, Northfield, Rubery, Lydiate Ash and Princess of Wales Hospital, Bromsgrove.
146 Redditch to Birmingham Will not be a reinstated service
Quote from: Steve3229vp on May 20, 2020, 03:41:26 PM
From Sunday 31st May
4 Walsall to West Bromwich Will continue to be withdrawn and replaced with a NEW 10 minute frequency 4H service between Walsall and Hayley Green via West Bromwich.
4H Walsall to Hayley Green Increased to a NEW 10 minute frequency 4H service between Walsall and Hayley Green via West Bromwich.
16 Hamstead to Birmingham Will be extended to include 16W route. Operating a NEW 10 minute frequency from West Bromwich to Birmingham via Hamstead.
16W West Bromwich to Birmingham Will be renumbered & combined with 16, Operating a NEW 10 minute frequency from West Bromwich to Birmingham via Hamstead.
202 Halesowen to Bromsgrove Will be replaced with NEW 44 route, which will operate hourly Monday to Saturday from Halesowen to Bromsgrove via Quinton, Northfield, Rubery, Lydiate Ash and Princess of Wales Hospital, Bromsgrove.
146 Redditch to Birmingham Will not be a reinstated service
The changes to the 202 will leave parts of Frankley with no bus service and Lickey with a much reduced service.
I wonder whether Worcester CC will introduced a subsidised service between Alvechurch and Redditch?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on May 20, 2020, 03:41:26 PM
From Sunday 31st May
4 Walsall to West Bromwich Will continue to be withdrawn and replaced with a NEW 10 minute frequency 4H service between Walsall and Hayley Green via West Bromwich.
4H Walsall to Hayley Green Increased to a NEW 10 minute frequency 4H service between Walsall and Hayley Green via West Bromwich.
16 Hamstead to Birmingham Will be extended to include 16W route. Operating a NEW 10 minute frequency from West Bromwich to Birmingham via Hamstead.
16W West Bromwich to Birmingham Will be renumbered & combined with 16, Operating a NEW 10 minute frequency from West Bromwich to Birmingham via Hamstead.
202 Halesowen to Bromsgrove Will be replaced with NEW 44 route, which will operate hourly Monday to Saturday from Halesowen to Bromsgrove via Quinton, Northfield, Rubery, Lydiate Ash and Princess of Wales Hospital, Bromsgrove.
146 Redditch to Birmingham Will not be a reinstated service
the 303 kidderminster worcester Will not be a reinstated service
Quote from: sonic84 on May 20, 2020, 08:12:49 PM
The changes to the 202 will leave parts of Frankley with no bus service and Lickey with a much reduced service.
I wonder whether Worcester CC will introduced a subsidised service between Alvechurch and Redditch?
I imagine that's what Diamond are hoping for. Same goes for the 303.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 20, 2020, 07:41:17 AM
10 minute frequency on 4H. That's the best it's ever had
It's also a ridiculously high frequency for a route that doesn't need it. Gaurentee it won't last long. Also gaurentee that it won't take long for you to complain about them not going round Hayley Green or the state of the buses on there.
Quote from: Dom on May 21, 2020, 11:53:04 AM
It's also a ridiculously high frequency for a route that doesn't need it. Gaurentee it won't last long. Also gaurentee that it won't take long for you to complain about them not going round Hayley Green or the state of the buses on there.
There were far too many buses per hour through to Hayley Green even before lockdown with Diamond/NXWM frequencies combined, at the moment with Diamond's 6 bph & NXWM's 2 bph from 24th May, there will now be 8 bph where it was 7 bph previously, Diamond (4), NXWM (3). Hopefully, NX don't do anything stupid like ramp up their 4H frequency again during June.....
Quote from: Dom on May 21, 2020, 11:53:04 AM
It's also a ridiculously high frequency for a route that doesn't need it. Gaurentee it won't last long. Also gaurentee that it won't take long for you to complain about them not going round Hayley Green or the state of the buses on there.
All they have done is added an extra bus to the 4/4H. Increasing the competition on NX too is interesting to see. The 4H makes more sense than the 4.
Quote from: Dom on May 21, 2020, 11:53:04 AM
It's also a ridiculously high frequency for a route that doesn't need it. Gaurentee it won't last long. Also gaurentee that it won't take long for you to complain about them not going round Hayley Green or the state of the buses on there.
Maybe that's why the 4H branded buses have been debranded? New branding coming onto reflect the changes I would imagine?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 21, 2020, 12:38:36 PM
All they have done is added an extra bus to the 4/4H. Increasing the competition on NX too is interesting to see. The 4H makes more sense than the 4.
It doesn't make sense the Hayley Green end, as Diamond already seem to carry the lion's share of 4H passengers as it was, so they'll just be diluting their own revenue per bus, unless there's something I'm missing i.e. it makes an overall pvr saving overall the combined new route & it's swings & roundabouts etc....
Quote from: Winston on May 21, 2020, 12:48:40 PM
It doesn't make sense the Hayley Green end, as Diamond already seem to carry the lion's share of 4H passengers as it was, so they'll just be diluting their own revenue per bus, unless there's something I'm missing i.e. it makes an overall pvr saving overall the combined new route & it's swings & roundabouts etc....
That's what I'm saying winston. Prior to these changes PVR of 4/4H was 14 now. Now it will be 15. It's only an additional bus.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 21, 2020, 01:22:34 PM
That's what I'm saying winston. Prior to these changes PVR of 4/4H was 14 now. Now it will be 15. It's only an additional bus.
'Only an additional bus'? I presume you don't know how much it costs to operate an 'additional bus'
It is well into 6 figures over a year, so that is an awful lot of extra passengers needed
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 21, 2020, 01:22:34 PM
That's what I'm saying winston. Prior to these changes PVR of 4/4H was 14 now. Now it will be 15. It's only an additional bus.
Tony beat me to it, approx £100k per year extra to mostly take passengers off your existing buses, if the competitions buses were heavily loaded, that would be different, but they're not.
Quote from: Winston on May 21, 2020, 01:51:11 PM
Tony beat me to it, approx £100k per year extra to mostly take passengers off your existing buses, if the competitions buses were heavily loaded, that would be different, but they're not.
Who knows they might change the timetable as more buses will be running on the route, therefore have stricter running times. We don't know until everything is released. I'm interested to see the route of the new 44 too.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 21, 2020, 02:47:42 PM
Who knows they might change the timetable as more buses will be running on the route, therefore have stricter running times. We don't know until everything is released. I'm interested to see the route of the new 44 too.
Not checked the 44 route fully, but it should exit Bromsgrove via the 144 route & follow that up to Northfield?, not 100% sure beyond that.
Quote from: Winston on May 21, 2020, 03:00:03 PM
Not checked the 44 route fully, but it should exit Bromsgrove via the 144 route & follow that up to Northfield?, not 100% sure beyond that.
via Barnes Hill Asda/California.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/media/2798/44-310520.pdf
(So that is from Northfield along the B4121 to Barnes Hill/California then left at the Island to Clapgate Lane I think)
Quote from: 2206 on May 21, 2020, 03:19:50 PM
via Barnes Hill Asda/California.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/media/2798/44-310520.pdf
Ta, but doesn't mean a lot to me, don't really know that area.
They took the 4H changes of the diamond website?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 21, 2020, 04:21:10 PM
They took the 4H changes of the diamond website?
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/service-updates/wm-service-changes-may20/
Quote from: Winston on May 21, 2020, 03:00:03 PM
Not checked the 44 route fully, but it should exit Bromsgrove via the 144 route & follow that up to Northfield?, not 100% sure beyond that.
Looks like the 44 will divert to Great Park and Frankley between Rubery and Northfield unlike the 144.
The route looks to be quite a bit different to the 202
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 21, 2020, 04:21:10 PM
They took the 4H changes of the diamond website?
The 146 and 303 permanent withdrawal has also been removed too
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 21, 2020, 04:21:10 PM
They took the 4H changes of the diamond website?
Quote from: Stu on May 21, 2020, 06:25:19 PM
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/service-updates/wm-service-changes-may20/
Ah I see now, I also notice that it has been changed as it previously stated that all West Midlands services would resume regular timetables from 31st May.
Quote from: 2206 on May 21, 2020, 03:19:50 PM
via Barnes Hill Asda/California.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/media/2798/44-310520.pdf
(So that is from Northfield along the B4121 to Barnes Hill/California then left at the Island to Clapgate Lane I think)
Interesting. Will get to Halesowen quicker than the 002 by the looks of that.
Why is it numbered the 44 though. Can't work that out.
Quote from: MasterPlan on May 21, 2020, 10:05:57 PM
Interesting. Will get to Halesowen quicker than the 002 by the looks of that.
Why is it numbered the 44 though. Can't work that out.
Because it exits Bromsgrove via the 144 route & mirrors it all the way to Northfield
Quote from: Steve3229vp on May 20, 2020, 03:41:26 PM
From Sunday 31st May
4 Walsall to West Bromwich Will continue to be withdrawn and replaced with a NEW 10 minute frequency 4H service between Walsall and Hayley Green via West Bromwich.
4H Walsall to Hayley Green Increased to a NEW 10 minute frequency 4H service between Walsall and Hayley Green via West Bromwich.
16 Hamstead to Birmingham Will be extended to include 16W route. Operating a NEW 10 minute frequency from West Bromwich to Birmingham via Hamstead.
16W West Bromwich to Birmingham Will be renumbered & combined with 16, Operating a NEW 10 minute frequency from West Bromwich to Birmingham via Hamstead.
202 Halesowen to Bromsgrove Will be replaced with NEW 44 route, which will operate hourly Monday to Saturday from Halesowen to Bromsgrove via Quinton, Northfield, Rubery, Lydiate Ash and Princess of Wales Hospital, Bromsgrove.
146 Redditch to Birmingham Will not be a reinstated service
Are these changes because of the pandemic or are these permament changes?
Quote from: Winston on May 21, 2020, 10:15:12 PM
Because it exits Bromsgrove via the 144 route & mirrors it all the way to Northfield
The timetabled points on the 44 timetable between Great Park and Northfield are all on the Frankley estate so looks like it will diverge away from the 144 at this point.
Can anybody show me and everybody else where the registion is for this service as I can't find it and it's not showing up on the WMN site? As if it hasn't been registered it will not be operating as this service even if Diamond are saying it will be.
thank you
Regards
Bus Man K2
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 11:18:51 AM
Can anybody show me and everybody else where the registion is for this service as I can't find it and it's not showing up on the WMN site? As if it hasn't been registered it will not be operating as this service even if Diamond are saying it will be.
thank you
Regards
Bus Man K2
I'm confident it will be operating, as Diamond have announced it will be.
There is probally a lag with the flow of information, as we're still in the middle of pandemic incase people had forgotten.
Quote from: Winston on May 22, 2020, 11:33:49 AM
I'm confident it will be operating, as Diamond have announced it will be.
There is probally a lag with the flow of information, as we're still in the middle of pandemic incase people had forgotten.
Itll be interesting if it does operate as it hasn't actually been registered on the Gov website. the only thing that has been registered is a 202 (202S) change which is dated from 12 April, which I can only assume is the pandemic alterations?
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 11:39:31 AM
Itll be interesting if it does operate as it hasn't actually been registered on the Gov website. the only thing that has been registered is a 202 (202S) change which is dated from 12 April, which I can only assume is the pandemic alterations?
And you know for certain that all staff are back in at .gov & able to update the website with new registrations?
Quote from: Winston on May 22, 2020, 11:52:11 AM
And you know for certain that all staff are back in at .gov & able to update the website with new registrations?
No but if they have got access to the relevant systems for the reg page they could do the work from home couldn't they?
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 11:56:31 AM
No but if they have got access to the relevant systems for the reg page they could do the work from home couldn't they?
Why are we having this pointless debate?
Diamond have announced the service is changing & a date, so everything will be in place their end for if it to be changed.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 11:56:31 AM
No but if they have got access to the relevant systems for the reg page they could do the work from home couldn't they?
It's not a pointless debate.
If they haven't registered it, it isn't leagle to run or to promote it changing.
So as I said in my last post if the Gov Web people have the same access o the same systems at home as the do at work they why can't the reg be found. It not like it's a late input by the operator.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 12:40:35 PM
It's not a pointless debate.
If they haven't registered it, it isn't leagle to run or to promote it changing.
So as I said in my last post if the Gov Web people have the same access o the same systems at home as the do at work they why can't the reg be found. It not like it's a late input by the operator.
If it has been made public, then Diamond will have registered it. The people who work at .gov probably don't have the ability or access to the relevant systems to update the website, otherwise they would have done it if they could.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 12:40:35 PM
It's not a pointless debate.
If they haven't registered it, it isn't leagle to run or to promote it changing.
So as I said in my last post if the Gov Web people have the same access o the same systems at home as the do at work they why can't the reg be found. It not like it's a late input by the operator.
It is pointless, because you will not accept what you are being told!
Quote from: Winston on May 22, 2020, 12:59:32 PM
It is pointless, because you will not accept what you are being told!
I can accept what I'm being told! Although as I stated in my first post and second and now this one. if it's not showing up on the Gov website then in my eyes and some other public transport people's minds it's not going to operate. I'm not going to say who or where the other person works. So that's where I'm getting my way of thinking from. So don't start being arsy with me.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 01:07:21 PM
I can accept what I'm being told! Although as I stated in my first post and second and now this one. if it's not showing up on the Gov website then in my eyes and some other public transport people's minds it's not going to operate. I'm not going to say who or where the other person works. So that's where I'm getting my way of thinking from. So don't start being arsy with me.
Ok you know best. Don't tell me what I should/shouldn't do!
Quote from: Winston on May 22, 2020, 01:09:37 PM
Ok you know best. Don't tell me what I should/shouldn't do!
I'm not saying I now best and I know all, but if I'm being told by someone else and also I can't find a reg then I would assume it's not been registered.
I can tell you what I want.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 01:21:55 PM
I'm not saying I now best and I know all, but if I'm being told by someone else and also I can't find a reg then I would assume it's not been registered.
I can tell you what I want.
Maybe be sure your sources are reliable first before preaching it as gospel.
You can tell me what you want, I can mute / remove you off the forum too.....
Quote from: Winston on May 22, 2020, 01:24:56 PM
Maybe be sure your sources are reliable first before preaching it as gospel.
You can tell me what you want, I can mute / remove you off the forum too.....
He is reliable source. I'm not going to tell you who it is, but he actually works for the transport althority, so he'll know everything.
Also I'm not actually telling you waht to do ot not to do.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 01:07:21 PM
I can accept what I'm being told! Although as I stated in my first post and second and now this one. if it's not showing up on the Gov website then in my eyes and some other public transport people's minds it's not going to operate. I'm not going to say who or where the other person works. So that's where I'm getting my way of thinking from. So don't start being arsy with me.
The .gov website is secondary to the actual registration. Just because the registration isn't on the website, it doesn't mean that the authorities haven't received a registration for the service.
It's a little bit like online shopping. Just because a particular product isn't on the shop's website, doesn't mean that it isn't sold in store as the website hasn't been updated perhaps.
Similarly when we are retaxing buses for a return to service it can take up to seven days for the vehicle not to show as SORN on the online checker
Quote from: Pat on May 22, 2020, 01:42:29 PM
The .gov website is secondary to the actual registration. Just because the registration isn't on the website, it doesn't mean that the authorities haven't received a registration for the service.
It's a little bit like online shopping. Just because a particular product isn't on the shop's website, doesn't mean that it isn't sold in store as the website hasn't been updated perhaps.
As I've been saying though TFWM haven't received a reg for the change. So even if the Gov site is secondary then surely the person that I'm in contact with should know then, but obviously he hasn't had the reg as he is the person who creates the thimetabels and Web info.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 02:01:37 PM
As I've been saying though TFWM haven't received a reg for the change. So even if the Gov site is secondary then surely the person that I'm in contact with should know then, but obviously he hasn't had the reg as he is the person who creates the thimetabels and Web info.
*sigh* As Winston, Tony & myself have pointed out, there is a delay in information being processed and made available due to the lack of staff at the authorities. Anyway, Diamond have published a timetable on their website and as far as i'm aware, it is up to them to provide TfWM with that sort of information and not VOSA.
I can assure you that the service will be registered. Bus companies do not make service changes public without the registration being received and approved by the authorities.
Quote from: Pat on May 22, 2020, 02:14:46 PM
*sigh* As Winston, Tony & myself have pointed out, there is a delay in information being processed and made available due to the lack of staff at the authorities. Anyway, Diamond have published a timetable on their website and as far as i'm aware, it is up to them to provide TfWM with that sort of information and not VOSA.
I can assure you that the service will be registered. Bus companies do not make service changes public without the registration being received and approved by the authorities.
That is partly right, but most time it is actually taken from the reg off the Gov Web, that's what I've been told. So that's why I'm under the impression that the route will not operate if there's no reg approved by the Gov (traffic commissioner).
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 02:22:38 PM
That is partly right, but most time it is actually taken from the reg off the Gov Web, that's what I've been told. So that's why I'm under the impression that the route will not operate if there's no reg approved by the Gov (traffic commissioner).
The registration will have been approved, as Diamond have made it public and have a date that the route will commence. As we've been trying to tell you, the .gov website has not been updated.
11 maximum capacity on a large single decker bus. 5 is the maximum on the smaller vehicles. Now maybe you can see why diamond are indeed upping frequency to every 10 minutes.
@Winston @Dom
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 02:22:38 PM
That is partly right, but most time it is actually taken from the reg off the Gov Web, that's what I've been told. So that's why I'm under the impression that the route will not operate if there's no reg approved by the Gov (traffic commissioner).
I strongly suggest you get a more reliable source!
In future, please DO NOT post accusations of operators making unregistered changes / operating unregistered routes in unless your are 100% sure!
From an ultra reliable source:
Registration No is: PD0001374/255 - 44 - Halesowen - Bromsgrove New Route & Timetable to replace the 202 from 31 May 2020, to operate hourly Monday to Saturday
Quote from: Winston on May 22, 2020, 04:37:19 PM
I strongly suggest you get a more reliable source!
In future, please DO NOT post accusations of operators making unregistered changes / operating unregistered routes in unless your are 100% sure!
From an ultra reliable source:
Registration No is: PD0001374/255 - 44 - Halesowen - Bromsgrove New Route & Timetable to replace the 202 from 31 May 2020, to operate hourly Monday to Saturday
@Winston as I stated in my previous posts he is a reliable source.
Also that reg number still doesn't show it on the gov website even if you type 44 into it. Also where did you get that info from?
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 04:52:27 PM
@Winston as I stated in my previous posts he is a reliable source.
Also that reg number still doesn't show it on the gov website even if you type 44 into it. Also where did you get that info from?
This is getting silly now. Why cannot you just accept it is registered? I can tell from that clip that it has come from TfWM, and is genuine.
Quote from: Tony on May 22, 2020, 05:06:17 PM
This is getting silly now. Why cannot you just accept it is registered? I can tell from that clip that it has come from TfWM, and is genuine.
Hi
@TonyI know it's silly. However what do you expect is someones accusing you of lying aboutt your sources. Also if that's the was a mod orator is speaking to a normal user what do you expect the that user to do, just sit back and take it when he know different?
P. S As I still can't find it I beg to differ on who's right and who's wrong.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 05:10:43 PM
Hi @Tony
I know it's silly. However what do you expect is someones accusing you of lying aboutt your sources. Also if that's the was a mod orator is speaking to a normal user what do you expect the that user to do, just sit back and take it when he know different?
Where shall I send the invoice to for all my time / my sources time to provide you proof that you still point blank refuse to accept?
Quote from: Winston on May 22, 2020, 05:13:41 PM
Where shall I send the invoice to for all my time / my sources time to provide you proof that you still point blank refuse to accept?
I haven't said I don't except it however as I still can't find any evidence on the TFWM timetable page or gov website with the info that your source has provided then as I said to Tony I beg to differ.
P. S. I might accept it if you provide an actual page that is linked to the new route and that's not an invitation to just link it to the Diamond website timetable. Which I accept it is shown on there but there are other sites that may show different thing or even the wrong information.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 05:17:12 PM
I haven't said I don't except it however as I still can't find any evidence on the TFWM timetable page or gov website with the info that your source has provided then as I said to Tony I beg to differ.
P. S. I might accept it if you provide an actual page that is linked to the new route and that's not an invitation to just link it to the Diamond website timetable. Which I accept it is shown on there but there are other sites that may show different thing or even the wrong information.
For God's sake!
That looks like an exert of a letter from TfWM to the operator to me.
Yes, a reliable source!
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 05:17:12 PM
I haven't said I don't except it however as I still can't find any evidence on the TFWM timetable page or gov website with the info that your source has provided then as I said to Tony I beg to differ.
P. S. I might accept it if you provide an actual page that is linked to the new route and that's not an invitation to just link it to the Diamond website timetable. Which I accept it is shown on there but there are other sites that may show different thing or even the wrong information.
@Bus Man K2, Can you please just accept that your source wasn't as reliable as you thought on this occasion, as I and I'm sure many other members just want to get back to discussing Diamond instead of reading all this nonsense. Thanks!
Quote from: Tony on May 22, 2020, 05:28:29 PM
For God's sake!
That looks like an exert of a letter from TfWM to the operator to me.
Yes, a reliable source!
So why can I not find any reference of it on their website then, or on the Gov website. Yes I know the gov site might need updating but surly it should be up there by now then?
Quote from: Pat on May 22, 2020, 05:31:03 PM
@Bus Man K2, Can you please just accept that your source wasn't as reliable as you thought on this occasion, as I and I'm sure many other members just want to get back to discussing Diamond instead of reading all this nonsense. Thanks!
Well if I could actually find the info on either the gov Website or the TfWM then I will accept it but as I can't find anything sorry to all the other members.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 05:36:21 PM
Well if I could actually find the info on either the gov Website or the TfWM then I will accept it but as I can't find anything sorry to all the other members.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 05:32:41 PM
So why can I not find any reference of it on their website then, or on the Gov website. Yes I know the gov site might need updating but surly it should be up there by now then?
Last time I checked, there was a global health pandemic in which non essential workers were told to stay at home. Now, to me, someone who updates a non essential website isn't a key worker. Maybe that's why you can't find any information online. Anyway, as Tony stated, the source is a TfWM LETTER, which is probably why you can't find it online.
Quote from: Pat on May 22, 2020, 05:38:25 PM
Last time I checked, there was a global health pandemic in which non essential workers were told to stay at home. Now, to me, someone who updates a non essential website isn't a key worker. Maybe that's why you can't find any information online. Anyway, as Tony stated, the source is a TfWM LETTER, which is probably why you can't find it online.
The non essential works from TfWM have access to same systems at home to what they have at work so thy could update it from home. That's all I'm saying and yes I do accept it. Also though these worker are now allowed back at work the last time I checked.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 05:42:56 PM
The non essential works from TfWM have access to same systems at home to what they have at work so thy could update it from home. That's all I'm saying and yes I do accept it. Also though these worker are now allowed back at work the last time I checked.
TfWM and .gov are two completely separate identities. Just because TfWM staff have the facilities to work from home doesn't mean that .gov staff do. The government guidelines on people getting back to work are as follows:
"All reasonable steps should be taken by employers to help people work from home. But for those who cannot work from home and whose workplace has not been told to close, our message is clear: you should go to work."The .gov offices will probably be closed in this case, because the staff would be at work and the website possibly would have been updated.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 05:36:21 PM
Well if I could actually find the info on either the gov Website or the TfWM then I will accept it but as I can't find anything sorry to all the other members.
So you don't accept it then?
I'm sure everyone else does.
Diamond have done nothing wrong
This subject is now closed.
Any posts after this one will be deleted
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 22, 2020, 06:03:45 PM
.
Did you read my last line.
This is your 3rd post since!
Now 5 They will all be deleted - leave it
Bus Man K2 banned from posting for 7 days. I am not sitting here deleting posts no-one else wants to read all night!
Thank you Tony that guy was getting on my nerves
So, beyond all that....
Anyone in the know or worked out which way the new 44 is going? ie Bristol Road or through Frankley?
Quote from: Kevin on May 22, 2020, 09:16:45 PM
So, beyond all that....
Anyone in the know or worked out which way the new 44 is going? ie Bristol Road or through Frankley?
It was discussed earlier, if you go a few pages back.
Frankley.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/media/2798/44-310520.pdf
Quote from: sonic84 on May 22, 2020, 01:32:47 AM
The timetabled points on the 44 timetable between Great Park and Northfield are all on the Frankley estate so looks like it will diverge away from the 144 at this point.
Diamonds 20 minute frequency timetable is on NWM. Looks to have amended route to follow NX route from Halesowen following pool road rather than Stourbridge road way
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 24, 2020, 09:20:02 AM
Diamonds 20 minute frequency timetable is on NWM. Looks to have amended route to follow NX route from Halesowen following pool road rather than Stourbridge road way
The DfT announcement wasn't what we expected. There needs to be clarity before we can scale up significantly. Resources aren't the issue.
Quote from: Simon Dunn on May 24, 2020, 07:48:55 PM
The DfT announcement wasn't what we expected. There needs to be clarity before we can scale up significantly. Resources aren't the issue.
The announcement from the DfT has in effect produced a conjecture of the consultations given by the DfT to members of the industry precured alongside other relevant stakeholders in question not withstanding the detail on the matter concerned which may henceforth follow in the prescribed manner expected. Whilst further more the recent announcements instigated were made apparently broadly in line with previous consultations undertaken within the industry concerned concurrent with measures previously pronounced.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 24, 2020, 09:05:47 PM
The announcement from the DfT has in effect produced a conjecture of the consultations given by the DfT to members of the industry precured alongside other relevant stakeholders in question not withstanding the detail on the matter concerned which may henceforth follow in the prescribed manner expected. Whilst further more the recent announcements instigated were made apparently broadly in line with previous consultations undertaken within the industry concerned concurrent with measures previously pronounced.
I accept that we are fortunate to be in an industry which is regarded as essential. However, as you seem to know more than me. I would love to know what the Terms and Conditions are going to be, which have yet to be published.
In particular, what is happening to the tapering effect? and what is the rate of CBSSG?
Simon
Quote from: Simon Dunn on May 25, 2020, 06:43:05 AM
I accept that we are fortunate to be in an industry which is regarded as essential. However, as you seem to know more than me. I would love to know what the Terms and Conditions are going to be, which have yet to be published.
In particular, what is happening to the tapering effect? and what is the rate of CBSSG?
Simon
The DfT briefing statement is currently the subject of an embargo and will be released to all relevant parties in due course my last post was based on the consultation undertaken between all relevant stakeholders including myself on the final draft proposals which appears to have been accepted in principle by most other operators perhaps you were not part of the exhaustive consultation process?
How long is "due course" all operators need the information quickly in order to remobilise resources
Quote from: Steveminor on May 25, 2020, 09:30:45 AM
How long is "due course" all operators need the information quickly in order to remobilise resources
I would naturally persumb it will not be released until after the Bank Holiday as funny enough Parliament is not sitting today therefore any Statutory Instrument relevant to the subject matter cannot be laid before the House if required. I expect the guidance will be released thru the usual channels and no doubt Hansard will contain the proposed release details.
Quote from: Simon Dunn on May 25, 2020, 06:43:05 AM
I accept that we are fortunate to be in an industry which is regarded as essential. However, as you seem to know more than me. I would love to know what the Terms and Conditions are going to be, which have yet to be published.
In particular, what is happening to the tapering effect? and what is the rate of CBSSG?
Simon
In response to your comment about CBSSG it is my understanding the following principle will apply but if I am wrong I am happy to be corrected.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has written to operators in England that receive commercial BSOG outlining how the COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant (CBSSG) will be paid and what is required in return to qualify for it.
COVID-19 Bus Services Suport Grant will be effective in relation to costs will run for four-week periods. It has been initially set at 100.51p per kilometre for the first of those periods and will be variable based thereof.
The total payable through the grant has been initally capped at £166.8m. Buses Minister Baroness Vere has said she is "confident" that sum will be enough for the original period and subsequent periods will be announced in due course It was arrived at following consultation with operators and examination of their cost bases and revenues.
First CBSSG payment based on 2017/18 average
As already outlined when CBSSG was announced, it is an additional funding stream above BSOG, contract revenue and concessionary fare reimbursement.
Payments for the four weeks from 17 March were be based on an average of the operator's four-weekly commercial BSOG live kilometres operated in 2017/18. DfT will then use an assumed service level of 50% during the period that the first payment will cover, and the initial pence per kilometre rate, to calculate the first sum to be transferred to the operator.
Subsequent periods will use actual live commercial kilometres operated in the previous four weeks as a basis, meaning that from then onwards CBSSG calculations will not involve a service level percentage. A decrease in kilometres operated will thus lead to a drop in the CBSSG payment.
Operators that did not claim commercial BSOG in 2017/18, but have done since, are eligible for CBSSG. DfT will work with them to determine suitable data to use for calculating the first four-week payment.
The pence per kilometre rate will be adjusted for subsequent four-week payments by comparing actual patronage during that period to average patronage before the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Any changes to that ratio will have an inverse effect on the CBSSG rate – i.e. an increase in the patronage ratio will have a downward effect on CBSSG.
That is my understanding but am happy to be corrected if I am wrong.
You're about as clear as dft.
What is the new rate per km?????
A one sentence answer please.
Quote from: Steveminor on May 25, 2020, 10:14:49 AM
You're about as clear as dft.
What is the new rate per km?????
A one sentence answer please.
The pence per kilometre rate will be set for subsequent four-week payments by comparing actual patronage during that period to average patronage before the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 25, 2020, 10:27:49 AM
The pence per kilometre rate will be set for subsequent four-week payments by comparing actual patronage during that period to average patronage before the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Everything you have said is true. However, what is the rate now from 12th May 2020? The scaling factor was set at delivering 50% service. In view of these two key facts. What are the new Terms and Conditions and updated model which allow an operator to subsequently understand risk.
The answer is the DfT haven't provided it.
Quote from: Simon Dunn on May 25, 2020, 11:16:55 AM
Everything you have said is true. However, what is the rate now from 12th May 2020? The scaling factor was set at delivering 50% service. In view of these two key facts. What are the new Terms and Conditions and updated model which allow an operator to subsequently understand risk.
The answer is the DfT haven't provided it.
I refer you to the answer in my previous post regarding the DfT briefing document and its publication and the consultation provided to operators for preparation here in for the Governments phase 2 stage. The next stage is clear to those who worked with the DfT on the consultation and will be communicated as such to others in due course.
Which returns to my earlier question how long is "due course"
Quote from: Steveminor on May 25, 2020, 12:49:27 PM
Which returns to my earlier question how long is "due course"
I would naturally persumb it will not be released until after the Bank Holiday as funny enough Parliament is not sitting today therefore any Statutory Instrument relevant to the subject matter cannot be laid before the House if required. I expect the guidance will be released thru the usual channels and no doubt Hansard will contain the proposed release details.
@Simon Dunn the bus tracker on the website needs looking at
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 25, 2020, 01:12:37 PM
I would naturally persumb it will not be released until after the Bank Holiday as funny enough Parliament is not sitting today therefore any Statutory Instrument relevant to the subject matter cannot be laid before the House if required. I expect the guidance will be released thru the usual channels and no doubt Hansard will contain the proposed release details.
Or translated from Civil Service 'newspeak': "We don't know, you'll just have to wait" ;)
A number of off-topic comments have been removed from this thread.
May I please remind ALL users to follow the Forum Rules, in particular rules regarding personal attacks on other members.
Quote from: Stu on May 25, 2020, 06:00:53 PM
Or translated from Civil Service 'newspeak': "We don't know, you'll just have to wait" ;)
I take it then in the manner of Mr Dominic Cummings it is a case of moderator, do what I say not what I do with your own response following the personal comments directed to me on my sentence construction still on the forum following my explanation of when we can expect the full DfT guidance on the revised rules to be published firstly in Hansard and if required laid before the House as a Statutory Instrument after taking part in the DfT consultation. I was simply replying to the question asked by two excellent fellow members of the industry whome I fully respect & are providing a excellent service in this difficult time as First are doing in Worcester; one of whom is from Diamond Bus a per the discussion thread ;and cannot see what your comment could achieve as my post was self explanatory and your comments in my opinion are not worthy of a moderator on such a serious subject matter.
I can see stu point. Maybe a new specific thread in the general discussion forum so that we can keep things on topic
Saw the 25 (Ward End to Erdington) earlier and the bus is now carrying a sign on the doors, saying that the bus is now "limited to a maximum of 7 passengers". Which is something I've not seen before.
Arriva deckers have signs on the cab door saying they are limited to 20 passengers
As
@Stu has already posted, can we please keep this thread on topic
@Steveminor, Cheers, Winston
For general chat about social distancing guidelines on buses, please use this topic folks, thanks:
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=5773.0
A little bit different to what stu was on about
@Winston 2206bwas pointing out something hd hadn't seen before & was letting him onoe its not anything unusual as arriva doing similar things.
Also please note the social distancing thread was not active at that time.
Thankyou
Quote from: Steveminor on May 27, 2020, 08:04:02 PM
A little bit different to what stu was on about @Winston 2206bwas pointing out something hd hadn't seen before & was letting him onoe its not anything unusual as arriva doing similar things.
Also please note the social distancing thread was not active at that time.
Thankyou
@Steveminor - my point is, what's what Arriva are doing got to do with Diamond?
Quote from: Kevin on May 22, 2020, 09:16:45 PM
So, beyond all that....
Anyone in the know or worked out which way the new 44 is going? ie Bristol Road or through Frankley?
This is the 44 route from the diamond website if anyone is interested:
Route from Halesowen to Bromsgrove: Halesowen Bus Station, Queensway, Bromsgrove Road, Mucklow Hill, Kent Road, Carters Lane, Clapgate Lane, Barnes Hill, Shenley Lane, Bell Hill, Bristol Road South, Frankley Beeches Road, Egghill Lane, Frogmill Road, Hollyhill Road, New Street, Arden Road, Ormand Road, Rubery Lane, Parkway, Bristol Road South, New Road, Legion Road, Whetty Lane, Whettybridge Road, A38 Birmingham Road, Halesowen Road, Golden Cross lane, Gibb Lane, Meadow Road, Stourbridge Road, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Close. Bromsgrove Bus Station
Quote from: sonic84 on May 28, 2020, 12:35:13 AM
This is the 44 route from the diamond website if anyone is interested:
Route from Halesowen to Bromsgrove: Halesowen Bus Station, Queensway, Bromsgrove Road, Mucklow Hill, Kent Road, Carters Lane, Clapgate Lane, Barnes Hill, Shenley Lane, Bell Hill, Bristol Road South, Frankley Beeches Road, Egghill Lane, Frogmill Road, Hollyhill Road, New Street, Arden Road, Ormand Road, Rubery Lane, Parkway, Bristol Road South, New Road, Legion Road, Whetty Lane, Whettybridge Road, A38 Birmingham Road, Halesowen Road, Golden Cross lane, Gibb Lane, Meadow Road, Stourbridge Road, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Close. Bromsgrove Bus Station
Surely that's a longer route than was provided before
Quote from: sonic84 on May 28, 2020, 12:35:13 AM
This is the 44 route from the diamond website if anyone is interested:
Route...
Egghill Lane, Frogmill Road, Hollyhill Road, New Street, Arden Road, Ormand Road, Rubery Lane, Parkway, Bristol Road South, New Road, Legion Road, Whetty Lane, Whettybridge Road, A38 Birmingham Road....
Interesting that it doesn't serve the Waseley Road area of Rubery anymore, leaving that corner without a service? I can see the logic leaving Frankley village (Worcestershire) without a service, that's like maybe 10 houses, but Rubery is a fair sized estate with a bit of a walk to the nearest stop now
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 28, 2020, 07:56:29 AM
Surely that's a longer route than was provided before
Looks about the same sort of distance on a map
It doesn't matter how big an area is it's how many people get on. Rotala would have the data & obviously concluded not enough passengers are using the service from there
Diamond are using Thermo Fogger disinfection equipment to ensure their buses are sanitised & virus free when leaving depots, the disinfectant mist provides 24hrs+ protection:
https://www.route-one.net/news/rotala-invests-in-thermo-fogger-disinfection/
Quote from: Kevin on May 28, 2020, 08:31:28 AM
Interesting that it doesn't serve the Waseley Road area of Rubery anymore, leaving that corner without a service? I can see the logic leaving Frankley village (Worcestershire) without a service, that's like maybe 10 houses, but Rubery is a fair sized estate with a bit of a walk to the nearest stop now
Looks about the same sort of distance on a map
I think what's interested is all that pretty much all the roads only served by the 202 will no longer be served. The replacement route is covered by various existing services already.
Saying that, link between Halesowen and Northfield might be useful
Quote from: sonic84 on May 21, 2020, 07:16:14 PM
Looks like the 44 will divert to Great Park and Frankley between Rubery and Northfield unlike the 144.
The route looks to be quite a bit different to the 202
Was thinking about this, couldn't they reduce the service to like every 2 hours with slightly adjusted route and keep the new route too but with every 2 hours as well?
Quote from: Simon Dunn on May 24, 2020, 07:48:55 PM
The DfT announcement wasn't what we expected. There needs to be clarity before we can scale up significantly. Resources aren't the issue.
The replacement CBSSG scheme has now been published as I predicted it would follow in due course & may be of interest to
@Simon Dunn &
@Steveminor in particular.
1. Buses must be added quickly as part of £254m funding package
2. Whilst the new funding scheme for buses supplants CBSSG, its terms and conditions will be much the same there are some changes:
3. Service levels will no longer be limited to 40-50% of scheduled commercial mileage, the government expects operators to increase provision as far as LAs require as quickly as possible.
4. A one-off payment will be made available to cover the cost implications of removing staff from CJRS early. Operators will be required to submit evidence of those costs. The payment will be made as part of a wider reconciliation exercise in June 2020.
5. Other costs that can be claimed include those for PPE such as hand sanitiser and cab screens; those involved with bringing buses out of SORN status; and those required to make buses fit for use. Operators will again be required to produce evidence of the costs.
6. Operators that did not receive CBSSG funding, but are eligible for BSOG, will be able to claim through this new scheme.
7. BSOG will continue to be paid at pre-pandemic levels. Other payments that will be made on that basis include those for ENCTS reimbursement, home-to-school services that are not operating and local service contracts.
8. No specific end date for the new scheme has been given. It will be subject to four-weekly reviews by DfT and the Treasury to examine its performance. Those reviews will also assess for how long it should continue to operate.
9. The reconciliation exercise in June will cover the 12-week period from 17 March to 8 June. It will identify any overpayments or underpayments.
10. Operators requiring further clarification of the replacement scheme are invited to discuss the matter direct with DfT via email on CBSSG@dft.gov.uk
I trust this clarification will be of interest to operators who were particularly interested in providing an enhanced service within The West Midlands Country, who sadly couldn't make up thier minds what level of service to operate in June and were worried about acting " in good faith" before the terms of the replacement CBSSG were known.
First Worcester have already announced enhanced service levels from 1st June 2020 ; details of which I have provided on the relevant thread; there is no excuse for other operators throughout the West Midlands not following the excellent swift lead set by First for enhanced services complying with social distancing rules for the benefit of passengers.
The parent company of Diamond Bus I understand has increased its overdraft facility with HSBC UK by £2.1m.
A spokesperson for HSBC; Suzy Verma ; is quoted as saying in a statement "HSBC UK is committed to supporting its customers during this period of uncertainty." Ms Verma added "A long-standing customer of ours approached us with a clear overview of the business and the challenges it was facing."
Diamond Buses Mr Simon Dunn added on the said statement "The funding from HSBC UK has enabled us to even out the peaks and troughs of our cashflow while many of our customers are unable to travel.
Mr Dunn went on to add "We would like to thank our Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, David Arthur, who demonstrated a clear understanding of our position and who was able to turn around the funding request in a short timeframe."
Perhaps this also explains the confusion recently of the operator posting service increases and withdrawing them on its website soon after and its apparent confusion with the revised DfT funding to operators suggesting the companies need to maximize its cashflow as indicated.
Diamond Bus have posted revisions from next week.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/service-updates/
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 10, 2020, 08:38:13 PM
Diamond Bus have posted revisions from next week.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/service-updates/
Thanks for that Richard.
Basically all the TfWM tendered routes returning to normal.
Went for a walk today along Shenley Lane and I noticed no bus stops had been updated to include the 44 which is quite disappointing. I'm guessing the pandemic has had it's impact with those in charge of it though.
Quote from: MasterPlan on June 12, 2020, 07:13:48 PM
Went for a walk today along Shenley Lane and I noticed no bus stops had been updated to include the 44 which is quite disappointing. I'm guessing the pandemic has had it's impact with those in charge of it though.
Presumably the people who are normally responsible for this are currently not working.
Stops at Ward End still say Diamond Bus run the 28A and are displaying the old timetable.
The updating of at stop information is on temporary hold due to the short notice continual changes to the network.
It should resume again once things have stabilized more
Quick question.
Are there any Diamond buses that still are in the Black and Red Diamond liveries?
Quote from: Busboy105 on June 26, 2020, 08:35:24 AM
Quick question.
Are there any Diamond buses that still are in the Black and Red Diamond liveries?
they have some still in Wessex connect livery black diamond all withdrawn or repainted I know a solo was recently repainted into new livery was in black
Quote from: Solo1 on June 26, 2020, 08:51:06 AM
they have some still in Wessex connect livery black diamond all withdrawn or repainted I know a solo was recently repainted into new livery was in black
OK. thanks.
Quote from: Solo1 on June 26, 2020, 08:51:06 AM
they have some still in Wessex connect livery black diamond all withdrawn or repainted I know a solo was recently repainted into new livery was in black
20522 was the last Black Diamond Solo, has it been repainted?
Quote from: Jack on June 26, 2020, 11:39:17 AM
20522 was the last Black Diamond Solo, has it been repainted?
Yes.
32315 was apparently on the 4H on the 18th May but seems to have not worked since, does any one know why?
Quote from: midlandred2003 on June 26, 2020, 12:56:40 PM
32315 was apparently on the 4H on the 18th May but seems to have not worked since, does any one know why?
think it was a car that hit the side 32315
32315 went up north along with 32311
Quote from: Jakemat10 on June 27, 2020, 12:19:27 AM
32315 went up north along with 32311
32311 is down south at Hallmark Connections
Worcestershire C C state on their web-site that the 145/145a will be re-routed " to serve those parts of the old 202 route that are not served by the new 44 route that replaced it ". ;)
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on July 02, 2020, 02:53:01 PM
Worcestershire C C state on their web-site that the 145/145a will be re-routed " to serve those parts of the old 202 route that are not served by the new 44 route that replaced it ". ;)
In place of bits of its own route or just beasting it around every corner of Rubery and Longbridge?
@Trident 4194 the 228 between Stourbridge & Kinver is the responsibility of Staffordshire County Council it is up to them not TfWM to support the service as Worcestershire County Council has done with the 303 however I fully agree with all the points raised by
@Simon Dunn in regard to commercial services within The West Midlands County however with over 90% of services being operated commercially historically operators are expected to provide a sustainable level of service to both the company and its customers.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on July 15, 2020, 11:15:10 PM
How can Diamond finish this service at such short notice, don't you need to give the 56 days notice?
Think that's changed due to COVID 19.
As Claribels also cancelled their commercial services at very short notice as well.
Think it was said its only 24 hours notice now.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on July 15, 2020, 09:47:28 PM
@Trident 4194 the 228 between Stourbridge & Kinver is the responsibility of Staffordshire County Council it is up to them not TfWM to support the service as Worcestershire County Council has done with the 303 however I fully agree with all the points raised by @Simon Dunn in regard to commercial services within The West Midlands County however with over 90% of services being operated commercially historically operators are expected to provide a sustainable level of service to both the company and its customers.
I agree. However, to support that commercial level of operation the DfT have provided guidance. TfWM are failing to follow that guidance. You cannot create a £1 million pound hole for an operator and expect them to continually run the same network. There has been a discussion going on with TfWM/Staffordshire around the 228 for months, so this isn't new a new issue.
Quote from: Simon Dunn on July 16, 2020, 05:10:30 AM
I agree. However, to support that commercial level of operation the DfT have provided guidance. TfWM are failing to follow that guidance. You cannot create a £1 million pound hole for an operator and expect them to continually run the same network. There has been a discussion going on with TfWM/Staffordshire around the 228 for months, so this isn't new a new issue.
Yes fully agree
@Simon Dunn with the deficit following Covid-19 Diamond Bus is facing you cannot expect operators to continually run the same network what is now operating now has to be sustainable to the operator and its customers in essence following the fundamental principle of a capitalist society supply & demand Diamond Bus are not a charity.
Just seen a post on Facebook that ex Diamond B7RLE 30942 (BK13 NZT) has now ended up with Andrews Coaches on the Shetland Island...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/psvcircle/permalink/3551181651566686/
Diamond have another new Streetlite at Tividale, BD20 OCY. I'm unsure of the fleet number right now.
Quote from: StourValley98 on July 23, 2020, 09:59:06 PM
Diamond have another new Streetlite at Tividale, BD20 OCY. I'm unsure of the fleet number right now.
BD20 OCZ has also arrived today.
BD20 OCY is 32319, OCZ is 32320, from what I've been told. Unlike the other 20 plates which were from a cancelled Arriva order, they have Diamond spec interiors.
Quote from: Stu on July 29, 2020, 07:35:40 PM
Hi Simon,
Now that The Green Bus have introduced a new service 242 operating between Kinver and Merry Hill Centre (albeit for the next 5 weeks only), would you be able to confirm for me that Diamond have now withdrawn their 228 service?
Given your concerns about the viability of this service, it would seem incomprehensible to me if TGB were operating this 242 alongside your 228. Or perhaps the 228 service has been curtailed?
There's no further information on this on the Diamond Bus website.
Thanks in advance!
@Stu according to one of the Cllrs on the WMCA Tramsport Committee, the 228 withdrawal was apparently not signed off by the TC/TfWM/Staffordshire as Diamond were trying to use the COVID registration process to circumnavigate the 70 day notice requirement.
TfWM and Staffordshire are also apparently looking at other providers for the 228 service.
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 29, 2020, 10:01:00 PM
TfWM and Staffordshire are also apparently looking at other providers for the 228 service.
NX could be a possible candidate? Seen as they've taken on a few tendered journeys in recent times.
Quote from: Pat on July 29, 2020, 10:42:53 PM
NX could be a possible candidate? Seen as they've taken on a few tendered journeys in recent times.
Could potentially extend one 8 an hour to kinver?
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on July 30, 2020, 10:53:15 AM
Could potentially extend one 8 an hour to kinver?
Or perhaps even a 28? It more or less goes the same way to Merry Hill from Stourbridge. I've only used the 228 once from Merry Hill to Russells Hall and it wasn't busy on that section. I'd guess it would be the Kinver - Stourbridge & Merry Hill section that is most used. Even if there was only a service as far as Stourbridge, at least there are plenty connections to Russells Hall and Merry Hill.
Perhaps an extension of the 17 could work? That way, there'd be a direct link to Stourbridge and Dudley.
Quote from: Pat on July 30, 2020, 12:04:57 PM
Or perhaps even a 28? It more or less goes the same way to Merry Hill from Stourbridge. I've only used the 228 once from Merry Hill to Russells Hall and it wasn't busy on that section. I'd guess it would be the Kinver - Stourbridge & Merry Hill section that is most used. Even if there was only a service as far as Stourbridge, at least there are plenty connections to Russells Hall and Merry Hill.
Perhaps an extension of the 17 could work? That way, there'd be a direct link to Stourbridge and Dudley.
The 6 would be a better candidate for a Dudley connection plus it goes via Russell's hall still
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 29, 2020, 10:01:00 PM
@Stu according to one of the Cllrs on the WMCA Tramsport Committee, the 228 withdrawal was apparently not signed off by the TC/TfWM/Staffordshire as Diamond were trying to use the COVID registration process to circumnavigate the 70 day notice requirement.
TfWM and Staffordshire are also apparently looking at other providers for the 228 service.
Thanks, I just find it barmy that you now have two operators running services along a barely used stretch of route.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on July 30, 2020, 10:53:15 AM
Could potentially extend one 8 an hour to kinver?
Quote from: Pat on July 30, 2020, 12:04:57 PM
Or perhaps even a 28? It more or less goes the same way to Merry Hill from Stourbridge. I've only used the 228 once from Merry Hill to Russells Hall and it wasn't busy on that section. I'd guess it would be the Kinver - Stourbridge & Merry Hill section that is most used. Even if there was only a service as far as Stourbridge, at least there are plenty connections to Russells Hall and Merry Hill.
Perhaps an extension of the 17 could work? That way, there'd be a direct link to Stourbridge and Dudley.
I'm not familiar with that area very much, or how many passengers are travelling to/from Kinver, but it seems a sensible suggestion to look into extending an already-commercial service from Stourbridge to Kinver, maybe every two hours would suffice, or just a couple of peak journeys a day. I don't know the answer, it all depends on the few people who use this service and where they travel to.
Quote from: Stu on July 30, 2020, 06:15:39 PM
Thanks, I just find it barmy that you now have two operators running services along a barely used stretch of route.
I'm not familiar with that area very much, or how many passengers are travelling to/from Kinver, but it seems a sensible suggestion to look into extending an already-commercial service from Stourbridge to Kinver, maybe every two hours would suffice, or just a couple of peak journeys a day. I don't know the answer, it all depends on the few people who use this service and where they travel to.
Or they could be adventurous and extend a 9 to kinver, has kinver ever had a connection to Birmingham
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on July 30, 2020, 07:15:31 PM
Or they could be adventurous and extend a 9 to kinver, has kinver ever had a connection to Birmingham
WMPTE 130 ran hourly from Kinver to Birmingham
Quote from: Jakemat10 on August 21, 2020, 10:54:56 AM
Has 20732 gone to Kidderminster as it's been tracking on the 145 for 2 days now
Thanks
Jake
20732 was at Ward End on the 25 today. So still at Tividale.
32325 on the 16
On Saturday, I was happily trundling along the B4030 just outside of Bicester, when I was confronted with a Diamond service 250 to Bicester. What depot does that one run out of? Was very surprised to see a Diamond that far south.
Quote from: ellspurs on June 07, 2021, 05:45:23 PM
On Saturday, I was happily trundling along the B4030 just outside of Bicester, when I was confronted with a Diamond service 250 to Bicester. What depot does that one run out of? Was very surprised to see a Diamond that far south.
Rotala won the tender for the 250, started operating as Hallmark like the Surrey routes but they were all renamed to fit the Diamond brand recently. They use a base in Bicester I think shared with Grayline coaches?
MAN Centro 30922 has been delivered back to Tividale, having had it's conversion to electric.
Improvements to some Kidderminster and Redditch garage services from 29th August:
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/worcestershire-service-changes-august-21/?fbclid=IwAR24V4T3lmb4knzEUpajtKu1SDZn6QtntDRoYijfLFy9auG61-JkFdyBNqE
Quote from: D10 on August 04, 2021, 08:36:57 PM
Improvements to some Kidderminster and Redditch garage services from 29th August:
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/worcestershire-service-changes-august-21/?fbclid=IwAR24V4T3lmb4knzEUpajtKu1SDZn6QtntDRoYijfLFy9auG61-JkFdyBNqE
I was curious why the route to Kidderminster was mentioned as "increased", thought it was hourly. Turned out I was wrong.
Is the current service still a reduced thing for plague purposes or has it been 2 hourly for a while?
Quote from: Kevin on August 06, 2021, 06:53:29 AM
I was curious why the route to Kidderminster was mentioned as "increased", thought it was hourly. Turned out I was wrong.
Is the current service still a reduced thing for plague purposes or has it been 2 hourly for a while?
Yup, it was a pandemic reduction, it was cut back to 2 hourly during the initial lockdowns of the Covid situation.
Interesting Now that diamond have realised there timetable for the WMB services interesting that the 31 will only run till half past 7 monday-saturday and 5PM on sundays and it seems it will be every 10 minutes to Mossley and 5 to bloxwich
That's what they said in their press release.
I wouldn't have thought it would have been commercially viable to run later.
Basically, it will go back to heavy loads on Nx, quieter loads on Diamond, & Chaserider picking up, well not much really!
Just like it was before the partnership!
The Partnership has now been extended another month now. interesting to see what happens in a month?
Quote from: cris 99 on August 26, 2021, 04:03:55 PM
The Partnership has now been extended another month now. interesting to see what happens in a month?
This could work quite nicely for Diamond. I know they have a timetable but if they run services 3 or 4 mins before NX then they can pick up most passengers making it more profitable.
Quote from: bususer28 on August 26, 2021, 09:21:48 PM
This could work quite nicely for Diamond. I know they have a timetable but if they run services 3 or 4 mins before NX then they can pick up most passengers making it more profitable.
Running 4 minutes in front on the 31 means you are running 1 minute behind!
Rotala took 40841 & 30963 to Showbus today (26/09/21), both looked very good in the sun.
Quote from: Ian Hardy on September 26, 2021, 08:20:59 PM
Rotala took 40841 & 30963 to Showbus today (26/09/21), both looked very good in the sun.
Correct, and 40841 took home 'Best Post 2019 Bus' with a nice shiny trophy to boot!
30886 has been listed for sale on the coachtrader group for £2,500+VAT+Tyres
Heres link if anyone is interested
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecoachtrader/permalink/2189554111196509/?sale_post_id=2189554111196509
Noting the comments on 'Unusual Workings, is there a chance the 31/32 vehicles have been or could be moved to Redditch, so they don't stick out on current 31 workings from Tividale?
(Then again, they could've done what NX did with their vehicles & put stickers over the 'out of date' bits!)
Perhaps 32238 is covering for Redditch 32228. (Bus times suggests that 32228 was last seen on the 31/32 a couple of days ago).
Seen a comment on a photo that 20174, 20175 are leaving Redditch too.
Quote from: BN on October 24, 2021, 08:50:18 PM
Seen a comment on a photo that 20174, 20175 are leaving Redditch too.
In the past fortnight, Streetlite DFs 20177 & 20179 have become the regulars on service 69 in place of 20174 & 20175 (which had normally been on there since new).
Quote from: BN on October 24, 2021, 08:50:18 PM
Seen a comment on a photo that 20174, 20175 are leaving Redditch too.
Think there going or are at Preston Bus
What will diamond use on new 93?
It's only a euro 5 contract do anything can go on there
Also to note Diamond are withdrawing their 75 from 12th November
Should only need one of those little tiny ones that they usually use on the 71 on a Sunday. It may help them not get stuck up Albert Road like the 53 used to.
saw a Solo in Ward End displaying 93
must have been route learning the route
Quote from: OH25 on November 01, 2021, 07:54:40 PM
saw a Solo in Ward End displaying 93
must have been route learning the route
The route began operation today.
https://bustimes.org/services/93-smiths-wood-small-heath/vehicles
Due to reliability problems on the 93 service, from Monday the Small Heath section will no longer operate after 13:30. Journeys will terminate at Heartlands Hospital.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/media/3806/093_151121.pdf
Type training is required for the new MANS I see. How does the electric conversion change the way in which it should be driven compared to when it was diesel operated?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 13, 2021, 06:53:50 PM
Type training is required for the new MANS I see. How does the electric conversion change the way in which it should be driven compared to when it was diesel operated?
I would think so. NX had to train their own drivers to make the charge last as long as possible, so I would suspect this is the case for diamond as well.
Quote from: mesub on November 13, 2021, 08:46:53 PM
NX had to train their own drivers to make the charge last as long as possible
No they didn't, NX have been teaching defensive fuel efficient driving way before these arrived
Quote from: Tony on November 13, 2021, 08:59:04 PM
No they didn't, NX have been teaching defensive fuel efficient driving way before these arrived
Oh alright
Which bus was tracking as 00000 on 16 o
November fleet moves are now on the main site
http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html
wonder if the last ex hansons dart will get painted & the white streetlites will they get painted or still planned to move them to heathrow
Not quite sure where to put this, but 20180 has been tracking as 30973 on the 202s today
34 & 68a/c withdrawn 24 April wonder who will take over services info on n,+ p
Quote from: Solo1 on February 11, 2022, 10:59:36 PM
34 & 68a/c withdrawn 24 April wonder who will take over services info on n,+ p
From what I heard, the 34 isn't being retendered/replaced.
Quote from: Solo1 on February 11, 2022, 10:59:36 PM
34 & 68a/c withdrawn 24 April wonder who will take over services info on n,+ p
68A/C is being merged with the 424 which is currently out for tender. 34 is withdrawn due to low usage and won't be retendered.
Wonder if these will take on the 94?
Fantastic news story about slow but steady profit and growth at Rotala Group:
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2022/03/15/rotala-returns-to-profit/
Quote from: monkeyjoe on February 15, 2022, 07:49:12 PM
Wonder if these will take on the 94?
PD0001374/520 Registered (Short notice)
DIAMOND BUS LTD
Route: Birmingham City Centre to Chelmsley Wood Interchange via Saltley Gate, Fox & Goose, Castle Bromwich, Smiths Wood
Service number: 94
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Apr 2022
TFWM weekly changes says 61 extended to West Bromwich in April. If thats correct?
Quote from: 2206 on March 16, 2022, 07:32:38 PM
TFWM weekly changes says 61 extended to West Bromwich in April. If thats correct?
Yes that's correct
Was talking to a driver yesterday and was told by them that apparently Tividale are getting 2 Streetdecks (not known which ones) from Manchester for the 94 and 2 Mellors from Tividale (don't know which ones) are going to Manchester in there place how true that is I don't know however if it is would be strange seeing Diamond double deckers in Birmingham!
2 double deckers for the 94 would give tividale a micro fleet of streetdecks, surely if the 94 was to be DD then more would be sent. Doubt it will happen, the diamonds 16s and 50s do ok with singles so the 94 will be fine with them also.
Quote from: BK63 YWP on April 20, 2022, 05:30:59 PM2 double deckers for the 94 would give tividale a micro fleet of streetdecks, surely if the 94 was to be DD then more would be sent.
94 could be 2 double decks and 3 singles perhaps then?
Will be nice to have the new double decks in Ward End to.
Redditch have a double decker to so not unheard of.
If 2 mellors did go up I imagine they would be for some quieter/tendered services somewhere and are being swapped back for these more suitable vehicles for 94.
Quote from: BK63 YWP on April 20, 2022, 05:30:59 PM2 double deckers for the 94 would give tividale a micro fleet of streetdecks, surely if the 94 was to be DD then more would be sent. Doubt it will happen, the diamonds 16s and 50s do ok with singles so the 94 will be fine with them also.
Would be very interesting to see what turns up from Bolton then......
The 94 has seen a very wide and varied fleet over its almost 50 year life. From Sherpas to Routemasters and all inbetween. I wouldn't mind a Streetdeck added to that list.
Quote from: hlliwmai on April 20, 2022, 05:23:30 PMWas talking to a driver yesterday and was told by them that apparently Tividale are getting 2 Streetdecks (not known which ones) from Manchester for the 94 and 2 Mellors from Tividale (don't know which ones) are going to Manchester in there place how true that is I don't know however if it is would be strange seeing Diamond double deckers in Birmingham!
Will, the swap is taking place after 24th April TfWM tender changes. The 2 x Streetdecks aren't for the 94, they'll be need for them in May.
Quote from: winston on April 20, 2022, 11:44:39 PMWill, the swap is taking place after 24th April TfWM tender changes. The 2 x Streetdecks aren't for the 94, they'll be need for them in May.
What are they for then if not the 94?
Could go to redditch to replace the 2 Geminis there
Out of curiosity, now the Claribels vehicles are part of the Diamond fleet, does anyone know what fleet numbers they will carry?
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 24, 2022, 03:52:12 PMOut of curiosity, now the Claribels vehicles are part of the Diamond fleet, does anyone know what fleet numbers they will carry?
They haven't been published yet
| 32136 | YJ14CCE |
| 32135 | YJ14CCF |
| 30415 | YJ13HJC |
| 30414 | YJ13HJD |
| 30416 | YJ13HJE |
| 32134 | YJ12CHG |
| 32133 | YJ12CHH |
| 32132 | YJ12CKN |
| 32131 | YJ12CKO |
| 32130 | YJ62JZG |
| 32129 | YJ62JZH |
| 20533 | MX61BAV |
| 32128 | YJ10DHX |
| 32127 | YJ60GHF |
| 32126 | YJ60GJF |
| 32125 | YJ59BCU |
| 32124 | YJ58FDV |
| 32123 | YJ57BOF |
Quote from: Tony on April 24, 2022, 05:46:40 PM| 32136 | YJ14CCE |
| 32135 | YJ14CCF |
| 30415 | YJ13HJC |
| 30414 | YJ13HJD |
| 30416 | YJ13HJE |
| 32134 | YJ12CHG |
| 32133 | YJ12CHH |
| 32132 | YJ12CKN |
| 32131 | YJ12CKO |
| 32130 | YJ62JZG |
| 32129 | YJ62JZH |
| 20533 | MX61BAV |
| 32128 | YJ10DHX |
| 32127 | YJ60GHF |
| 32126 | YJ60GJF |
| 32125 | YJ59BCU |
| 32124 | YJ58FDV |
| 32123 | YJ57BOF |
32131 was removed from the deal following accident damage
Quote from: Simon Dunn on April 24, 2022, 07:53:06 PM32131 was removed from the deal following accident damage
32127 out on 94 seems like allocation isn't changing then
Quote from: SK68MEV on April 25, 2022, 07:32:22 AM32127 out on 94 seems like allocation isn't changing then
I saw a blue streetlite at Fox & Goose at 8 it said Diamond Bus Midlands on the front. Heading East.
The streetlites have new destination display blinds as well like NX I think. More via points etc, than when it was claribels ran.
Just been looking on the tracker and it appears that the 68A/C is still operating despite the fact it's says it's been cancelled on the "Find registered local bus services" website I'm slightly confused as to whether it has been
Quote from: Gareth on April 20, 2022, 08:37:46 PMThe 94 has seen a very wide and varied fleet over its almost 50 year life. From Sherpas to Routemasters and all inbetween. I wouldn't mind a Streetdeck added to that list.
94 has a Solo on there now. Comes of the AM X16/AM 16S/25 I think.
Saw it going the other way while I was on 6854.
Presumably ran from Tamworth.
Quote from: hlliwmai on April 26, 2022, 11:53:03 AMJust been looking on the tracker and it appears that the 68A/C is still operating despite the fact it's says it's been cancelled on the "Find registered local bus services" website I'm slightly confused as to whether it has been
Perhaps like the 34, it was reinstated by TfWM at short notice, and the registration hasn't been updated yet?
Quote from: SK68MEV on April 25, 2022, 07:32:22 AM32127 out on 94 seems like allocation isn't changing then
32129 is tracking as 30802.
Quote from: Jack on April 27, 2022, 11:51:44 AMHi Simon, does the 94 have a current special fare?
@Jack ,Yes, see the following link for details:
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/claribels-welcome/
MX61BAV is on the 94 today.
Don't think this one ever got on there when claribels had it.
Working the 10.10 from City Centre.
Quote from: 2206 on April 28, 2022, 10:33:34 AMMX61BAV is on the 94 today.
Don't think this one ever got on there when claribels had it.
Working the 10.10 from City Centre.
It was on it yesterday as well.
YJ57 BOF (32123) ex Claribels is currently on the 002 heading to Merry Hill.
Quote from: PinkBus on April 28, 2022, 02:22:08 PMYJ57 BOF (32123) ex Claribels is currently on the 002 heading to Merry Hill.
It's actually a diamond Optare versa
30968
Had my first Diamond 94 experience today (on a 60 plate Pulsar), I have two quick questions.
Have Diamond gone completely cashless? The cash box was all gaffataped up. And what is the second card reader for by the luggage rack?
Quote from: Gareth on April 28, 2022, 05:20:45 PMHad my first Diamond 94 experience today (on a 60 plate Pulsar), I have two quick questions.
Have Diamond gone completely cashless? The cash box was all gaffataped up. And what is the second card reader for by the luggage rack?
I did to a 20 plate streetlite, 32325.
The driver got out to give someone change to, so no I don't think they have. I don't think Diamond use cash boxes though, that will be a leftover from the 60 plate pulsars claribel days, who had the exact fare policy like NX.
The second reader is for tapping out I think.
Quote from: Bethhart2022 on April 28, 2022, 03:08:04 PMIt's actually a diamond Optare versa
30968
I made that post from looking on Bus Times and after reading your reply, asked my husband when he got home as he had actually spent a portion of today's duty on the bus and it was a ex Claribel bus. Showed him the photo on Bus Times and he said that was the bus he was driving, but it's now a Diamond bus.
Quote from: Gareth on April 28, 2022, 05:20:45 PMHad my first Diamond 94 experience today (on a 60 plate Pulsar), I have two quick questions.
Have Diamond gone completely cashless? The cash box was all gaffataped up. And what is the second card reader for by the luggage rack?
No, Diamond don't use cash vaults like NX they never have done and never will do. As for the card reader by the luggage rack that will be the Tap & Go reader which is fitted to every Rotala vehicle regardless of where it operates i.e. Kidderminster; Redditch; Bolton; Preston (etc)
Diamond to acquire Johnson's Excelbus just been announced
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=5007743022608540&id=839463772769840&m_entstream_source=timeline
Quote from: hlliwmai on April 28, 2022, 08:08:44 PMNo, Diamond don't use cash vaults like NX they never have done and never will do. As for the card reader by the luggage rack that will be the Tap & Go reader which is fitted to every Rotala vehicle regardless of where it operates i.e. Kidderminster; Redditch; Bolton; Preston (etc)
Not sure why they need another reader. You tap it by the driver on your way onto the bus.
And I've always thought it not quite right that drivers should handle cash. It's open to all kinds of problems.
Quote from: Gareth on April 28, 2022, 10:43:22 PMNot sure why they need another reader. You tap it by the driver on your way onto the bus.
And I've always thought it not quite right that drivers should handle cash. It's open to all kinds of problems.
Most large operators drivers handle cash, Stagecoach, Arriva, First, Rotala.
Its only NX that have the fare boxes I think.
Tap off and it calculates the cheapest fare for that journey based on where you tapped off. Diamond might have local day tickets just for specific areas, e.g. Kidderminster Town etc for instance.
Quote from: hlliwmai on April 28, 2022, 10:35:10 PMDiamond to acquire Johnson's Excelbus just been announced
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=5007743022608540&id=839463772769840&m_entstream_source=timeline
Interesting note.
It will mean Diamond West Midlands and Diamond South West will both be serving Oxfordshire. With Johnson's routes to Banbury and the 250 Oxford-Bicester
Quote from: 2206 on April 28, 2022, 10:46:46 PMMost large operators drivers handle cash, Stagecoach, Arriva, First, Rotala.
Its only NX that have the fare boxes I think.
Let's Go (Travel Express) in Wolverhampton use them (or at least did do) not sure if they still do as I never saw one on the bus I was on a few weeks ago on there 529
Quote from: Gareth on April 28, 2022, 10:43:22 PMNot sure why they need another reader. You tap it by the driver on your way onto the bus.
You tap on the machine when you get on then tap the other reader when you get off, this then calculates what your fare would be based on the journey you have done rather than the flat £2.40 that NX tap&go does.
I wonder what 18 vehicles have been obtained in the deal? Does Johnson's rent some of their buses from Dawson's?
The Diamond paintshop is going to be working overtime then!
Vehicles included in the deal
20028 MX08 MYO Optare Solo
20029 YJ08 PGX Optare Solo
30121 YN63 BYP Scania Omnilink
30122 YN63 BYO Scania Omnilink
30123 YT13 HKY Scania Omnilink
30124 YT13 HKZ Scania Omnilink
30978 YJ59 GEY Optare Tempo
30979 YJ59 GFA Optare Tempo
30980 YJ59 GFE Optare Tempo
30981 YJ10 MHA Optare Tempo
31416 YY15 NJJ Alexander Dennis E200
31417 YY15 NJF Alexander Dennis E200
31418 YY15 NJK Alexander Dennis E200
31419 YY16 YLK Alexander Dennis E200
31420 YY16 YLL Alexander Dennis E200
31421 SN66 WK AAlexander Dennis E200
31422 SN66 WJZ Alexander Dennis E200
40844 YJ70 EWD Optare Metrodecker
40845 YJ70 EWC Optare Metrodecker
Wonder if any of those will ultimately end up at Tividale or Kidderminster be interesting to see what happens, I am led to believe that the 50 is permanently transferring back to operate out of Tividale would be nice to see those Metrodeckers being used on there but I can imagine in the long run they will end up being transferred to either Bolton or Preston
Interesting to see that the most modern Enviro 200s (68 reg and newer) along with the two Enviro 400 MMCs are not on the list as included in the deal.
Quote from: Justin Tyme on April 29, 2022, 10:09:54 AMInteresting to see that the most modern Enviro 200s (68 reg and newer) along with the two Enviro 400 MMCs are not on the list as included in the deal.
They are leased vehicles so I presume will be returning back to the leasing company
QuoteThey are leased vehicles so I presume will be returning back to the leasing company
Johnsons could be keeping the E400MMCs, they spend a lot of their time on rail replacement
32233 SN68AHR is tracking as 32133 on bus times.
Bus Times is also incorrectly showing Diamond 94 departures as departing from the 65/66/67 stop.
https://bustimes.org/stops/43000207601 Like how the Arriva 110 comes up at the wrong stop in Erdington to.
Quote from: Justin Tyme on April 29, 2022, 10:09:54 AMInteresting to see that the most modern Enviro 200s (68 reg and newer) along with the two Enviro 400 MMCs are not on the list as included in the deal.
Did I read somewhere that 2 StreetDecks were coming down from up-north, and have they been allocated yet ??
ie - could they be for Redditch to replace the 2 Johnsons E400mmcs ?
Quote from: DD12 on April 29, 2022, 11:06:48 AMDid I read somewhere that 2 StreetDecks were coming down from up-north, and have they been allocated yet ??
ie - could they be for Redditch to replace the 2 Johnsons E400mmcs ?
The two Streetdecks are required to cover former Johnson's workings
Quote from: winston on April 29, 2022, 11:09:02 AMThe two Streetdecks are required to cover former Johnson's workings
that's not what I've heard I heard they were for the 94 and I've heard that those Mellor's are going up on Sunday.
Quote from: hlliwmai on April 29, 2022, 11:20:19 AMthat's not what I've heard I heard they were for the 94 and I've heard that those Mellor's are going up on Sunday.
You heard wrong, they're not going on the 94 as previously confirmed courtesy of Simon.
Quote from: hlliwmai on April 29, 2022, 11:20:19 AMthat's not what I've heard I heard they were for the 94 and I've heard that those Mellor's are going up on Sunday.
Maybe for a few weeks between now and the end of May when Johnsons takeover is finalised
40726 is the first Streetdeck to arrive at Tividale
Quote from: hlliwmai on May 01, 2022, 04:08:06 PM40726 is the first Streetdeck to arrive at Tividale
The other Streetdeck is 40725, they will likely see service on the 002 in the interim from Tividale, then transferring to Redditch once the Johnson's acquisition is completed.
Mellors leaving Tividale are 21206 & 21208, they have gone to Bolton to be painted in Preston livery.
Quote from: winston on May 01, 2022, 10:43:59 PMThe other Streetdeck is 40725, they will likely see service on the 002 in the interim from Tividale, then transferring to Redditch once the Johnson's acquisition is completed.
Mellors leaving Tividale are 21206 & 21208, they have gone to Bolton to be painted in Preston livery.
Has it been confirmed what service these Streetdecks will be used on? Hazarding a guess that it'll be the 150?
Quote from: MW on May 01, 2022, 11:29:01 PMHas it been confirmed what service these Streetdecks will be used on? Hazarding a guess that it'll be the 150?
No idea at present, I'd assume the X20 aswell
would of thought the p&r in stratford
Quote from: MW on May 01, 2022, 11:29:01 PMHas it been confirmed what service these Streetdecks will be used on? Hazarding a guess that it'll be the 150?
Presumably those services that currently use double-decks?
Quote from: winston on May 01, 2022, 10:43:59 PMThe other Streetdeck is 40725, they will likely see service on the 002 in the interim from Tividale, then transferring to Redditch once the Johnson's acquisition is completed.
Mellors leaving Tividale are 21206 & 21208, they have gone to Bolton to be painted in Preston livery.
40725 is on rail replacement today between New Street and Coleshill Parkway
Quote from: winston on May 01, 2022, 10:43:59 PMThe other Streetdeck is 40725, they will likely see service on the 002 in the interim from Tividale, then transferring to Redditch once the Johnson's acquisition is completed.
Mellors leaving Tividale are 21206 & 21208, they have gone to Bolton to be painted in Preston livery.
One of them is currently on Weoley Castle Square so it looks like this is true. If anyone is interested.
Both out on 002 this morning.
I guess some ex Claribels have entered service with Diamond still in Claribels livery albeit with Diamond fleetnames, as I've spotted one on the 326 a couple of times this week?
If Diamond hadn't already committed to the two tone blue livery, then that would've been a nice livery to repaint into !
According to a post I've just read on Facebook Streetdecks 40725 & 40726 are moving to Redditch today in order to be used for the Johnson's routes which Diamond start operating tomorrow
Quote from: hlliwmai on May 08, 2022, 10:39:59 AMAccording to a post I've just read on Facebook Streetdecks 40725 & 40726 are moving to Redditch today in order to be used for the Johnson's routes which Diamond start operating tomorrow
Yep, both are now at Redditch and should be in service tomorrow.
32134 (ex Claribels YJ12 CHG) has been painted into a special Platinum Jubilee livery (not my photos).
Quote from: hlliwmai on May 11, 2022, 02:14:56 PMHi Simon,
I don't believe there is any truth to it but can you confirm yes or no if the 4H is being extended and becoming a partnership route at some point to Stourbridge and Bloxwich as a post on Facebook last night would suggest that this is the case? I'm guessing there is no truth to this post on Facebook?
Don't believe everything you read on Facebook, Will! :azn:
Quote from: Stu on May 11, 2022, 07:05:31 PMDon't believe everything you read on Facebook, Will! :azn:
The poster's name wasn't Reiss was it?
Quote from: Westy on May 11, 2022, 08:00:55 PMThe poster's name wasn't Reiss was it?
Not sure mate tbh my partner saw it on his Facebook & told me about it
Had my first experience of a Mercedes/Mellor today on the 94. Quite a nice little vehicle. However the loud Radio 5 Live coming from the cab isn't a great professional look. Had an air of late 80s, early 90s deregulation where every man and his dog with a bus running a service.
Quote from: Gareth on May 13, 2022, 04:59:27 PMHad my first experience of a Mercedes/Mellor today on the 94. Quite a nice little vehicle. However the loud Radio 5 Live coming from the cab isn't a great professional look. Had an air of late 80s, early 90s deregulation where every man and his dog with a bus running a service.
Well that must of been coming from the drivers phone as ALL the radios have been disconnected in the Mellor's infact any Diamond vehicle with a working radio has been disconnected
Noticed ex claribells YJ14CCE has been painted into WM bus colours. Is there plans for another partnership route?
Quote from: cris 99 on May 13, 2022, 07:05:10 PMNoticed ex claribells YJ14CCE has been painted into WM bus colours. Is there plans for another partnership route?
No, they're simply to boost numbers of WM Bus liveried vehicles. As some 16 plate Streetlites off the 40 were repainted back in to Brighter Diamond colours
oh fair enough that makes sense.
The front destination on 32313 - BD20 ODC isn't working properly with only few pixels working seen today on 125
Quote from: winston on May 13, 2022, 07:07:50 PMNo, they're simply to boost numbers of WM Bus liveried vehicles. As some 16 plate Streetlites off the 40 were repainted back in to Brighter Diamond colours
1 of them was painted
@winston 32307 infact as I think the original plan for that particular one was for it to be transferred to Stanwell with sister 32310 which is already there however for whatever reason this never materialised thus leaving 32308 & 32309 in WMB livery
Quote from: hlliwmai on May 28, 2022, 09:48:09 PM1 of them was painted @winston 32307 infact as I think the original plan for that particular one was for it to be transferred to Stanwell with sister 32310 which is already there however for whatever reason this never materialised thus leaving 32308 & 32309 in WMB livery
32310 was also 40 branded & in WMB livery prior to being transferred to Stanwell.
32307-10 were all due to go to Stanwell for extra work taken over from Arriva Guildford following its closure, but Stagecoach took it on instead.
taken from latest n&p Section 3.5 – Cancellations of Existing Services PD0001374/525 DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW Operating between Birmingham City Centre and Kings Heath given service number 34 effective from 26 June 2022. PD0001374/497 DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 89 effective from 33 july
Quote from: Solo1 on May 29, 2022, 08:49:46 AMtaken from latest n&p Section 3.5 – Cancellations of Existing Services PD0001374/525 DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW Operating between Birmingham City Centre and Kings Heath given service number 34 effective from 26 June 2022. PD0001374/497 DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW Operating between Solihull and Coventry given service number 89 effective from 33 july
Hmm, I find that amusing seeing as it was only a month or so ago that the 34 was given a reprieve and now it's been shelved again oh well! As for the 89 can't say I'm really surprised about that one either
Some of the 89 is covered by the WM Bus on Demand isn't it?
X50 in Birmingham going to Chipping Norton was a debranded Johnsons E200 MMC with a white destination display. 16:25 one I think.
No fleetnames on it yet either.
Quote from: 2206 on May 29, 2022, 05:36:24 PMX50 in Birmingham going to Chipping Norton was a debranded Johnsons E200 MMC with a white destination display. 16:25 one I think.
No fleetnames on it yet either.
It's had its logos etc removed. Doubt it'll get fleetnames added considering it won't be operating for Johnsons or Diamond after today!
Johnsons ran the X50 today diamond take over all services from tomorrow
Quote from: samuel derrington on May 29, 2022, 06:48:25 PMJohnsons ran the X50 today diamond take over all services from tomorrow
Diamond site said they take over today as well.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/bus-services/x50-birmingham/
Presumably they put the wrong date down as it won't actually start running till Thursday (Bank Holiday).
Quote from: Solo1 on May 29, 2022, 08:49:46 AMtaken from latest n&p Section 3.5 – Cancellations of Existing Services PD0001374/525 DIAMOND BUS LTD, HALLBRIDGE WAY, TIPTON ROAD, TIVIDALE, WARLEY, B69 3HW Operating between Birmingham City Centre and Kings Heath given service number 34 effective from 26 June 2022.
Well that didn't last long. It probably didn't help when printed at-stop timetables were replaced for April 24th changes, the 34 got removed, though it stayed on the flags. So if passenger usage was as low as was claimed, the few passengers that did use this service may have assumed it had actually been cancelled at the time and given up.
Quote from: 2206 on May 29, 2022, 07:01:20 PMDiamond site said they take over today as well.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/bus-services/x50-birmingham/
Presumably they put the wrong date down as it won't actually start running till Thursday (Bank Holiday).
friday is also sunday services
Looking on bustimes it would appear that 20533 is currently doing circles around Birmingham University (tracking as a 96!) I've no idea why unless it's something Johnson's used to do
Quote from: hlliwmai on May 30, 2022, 09:51:28 AMLooking on bustimes it would appear that 20533 is currently doing circles around Birmingham University (tracking as a 96!) I've no idea why unless it's something Johnson's used to do
It will be the Birmingham University shuttle service inherited from Johnsons
Quote from: 2206 on May 29, 2022, 07:01:20 PMDiamond site said they take over today as well.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/bus-services/x50-birmingham/
Presumably they put the wrong date down as it won't actually start running till Thursday (Bank Holiday).
Yeah that caught me out as well. I was hoping to see the first Diamond bus in my neck of the woods, but it was still Johnsons on the X50 yesterday and the first morning journeys out of Banbury either not running because of half term or just didn't turn up
Wonder if the scanias at Redditch from Johnsons will join the ones at preston
YY16YLK looks to have been involved in a minor collision in Knowle.
seen a fresh repainted ex claribels on 94 today must say they look very smart
Quote from: SK68MEV on May 31, 2022, 01:36:49 AMseen a fresh repainted ex claribels on 94 today must say they look very smart
YJ59BCU.
An E200MMC was in service yesterday with diamond logos on front is this only a temp thing ?? Didn't think these was part of deal ?
Had my first experience today of an ex Claribels Optare Versa. A newly repainted example on the 94.
Wasn't keen. Weird door, cramped and very uncomfortable seats. However other passengers were heard commenting on what a posh bus it was with its leather seats and seatbelts.
Quote from: Gareth on May 31, 2022, 08:11:15 PMHad my first experience today of an ex Claribels Optare Versa. A newly repainted example on the 94.
Wasn't keen. Weird door, cramped and very uncomfortable seats. However other passengers were heard commenting on what a posh bus it was with its leather seats and seatbelts.
Meanwhile I had Jubilee bus on the 50 (32134) and was a nice ride, apart from the sluggish uphill crawl along Alcester Road South, which lead to a nice convoy of traffic behind! I'd of preferred one of the Versa's, those things have a lot more power!
Quote from: Jack6101 on May 31, 2022, 06:08:50 AMAn E200MMC was in service yesterday with diamond logos on front is this only a temp thing ?? Didn't think these was part of deal ?
Correct they aren't included in the deal, they're being loaned to Diamond by Johnson's whilst a number of Diamond's acquired fleet are made fit for service (currently VOR), there should be 4 loans.
yes this got stuck in the morning on the turn from hurst lane onto chester road was stuck for around 5 mins another diamond driver on 94 had too get out and guide him
Quote from: Gareth on May 31, 2022, 08:11:15 PMHad my first experience today of an ex Claribels Optare Versa. A newly repainted example on the 94.
Wasn't keen. Weird door, cramped and very uncomfortable seats. However other passengers were heard commenting on what a posh bus it was with its leather seats and seatbelts.
Quote from: Jack on May 31, 2022, 08:28:09 PMMeanwhile I had Jubilee bus on the 50 (32134) and was a nice ride, apart from the sluggish uphill crawl along Alcester Road South, which lead to a nice convoy of traffic behind! I'd of preferred one of the Versa's, those things have a lot more power!
Had a newly repainted Pulsar in WMB livery on the 94 today.
However maybe it's not too wise to use a two tone red bus with West Midlands fleetnames on a route it shares with another operator in two tone red with West Midlands fleetnames. Confused a lot of people!
Quote from: Gareth on June 01, 2022, 04:14:01 PMHad a newly repainted Pulsar in WMB livery on the 94 today.
However maybe it's not too wise to use a two tone red bus with West Midlands fleetnames on a route it shares with another operator in two tone red with West Midlands fleetnames. Confused a lot of people!
To be fair, that happens already in West Bromwich & Walsall!
Quote from: Gareth on June 01, 2022, 04:14:01 PMHad a newly repainted Pulsar in WMB livery on the 94 today.
However maybe it's not too wise to use a two tone red bus with West Midlands fleetnames on a route it shares with another operator in two tone red with West Midlands fleetnames. Confused a lot of people!
Totally agree with you over the colour issue. The WMB livery should be a neutral colour, you're right they look too much like NX livery. Centro, Network WM, TfWM whoever have always favoured TWM, NX over other operators.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on June 01, 2022, 09:54:59 PMTotally agree with you over the colour issue. The WMB livery should be a neutral colour, you're right they look too much like NX livery. Centro, Network WM, TfWM whoever have always favoured TWM, NX over other operators.
It's the Street Machine himself who favours them and you can thank him for the livery. Of course, as far as he's concerned it's a 'happy coincidence'.
Quote from: andy41 on June 08, 2022, 09:17:17 PMIt's the Street Machine himself who favours them and you can thank him for the livery. Of course, as far as he's concerned it's a 'happy coincidence'.
Isn't the red shade of paint at the front of the vehicle the same red as the NX 2008-2015 livery? I always thought it was.
Quote from: ellspurs on June 10, 2022, 05:08:22 PMGood afternoon, Simon.
This afternoon, my mother attempted to catch a 94 service in Birmingham City Centre, using her concessionary bus pass. The driver stated to her that Diamond didn't accept those passes, so she had to get off and catch a NXWM 94 home instead. The Diamond website has a nice recent article (https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/free-bus-travel-for-pensioners/) stating that Diamond accept them. Is this not the case? She now feels that she has to wait for an NX bus to ensure she can travel, when she used to prefer using Claribels services that she had been using since the mid 90s.
Any chance of a clarification please?
They do accept the concessionary passes providing it was after 9.30.
The ticket machine probably declined the pass for some reason, fault with the machine maybe.
For anyone interested 31/32 branded Streetlite 30170 is currently working out of Redditch depot and is today on Stratford services
Quote from: Gareth on May 31, 2022, 08:11:15 PMHad my first experience today of an ex Claribels Optare Versa. A newly repainted example on the 94.
Wasn't keen. Weird door, cramped and very uncomfortable seats. However other passengers were heard commenting on what a posh bus it was with its leather seats and seatbelts.
I happily agree with those passengers, they don't feel cramped at all, comfy and can move! Versa's are lovely, and these have been looked after well. They even have very strong heating too, which is a positive for the Winter. If anything these are nicer than the ex Central Buses one which are really nice. These are longer than those as well I think.
Nice to see them being used for service work as opposed to the odd chance of them being on S16 at Claribels.
Quote from: hlliwmai on June 18, 2022, 12:32:22 PMFor anyone interested 31/32 branded Streetlite 30170 is currently working out of Redditch depot and is today on Stratford services
Hope the good people of Stratford don't think Mossley & Lower Farm are 'places to visit ', as they will be sorely disappointed?
Quote from: Westy on June 18, 2022, 03:20:49 PMHope the good people of Stratford don't think Mossley & Lower Farm are 'places to visit ', as they will be sorely disappointed?
It's on the X20, or was when I saw it in Solihull.
Former Signature 30167 back in Solihull today too.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/diamond-midlands-review/
Anyone clocked this?
Quote from: Westy on June 18, 2022, 06:06:18 PMhttps://www.diamondbuses.com/news/diamond-midlands-review/
Anyone clocked this?
Umm yes, two days ago here:
https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?msg=302104
Quote from: Stu on June 18, 2022, 06:08:41 PMUmm yes, two days ago here:
https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?msg=302104
Ah, for obvious reasons, I don't go in the Redditch section.
If you put fares up you will drive people from bus to car which you don't want to do. Hopefully it will be a fare drop to encourage passengers to return to buses
Quote from: Ginger66 on June 20, 2022, 04:03:13 PMIf you put fares up you will drive people from bus to car which you don't want to do. Hopefully it will be a fare drop to encourage passengers to return to buses
If only it were that simple!
Quote from: Ginger66 on June 20, 2022, 04:03:13 PMIf you put fares up you will drive people from bus to car which you don't want to do. Hopefully it will be a fare drop to encourage passengers to return to buses
Car usage have increased regardless. In my previous address in Welsh House Farm estate, I don't know about passenger loading of 19 anymore but I bet the size of the bus will be reduced due to car parking issue.
Big sis in West Bromwich has informed me a single decker on the 4h has got stuck in Bratt Street.
Why would a bus be down there anyway, as one end is blocked off?
There was a report on Midlands Today about their services in Redditch and Kidderminster and proposed reductions in services.
Quote from: suavegarv on June 23, 2022, 08:07:49 PMThere was a report on Midlands Today about their services in Redditch and Kidderminster and proposed reductions in services.
More here too: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-61885502?fs=e&s=cl
Latest n+p has diamond bus 424 finishing end of August didn't last long with them
I've heard from drivers that the 8 Rifle range to Hales Park via Kidderminster is being withdrawn from 28/08/22 and replaced by the 2 Kidderminster - Bewdley and not serving Hales Park or Rifle Range.
Quote from: 4369Beast on June 26, 2022, 06:32:47 PMI've heard from drivers that the 8 Rifle range to Hales Park via Kidderminster is being withdrawn from 28/08/22 and replaced by the 2 Kidderminster - Bewdley and not serving Hales Park or Rifle Range.
Rifle Range at least has been down on the website as being scrapped for about a week or so.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/diamond-midlands-review/
Along with Redditch 11/12/62/67/247, Kidderminster 52/52A, Kingsbury 15/16S/X16 (leaving just the 76/76A running), Solihull - Stratford X20, Solihull 89 and Birmingham 34.
Quote from: 2206 on June 26, 2022, 07:59:22 PMRifle Range at least has been down on the website as being scrapped for about a week or so.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/diamond-midlands-review/
Along with Redditch 11/12/62/67/247, Kidderminster 52/52A, Kingsbury 15/16S/X16 (leaving just the 76/76A running), Solihull - Stratford X20, Solihull 89 and Birmingham 34.
At this stage, those services listed are still 'potential' cuts, and nothing is confirmed yet.
Just seen 20165 come down my street on the 226... I'm surprised a Streetlite managed it!
EDIT - Ah, just found out why (if Twitter is correct)
2 96's at Spitifire Island running together at 15:00, 20737 and 32136/YJ14CCE. One will have been half an hour late.
still seeing a few buses on the 94 displaying £1 single fare despite the fact it ended on the 25th May, 32127 was displaying it today with 32124 just displaying Diamond with no route number at all.
YJ62JZG out on the 50 without any Diamond fleetnames and in red.
Versa and Streeltite blocking the NX buses getting onto the 94/95 stand earlier parked up unused for some reason.
Does anyone know if the 16 will still be serving Upper Dean Street (for Smithfields) during the Games? (Planning on coming off a Snow Hill line service at Jewellery Quarter/tram at St Pauls and getting a 16 round for when I'm going)
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 18, 2022, 01:53:24 PMDoes anyone know if the 16 will still be serving Upper Dean Street (for Smithfields) during the Games? (Planning on coming off a Snow Hill line service at Jewellery Quarter/tram at St Pauls and getting a 16 round for when I'm going)
I'm only aware of Pershore Street being closed, just the NX 35, 45 and 47 being diverted around.
https://wmbu.org.uk/2022/07/commonwealth-games-service-diversions/
Quote from: Stu on July 18, 2022, 05:58:04 PMI'm only aware of Pershore Street being closed, just the NX 35, 45 and 47 being diverted around.
https://wmbu.org.uk/2022/07/commonwealth-games-service-diversions/
There are also a lot of road to be closed signs in the Solihull LA area titled "Queens Batton Relay".
There is one at Cooks Lane, another at Moorend Avenue, one by Chelmsley Interchange on Bosworth Drive and one by Morrisons in Castle Bromwich.
Would assume there will also be diversions in place for this as well as the ones on the NX website.
Quote from: 2206 on July 18, 2022, 11:48:34 PMThere are also a lot of road to be closed signs in the Solihull LA area titled "Queens Batton Relay".
There is one at Cooks Lane, another at Moorend Avenue, one by Chelmsley Interchange on Bosworth Drive and one by Morrisons in Castle Bromwich.
Would assume there will also be diversions in place for this as well as the ones on the NX website.
https://www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay/route/england
Most of the places will be closed for up to an hour. Just don't travel in the specific area when the baton is there. I don't think they need to have a massive closure listed weeks in advance for this.
30967 has been transferred to Tividale from Redditch this now means that Tividale have all 4 of the ex Central Versa's.
Looking at the current update for the review & it says the 35 is being withdrawn.
Is Diamond continuing a service between Walsall & Aldridge only? (The current 35a)
The Barns Lane area in Rushall would need a service by someone, unless TfWM are already across that one?
I'm interested how the 226 is going to serve Wall Heath tbf
Had the metrodecker on the X20 this afternoon. YJ70EWD.
Notice TFWM have removed the X20 number from nearly every single flag between Solihull and Hockley Heath aswell as the X50 number, so all those flags are going to need to be replaced again now. Looked like it came out as a change bus.
Quote from: 2206 on July 30, 2022, 02:53:13 PMHad the metrocity double decker on the X20 this afternoon. YJ70EWD.
Notice TFWM have removed the X20 number from nearly every single flag between Solihull and Hockley Heath aswell as the X50 number, so all those flags are going to need to be replaced again now. Looked like it came out as a change bus.
Flags in Solihull town Centre also been updated with 82 to Coventry...
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on July 30, 2022, 03:38:24 PMFlags in Solihull town Centre also been updated with 82 to Coventry...
These should not have been changed & should remain as X20. Tfwm are aware & in the process of rectifying
Quote from: Steveminor on August 01, 2022, 07:15:18 PMThese should not have been changed & should remain as X20. Tfwm are aware & in the process of rectifying
House of Fraser & Solihull School too. They haven't done the whole route, have they? Maybe it'll be cheaper to renumber the service back to 82 if that's the case!
- Service 76/76A will operate between Kingsbury and Sutton Coldfield and no longer serve Tamworth. A replacement service to Tamworth may be provided, details will be added once available.
https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Transport/buses/Changes-to-bus-services.aspx#:~:text=Service%20875A%20%28Stafford%20-%20Rickerscote%29%20will%20have%20a,School%20Road.%20from%2025%20July%20until%204%20September
Presumably if Diamond keep it it will still run Tamworth to Sutton?
Warwickshire County Council have announced today that Diamond will continue to operate the 76/76A and the 15 (to become 76B) in the Tamworth area, and the 247 Redditch - Evesham with a changed route to replace the 67. Frequencies will be reduced: -
https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/3180/alterations-to-bus-services-in-the-alcester-bidford-coleshill-and-kingsbury-areas-from-tuesday-30th-august-2022 (https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/3180/alterations-to-bus-services-in-the-alcester-bidford-coleshill-and-kingsbury-areas-from-tuesday-30th-august-2022-)
One of the diamond Street lites parked up by the bull ring car parks at 1030 last night
Worcestershire services to continue as they are until the end of next March after an agreement is reached with the County Council:
https://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/news/20624095.worcestershire-bus-services-continue-council-recaches-agreement/
An interesting journey on the 94 this morning.
After picking up passengers at Saltley gate, the driver did two circuits of the Gate island before proceeding down towards the viaduct. A very awkward three point turn on Saltley High Street followed before heading back up Washwood Heath Road. He then tried to turn down Clayton Road before another awkward manoeuvre back onto Washwood Heath. He then used the tiny and tight Arley Road where we all had to breathe in as his route towards Aston Church Road.
Erm... I thought the 250 does?
(about:invalid)
TfWM are also showing the changes Diamond had planned in the WM area but that are not going to happen
30413 now with its new owners https://www.flickr.com/photos/swbuspics/52258931376/
Post on Facebook says the Solihull services Johnsons ran will.be run by stagecoach
Quote from: Solo1 on August 22, 2022, 02:26:22 AMPost on Facebook says the Solihull services Johnsons ran will.be run by stagecoach
Was confirmed by Tony here: https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?msg=303744
Tamwoth 20737 on the fuelling bay at the Fox & Goose BP Garage earlier. Never seen a bus parked in there before. Had 25 on the display.
Also saw NX PB 4480 go down the Alum Rock Road on the other side of it, which only normally sees Omnilinks on the 28 and diamond solo 93.
I notice that 21106, 30964 & 30966 have had the 35/35A branding removed obviously this is because that from the end of this month the 35 will no longer exist although the 35A is being retained (for now) I very much doubt Diamond will introduce a new branding just specifically for that route.
@Simon Dunn might be a bit early to ask but when will the names be changed on the midland classic buses over to diamond if it's going to happen please
Quote@Simon Dunn might be a bit early to ask but when will the names be changed on the midland classic buses over to diamond if it's going to happen please
I read somewhere by October
Quote from: samuel derrington on August 25, 2022, 04:19:08 PM@Simon Dunn might be a bit early to ask but when will the names be changed on the midland classic buses over to diamond if it's going to happen please
We are going to start and dual brand them. This should happen now.
Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 26, 2022, 05:12:13 AMWe are going to start and dual brand them. This should happen now.
Is that something along the lines of 'Midland Classic - Part Of The Diamond Group '?
You didn't do that when you had Central & the other companies ISTR.
You just put the new fleetname over the top!
Quote from: Westy on August 26, 2022, 07:01:00 AMIs that something along the lines of 'Midland Classic - Part Of The Diamond Group '?
You didn't do that when you had Central & the other companies ISTR.
You just put the new fleetname over the top!
I'd imagine that was at least partly down to Central Buses etc being West Midlands based, so they were integrated fairly easily into the existing West Midlands operation.
Midland Classic is going to become it's own 'division' as Diamond East Midlands, alongside NW, WM etc. Most of the areas it serves don't have any existing Diamond services, so customers won't be as familiar with the Diamond brand, so it makes sense to have a transitional period in my opinion.
is there any reason why Diamond haven't been tracking on bustimes for 2 or 3 days?
Quote from: hlliwmai on September 08, 2022, 11:56:19 AMis there any reason why Diamond haven't been tracking on bustimes for 2 or 3 days?
Because their feed is inactive:
https://data.bus-data.dft.gov.uk/avl/dataset/7871/
However, the bus tracker on Diamond's website is still working.
Quote from: Stu on September 08, 2022, 07:08:48 PMBecause their feed is inactive:
https://data.bus-data.dft.gov.uk/avl/dataset/7871/
I'm assuming then they haven't paid the bill...
32235 on a 94E to Ward End. According to bus times was running 40 minutes late.
There's a Claramond (Diamond in Claribel colours) currently on the 96. It bounced up Burtons Way about 10-15 minutes ago, going towards Kingstanding. Bustimes says it is 32127, but going to Chelmsley Wood.
It was displaying "32 - Lower Farm" as its destination. Not what I was expecting to see up here!
Simon,
I remember reading not long ago that Diamond were planning on extending the 226 to serve Wall Heath I know that these plans have been put on the back burner BUT please consider my idea instead of following through with the plans of serving Wall Heath could the 226W not be reinstated I don't remember the 226W very well but I am told it was a nice route I assume it was the current 226 route to Dudley then followed the 74 into West Bromwich via Great Bridge? I think it would be an idea worth considering and if you think about it Diamond could poach some NX customers off the 4M perhaps? I think it would probably take around the same time as the 4M does from West Brom to Merry Hill I think it would be worth while trialing it perhaps if it works fantastic if not then no damage done.
Quote from: hlliwmai on September 17, 2022, 09:16:36 PMSimon,
I remember reading not long ago that Diamond were planning on extending the 226 to serve Wall Heath I know that these plans have been put on the back burner BUT please consider my idea instead of following through with the plans of serving Wall Heath could the 226W not be reinstated I don't remember the 226W very well but I am told it was a nice route I assume it was the current 226 route to Dudley then followed the 74 into West Bromwich via Great Bridge? I think it would be an idea worth considering and if you think about it Diamond could poach some NX customers off the 4M perhaps? I think it would probably take around the same time as the 4M does from West Brom to Merry Hill I think it would be worth while trialing it perhaps if it works fantastic if not then no damage done.
The 226W was a tendered route as part of the Sandwell Network Review and was withdrawn when igo won the 226 contract iirc
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 17, 2022, 10:13:08 PMThe 226W was a tendered route as part of the Sandwell Network Review and was withdrawn when igo won the 226 contract iirc
Be nice if it was to get reinstated though
According to a post on the rotala enthusiast page Diamond has purchased a ex yellow bus streetlite.
@Simon Dunn do you know how many have been purchased?
Quote from: BK63 YWP on September 21, 2022, 06:53:51 PMAccording to a post on the rotala enthusiast page Diamond has purchased a ex yellow bus streetlite.
@Simon Dunn do you know how many have been purchased?
19 in total have been acquired, all 13/14 plate.
15 are for Preston Bus, 4 for Diamond West Midlands to replace older buses, most likely Volvo's B7RLE
Quote from: winston on September 21, 2022, 07:18:28 PM19 in total have been acquired, all 13/14 plate.
15 are for Preston Bus, 4 for Diamond West Midlands to replace older buses, most likely Volvo's B7RLE
Personally I can see them seeing off the last few Darts and also 30638 which has seen better days.
Quote from: winston on September 21, 2022, 07:18:28 PM19 in total have been acquired, all 13/14 plate.
15 are for Preston Bus, 4 for Diamond West Midlands to replace older buses, most likely Volvo's B7RLE
Could those 4 for the Wm replace the Volvos that are branded for the 31 / 32, 42 / 43, so all Diamonds contribution for those routes are Streetlites?
Quote from: Jack on September 21, 2022, 08:30:41 PMPersonally I can see them seeing off the last few Darts and also 30638 which has seen better days.
I was referring to Preston Bus with most likely replacing Volvo's (i.e. ex First ones 55/06/56 plates), it hasn't been decided which depot the 4 destined for Diamond WM will be heading.
30407 is tracking on the 202 has this transferred to Kidderminster?
Quote from: hlliwmai on September 22, 2022, 01:32:52 PM30407 is tracking on the 202 has this transferred to Kidderminster?
May just be a loan as it was up for sale.
Kidderminster have gained 20868 & 30406 from Redditch by all accounts
Quote from: winston on September 22, 2022, 06:28:35 PMMay just be a loan as it was up for sale.
Kidderminster have gained 20868 & 30406 from Redditch by all accounts
I've been told that 20869 has also been transferred to Kidderminster now that Redditch haven't got the Stratford work they have surplus buses which they obviously don't need. But that being said I'm very very surprised the Johnson's Scania's haven't been painted and those haven't been sent to Kidderminster although stranger things have happened...
Quote from: hlliwmai on September 22, 2022, 09:24:23 PMI've been told that 20869 has also been transferred to Kidderminster now that Redditch haven't got the Stratford work they have surplus buses which they obviously don't need. But that being said I'm very very surprised the Johnson's Scania's haven't been painted and those haven't been sent to Kidderminster although stranger things have happened...
The 4 ex Johnson's Scania's have been sold to Ensign as part of the deal to buy the 19 ex Yellow Buses Streetlites.
Not forgetting they have lost all the ex johnsons E200s to either kidderminster or Midland Classic.
Quote from: cris 99 on September 23, 2022, 05:42:02 AMNot forgetting they have lost all the ex johnsons E200s to either kidderminster or Midland Classic.
Plus the 2 x Streetdecks to Midland Classic (40725/6)
According to Derbyshire CC, Diamond are to take over the 9/9A in Derby from Littles
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport-roads/public-transport/news-notices/bus-service-changes/forthcoming-changes-to-bus-services.aspx
The PVR at Redditch has reduced, there is little point keeping too many buses at a depot that does not require them, therefore the sensible option is to redeploy them to other depots.
Is there a missing driver on the Walsall 31 / 32 rota today?
[font="Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]September fleet changes now listed here.
[color=var(--blue-link)]http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html (http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html?fbclid=IwAR3EDdhy2_d4caSAYwhOXjlunRz1pSTJiQJTXPpHSJfVKkZXtGTP7hNoUOA)[/url][/font][/size][/color]
[font="Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Details of the acquired StreetLites are in the fleetlist here
[color=var(--blue-link)]http://wmbusphotos.com/Rotala/fleetlist.html (http://wmbusphotos.com/Rotala/fleetlist.html?fbclid=IwAR3ShtcwteL6dFd1-NMdSSC3w7th1JKOl9BzjZBFQBdOtnitJH9-3PUThbQ)[/url][/font][/size][/color]
Quote from: Tony on October 02, 2022, 05:51:58 PMSeptember fleet changes now listed here.
[color=var(--blue-link)]http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html (http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html?fbclid=IwAR3EDdhy2_d4caSAYwhOXjlunRz1pSTJiQJTXPpHSJfVKkZXtGTP7hNoUOA)[/url][/font][/size][/color]
Details of the acquired StreetLites are in the fleetlist here
[color=var(--blue-link)]http://wmbusphotos.com/Rotala/fleetlist.html (http://wmbusphotos.com/Rotala/fleetlist.html?fbclid=IwAR3ShtcwteL6dFd1-NMdSSC3w7th1JKOl9BzjZBFQBdOtnitJH9-3PUThbQ)[/url][/font][/size][/color]
@Tony,
You have missed 30967 (YJ57 XVT) off the latest update it transferred from Redditch to Tividale in August unless
@Simon Dunn forgot to include it.
QuoteWith NX 94 and 95 buses bunching around this time of day
Diamond seem to be experiencing massive delays on the 94 route. There was a streetlite and pulsar following each other along the 94 route into the City Centre this afternoon. Oddly the driver of the pulsar and streetlite swapped buses when they got to Foley Road as well.
On Friday there were 3 Diamond buses running together, 2 streetlites and 1 versa.
The tracking suggests the streetlite was 30 or so minutes down.
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/38166?date=2022-10-03#journeys/317469882
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/196446?date=2022-10-03#journeys/317470355
This isn't good reading sounds like a lot of Diamond services are possibly for the chop!.... https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/bus-school-routes-face-axe-25236917
Those listed:
* 22 Tipton Circular
* 25 Ward End - Erdington
* 26A Wolverhampton - Stowlawn (Evenings/Sunday daytime)
* 30 West Bromwich - Stone Cross
* 34 Birmingham - Kings Heath
* 35A Walsall - Leighswood
* 36 Walsall Circular (Sundays/Weekday Evenings)
* 54 Hamstead - Perry Barr
* 61 Perry Barr - West Brom
* 65 Woods Estate - Darlaston
* 66 West Brom - Stone Cross
* 68A/C Perry Barr Circular
* 69 Brandwood Park - Solihull
* 71 Sutton - Chelmsley Wood (Sundays only)
* 74A Dudley - West Brom
* 78 Sutton - Queslett Island
* 89 Queslett Asda - Erdington
* 89 Solihull - Coventry
* 93 Smiths Wood - Small Heath
* 226 Dudley - Merry Hill (Evening & Sunday daytime)
* 229 Dudley - Bilston (Evening & Sunday daytime)
* 250 / 251 Stourbridge - Merry Hill Circular
* 298 / 299 Stourbridge Circular
* 424 Perry Barr - Queslett Asda
* 600 Erdington Circular
All of these are on the list rumoured to be cut or certain journeys withdrawn.
I would've said re the Walsall 36, merge it somehow into the 39, as that route already operates daytime anyway.
Quote from: hlliwmai on October 11, 2022, 07:28:29 PMThis isn't good reading sounds like a lot of Diamond services are possibly for the chop!.... https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/bus-school-routes-face-axe-25236917
Those listed:
* 22 Tipton Circular
* 25 Ward End - Erdington
* 26A Wolverhampton - Stowlawn (Evenings/Sunday daytime)
* 30 West Bromwich - Stone Cross
* 34 Birmingham - Kings Heath
* 35A Walsall - Leighswood
* 36 Walsall Circular (Sundays/Weekday Evenings)
* 54 Hamstead - Perry Barr
* 61 Perry Barr - West Brom
* 65 Woods Estate - Darlaston
* 66 West Brom - Stone Cross
* 68A/C Perry Barr Circular
* 69 Brandwood Park - Solihull
* 71 Sutton - Chelmsley Wood (Sundays only)
* 74A Dudley - West Brom
* 78 Sutton - Queslett Island
* 89 Queslett Asda - Erdington
* 89 Solihull - Coventry
* 93 Smiths Wood - Small Heath
* 226 Dudley - Merry Hill (Evening & Sunday daytime)
* 229 Dudley - Bilston (Evening & Sunday daytime)
* 250 / 251 Stourbridge - Merry Hill Circular
* 298 / 299 Stourbridge Circular
* 424 Perry Barr - Queslett Asda
* 600 Erdington Circular
All of these are on the list rumoured to be cut or certain journeys withdrawn.
Tenders were issued for a number of these routes yesterday
Quote from: metrocity on October 11, 2022, 10:02:18 PMTenders were issued for a number of these routes yesterday
So basically that means anyone could register on those routes?
QuoteSo basically that means anyone could register on those routes?
Anyone can just register on any route, but I would doubt any operator is looking at commercially registering on a route that even TfWM think is marginal as to whether to put it out to tender or not
Quote from: Tony on October 12, 2022, 09:49:21 AMAnyone can just register on any route, but I would doubt any operator is looking at commercially registering on a route that even TfWM think is marginal as to whether to put it out to tender or not
@Tony, yes I agree personally I think the routes that have been mentioned on that list will go because as you say if TfWM don't think they are sustainable then what's the point in companies operating them
It's a shame about that 35a, especially after all the effort in setting it up, including donations from Dick Worrall's wallet!
Looks like the only bus Barns Lane will see are the Aston Manor ones, which aren't available for non museum travel!
Quote from: Westy on October 12, 2022, 01:19:54 PMLooks like the only bus Barns Lane will see are the Aston Manor ones, which aren't available for non museum travel!
Seems to be served by a Walsall school service open to public use as well.
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/services-timetables/159-walsall-garage-st-francis-of-assisi-school
If its not one of the NX school services are at threat of axe.
I read somewhere the 94 is getting the chop too in Jan 23.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on October 15, 2022, 11:26:51 AMI read somewhere the 94 is getting the chop too in Jan 23.
I think that's probably just chinese whispers as that certainly hasn't been published on that list
Quote from: hlliwmai on October 15, 2022, 05:17:05 PMI think that's probably just chinese whispers as that certainly hasn't been published on that list
All the ones listed are subsided in part or all I think Ur find & 94 is commercial
Quote from: Solo1 on October 15, 2022, 05:23:08 PMAll the ones listed are subsided in part or all I think Ur find & 94 is commercial
So are a lot of Diamond routes lol
Quote from: hlliwmai on October 15, 2022, 05:17:05 PMI think that's probably just chinese whispers as that certainly hasn't been published on that list
https://governance.wmca.org.uk/documents/s7635/Bus%20Network%20Access%20Standards%20Report.pdf
Page 9.
Diamond have deregistered the 94 from 1 Jan 2023 in N&P for 14 October. See page 11: -
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1111051/np_2574_14_October_2022.pdf (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1111051/np_2574_14_October_2022.pdf)
I'm only surprised that it's taken that long. I said to Steve shortly after the takeover, words to the effect of 'that'll be going (the 94) before long', the lackadaisical way the 17 & 97 petered out told you all you needed to know.
Quote from: Isle of Stroma on October 16, 2022, 09:10:20 AMI'm only surprised that it's taken that long. I said to Steve shortly after the takeover, words to the effect of 'that'll be going (the 94) before long', the lackadaisical way the 17 & 97 petered out told you all you needed to know.
It's difficult to compete commercially on a route where the rival operator can afford to commit more resources - higher capacity vehicles, more frequent service, and of course the NX Daysaver.
Relying on subsidised contract tenders is not the answer though - and that is a warning to all other smaller operators in the region. It is clear to me that some parts of the bus network are no longer meeting the requirements of passengers, so in my opinion other operators such as Diamond should get involved with TfWM in doing extensive research into how better the bus network could be developed in order to fulfil passengers needs, ie get people to where they want to go more efficiently. If that means developing and introducing new commercial routes then that's great.
The other possibility is the 'partnership' approach, but more in the sense that other operators offer journeys on routes where additional resources would be welcomed, but NX Bus aren't able to for operational reasons, for example.
Knew wasn't going mad.
@Stu, personally I think this new multi-operator ticket is going to be very bad idea yes more passengers are going to be able to get on any bus BUT this is where the problems start and Diamond are going to be getting more "riffraff" passengers that don't want to get on the NX bus or have been refused (for whatever reason) etc plus with Diamond cutting 25% driving staff from January they're not going have many drivers to drive buses anyway and the drivers that are still there from January I can't see these tickets being favourable with the drivers that are left
We see the development the roll out of the one product as a benefit for the West Midlands travelling public.
I am not sure why you think we are cutting 25% of our driving staff from January.
Simon
Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 18, 2022, 11:53:45 AMWe see the development the roll out of the one product as a benefit for the West Midlands travelling public.
I am not sure why you think we are cutting 25% of our driving staff from January.
Simon
I have received the information on good authority.
Quote from: hlliwmai on October 18, 2022, 01:07:27 PMI have received the information on good authority.
The desire of TfWM is to move to one product and rid the market of all multi journey multi day products.
We are working towards this. The whole West Midlands market has funding to continue to operate services in their current form until 31/12/22. After that point I expect there will be large scale bus service changes across every operator.
TfWM would like operators frequencies to combine and compliment and if this happens all operators frequencies will adjust accordingly. At this moment in time it is difficult to predict the outcome.
Bus tracking today at YJ58FDV on the 94 was actually YJ60GJF. Another Diamond bus was running just a minute or so behind it when it arrived in City on the 14:03 to Birmingham.
If Diamond ever ran a joint service on anything like the 16 or the 50 etc in Birmingham, like they do in Walsall on the 31/32, i'm sure the current vehicles would be far lacking in capacity. There are some trips on the 94 & 50 that are run by a mellor minibus at present.
Quote from: 2206 on October 18, 2022, 06:46:33 PMIf Diamond ever ran a joint service on anything like the 16 or the 50 etc in Birmingham, like they do in Walsall on the 31/32, i'm sure the current vehicles would be far lacking in capacity. There are some trips on the 94 & 50 that are run by a mellor minibus at present.
But on the other hand, think of the overall capacity that would be lost if Diamond were to withdraw from the 16 or 50 for example.
What Simon said about the desire to "combine and compliment' pretty much echoed my thoughts I had in my earlier reply.
You used to moan all the time about the overcrowding at peak times on the X21 and X22 services, and the demands were "NX should put on more buses". NX would perhaps very much like to do that, but lets say hypothetically that they simply don't have the resources to be able to do this - not enough vehicles or drivers, or the costs of running additional journeys couldn't be justified.
And this is where other operators (not just Diamond) should be able to step in and 'compliment' by adding their own journeys on such routes. Even with full size single decks, you have an overall increase in passenger capacity, and as long as any new multi-operator ticketing system benefits the operators as well as passengers, it should theoretically be a 'win-win' situation for all parties.
When will the 3 remaining White Streetlites (20177, 20178 & 20179), be leaving the West Midlands and will they be going to Stanwell, Bolton or Preston?
32233 was parked on the 94/95 stop at 19:30 tonight empty. Long after the last Diamond service, as they don't run that late.
I've been told that 30961 (AE06 ZBT) has returned to Tividale after being in storage somewhere I am led to believe it is being stripped of wheels, windows, panels (etc) to keep the other 5 Darts at Tividale running I'm informed that 30961 is NOT returning to service and once it has been stripped of all parts it will be going for scrap as a shell it's sad to think that slowly but surely Darts are diminishing hopefully the 5 remaining Darts now left at Tividale keep going for as long as possible.
I'm sure I've just passed a Diamond double decker on the 251 Himley Bonfire Buses. Never known a non NXWM bus on there before
Quote from: winston on November 05, 2022, 07:36:44 PMI'm sure I've just passed a Diamond double decker on the 251 Himley Bonfire Buses. Never known a non NXWM bus on there before
Correct
Quote from: BN on November 05, 2022, 07:45:01 PMCorrect
Have NX had to sub contract some routes out then?
QuoteI'm sure I've just passed a Diamond double decker on the 251 Himley Bonfire Buses. Never known a non NXWM bus on there before
Diamond are also on the 253 Stourbridge - Himley service too. The decker is 40625 (its tracking as a RRB service)
Quote from: 2206 on October 28, 2022, 09:47:48 PM32233 was parked on the 94/95 stop at 19:30 tonight empty. Long after the last Diamond service, as they don't run that late.
Driverless 94's parked up for long periods at that stop is becoming a bit of a habit at the moment.
Quote from: Gareth on November 05, 2022, 09:46:05 PMDriverless 94's parked up for long periods at that stop is becoming a bit of a habit at the moment.
I'm guessing 32233 could also have have been broken down or something to be there after operational hours.
It now being the driver relief point for Tividale 94's could have something to do with that possibly i'm guessing & could also possibly be some have no relief driver.
I notice the website says 42, 69 & 89 are no longer to be operated by Diamond post January. End of Diamond in Coventry I believe.
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2022, 08:48:38 PMDiamond are also on the 253 Stourbridge - Himley service too. The decker is 40625 (its tracking as a RRB service)
Two Diamond d/d's were seen from a distance in Bromsgrove around 14.30 yesterday afternoon taking the A448 turning towards Kidderminster.
Both Redditch Geminis & the streetdeck ran the 251 whilst 3 streetlites & a B7 Centro operated the 253
Not sure if this is the right thread, but Diamond Wm doesn't appear to be tracking on Bustimes.org.
Can anyone confirm?
QuoteNot sure if this is the right thread, but Diamond Wm doesn't appear to be tracking on Bustimes.org.
Can anyone confirm?
Could have been a blip. They are tracking now
Quote from: Westy on November 07, 2022, 09:42:23 AMNot sure if this is the right thread, but Diamond Wm doesn't appear to be tracking on Bustimes.org.
Can anyone confirm?
The only ones that have there timetable on there is 20, 829 and X11
I can't share the video unfortunately but I've been sent a video off TikTok whereby one of the ex-Yellow Buses Streetlites I don't know when it was but on the 002 coming into Merry Hill Bus Station it has somehow become detached from 2 of its side panels on the near side and the driver has clearly continued driving / hasn't noticed.
QuoteI can't share the video unfortunately but I've been sent a video off TikTok whereby one of the ex-Yellow Buses Streetlites I don't know when it was but on the 002 coming into Merry Hill Bus Station it has somehow become detached from 2 of its side panels on the near side and the driver has clearly continued driving / hasn't noticed.
Let's just say it's not hard to find if you use the right hashtag to search for it! (I don't use tiktok as it's a waste of time in my opinion, but I had to see this for myself)
Quote from: hlliwmai on November 10, 2022, 01:39:43 PMI can't share the video unfortunately but I've been sent a video off TikTok
The forum software should embed TikTok videos if you just paste the video link in a post.
Quote from: Stu on November 10, 2022, 08:37:46 PMThe forum software should embed TikTok videos if you just paste the video link in a post.
https://twitter.com/Pinkautiegirl/status/1590384800031834112
Unbelievable I wonder when he last looked in his near side mirror.
Quote from: hlliwmai on November 10, 2022, 01:39:43 PMI can't share the video unfortunately but I've been sent a video off TikTok whereby one of the ex-Yellow Buses Streetlites I don't know when it was but on the 002 coming into Merry Hill Bus Station it has somehow become detached from 2 of its side panels on the near side and the driver has clearly continued driving / hasn't noticed.
I wonder when he last looked in his near side mirror, there could be a blue panel in Howley Grange Road, Colley Gate or anywhere en-route. Could be an interesting chat back at depot!!
Quote from: fleetline6477 on November 10, 2022, 11:03:01 PMI wonder when he last looked in his near side mirror, there could be a blue panel in Howley Grange Road, Colley Gate or anywhere en-route. Could be an interesting chat back at depot!!
it happened at merry hill leaving the stand bus went up to island and came back into merry hill
Quote from: fleetline6477 on November 10, 2022, 11:03:01 PMI wonder when he last looked in his near side mirror, there could be a blue panel in Howley Grange Road, Colley Gate or anywhere en-route. Could be an interesting chat back at depot!!
......a very interesting discussion indeed.......
20050 seems to be the only bus maintaining the 326 at the moment.
A lady I was talking to at Willenhall said she came for 2 earlier buses, which never turned up!
(She said a 41 had broken down as well!)
Luckily, I was late out of work today, else I would've been caught by the Oos vehicles as well!
Heavy loaded Solo as a consequence!
I was speaking to a driver yesterday and he's heard that from January Diamond have won the contract to operate the 45 Walsall - West Brom he doesn't know any other details whether they'll be running all journeys i.e. including late nights & Sunday's but he did tell me that apparently it will be interworking with the 16 so you'll do a 45 to Walsall & back; change to a 16 go to Birmingham & back he did tell me though the 16 will be reverting back to do what it did before i.e. go to Birmingham and back to West Bromwich Diamond will no longer be running the Hamstead shorts as they do currently.
The 45 isnt a tendered route so they cant have won it. Not sure about evenings and sundays though, but streetlights definately wouldnt cope on the 45 so if they did do the route what would they use?
Not usually one to check and report things from bustimes but one of the streetlights is running over 3 hours late on the 50, presuming it will miss a trip or 2 out, think it was fleet number 32307
Quote from: cris 99 on November 26, 2022, 04:37:09 PMThe 45 isnt a tendered route so they cant have won it. Not sure about evenings and sundays though, but streetlights definately wouldnt cope on the 45 so if they did do the route what would they use?
Probably the Claribels DAF's as they'll be spare due to the fact Diamond are coming off the 94 in January
Quote from: cris 99 on November 26, 2022, 04:37:09 PMThe 45 isnt a tendered route so they cant have won it. Not sure about evenings and sundays though, but streetlights definately wouldnt cope on the 45 so if they did do the route what would they use?
The Streetlites aren't much bigger than the E200's NX use on it so I'm not sure how they wouldn't cope. The 45 carries fresh air during daytimes, and the evenings would definitely be able to cope with a Single, the 45 doesn't warrant doubles on every board.
Also, full size singles do struggle around the route, hence why WB have stopped using Omnilinks as such because they can be a pain to navigate and easily get stuck.
Quote from: hlliwmai on November 26, 2022, 05:42:08 PMProbably the Claribels DAF's as they'll be spare due to the fact Diamond are coming off the 94 in January
No chance. They are Euro 6 so would be far more valuable if utilised elsewhere
QuoteThe Streetlites aren't much bigger than the E200's NX use on it so I'm not sure how they wouldn't cope. The 45 carries fresh air during daytimes, and the evenings would definitely be able to cope with a Single, the 45 doesn't warrant doubles on every board.
Also, full size singles do struggle around the route, hence why WB have stopped using Omnilinks as such because they can be a pain to navigate and easily get stuck.
The 45 does get some help in the day on Matchdays for Walsall FC as 45 is a more popular choice as on match days the 45 are absolutely rammed unlike Diamonds 401E
Just coming through West Brom in the car and coming out the bus station was 32238 (SK17 HHL) and it has been debranded from 31/32 and is now totally plain like the Claribels VDL (32136) in the same livery
Quote from: hlliwmai on November 27, 2022, 07:42:25 PMJust coming through West Brom in the car and coming out the bus station was 32238 (SK17 HHL) and it has been debranded from 31/32 and is now totally plain like the Claribels VDL (32136) in the same livery
Presumbly for the same reason NX Walsall have debranded 3 of their 31/32 vehicles.
Quote from: Westy on November 27, 2022, 09:06:58 PMPresumbly for the same reason NX Walsall have debranded 3 of their 31/32 vehicles.
Which is why exactly drop in reduction as I read on the Walsall Garage thread?
Quote from: hlliwmai on November 27, 2022, 09:19:17 PMWhich is why exactly drop in reduction as I read on the Walsall Garage thread?
The joint frequency & pvr has been reduced on the 31, 32 & 40 from today by both operators
Quote from: winston on November 27, 2022, 10:20:57 PMThe joint frequency & pvr has been reduced on the 31, 32 & 40 from today by both operators
Hmm well I wonder if anything else will be debranded
@Simon Dunn can you confirm IF anything else is?
Quote from: hlliwmai on November 27, 2022, 10:56:55 PMHmm well I wonder if anything else will be debranded @Simon Dunn can you confirm IF anything else is?
Diamond's Pvr on the 31/32 has only reduced by 1, same with the 40.
The 40 already only has 3 branded vehicles as 40 Branded 32307 & 32310 were repainted into Diamond fleet livery sometime ago back when Diamond were going to exit the West Midlands Bus partnership routes, therefore, there shouldn't be any need to de-brand anymore.
Quote from: winston on November 27, 2022, 11:36:02 PMDiamond's Pvr on the 31/32 has only reduced by 1, same with the 40.
The 40 already only has 3 branded vehicles as 40 Branded 32307 & 32310 were repainted into Diamond fleet livery sometime ago back when Diamond were going to exit the West Midlands Bus partnership routes, therefore, there shouldn't be any need to de-brand anymore.
Winston
Quote from: hlliwmai on November 27, 2022, 10:56:55 PMHmm well I wonder if anything else will be debranded @Simon Dunn can you confirm IF anything else is?
Winston is correct
(Reaponse to a post from the Rotala Management Questions thread, by
@Trident 4194)
Where was this posted about the 4H withdrawals? I can't seem to find anything on Diamond site?
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 03, 2022, 07:43:16 PM(Reaponse to a post from the Rotala Management Questions thread, by @Trident 4194)
Where was this posted about the 4H withdrawals? I can't seem to find anything on Diamond site?
It's correct
Quote from: winston on December 03, 2022, 08:17:28 PMIt's correct
What genuinely? Oh wow although I'm not surprised I must admit I do agree with
@Trident 4194 though the buses that Diamond use on the 4H are at times diabolical & quite honestly crap! *some* are freezing cold (STILL!!) and slow up Coombes Road/Gorsty Hill or on the one occasion the bus that my partner was driving refused point blank to go up Gorsty Hill!! totally ridiculous it's no great loss in my opinion I'm sure the people of Hayley Green; Halesowen & Blackheath will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Diamond won't be running the route as of January....
Quote from: hlliwmai on December 03, 2022, 11:18:44 PMWhat genuinely? Oh wow although I'm not surprised I must admit I do agree with @Trident 4194 though the buses that Diamond use on the 4H are at times diabolical & quite honestly crap! *some* are freezing cold (STILL!!) and slow up Coombes Road/Gorsty Hill or on the one occasion the bus that my partner was driving refused point blank to go up Gorsty Hill!! totally ridiculous it's no great loss in my opinion I'm sure the people of Hayley Green; Halesowen & Blackheath will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Diamond won't be running the route as of January....
The people of Hayley green are awaiting to see if nxwm provide an enhanced frequency. I will miss diamond on there, however as I have said already the standard of service provided has drastically dropped
Err oh dear....
https://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/23169919.dramatic-scenes-bus-catches-fire-kidderminster/
Quote from: hlliwmai on December 05, 2022, 11:56:59 AMErr oh dear....
https://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/23169919.dramatic-scenes-bus-catches-fire-kidderminster/
Looks to be 30809
Saw 32240 by the Horse & Jockey this afternoon working the 76 service bound for Tamworth via Middleton, Coleshill, Kingsbury in red West Midlands Bus livery.
There was one of those "West Midlands Bus" wrapped vehicles on the 96 on Monday, when I went to the Fort. Can't remember which one it was.
Looks like 2 of the new streetlites 32256/9 are at Kidderminster are they a loan or have they moved there
Quote from: Solo1 on December 08, 2022, 08:29:36 AMLooks like 2 of the new streetlites 32256/9 are at Kidderminster are they a loan or have they moved there
Well one of them will obviously be a replacement for 30809 so I assume one will be a permanent transfer although I'm not sure about the other I'm sure
@Simon Dunn will confirm
Quote from: Solo1 on December 08, 2022, 08:29:36 AMLooks like 2 of the new streetlites 32256/9 are at Kidderminster are they a loan or have they moved there
They'll be lots of fleet moves to get Euro 6 buses in the right places for new TfWM tendered routes.
Some 50 duty's are worked by Redditch again with Euro 6 Streetlites
Quote from: winston on December 08, 2022, 11:52:43 AMThey'll be lots of fleet moves to get Euro 6 buses in the right places for new TfWM tendered routes.
Some 50 duty's are worked by Redditch again with Euro 6 Streetlites
yes but I've just noticed on bustimes that 30409 (although it *may* not be that bus) is currently tracking on the 50 IF it is someone has dropped an almighty clanger unless of course they've paid the £50 ULEZ charge...
Quote from: hlliwmai on December 08, 2022, 12:12:45 PMyes but I've just noticed on bustimes that 30409 (although it *may* not be that bus) is currently tracking on the 50 IF it is someone has dropped an almighty clanger unless of course they've paid the £50 ULEZ charge...
Dont' know, as Solo 20051 was tracking on there about half hour ago (which is Euro 6), but not 30409.
The 20051 seems to be tracking intermittently on the 50, but it's supposed to be on the 326 too.
Diamond taking over NX32 route between Lyndon and Shirley and it will known as the A15. Also current NX route S16 between Solihull and Yardley which will be the A16 from 1st January
QuoteDiamond taking over NX32 route between Lyndon and Shirley and it will known as the A15. Also current NX route S16 between Solihull and Yardley which will be the A16 from 1st January
Isn't Stagecoach having the Solihull to Yardley route
Quote from: BBS on December 11, 2022, 11:20:14 PMIsn't Stagecoach having the Solihull to Yardley route
It depends which one you mean I think.
There's 3 NX Solihull - Yardley Swan routes currently. 58/A9 ran by Stagecoach, S16/A16 ran by Diamond it seems and of course X2 staying with NX.
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/service-updates/timetable-changes-from-sunday-1st-january-2023
Quote from: BBS on December 11, 2022, 11:20:14 PMIsn't Stagecoach having the Solihull to Yardley route
If the A16 is as it was when out for tender, it will no longer be serving Solihull. It will be Yardley to Acocks Green via Lyndon.
Quote from: BBS on December 11, 2022, 11:20:14 PMIsn't Stagecoach having the Solihull to Yardley route
Where have you got that from?
QuoteWhere have you got that from?
I'm just a little confused who is having what. Apparently there are now 2 versions of the routes Shirley to Yardley and Solihull to Yardley. One of them operated by Stagecoach and other diamond.
Quote from: BBS on December 12, 2022, 03:24:16 PMI'm just a little confused who is having what. Apparently there are now 2 versions of the routes Shirley to Yardley and Solihull to Yardley. One of them operated by Stagecoach and other diamond.
From stated above, current routes are S16 and 58, both operated by NXWM.
S16 is turning into A16 and going to Diamond.
58 is turning into A9 and going to Stagecoach. A9 is being extended to Blythe Valley (the old S9 route I think (https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/10899351/s9-timetable-blythe-valley-park) when it was changed from the 166 Solihull - Blythe Valley).
QuoteFrom stated above, current routes are S16 and 58, both operated by NXWM.
S16 is turning into A16 and going to Diamond.
58 is turning into A9 and going to Stagecoach. A9 is being extended to Blythe Valley (the old A9 or S9 route I think when it was changed from the 166 Solihull - Blythe Valley).
Ohhh so it's the S16 being replaced. Thanks for this as it really confused me into what the A16 was replacing
Quote from: BBS on December 12, 2022, 03:24:16 PMI'm just a little confused who is having what. Apparently there are now 2 versions of the routes Shirley to Yardley and Solihull to Yardley. One of them operated by Stagecoach and other diamond.
A9 - replaces 58, will operate Kingshurst to Blythe Valley (Stagecoach)
A15 - replaces 32, will operate Shirley to Lyndon, revised route in Acocks Green (Diamond)
A16 - replaces S16, will operate Acocks Green to Yardley (Swan Island) (Diamond)
This is of course all subject to official confirmation.
They say lighting doesn't strike twice hmm I tend to disagree...
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid026bkGjUox57GwVB9RwSeLECpuyFEmfHoDSb7C5rS3pxamGYT79pVQ42NG4ZHFWyvYl&id=162591650459696
Quote from: hlliwmai on December 15, 2022, 02:47:44 PMThey say lighting doesn't strike twice hmm I tend to disagree...
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid026bkGjUox57GwVB9RwSeLECpuyFEmfHoDSb7C5rS3pxamGYT79pVQ42NG4ZHFWyvYl&id=162591650459696
Another Volvo fire at Kidderminster depot, looks to be 30950
Quote from: winston on December 15, 2022, 02:52:34 PMAnother Volvo fire at Kidderminster depot, looks to be 30950
Yes
@winston it is, I have a feeling that VOSA will be paying Diamond a visit before much longer...
Quote from: metrocity on December 20, 2022, 12:14:48 PMNow showing on Diamond website with changes so it looks like Greenbus will not be the new operator after all !
Lot of the route no longer served it seems. Including unique parts in Erdington, Edwards Road & Round Road. No longer going to fox & goose shops.
Looks like its replacing part of the 600 instead. As it goes to Wheelwright Road. So presumably goes from a combined PVR of 2 to 1.
Also there's a strange gap on the timetable between 11:02 and 13:02.
The 28 the Diamond site mentions as an alternative should say Heartlands to Great Barr. As the Small Heath trips no longer run from that same date as well.
The gap could be a lunch break for the driver.
Quote from: 2206 on December 20, 2022, 12:24:13 PMAlso there's a strange gap on the timetable between 11:02 and 13:02.
One driver doing both routes and they'd like a break?
It would appear so. That's the only way I can explain it.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on December 20, 2022, 06:25:14 PMIt would appear so. That's the only way I can explain it.
At present I think it has 1 driver, 1 bus all the way through the day from when the bus starts on the 94 till finishes.
21212 - LS68 FOT – Diamond Bus – bustimes.org (https://bustimes.org/vehicles/diam-21212?date=2022-12-19)
I guess it might do something else before/after instead now as well, hence the hour gap.
Quote from: 2206 on December 20, 2022, 06:30:08 PMAt present it has 1 driver, 1 bus all the way through the day from when the bus starts on the 94 till finishes.
21212 - LS68 FOT – Diamond Bus – bustimes.org (https://bustimes.org/vehicles/diam-21212?date=2022-12-19)
I guess it might do something else before/after instead now as well.
I'm not 100% sure on working time directive in regards to buses specifically, but it looks like they take a break between the 94 end and 25 start, and 25 end and 94 start. I've seen Diamond buses sat in one of the laybys on the Collector Road around those transition times more than once.
Quote from: ellspurs on December 20, 2022, 06:34:54 PMI'm not 100% sure on working time directive in regards to buses specifically, but it looks like they take a break between the 94 end and 25 start, and 25 end and 94 start. I've seen Diamond buses sat in one of the laybys on the Collector Road around those transition times more than once.
It normally parks at the Fox & Goose from about 9 in the morning before starting the 25 and at the Park Street/Millenium Point bus stop before starting the 94 from about 15:15 normally. Which is where they'd a break at present I think.
The Collector Road ones might be a 96 run possibly, as it does a deadrun from the Ciity Centre and back in the afternoon.
The 96 has a mellor similarly work off the soon to be withdrawn 424 service. The 424 having been reduced considerably already over the last few years.
Quote from: ellspurs on December 20, 2022, 06:34:54 PMI'm not 100% sure on working time directive in regards to buses specifically, but it looks like they take a break between the 94 end and 25 start, and 25 end and 94 start. I've seen Diamond buses sat in one of the laybys on the Collector Road around those transition times more than once.
I suppose the break in the middle will possibly mean slightly longer operating hours than the 25 currently does. The 600 currently runs like this I believe it has a break by brookvale in the middle of the day. I'm not sure if the bus runs of anything before and after or if its standalone
According to bustimes.org, the bus is only used on the 600 during the day
Quote from: Rachvince53 on December 21, 2022, 10:08:57 AMAccording to bustimes.org, the bus is only used on the 600 during the day
Bus times says it does Rugeley/Lichfield service 829 on school days.
30926 - BX62 FBF – Diamond Bus – bustimes.org (https://bustimes.org/vehicles/diam-30926?date=2022-12-09#)
That would explain the break then. It's the mandatory break from driving that all drivers are supposed to have.
Nice to see diamond running into the night on the 16 route, shame the frequency has been dropped to every 20 mins
A16 timetable not uploaded yet on the website
A16 timetable on Diamond website - go via service updates for the West Midlands
Past a UID Streetlite on Green Lane Walsall at 18.30hrs yesterday displaying 31 - one of the side windows had been smashed - assumed it was running dead to garage.
Quote from: Wumpty on December 23, 2022, 07:47:49 AMPast a UID Streetlite on Green Lane Walsall at 18.30hrs yesterday displaying 31 - one of the side windows had been smashed - assumed it was running dead to garage.
Ah are the Coalpool crew branching out?
QuoteAh are the Coalpool crew branching out?
QuoteMossley lads this time bricking it seems to be a new sport down here 😂😂
I've seen a picture this morning of 30826 on the yard at Tividale and it looks as though it's had a very minor engine fire I don't know when it occurred although I can only assume it will now be withdrawn
What will the Allocation for the A15/16 be? I'm guessing it will be Mellor / Solo but i may be wrong
32238 on service wolves 27 is tracking as an 82 on Diamond Bus website.
32219 is on service 81 but tracking as a 18.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 01, 2023, 10:00:11 AM32238 on service wolves 27 is tracking as an 82 on Diamond Bus website.
32219 is on service 81 but tracking as a 18.
So the 18 is missing from dudley 09.30 to merry Hill
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on January 01, 2023, 10:24:12 AMSo the 18 is missing from dudley 09.30 to merry hill
According to Diamond Bus Bus tracker the buses supposedly on the 18 are on the 82!
Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 01, 2023, 10:32:13 AMAccording to Diamond Bus Bus tracker the buses supposedly on the 18 are on the 82!
Buses are now mostly tracking correctly on Diamond website (including the 18!) but not yet on bustimes.org
Looks like Diamond isn't operating the new route of the 61 correctly. Seems to have missed Halfords Ln, Dartmouth Rd etc. Do we think this is a training issue?
https://bustimes.org/services/61-handsworth-perry-barr-via-handsworth-park-2/vehicles?date=2023-01-03#journeys/361433725
Quote from: r700a on January 03, 2023, 12:03:09 PMLooks like Diamond isn't operating the new route of the 61 correctly. Seems to have missed Halfords Ln, Dartmouth Rd etc. Do we think this is a training issue?
https://bustimes.org/services/61-handsworth-perry-barr-via-handsworth-park-2/vehicles?date=2023-01-03#journeys/361433725
Could be a tracking issue. Sometimes the bus tracker omits certain stops especially if the driver hasn't manually updated their location until later along the route, thus some stops appear to be omitted.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 03, 2023, 01:05:01 PMCould be a tracking issue. Sometimes the bus tracker omits certain stops especially if the driver hasn't manually updated their location until later along the route, thus some stops appear to be omitted.
Its done it on several trips. So I would guess they haven't told the driver about the route change.
I think you're right as I've checked and there's no road closure affecting the route. Hopefully the inspectors will pick this up.
Yeah hopefully, even the Diamond website shows the new route. It looks like the Optare Solo broke down on the very first trip too! Not off to a great start lol :undecided:
Redditch Solo SR NIS around 3.30pm in Stourbridge, think it was 20027
Quote from: winston on January 13, 2023, 10:12:01 PMRedditch Solo SR NIS around 3.30pm in Stourbridge, think it was 20027
Been told it's currently on loan to Tividale, with 30888 currently on loan to Redditch for the time being.
Whats the price of return on 125 & 192 from Stourbridge to Kidderminster thanks
Quote from: Solo1 on January 25, 2023, 05:34:52 AMWhats the price of return on 125 & 192 from Stourbridge to Kidderminster thanks
Adult Network Day ticket is £7.40
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/bus-services/125-stourbridge/
https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/bus-services/192/
Saw 32132 this morning in Chelmsley Wood, sat at the "to Airport" bus stop, but with a destination of Chelmsley Wood. I had a look on bustimes to see whether it had gone to the Airport, and saw it took an unusual route (https://bustimes.org/vehicles/diam-32132?date=2023-03-05#journeys/393706982) to get there.
I haven't posted this in a depot-specific thread as I was unsure which one it would go in.
I know there are road closures in and around Birmingham Business park with diversions in effect so this may account for the "unusual" route
I understand the first two of these ex Yellow Buses Volvo B5TL/Wright Gemini 3's were delivered to Tividale yesterday:
40610 BF15KFG
40611 BF15KFK
40612 BF15KFE
40613 BF15KFD
40614 BF15KFC
40615 BF15KFA
What routes are these for
@winston @Simon Dunn
Where has it been stated that these deckers are for the 50?
Quote from: Steveminor on March 17, 2023, 05:10:29 AMWhere has it been stated that these deckers are for the 50?
Page 22 of the strike thread, in Simon's reply to me, should clear that up, but you are right IMO.
Quote from: Westy on March 17, 2023, 07:02:29 AMPage 22 of the strike thread, in Simon's reply to me, should clear that up, but you are right IMO.
Simon's reply doesn't say the deckers are going on the 50, it is two seperate statements regarding the 50 & the deckers, as below:We are looking to deploy more of the vehicles we have within Redditch to operate the 50. We have recently acquired 6 x double deckers for the Midlands and depending upon how long the Industrial action continues, then they could potentially pop up on other routes.
Quote from: winston on March 17, 2023, 10:32:18 AMSimon's reply doesn't say the deckers are going on the 50, it is two seperate statements regarding the 50 & the deckers, as below:
We are looking to deploy more of the vehicles we have within Redditch to operate the 50.
We have recently acquired 6 x double deckers for the Midlands and depending upon how long the Industrial action continues, then they could potentially pop up on other routes.
Will the new deckers be painted before being sent out
Quote from: winston on March 17, 2023, 10:32:18 AMSimon's reply doesn't say the deckers are going on the 50, it is two seperate statements regarding the 50 & the deckers, as below:
We are looking to deploy more of the vehicles we have within Redditch to operate the 50.
We have recently acquired 6 x double deckers for the Midlands and depending upon how long the Industrial action continues, then they could potentially pop up on other routes.
Winston is correct Redditch currently has 5 deckers in fleet which could hypothetically be redeployed, so the new Geminis could pop up on other routes.
30530 BU16UYC is on the 18 seen in cradley heath this morning in red wmbus livery.
Simon also states "for the midlands" so may go to Burton to replace the Presidents?
Noticed Diamond are joining the £2 fare cap. Exclusions apply to some tendered services 17H, 142/A, 22, 25/600 (Erdington), 27/A, 45, 5/A, A15/A16, 17/A/S/57, 18, 25 (Dudley), 81.
And also of note X11 withdrawn from 7th May 2023, so if people want a trip all the way to Burton, not long left for this.
'Tis a bit weird that the TfWM tendered services aren't included. I understand corporate services not being included, but not the tendered ones.
Quote from: ellspurs on April 01, 2023, 12:09:14 PM'Tis a bit weird that the TfWM tendered services aren't included. I understand corporate services not being included, but not the tendered ones.
Most on their TfWM tendered services are included in the far cap, it's the ones awarded from 1st Jan that aren't
Quote from: winston on April 01, 2023, 12:11:04 PMMost on their TfWM tendered services are included in the far cap, it's the ones awareded from 1st Jan that aren't
Too confusing for passengers, they won't know what a tendered route is
Quote from: Steve3229vp on April 01, 2023, 02:12:01 PMToo confusing for passengers, they won't know what a tendered route is
What is the reason for the January tenders being excluded
@Simon Dunn?
The gov list is saying stagecoach January tenders are also excluded? These were definitely included before and stagecoach website is showing fares as £2?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on April 01, 2023, 02:12:01 PMToo confusing for passengers, they won't know what a tendered route is
The list of exempt services is shown on the Diamond website article.
Quote from: 2206 on April 01, 2023, 02:49:26 PMWhat is the reason for the January tenders being excluded @Simon Dunn?
The gov list is saying stagecoach January tenders are also excluded? These were definitely included before and stagecoach website is showing fares as £2?
The DfT say that any services not operated before 01/10/23 are excluded from receiving funding.
Quote from: Simon Dunn on April 01, 2023, 05:06:06 PMThe DfT say that any services not operated before 01/10/23 are excluded from receiving funding.
I think you meant 10th January 2023.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on April 01, 2023, 06:53:45 PMI think you meant 10th January 2023.
Doubt it, those tendered services would have been included as they start 1/1/23.
I suspect the date should be 01/10/22
Has the March fleet update been published yet?
The £2 max fare wasn't applying on the 192 either. I was charged £2.65 for a Kidderminster to Hagley single today, and some friends of mine also travelled today and wanted returns from Kidder to Halesowen, they were told to buy a £7.40 Network ticket as the best option.
The list, interestingly, includes the 45 as an excluded service as it is "tendered". This has been listed for withdrawal from the 13th April 2023 as it is not commercial.
Diamond started operating it from the 1st January 2023, before the DfT cut off of the 10th.
That infers that Diamond has been awarded a tender to operate the service, although there is no update on either the TfWM website or anywhere else on the Diamond website to say so...
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on April 01, 2023, 10:55:54 PMThe list, interestingly, includes the 45 as an excluded service as it is "tendered". This has been listed for withdrawal from the 13th April 2023 as it is not commercial.
Diamond started operating it from the 1st January 2023, before the DfT cut off of the 10th.
That infers that Diamond has been awarded a tender to operate the service, although there is no update on either the TfWM website or anywhere else on the Diamond website to say so...
As winston said that dft cut off date was probably meant to be 01/10/2022. As most of the diamond services listed started on the 01/01/23.
Quote from: winston on April 01, 2023, 07:20:16 PMDoubt it, those tendered services would have been included as they start 1/1/23.
I suspect the date should be 01/10/22
Sorry - the correct date is 01/10/22.
Simon
How would this work with the 96 as the daytime journeys were operated before the cut off point but the evening journeys aren't.
Quote from: Lukeee on April 02, 2023, 02:11:27 PMHow would this work with the 96 as the daytime journeys were operated before the cut off point but the evening journeys aren't.
The whole service would be included I think, not just the journeys operated previously.
The following Streedecks will be transferring from Diamond NW to Diamond WM this coming weekend (subject to any last minute changes):
Tividale:
40818 / 20 / 24 / 26 / 29-32 / 34 / 35 (10)
Redditch:
40836-39 & 40842 (5)
Its not been decided what they will replace as yet, but anything Euro 4 with major unit failure will be top of the list.
Quote from: winston on April 12, 2023, 04:59:36 PMThe following Streedecks will be transferring from Diamond NW to Diamond WM this coming weekend (subject to any last minute changes):
Tividale:
40818 / 20 / 24 / 26 /28-32 / 34 (tel:26%20/%2029-32%20/%2034) / 35 (10)
Redditch:
40836-39 & 40842 (5)
Its not been decided what they will replace as yet, but anything Euro 4 with major unit failure will be top of the list.
And I guess those vehicles that they replacing will either transfer to Kidderminster or be sold/withdrawn?
Quote from: winston on April 12, 2023, 04:59:36 PMThe following Streedecks will be transferring from Diamond NW to Diamond WM this coming weekend (subject to any last minute changes):
Tividale:
40818 / 20 / 24 / 26 /28-32 / 34 (tel:26%20/%2029-32%20/%2034) / 35 (10)
Redditch:
40836-39 & 40842 (5)
Its not been decided what they will replace as yet, but anything Euro 4 with major unit failure will be top of the list.
Is most the fleet euro 4?
Quote from: hlliwmai on April 12, 2023, 06:00:22 PMAnd I guess those vehicles that they replacing will either transfer to Kidderminster or be sold/withdrawn?
Interesting.
If I've read recent posts correctly, the buses that currently operate the 31/32 & 42 out of Tividale are not Euro 6, in fact I've noticed Streetlites on 31/32 minus the usual branding.
Bearing in mind I've noticed on various 31/32 workings out of Walsall in the afternoon peak, for both operators, full single deck buses, would it be too much to hope we might get some double decks on those routes?
I've noticed NX double decks on those 2 routes this week, while the kids are off school, but it's rare we see double decks on the routes anyway.
But I'm probably wrong anyway!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 12, 2023, 06:28:49 PMIs most the fleet euro 4?
No, there may be a few Euro 3's left, Euro 4's, Euro 5's & plenty of Euro 6's.
I think there were around 40 non Euro 6 buses left at Tividale, the Euro 5 Volvo B7RLE will all now be retrofitted to meet Euro 6, but that won't now happen before 1st May.
Quote from: Westy on April 12, 2023, 06:30:31 PMInteresting.
If I've read recent posts correctly, the buses that currently operate the 31/32 & 42 out of Tividale are not Euro 6, in fact I've noticed Streetlites on 31/32 minus the usual branding.
Bearing in mind I've noticed on various 31/32 workings out of Walsall in the afternoon peak, for both operators, full single deck buses, would it be too much to hope we might get some double decks on those routes?
I've noticed NX double decks on those 2 routes this week, while the kids are off school, but it's rare we see double decks on the routes anyway.
But I'm probably wrong anyway!
I think the 31/32 branding is planned to be removed to provide more flexibility.
Quote from: winston on April 12, 2023, 04:59:36 PMThe following Streedecks will be transferring from Diamond NW to Diamond WM this coming weekend (subject to any last minute changes):
Tividale:
40818 / 20 / 24 / 26 / 29-32 / 34 (tel:26%20/28-32%20/%2034) / 35 (10)
Redditch:
40836-39 & 40842 (5)
Its not been decided what they will replace as yet, but anything Euro 4 with major unit failure will be top of the list.
Thanks for the info.
I count 11 listed for Tividale. Is it a typo or are 11 due over the weekend? 👍
Quote from: WWH44L on April 13, 2023, 10:56:24 AMThanks for the info.
I count 11 listed for Tividale. Is it a typo or are 11 due over the weekend? 👍
Thanks - it is a typo, 40828 isn't due at Tividale from Bolton. I've edited all the lists above.
Unidentified Diamond S/D heading along the A50 near Glenfield hospital towards Leicester City centre about 08.15 this morning, any ideas what it was doing there ?
Quote from: Mayfield on April 13, 2023, 07:19:35 PMUnidentified Diamond S/D heading along the A50 near Glenfield hospital towards Leicester City centre about 08.15 this morning, any ideas what it was doing there ?
it was one of the YY15 E200's operating the LCC contracted 125 service.
If bus times is accurate there is a streetdeck on the 002 and also the 10 in Kidderminster!!
No just looked its 322xx
Reference the LCC contract 125, where does that run to and from and how often.
Quote from: Mayfield on April 15, 2023, 09:13:18 PMReference the LCC contract 125, where does that run to and from and how often.
Timetables can be found on Diamond website. Especially since this is a local bus service.
https://www.diamondbuses.com/bus-services/em/em-125-leicester/
https://bustimes.org/services/125-castle-donington-leicester
That at a guess.
Have any of the double deckers made it down yet ? Guessing Tividale ones will be on 16 /50
20162 has been involved in an RTC in Kingswinford on the 226 I've been sent a picture but I can't find how to upload it on here for some reason
Quote20162 has been involved in an RTC in Kingswinford on the 226 I've been sent a picture but I can't find how to upload it on here for some reason
Shouldn't upload RTC pictures.
Quote from: BK63 YWP on April 17, 2023, 03:49:26 PMShouldn't upload RTC pictures.
Didn't work anyway...
Quote from: BK63 YWP on April 17, 2023, 03:49:26 PMShouldn't upload RTC pictures.
Its only got a missing bumper and a popped out windscreen its minor damage luckily
Quote from: EK40 on April 17, 2023, 06:41:43 PMIts only got a missing bumper and a popped out windscreen its minor damage luckily
It's a fair bit more than just minor damage.
for the incoming deckers from manchester, would they have their branding removed before coming into service or will it be covered or just not modified since i noticed most of them carry either 8 or 36/37 branding
Quote from: winston on April 12, 2023, 04:59:36 PMThe following Streedecks will be transferring from Diamond NW to Diamond WM this coming weekend (subject to any last minute changes):
Tividale:
40818 / 20 / 24 / 26 / 29-32 / 34 / 35 (10)
Quote from: hlliwmai on April 12, 2023, 06:00:22 PMAnd I guess those vehicles that they replacing will either transfer to Kidderminster or be sold/withdrawn?
Redditch:
40836-39 & 40842 (5)
Its not been decided what they will replace as yet, but anything Euro 4 with major unit failure will be top of the list.
wonder if any of the buses will tranfer to midland classic with the deckers here or are they here short term
Quote from: Solo1 on April 20, 2023, 08:46:36 AMRedditch:
40836-39 & 40842 (5)
Its not been decided what they will replace as yet, but anything Euro 4 with major unit failure will be top of the list.
wonder if any of the buses will tranfer to midland classic with the deckers here or are they here short term
Believe midland classic is in the process of getting the 6 15 plate Geminis recently transfered
With the mTickets on Diamond, how long do I have to activate them after buying them (e.g. could I buy one and then use it a couple of months later for example?)
Rotala have acquired the following buses from Go Goodwins (Little Gem):
30700-30702 & 30707-30713 are E200's originally new to London converted to single door format
30703-30706 are VDL SB180 / MCV Evolutions
All have been retrofitted to Euro 6 previously
30709 has already been paint in Diamond 2 Tone base colours & saw service with Little Gem before they ceased trading.
| 30700 | LJ09KPA |
| 30701 | LJ09KPX |
| 30702 | LJ09KPO |
| 30703 | YJ62JWL |
| 30704 | YJ62JWF |
| 30705 | YJ62JXG |
| 30706 | YJ62JXW |
| 30707 | LJ09KOX |
| 30708 | LJ09KPE |
| 30709 | LJ09KPF |
| 30710 | YX59BYJ |
| 30711 | YX59BYP |
| 30712 | YX59BYM |
| 30713 | YX59BYN |
They **may** see use at Diamond West Midlands short-term, as there will be a shortfall of vehicles in Manchester from 17th Sept 23 until early 2024 when Diamond NW commence operation of the 7 small TfGM franchises, sells a large proportion of the existing Bolton fleet to GNW & subsequent delays in Diamond's new Bee Network buses arriving. They will also now be ADL E200MMC's in lieu of Volvo B8RLE / MCV Evora's.
The potential return of mcvs to the West Midlands. How nostalgic!
Hi Simon the driver of 40831 on the 16A was due out at 8:32 but it's not 8:42 and she's to busy talking to other drivers and smoking she needs to have a word with about this ( in West Brom) edit it's was a change driver and man come as I gone to buy ticket he has started shouting at me and my son as we was trying to buy ticket his behaviour is out of order !
Quote from: Steveminor on April 29, 2023, 08:17:15 PMSorry for what you say you have experienced I have passed this through to his ops manager who will look into this.
I hope it doesn't put you off travelling with us in the future
Thankyou , and no I'm not gonna let one person ruin my experience with diamond
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 29, 2023, 08:02:06 PMHi Simon the driver of 40831 on the 16A was due out at 8:32 but didn't come around till 8:45 , The driver was very rude when I asked for a ticket was shouting at me because I was trying to pay for 2 daysavers with a £10 saying no change , I did say don't worry about the change , he was still very rude making it seem an inconvenience I wanted a ticket ,driver I'd on ticket is 13305 , this man needs some customer service training and a talking aswell
But your other 16A drivers have got good customers service
Then you would have reported him for not giving you your change leading to Simon thinking his driver is stealing money
I thought diamondbus did exact fare only
Quote from: Solo1 on April 30, 2023, 11:58:15 AMI thought diamondbus did exact fare only
Diamond have always given change I think.
When the claribels buses moved to diamond they had their fare boxes/cash vaults removed.
I remember Diamond had vaults for a short period back in the Go-Ahead days, but that's 16 years ago!
Any idea of the new stand allocation for the 16A in West Brom bus station... has moved since last week.
Think the BODS data is also wrong for the route also... it shows it as stopping at stop SE at Sandwell Hospital towards West Brom when it should be SA & SC.
Quote from: uniquicity on May 02, 2023, 12:30:35 PMAny idea of the new stand allocation for the 16A in West Brom bus station... has moved since last week.
Service 16A now departs from stand M in west bromwich bus station
Quote from: Steveminor on May 02, 2023, 08:57:57 PMService 16A now departs from stand M in west bromwich bus station
Cheers, no signs up or anything directing you so bit of a blooper by bus station staff I guess
There's a streetdeck in tividale with its roof missing
Might be 40714 from South Esat that lost its roof last month?
Could someone please explain why the legals on the side of 32260/61 are **slightly** different to any other Diamond West Midlands vehicles
I saw one of them today and the address reads as:
Rotala Shared Services Limited
Hallbridge Way
Tividale
Birmingham
B69 3HW
As I said nothing much different about it other than the "Rotala Shared Services Ltd" is this a new name for the company or does this mean that those buses aren't staying in the West Midlands?
Quote from: hlliwmai on May 03, 2023, 06:13:27 PMCould someone please explain why the legals on the side of 32260/61 are **slightly** different to any other Diamond West Midlands vehicles
I saw one of them today and the address reads as:
Rotala Shared Services Limited
Hallbridge Way
Tividale
Birmingham
B69 3HW
As I said nothing much different about it other than the "Rotala Shared Services Ltd" is this a new name for the company or does this mean that those buses aren't staying in the West Midlands?
Perhaps the owner of these two vehicles is Rotala Shared Services, a separate company to Diamond Bus.
There would have to be a sign stating that the vehicle is On Hire to Diamond Bus, if it's been operating services registered under the Diamond Bus O'licence.
Looking at Companies House and according to the most recent Financial Statement (Nov 21), Rotala Shared Services has £11million in Assets. What I'd suggest is that maybe £11million's worth of vehicles are held/owned by Rotala Shared Services and are then leased to other Rotala subsidiaries such as Diamond Bus, DBNW & Preston Bus. This is a form of protection which is one of the major benefits of having Group Infrastructure; removal of all Assets from the Operating Company should anything go wrong and that Operating Company fails.
Quote from: uniquicity on May 02, 2023, 09:20:10 PMCheers, no signs up or anything directing you so bit of a blooper by bus station staff I guess
There were temporary signs, local youths removed them.
I have spoken to Bus station staff and they have been replaced.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 03, 2023, 03:35:09 PMThere's a streetdeck in tividale with its roof missing
It is 40714 currently at Tividale, both that & 40761 will be rebuilt.
Quote from: MW on May 03, 2023, 06:41:54 PMPerhaps the owner of these two vehicles is Rotala Shared Services, a separate company to Diamond Bus.
There would have to be a sign stating that the vehicle is On Hire to Diamond Bus, if it's been operating services registered under the Diamond Bus O'licence.
Looking at Companies House and according to the most recent Financial Statement (Nov 21), Rotala Shared Services has £11million in Assets. What I'd suggest is that maybe £11million's worth of vehicles are held/owned by Rotala Shared Services and are then leased to other Rotala subsidiaries such as Diamond Bus, DBNW & Preston Bus. This is a form of protection which is one of the major benefits of having Group Infrastructure; removal of all Assets from the Operating Company should anything go wrong and that Operating Company fails.
If you look at the history of the company, it used to be called Dunn-Line (Flights) Ltd, then Flights Hallmark Ltd, then Wessex Bus Ltd and now Rotala Shared Services Ltd.
The company has and was a operating subsidiary, and overtime built up Capital and reserves. A few years back we wanted to change how we buy parts/ goods. There were several reasons for this.
Moving to using one legal entity to acquire everything means we can in effect set them up once rather than multiple times and apply them to our systems once/ and manage one ledger balance rather than 5.
When it came to the new buses - Rotala shared services did acquire the buses and paid cash for them. This is why Wrights placed the name on the side of the bus.
30169 has now been repainted into Brighter Diamond colours and has been transferred to Redditch. Seen it yesterday on the 52A and 58.
30170 is also now in blue and based at Redditch
Has the May fleet list been issued yet?
Quote from: hlliwmai on June 02, 2023, 09:28:38 PMHas the May fleet list been issued yet?
Yes - this morning
Quote from: hlliwmai on June 02, 2023, 10:38:55 PMIt's not on the main page yet
Give me chance to go through it. I do have a full time job you know.
They are on the main site now, along with the Arriva ones
Rotala Fleet changes (wmbusphotos.com) (http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html)
I've just seen 30960 (EU06 WGM) on the Newton Road displaying "76 Sutton Coldfield" on the blinds heading up towards Scott Arms, I thought this had been withdrawn? Does anyone know if it's sold or re-instated?
Quote from: hlliwmai on June 18, 2023, 01:14:10 PMI've just seen 30960 (EU06 WGM) on the Newton Road displaying "76 Sutton Coldfield" on the blinds heading up towards Scott Arms, I thought this had been withdrawn? Does anyone know if it's sold or re-instated?
On the most recent update list, it's shown as transferred to Tamworth.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on June 18, 2023, 01:27:00 PMOn the most recent update list, it's shown as transferred to Tamworth.
@Steveminor said it had been withdrawn so I'm not sure
Quote from: Rachvince53 on June 18, 2023, 01:27:00 PMOn the most recent update list, it's shown as transferred to Tamworth.
They don't transfer to Tamworth Tamworth is part of tividale
QuoteThey don't transfer to Tamworth Tamworth is part of tividale
Tamworth is an outstation so is classed as depot... so buses can transfer to Tamworth. They probably go back to tividale for major maintenance.
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on June 18, 2023, 05:39:59 PMThey don't transfer to Tamworth Tamworth is part of tividale
Tamworth has its own allocation on the company fleetlist
I saw a dart heading out off tividale last week one day and it was displaying 78 on the blinds
@Tony – I see the Rotala Fleet Update has been published for the end of June but it's not working I'm clicking on the link on the main page but all it's bringing up is the May update not the new one for the end of June is there a technical issue.
Is it me or can you only buy weekly or monthly nbus products on the diamond app but not 1 Day nbus tickets
As it's not been mentioned on this thread already it would appear Diamond have lost the 35A (Walsall - Leighswood) to Chaserider
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/n2ufuwbc/statutory-information-july-2023.pdf
Quote from: hlliwmai on July 03, 2023, 08:13:48 PMAs it's not been mentioned on this thread already it would appear Diamond have lost the 35A (Walsall - Leighswood) to Chaserider
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/n2ufuwbc/statutory-information-july-2023.pdf
Dead mileage to either Leighswood or Walsall?
Quote from: Westy on July 03, 2023, 08:41:12 PMDead mileage to either Leighswood or Walsall?
And?
Diamond have it from Tividale which is just about the same distance
Quote from: Tony on July 03, 2023, 08:58:56 PMAnd?
Diamond have it from Tividale which is just about the same distance
Actually
@Tony of late the 35A has been operating out of the Tamworth outstation one of the supervisors is a friend of mine and he told me
Quote from: hlliwmai on July 03, 2023, 09:22:05 PMActually @Tony of late the 35A has been operating out of the Tamworth outstation one of the supervisors is a friend of mine and he told me
So just as far, which proves the point again about Chaderider running dead from Cannock
Does the £2 single also apply to the 12 from Lichfield to Barton under neddlewood
Quote from: Solo1 on July 09, 2023, 06:49:07 AMDoes the £2 single also apply to the 12 from Lichfield to Barton under neddlewood
Yes
Does anyone have the log in details for Diamonds on bus wi fi please?
It takes ages to come up on the information screen & doesn't stop on for long!
Rotala have acquired a further 10 ex First Streetlites via Ensign that are being returned off lease, they will be for Diamond WM (Depot TBC):
| 32284 | SM13NDJ |
| 32285 | SM13NEO |
| 32286 | SM13NEU |
| 32287 | SK63KGO |
| 32288 | SK63KGP |
| 32289 | SK63KGU |
| 32290 | SK63KGY |
| 32291 | SK63KGZ |
| 32292 | SK63KHA |
| 32293 | SK63KHB |
A number are still currently in service at First South Yorkshire
Quote from: winston on July 18, 2023, 12:07:21 PMRotala have acquired a further 10 ex First Streetlites via Ensign that are being returned off lease, they will be for Diamond WM (Depot TBC):
| 32284 | SM13NDJ |
| 32285 | SM13NEO |
| 32286 | SM13NEU |
| 32287 | SK63KGO |
| 32288 | SK63KGP |
| 32289 | SK63KGU |
| 32290 | SK63KGY |
| 32291 | SK63KGZ |
| 32292 | SK63KHA |
| 32293 | SK63KHB |
A number are still currently in service at First South Yorkshire
I hope these buses have had some improvements made to them since they were new - they were awful to drive and I feel very sorry for passengers having to use them if they haven't had adaptations made.
Centros, B7s and Darts are far superior but obviously not Eiro 6 sadly.
Quote from: j789 on July 18, 2023, 07:07:00 PMI hope these buses have had some improvements made to them since they were new - they were awful to drive and I feel very sorry for passengers having to use them if they haven't had adaptations made.
Centros, B7s and Darts are far superior but obviously not Eiro 6 sadly.
What were the issues with these vehicles when new; from both a passenger and drivers point of view?
Quote from: MW on July 18, 2023, 08:00:58 PMWhat were the issues with these vehicles when new; from both a passenger and drivers point of view?
After about 6 months of usage the rattles started, they were sluggish pulling off from junctions (like Streetdecks), poor turning circles for the size of the bus, even the MIDI version, and passengers often complained about the seats being cramped and very uncomfortable (obviously other operators may have chosen better seating on their vehicles but the First ones weren't great), the vibrations when stopped with the handbrake on and poor heating.
I know the engineers like them as they were fairly easy to maintain and had decent fuel economy but I can't see these vehicles really improving the passenger experience over what Diamond already operate.
E200s are far better.
Quote from: j789 on July 18, 2023, 09:56:15 PMAfter about 6 months of usage the rattles started, they were sluggish pulling off from junctions (like Streetdecks), poor turning circles for the size of the bus, even the MIDI version, and passengers often complained about the seats being cramped and very uncomfortable (obviously other operators may have chosen better seating on their vehicles but the First ones weren't great), the vibrations when stopped with the handbrake on and poor heating.
I know the engineers like them as they were fairly easy to maintain and had decent fuel economy but I can't see these vehicles really improving the passenger experience over what Diamond already operate.
E200s are far better.
I'd much rather a Streetlite, Diamonds current examples (68 plates upwards are very good) the older ones are naff though. But least the Streetlites just rattle as much as E200's...
Quote from: j789 on July 18, 2023, 09:56:15 PMAfter about 6 months of usage the rattles started, they were sluggish pulling off from junctions (like Streetdecks), poor turning circles for the size of the bus, even the MIDI version, and passengers often complained about the seats being cramped and very uncomfortable (obviously other operators may have chosen better seating on their vehicles but the First ones weren't great), the vibrations when stopped with the handbrake on and poor heating.
I know the engineers like them as they were fairly easy to maintain and had decent fuel economy but I can't see these vehicles really improving the passenger experience over what Diamond already operate.
E200s are far better.
I disagree with E200s being far better from a drivers point of view.
Bar the gearbox, I find early Streetlites better than E200s to drive. The cab is slightly bigger on Streetlites legroom wise and at higher speed, when you eventually get there, are far more stable compared to every single E200 I've driven. E200s have always had rubbish steering.
ERZ2028 / GN14LPL when performing as they should were better to drive than the ex Central Buses E200s when they first arrived at Diamond IMO.
The MMCs though are in a different league when coupled with the Allison gearbox.
Passenger point of view wise; yes I agree that E200s rattle less. It was usually the Emergency Exit rattling on Streetlites that was an issue.
I'm not sure which generation of Streetlite Midi you drove, but the Micro Hybrid versions from around 2015 did have a slightly better turning circle.
Quote from: MW on July 19, 2023, 07:40:10 AMI disagree with E200s being far better from a drivers point of view.
Bar the gearbox, I find early Streetlites better than E200s to drive. The cab is slightly bigger on Streetlites legroom wise and at higher speed, when you eventually get there, are far more stable compared to every single E200 I've driven. E200s have always had rubbish steering.
ERZ2028 / GN14LPL when performing as they should were better to drive than the ex Central Buses E200s when they first arrived at Diamond IMO.
The MMCs though are in a different league when coupled with the Allison gearbox.
Passenger point of view wise; yes I agree that E200s rattle less. It was usually the Emergency Exit rattling on Streetlites that was an issue.
I'm not sure which generation of Streetlite Midi you drove, but the Micro Hybrid versions from around 2015 did have a slightly better turning circle.
We had a 64 plate batch of Midi Streetlites then 65 plate full size, along with a few StreetDecks. It's good to hear later vehicles were better but I'm guessing these 13 plate ones still have some of the flaws mentioned. Hopefully they have had adaptations made to them though so they are better than they were.
Quote from: j789 on July 19, 2023, 07:14:38 PMWe had a 64 plate batch of Midi Streetlites then 65 plate full size, along with a few StreetDecks. It's good to hear later vehicles were better but I'm guessing these 13 plate ones still have some of the flaws mentioned. Hopefully they have had adaptations made to them though so they are better than they were.
The seats on the First spec Streetlites of that era (https://flic.kr/p/RYGvHq) are the same as Diamonds standard specification on new vehicles, so they shouldn't be any different to Streetlites that Diamond's passengers are already accustomed to, other than having a pink grab handles inside.
I can't see there being any modifications though. At most, maybe First have remapped the Gearbox to behave in a more smooth manner (as certain Arriva ops have done).
Quote from: MW on July 19, 2023, 07:56:50 PMThe seats on the First spec Streetlites of that era (https://flic.kr/p/RYGvHq) are the same as Diamonds standard specification on new vehicles, so they shouldn't be any different to Streetlites that Diamond's passengers are already accustomed to, other than having a pink grab handles inside.
I can't see there being any modifications though. At most, maybe First have remapped the Gearbox to behave in a more smooth manner (as certain Arriva ops have done).
Knowing First they probably retuned the engines to make them more sluggish to increase fuel economy. However, I'm guessing if they were rental vehicles there may have been restrictions on what the company could do with the vehicles in terms of making significant changes.
SK18TKF (20154) seen at Warwick Services (Northbound) earlier. The question is how far north is it heading?
https://flic.kr/p/2oQDK7C
Quote from: winston on July 18, 2023, 12:07:21 PMRotala have acquired a further 10 ex First Streetlites via Ensign that are being returned off lease, they will be for Diamond WM (Depot TBC):
| 32284 | SM13NDJ |
| 32285 | SM13NEO |
| 32286 | SM13NEU |
| 32287 | SK63KGO |
| 32288 | SK63KGP |
| 32289 | SK63KGU |
| 32290 | SK63KGY |
| 32291 | SK63KGZ |
| 32292 | SK63KHA |
| 32293 | SK63KHB |
A number are still currently in service at First South Yorkshire
Tividale and Kidder, then release E200s to Burton and withdrawn the 05 Scanias. Would help try and tidy up number of types at each depot.
Never know might move the other versa's over & scrap the 07 Wright Eclipse Urban's
Quote from: BN on July 23, 2023, 07:31:47 AMTividale and Kidder, then release E200s to Burton and withdrawn the 05 Scanias. Would help try and tidy up number of types at each depot.
@BN not this time, if you look in the Diamond Kidderminster thread, there's a list of bus due to be withdrawn from Kiddy.
Quote from: Solo1 on July 23, 2023, 09:18:27 AMNever know might move the other versa's over & scrap the 07 Wright Eclipse Urban's
Burton didn't want any more Versa's, that's why 30970 has been sold rather than transferred to Burton to join 30967.
Quote from: winston on July 23, 2023, 11:18:12 AMBurton didn't want any more Versa's, that's why 30970 has been sold rather than transferred to Burton to join 30967.
Well that's interesting as I was always under the impression that 30968, 30969, 30970 (before it was sold) would of all gone to Burton at some point, but from your comments
@winston I assume the last 2 (968/969) will spend there days/years/months (delete where appropriate) splitting there time between Tivi & Tamworth now
How come they don't want any more versa's & wonder if the ones at Burton will be sold & replaced
Quote from: hlliwmai on July 23, 2023, 12:35:08 PMWell that's interesting as I was always under the impression that 30968, 30969, 30970 (before it was sold) would of all gone to Burton at some point, but from your comments @winston I assume the last 2 (968/969) will spend there days/years/months (delete where appropriate) splitting there time between Tivi & Tamworth now
I was expecting 30968-70 would join Burton, but when 30970 became available for transfer, Burton didn't want any more buses.
Could of sent the versa's there to replace the 05 buses at Burton
Quote from: Solo1 on July 23, 2023, 02:55:59 PMCould of sent the versa's there to replace the 05 buses at Burton
Didn't you read Winston's reply?
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2023, 03:02:57 PMDidn't you read Winston's reply?
Yes said didn't want any more buses I was saying could replace the 05 reg buses with them
Quote from: Solo1 on July 23, 2023, 03:07:03 PMYes said didn't want any more buses I was saying could replace the 05 reg buses with them
"
Burton didn't want any more Versa's, that's why 30970 has been sold rather than transferred to Burton to join 30967. "Burton didn't want any more Versas
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2023, 05:02:12 PM" Burton didn't want any more Versa's, that's why 30970 has been sold rather than transferred to Burton to join 30967. "
Burton didn't want any more Versas
Ok
Has 40100 "Julia" (FOR 35T) been withdrawn? As it's disappeared off bustimes and as far as I'm aware hasn't been used since it transferred to Burton.
Quote from: hlliwmai on July 23, 2023, 10:57:35 PMHas 40100 "Julia" (FOR 35T) been withdrawn? As it's disappeared off bustimes and as far as I'm aware hasn't been used since it transferred to Burton.
Still at Burton but sees no use
Quote from: winston on July 23, 2023, 11:03:50 PMStill at Burton but sees no use
That's a shame surprised Rotala haven't sold it to Green Bus / Birmingham Bus Works.
Has 20162 been withdrawn it hasn't tracked since June
https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001374/62
I'm confused about this, the 22N hasn't operated for years but has only now been cancelled. I see it was "withdrawn" in 2007 but cancelled July 2023. Can registrations stay technically 'active' so they can be reinstated in the future, or is this perhaps a tidy-up since registrations wholly within the West Midlands are now handled by WMCA?
A more amusing theory, they forgot to cancel it and just realised 😂😂😂
The 581 has also been "cancelled" despite not operating for a long time
https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001374/38
Quote from: r700a on August 18, 2023, 03:55:26 PMhttps://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001374/62
I'm confused about this, the 22N hasn't operated for years but has only now been cancelled. I see it was "withdrawn" in 2007 but cancelled July 2023. Can registrations stay technically 'active' so they can be reinstated in the future, or is this perhaps a tidy-up since registrations wholly within the West Midlands are now handled by WMCA?
The same with PD1090982/84 this service was withdrawn in May but the registration is yet to be cancelled. Not sure why
Quote from: r700a on August 18, 2023, 03:55:26 PMhttps://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001374/62
I'm confused about this, the 22N hasn't operated for years but has only now been cancelled. I see it was "withdrawn" in 2007 but cancelled July 2023. Can registrations stay technically 'active' so they can be reinstated in the future, or is this perhaps a tidy-up since registrations wholly within the West Midlands are now handled by WMCA?
A more amusing theory, they forgot to cancel it and just realised 😂😂😂
The 581 has also been "cancelled" despite not operating for a long time
https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001374/38
You'll find it is just part of an administrative 'tidying-up' exercise.
From Sunday 5 March 2023, the Traffic Commissioner's Office has delegated bus service registration powers for services within the West Midlands Enhanced Partnership to Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
This means that for local bus services that operate wholly within the West Midlands area Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) receives and publishes these registrations on this webpage on a two-weekly basis. It is important to note that this power does not give TfWM powers to decline or cancel registrations unless the service is either registered at short notice or does not meet a requirement set out in the Enhanced Partnership (https://www.tfwm.org.uk/who-we-are/what-we-do/bus-services/enhanced-partnership/). https://www.tfwm.org.uk/who-we-are/what-we-do/bus-services/bus-service-registrations-within-the-west-midlands/
That's why if you look on the GOV UK Vehicle Operator Licensing Service website, you'll see most West Midlands bus services show as 'Admin Cancelled'.
A15 service is revised from September.
a15-a4-timetable-040923.pdf (diamondbuses.com) (https://www.diamondbuses.com/media/4999/a15-a4-timetable-040923.pdf)
Quote from: 2206 on August 19, 2023, 01:09:33 AMA15 service is revised from September.
a15-a4-timetable-040923.pdf (diamondbuses.com) (https://www.diamondbuses.com/media/4999/a15-a4-timetable-040923.pdf)
Looks like another box ticking exercise by TfWM rather than a route that's actually any use!
August fleet changes now on the main site
Rotala Fleet changes (wmbusphotos.com) (https://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/Rotala.html)
Just seen the electroliner in City on the 16A if anyone's interested.
Quote from: MasterPlan on September 14, 2023, 08:04:52 AMJust seen the electroliner in City on the 16A if anyone's interested.
Any ideas on how long they got the electroliner for?
Quote from: MasterPlan on September 14, 2023, 08:04:52 AMJust seen the electroliner in City on the 16A if anyone's interested.
Its tracking as 30826 if anyone wants to get it
Is the electro liner out?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 16, 2023, 01:34:24 PMIs the electro liner out?
1420 16A from Birmingham, tracking as 40835
Anybody know how long the electro liner Is at tividale for please?
Electronic liner on 40 Diamond
Quote from: Twm 1990S on September 16, 2023, 06:01:32 PMElectronic liner on 40 Diamond
(about:invalid)
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/gtri-40835?date=2023-09-16
Looks like it may of actually been 40835 itself on the 40s instead of the electric bus itself as it showing two trips on bustimes at the same time.
Managed to ride the Electroliner today on the 16A into City, first time I've been on any electrics or test vehicles. Seemed quite smooth but not too much different to the other streedecks. What was interesting was the display upstairs showing time, power used and battery, which was at about 48% lol.
Does anybody know if the electoliner is out today please
Kidderminster-based 30001 (WX07 UOB) appears to be tracking in Manchester has this transferred?
Quote from: hlliwmai on September 27, 2023, 01:31:30 PMKidderminster-based 30001 (WX07 UOB) appears to be tracking in Manchester has this transferred?
Highly unlikely, it's too old & not Euro 6, it's just double tracking:
It was in Wolverly this morning on the 829:
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/diam-30001
20740 on College Road near Hawthorn Road at 0645 this morning,
could be a breakdown
Must admit I'm intrigued by a presumbly recent transfer into Tividale.
It's a E200 with Arriva interior, currently on 31/32's, but the wheelchair section is about halfway down the bus!
Wouldn't this cause a problem if the bus is up to capacity & lots of standing passengers?
QuoteMust admit I'm intrigued by a presumbly recent transfer into Tividale.
It's a E200 with Arriva interior, currently on 31/32's, but the wheelchair section is about halfway down the bus!
Wouldn't this cause a problem if the bus is up to capacity & lots of standing passengers?
I take it you are talking about one of the 37000 E200's.
The wheelchair section is halfway down the bus due to it previously being from arriva london and dual door as the wheelchair ramp would have been on the middle door.
Obviously your point still remains and i have no clue how it will work.
Quote from: MX05WHR-Enjoyer on October 11, 2023, 07:03:05 AMI take it you are talking about one of the 37000 E200's.
The wheelchair section is halfway down the bus due to it previously being from arriva london and dual door as the wheelchair ramp would have been on the middle door.
Obviously your point still remains and i have no clue how it will work.
Would've thought after removing the extra door, the dealer/whoever would've got the bus interior realigned?
Probably would have cost more money to do that, the bus is still theoretically psvar and can go out on service. I dont know if diamond converted it to single door, but if they did diamond arent quite known to spend extra money on things.
Quote from: MX05WHR-Enjoyer on October 11, 2023, 07:06:49 PMProbably would have cost more money to do that, the bus is still theoretically psvar and can go out on service. I dont know if diamond converted it to single door, but if they did diamond arent quite known to spend extra money on things.
No Diamond didn't convert it, they have only just purchased them
Quote from: Westy on October 11, 2023, 06:51:06 PMWould've thought after removing the extra door, the dealer/whoever would've got the bus interior realigned?
normally they do have the interior re-aligned (and refurbished) but little gem seemed to have went for the cheapest option for their conversion which was basically removing the door and throwing an out of place window over it which isnt too out of fashion for them considering they had a gemini 1 one going for years around with a top front window taped up with black duct taped after it got smashed lol
Quote from: MX05WHR-Enjoyer on October 11, 2023, 07:06:49 PMProbably would have cost more money to do that, the bus is still theoretically psvar and can go out on service. I dont know if diamond converted it to single door, but if they did diamond arent quite known to spend extra money on things.
Goodwins converted them to single door before they entered service with Little Gem.
They were clearly done on a budget, as they didn't even bother to remove the interior box housing the door gear for the centre doors.
New 4/4H timetable from 5th November in partnership with NXWM. Looks like diamond will operate the 4H and NX 4M and share the 4s between West Brom and Walsall. Combined frequency of every 5 mins between Walsall and West Bromwich
I saw a 96 on Sunday (the purple one with the Diamond Jubilee wrap), and on the side bar it said "via Old Oscott".
It doesn't go via Old Oscott on a Sunday, does it?
In fact, looking at the October service changes, it seems that neither the NX or Diamond service will be doing the Old Oscott loop any more. I wonder if a different service is covering it, or if it has gone the way of the 25/600.
Quote from: Ash on October 16, 2023, 05:23:22 PMNew 4/4H timetable from 5th November in partnership with NXWM. Looks like diamond will operate the 4H and NX 4M and share the 4s between West Brom and Walsall. Combined frequency of every 5 mins between Walsall and West Bromwich
Although the entire Evenings and Sundays service will be operated by NX across all the 4 group of services.
Quote from: D10 on October 16, 2023, 08:22:14 PMAlthough the entire Evenings and Sundays service will be operated by NX across all the 4 group of services.
And looks like there is just 1 DIA bus doing the short West Brom - Walsall section about every 1 hour 20 with the full 4H every 20 minutes.
Has something happened to 32312 this week? I was on it earlier and it didn't sound like a streetlite at all, very unhealthy and was quite loud... never heard anything like it.
Glad the 45 is going via Hallam Street again, even it is only a trial. It is far more popular with older folks to get to the main entrance of the hospital, and the 45 is far more reliable than the 16A so it will be well used if publicised properly.
Quote from: uniquicity on October 30, 2023, 05:56:51 PMGlad the 45 is going via Hallam Street again, even it is only a trial. It is far more popular with older folks to get to the main entrance of the hospital, and the 45 is far more reliable than the 16A so it will be well used if publicised properly.
I agree, I never understood the whole idea of taking it off there. 45 (405) has always served it, there was a brief period they swapped the 40 and 45 with Hallam Street.
Has 20739 failed on the 326?
Seems to have been replaced by 21232 instead, so the 1536 326 to Bloxwich is delayed !
Although not included in the list on Diamond's website of services that would be running on Boxing Day, bustimes indicates that 50 Birmingham - Maypole actually operated yesterday.
Can anyone confirm?