I was wondering when the 560 is withdrawn and 19 extended to Wolverhampton Will it serve New Cross Hospital Grounds or go past the front gates (Like the 560). Also will it do a loop of Wolverhampton City Centre or stop in the Bus station.
Will the 19 be timed to operate a combined 15 min frequency between Bloxwich and Wolverhampton with the 89 as with current timetable on the 560 means it is just behind the 89, the 560 runs empty most of the time and the 89 picks all the passenger up!
I read on here that Wednesfield are gaining more ALX400 DAF DB250LF from Thurmaston? (I think) for the 19 service. Will the 19 service really need double-deckers?
Hopefully if its times right then yes deckers would be great
According to a new NWM New Cross leaflet I picked up today, it does go into the hospital site.
Deckers? But the 560 is dead what makes them think theyll need deckers
Is the new 19 going to be the 'flagship' route of Wednesfield depot?
They have put deckers on the current 19, but most of the time, its singles plus an odd Solo.
Flagship with V reg deckers sounds about right for them
Quote from: bob on April 20, 2013, 10:20:30 AM
Flagship with V reg deckers sounds about right for them
As long as they are low floor, I doubt Joe Public will notice.
Any chance of Arriva doing a 'Black Country Bus Guide' to promote, seeing they did one for Walsall a couple of years or so ago?
(In fact, do one covering the South Staffs & Black Country combined!)
I dunno id imagine joe public would notice the difference between say a nx t reg spectra and an enviro 400/b7l gemini?
Quote from: bob on April 20, 2013, 11:48:29 AM
I dunno id imagine joe public would notice the difference between say a nx t reg spectra and an enviro 400/b7l gemini?
Maybe, but I don't think they are bothered with the difference as long as the bus gets them from A to B.
Quote from: Westy on April 20, 2013, 11:35:57 AM
Quote from: bob on April 20, 2013, 10:20:30 AM
Flagship with V reg deckers sounds about right for them
As long as they are low floor, I doubt Joe Public will notice.
Any chance of Arriva doing a 'Black Country Bus Guide' to promote, seeing they did one for Walsall a couple of years or so ago?
(In fact, do one covering the South Staffs & Black Country combined!)
Arriva did do a Walsall service guide when they started the new services such as 8A etc. guide would be brilliant and also noticed that there was an arriva inspector at Walsall bus station, sounds like a good step forward!
Wheres the online timetable?
Who do they think they are?
NWM !
The timetable for the 19 has appeared on bus stops in wednesfield
Seen an old ALX200 Dart and a Marshall Dart and A SOLO on there today. Obviously not very optimistic.
So for a brand new service they put possibly some of the very worst wrecks of their entire fleet ( 99.9% of wednesfielss fleet bar enviros are wrecks but p942 ems is poss one of the vilest) ....Arriva really know how to launch a service. Shocking...
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on April 29, 2013, 04:25:13 PM
Seen an old ALX200 Dart and a Marshall Dart and A SOLO on there today. Obviously not very optimistic.
I saw 4778 as well along with 2129 and some MPD's. Same allocation as before just more buses needed
Hardly impressive is it
Quote from: bob on April 29, 2013, 07:54:32 PM
Hardly impressive is it
Well there were only 1/2 passengers on the wednesfield with a mpd full of passengers on one of the journeys.
I think there was 2 deckers on today
that is a real shame to hear, but im keeping my fingers crossed that things will be good, still very early days. If they don't put those deckers on think it would be a brilliant route for optare versa!
Quote from: arrivaaston on April 29, 2013, 11:02:16 PM
I think there was 2 deckers on today
4778 was definitely on the 19. Was the other one an ex-Midland Trident? Or have more deckers arrived?
4778 on today.
Quote from: Trident 4609 on April 30, 2013, 05:07:31 PM
4778 on today.
4778 is on it all the time, even before the 19 was extended.
So it exactly the same allocation as before but with extra buses. I have seen it a few times in Walsall but now i can see it as it goes through wednesfield where i live.
On 19, went all the way. Noticed several things. The loadings were bigger between Walsall and Bloxwich than Bloxwich and Wolves, the driver was rude to an OAP who was wondering if 19 went to Broad Street, the driver snapped at her and said Bus Station then Lichfield Street; but the driver went straight onto Broad Street.
A passenger said to another that the 560 hadn't turned up; so I had to
explain the 19 has replaced it. I love Joe Public lol.
4851 (Arriva livered Trident) on The 19 today.
Went on this route tuesday and gotta be honest, it got on me t**s!! I think it would be more ideal to have a seperate route for goscote and blakenall and maye the 19 can go straight through leamore and to Bloxwich that way and that 67 (formerly 810) what a pain in the arse of a route........!!!
Cant see this route lasting tbh, on it between bloxwich and wolves and a few passengers have got on but every single one had either a pass or a disabled pass ( incl one rough looking tattoo covered very gobby workin age woman who.doesnt look remotely disabled, nice to know taxpayers money is so well spent! ) so I cant see how its turning anyprofit
Theres a Y reg mpd on today which in all honesty isnt in too bad nick, uts refurbed with red seats and doesnt rattle as bad as cannocks 51 plates, and an s reg marshall example, im on an OUI reg slf now and it isnt upto much, rattles and bangs and smells of diesel. Surely if the 19 is a new route and they want custom and to get the brand across, they could at least bother their arse to put arriva liveried mpds on? Theyve got enough of the bloody things. It all adds up to a confusing image for the passenger and a really poor, low rent one for arriva! Running arriva liveried deckers virtually empty alongside tatty darts on the same routr = a bit naff
Got on the 10.20 and tbh there was a few fare paying passengers on a W reg Trident. There was 7 passengers at most and I can't see route lasting :-/ shame.
Quote from: s-m-991 on May 21, 2013, 05:39:14 PM
Got on the 10.20 and tbh there was a few fare paying passengers on a W reg Trident. There was 7 passengers at most and I can't see route lasting :-/ shame.
Saw Trident 4851 near New Cross Hospital this afternoon and it had no passengers on it. I can see them withdrawing the Bloxwich-Wolverhampton section
Its a ddaf db250 same as a spectra, rather than a trident. It looks pretty smart but id say itd be better deployed on other routes....
Quote from: Trident 4609 on May 21, 2013, 05:41:46 PM
Quote from: s-m-991 on May 21, 2013, 05:39:14 PM
Got on the 10.20 and tbh there was a few fare paying passengers on a W reg Trident. There was 7 passengers at most and I can't see route lasting :-/ shame.
Saw Trident 4851 near New Cross Hospital this afternoon and it had no passengers on it. I can see them withdrawing the Bloxwich-Wolverhampton section
And leaving nx 89 as the sole service between bloxwich and wolves? Wouldnt be surprised, but would be disappointed
Quote from: bob on May 21, 2013, 07:17:44 PM
Its a ddaf db250 same as a spectra, rather than a trident. It looks pretty smart but id say itd be better deployed on other routes....
No 4851 is a Trident, with East Lancs bodywork
Quote from: bob on May 21, 2013, 07:17:44 PM
Its a ddaf db250 same as a spectra, rather than a trident. It looks pretty smart but id say itd be better deployed on other routes....
No i was talking about 4851, the East Lancs Bodied trident branded for the 10 that was on the 19. I already know 4778/98 are DAF DB250LF same chassis as a spectra
Ohh sorry lol my error
Well let's be honest if your on about the tridents or dafs there both heaps of shit anyway, duno why arriva bothered keeping the 2 W reg ones, they make me mother look new born ancient heaps of scrap
But it has to be said, I do hope the low landers are left whare they are, as much as I'd like to see them in Cannock there better where they are, well maintained, they'd be as bad as the tridents if they ever come here for use in service........ Then thered be a problem........
I dont think theres any danger of Cannock operating deckers ever again arriva would rather them be used on the 19 cos of the massive numbers of passengers it gets lol
On the city centre loop yesterday, the only people on board was me and 3 drivers heading to depot, on a decker
Apparently theyre gonna be introducing more deckers onto it soon, well at least itll make the route appear professional, but I do wonder whether theyve lost it lol? The routes dead, even previously when it was walsall through blakenall etc and not wolves it only really required a dart or solo. Why not just use the ex london darts on it they look ok. I agree with arrivaaston on deckers at cannock, they need at least a couple for peak loadings on some routes and when theyre not on them they could be put on pye greens, even on those theyd still be carrying way more than on the 19 lol
Which routes at Cannock need Double Deckers? (I don't go to cannock usually so don't know cannocks routes other that the 70/76/68 in wolverhampton.
With the 19 service as people have said between Bloxwich and Wolverhampton you have NXWM 89 which the passengers usually get as alot of people have NX bus passes.
Also between Wednesfield (Ashmore Park/Lichfield Road) you have The 59/69/89 and then the 18, ,28, 25/25A (Wednesfield), 68 (Arriva) and also the 57 so there are so many routes that operate along or part of the route.
Yesterday there was lots of people waiting at the stop near New Cross Hospital and a Dart went past on the 19 and no one got on but instead got on 5412 on the 59! Some were fare paying so could of got on the 19!
Certain trips on the stafford routes definitely and the 60 is sometimes standin only but they stupidlyinterwork it with the 825 now so it has to be si gle decked. I. Not sayin any cannock services need them all the time but theyd certainly get more people on them on say a morning trip on a 74 than they would in half a day on the 19 lol. The number 1 to walsall could be deckered if they re routed it under the other bridge at church bridge rather than the low one. They could reduce it to half hourly itd still give 4 buses an hour btwn cannock bloxwich & walsall. Cannock used to have lots of deckers in fact the 70 used to have them on lots
On the 19 10 mins ago and btwn new invention and wednesfield there was only me on! On 4778, the interior is nicely refurbed but if the scratch the surface...the driver said it was rough engine wise. It looks smart outside too but again look closely and all the panels along the bottom are badly dented. Driver said the ex midland fleet is a load of shit andhis colleague hhad to have 3 buses this morning cos the first two broke down! Lol
Cannocks decker allocation used to me
4163M163GRY
4166M166GRY
4178M178GRY
4396G646BPH
4397G647BPH
4569D190FYM
4571D171FYM
4572D242FYM
Always used on '860', '862' and sometimes did the 1/70
And the 4 ( now 74) esp the d-fym.
For got the 4 lol yea rememner these on the 4 with Leyland Lynxes
Used to have h-gpf citybuses branded up for the 156 as well. Arriva made a total mess of that route lol
Susprisingly a 19 in going through wednesfield was almost packed. (Was a full size dart and not a MPD)
The 19 was not very well advertised people are not familiar with it.as one day the 560 disappeared and the 19 came. If It was advertised properly eg poster at every bus stop describing routes I think it will pick up but it ll take time.
I remember when Nxwm re-numbered 560 to 908 not many people catch it as they did not know where the route went. In time it did pick up.
theres no consistency though, anything from a red mpd with an arriva badge stuck on with a midland stickrr in the back window to a clapped out marshall dart with full midland fleetnames to a bloody 3/4 empty decker! It looks absolutely SHIT!!! Darts are obviously sufficient so why not ensure repainted mpds are used all the time? If the current situation is tge best they can do itll just fail....
Quote from: lynx1103 on June 02, 2013, 05:09:28 PM
The 19 was not very well advertised people are not familiar with it.as one day the 560 disappeared and the 19 came. If It was advertised properly eg poster at every bus stop describing routes I think it will pick up but it ll take time.
I remember when Nxwm re-numbered 560 to 908 not many people catch it as they did not know where the route went. In time it did pick up.
Dunno about Arriva promotion as its not very often I catch them, despite living on the 2, but don't people read the notices on the buses, or in the case of the reviews, the nice glossy leaflet they produce!
I do, besides having internet access!
Has everyone on the relavant routes seen the notices for the Pheasey / Kingstanding changes on the bus?
Well the posters for the changes in North Birmingham have started appearing on WN buses
On the 19 between bloxwich and wolverhampton, total of 9 passengers got on and off plus me. 8 were pensioners 1 was a lad going 2 stops with an n bus. Jesus how much money are they losing on this route? And the cost of running an old decker must be quite expensive too. How long do you think itll last? The X31 had ten times as much custom asthis and got the chop
On the 1505 from wolves ( which was already late) the driver missed the turning for new cross hospital and then decoded to turn right further down the road and come back on himself narrowly missing getting hit by a car at the island, he was foreign, but pleasant enough. The bus was ok S251 JUA, niceish interior but sounds shagged screeching brakes and the engine rattles like hell. 5 passengers in total incl me
Also none of the bells were working so people were ringing them like nutters and missing their stops! As happened to me as well lol
Must admit whenever I go to Wolves, I tend to turn up when an NX is in or due.
Haven't actually caught a 19 yet.
I live on the daytime 2 / 2a but I hardly catch it, unless I go to Cannock for some reason. (78 year old Mother uses it though!)
Most of the time I walk round to the NX on Bloxwich Road!
Caught 4798 some time this early afternoon Wednesfield - Walsall and it was nearly full downstairs and reasonably busy upstairs too!
Also, the doors were making the funniest sound every time they opened/closed
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 15, 2013, 08:21:04 PM
Caught 4798 some time this early afternoon Wednesfield - Walsall and it was nearly full downstairs and reasonably busy upstairs too!
Also, the doors were making the funniest sound every time they opened/closed
Don't remind me about that sound! ;)
4798 wss very busy today all along the route Wolverhampton-Walsall
2144 was on the 19 today. Very impressive compared to the MPDs.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on July 02, 2013, 05:11:19 PM
2144 was on the 19 today. Very impressive compared to the MPDs.
Saw that this afternoon. First E200 on the 19 i think.
Thats the sort of bus they should be using, arriva liveried, not ( yet) knackered and the right size. Cant see the wolverhampton section lasting though still...
Quote from: bob on July 02, 2013, 05:19:21 PM
Thats the sort of bus they should be using, arriva liveried, not ( yet) knackered and the right size. Cant see the wolverhampton section lasting though still...
From what I have seen the Wolverhampton end seems to be the busiest part
Quote from: nitromatt1 on July 02, 2013, 11:18:24 PM
Quote from: bob on July 02, 2013, 05:19:21 PM
Thats the sort of bus they should be using, arriva liveried, not ( yet) knackered and the right size. Cant see the wolverhampton section lasting though still...
From what I have seen the Wolverhampton end seems to be the busiest part
Are you joking?? Yes the Wolves end does get a few passengers but usually OAP's with free passes
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 03, 2013, 08:19:30 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on July 02, 2013, 11:18:24 PM
Quote from: bob on July 02, 2013, 05:19:21 PM
Thats the sort of bus they should be using, arriva liveried, not ( yet) knackered and the right size. Cant see the wolverhampton section lasting though still...
From what I have seen the Wolverhampton end seems to be the busiest part
Are you joking?? Yes the Wolves end does get a few passengers but usually OAP's with free passes
No I wasn't joking....
A few being the operative words here
Quote from: bob on July 03, 2013, 11:03:18 AM
A few being the operative words here
Well quite a lot of OAP passengers who sit downstairs but from my observation the whole route isn't busy enough to need Double Deckers. The Arriva Livered MPD's suite the route fine.
I have noticed one occasion where a double deckers have been busy and i have seen a few packed dats (Both on the Wolverhampton end) but a couple of times isn't good enough to jusify deckers.
On the 10.03 from wolverhampton, total passenger numbers 7 most of whom got off by wednesfield and 4 pensioners got on, I was the only paying passenger. The bus was w367 vgj and it was f#####g knackered! Tge gearbox wasnt working the driver said when she stopped it wouldnt go out of first gear again. Whole journey at no more than just over 20mph! Bus sounded horrendous. Another nice well maintained nail. They must be haemorragingmoney on this route. The 89 I ccaught into wolves was rammed. The 19s gona be an absolute epic fail lol
On the 1218 from bloxwich, in wednesfield total num of passengers 10 incl 3 children. The only cash taken so far is 2 80p supplement fares. I bet it doesnt even make a fiver by wolves lol. Both other 19s (blakenall bound one in bloxwich the other just passed just before wednesfield ) had about 3 or 4 passengers on. Why are people shunning the route? Other than a handful of pensioners? Expensive disaster anyone? Lol
If its the woman driver I'm thinking of, the bus was fine just the driver, she struggles to get solos/mpd's into gear
Quote from: arrivaaston on July 25, 2013, 03:04:46 PM
If its the woman driver I'm thinking of, the bus was fine just the driver, she struggles to get solos/mpd's into gear
A driver cannot 'struggle to get a bus into gear' all you do is press a button (on some you have to press the brake pedal at the same time) but I am sure no company would employ anybody who couldn't do that, in fact I doubt they would even pass their PCV driving test
Either way tony it was a heap of shit
4851 on the 19 today (Branded for the 10 aswell!)
When it was choice, she used to drive the 23 route quite often with g541tbd after our regular driver sadly left, soon as the mercs went and we had darts she dissapeard, reason being "she couldn't drive the darts"
Quote from: arrivaaston on July 25, 2013, 11:47:09 PM
I Have deleted the comment that was here because passing comments about staff that can be identified on here, but cannot answer back is unfair
Tony
If any Arriva Wednesfield staff are on here, is the 19 on diversion in North Walsall, as NWM say no, but Tony says otherwise?
Not that it'll affect many passengers lol :-P
Quote from: Westy on August 20, 2013, 07:10:15 AM
If any Arriva Wednesfield staff are on here, is the 19 on diversion in North Walsall, as NWM say no, but Tony says otherwise?
If you don't believe me, here is the proof on the Walsall Council website
http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/update_34a_wc190813.pdf
On the current Road Closures page
Forest Lane, (between the junctions of B4210 Bloxwich Road and Webster Road) Walsall
Very much believe tony :) Even did the 301 towards Bloxwich on Sunday and saw the roadworks
Im not doubting anyone but the official info given out is not the same as what Tony said.
Certainly when I checked the other day, it was saying on NWM that the 19 was still serving Forest Lane, but Tony says not, so if thats the case, some duff info has been posted.
2141 appears to have broken down in Neachells Lane near the A454 lights! Lol
has the 19 loads picked up now does anyone know ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 28, 2013, 07:14:34 PM
has the 19 loads picked up now does anyone know ?
Well I got dropped off in Wednesfield, by the Gala Bingo & the final journey as far as Blakenall turned up.
As I got on, someone got off plus there was someone else already on , so there was 2 on least from Wednesfield to Bloxwich, then 2 got off at Bloxwich & 1 got on to Blakenall.
I was on a rather squeaky 4801!
Ahh so the loadings haven't really picked up yet ?
Westy, You got off by Gala Bingo eh? Thats the stop near my house ;)
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 28, 2013, 09:32:35 PM
Westy, You got off by Gala Bingo eh? Thats the stop near my house ;)
I got on by there to go back to Bloxwich.
(My lift was going to her hairdresser's in New Invention & she dropped me at the Tesco Express! I missed the 89 & had to wait for a 19, then walk from Bloxwich! )
Quote from: Westy on August 28, 2013, 05:32:26 PM
2141 appears to have broken down in Neachells Lane near the A454 lights! Lol
Not quite Westy, a vehicle ran into the back of it.
Quote from: Westy on August 28, 2013, 08:04:44 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 28, 2013, 07:14:34 PM
has the 19 loads picked up now does anyone know ?
Well I got dropped off in Wednesfield, by the Gala Bingo & the final journey as far as Blakenall turned up.
As I got on, someone got off plus there was someone else already on , so there was 2 on least from Wednesfield to Bloxwich, then 2 got off at Bloxwich & 1 got on to Blakenall.
I was on a rather squeaky 4801!
Squeaky? Surely not theyve been extensively refurbished! !! Lol
Saw deckers on this route numerous times yesterday on my travels, and only once did I see people sat upstairs (that was in wednesfield heading towards Wolves). Really low numbers every time. However, I'll go with the theory they have loads of deckers spare so are just putting them on any route, because I also saw a decker in Bilstol Bus Station on the 334 (Would have been a weird sight in Bradford Place)
Quote from: Kevin on September 01, 2013, 07:15:12 AM
Saw deckers on this route numerous times yesterday on my travels, and only once did I see people sat upstairs (that was in wednesfield heading towards Wolves). Really low numbers every time. However, I'll go with the theory they have loads of deckers spare so are just putting them on any route, because I also saw a decker in Bilstol Bus Station on the 334 (Would have been a weird sight in Bradford Place)
Deckers seem to be on the 334 almost daily lately, I saw an East Lancs Trident (4851) in Bradford Place on there the other day!
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 01, 2013, 08:02:46 AM
Quote from: Kevin on September 01, 2013, 07:15:12 AM
Saw deckers on this route numerous times yesterday on my travels, and only once did I see people sat upstairs (that was in wednesfield heading towards Wolves). Really low numbers every time. However, I'll go with the theory they have loads of deckers spare so are just putting them on any route, because I also saw a decker in Bilstol Bus Station on the 334 (Would have been a weird sight in Bradford Place)
Deckers seem to be on the 334 almost daily lately, I saw an East Lancs Trident (4851) in Bradford Place on there the other day!
Rode 4798 on there the other day. Don't see why they shouldn't be on there, Gets busier loadings than the 19 anyway
From VOSA today:
PD0000478/385 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wilenhall
Finish Point: Merry Hill
Via: Dudley
Service Number: 310
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-OCT-2013
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 06, 2013, 03:59:01 PM
From VOSA today:
PD0000478/385 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wilenhall
Finish Point: Merry Hill
Via: Dudley
Service Number: 310
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-OCT-2013
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Nice to Arriva are introducing a new route offering new links, I assume this will be similar to the former BCC 310
Quote from: Winston on September 06, 2013, 04:04:49 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 06, 2013, 03:59:01 PM
From VOSA today:
PD0000478/385 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wilenhall
Finish Point: Merry Hill
Via: Dudley
Service Number: 310
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-OCT-2013
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Nice to Arriva are introducing a new route offering new links, I assume this will be similar to the former BCC 310
Lets hope its a year round service & not just a pre Xmas service.
It appears to be occurring on the same day as tender changes, I wonder if it is maybe the subsidised 610 & 327 services merging (I believe they already interwork?) and extended?
Arriva do appear to have lost a few contracts from that day.
Quote from: notepanel on September 06, 2013, 05:37:51 PM
It appears to be occurring on the same day as tender changes, I wonder if it is maybe the subsidised 610 & 327 services merging (I believe they already interwork?) and extended?
Arriva do appear to have lost a few contracts from that day.
No its the 229/610 that interwork i believe at Dudley
And during the daytime they are commercial i think?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 06, 2013, 06:05:20 PM
No its the 229/610 that interwork i believe at Dudley
Yes, that's right Nathan
327 is Willenhall to Wednesbury isn't it?
Like Notepanel, it seems like the 327 and 610 are been merged into one route, plus extended from Dudley to Merry Hill
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 06, 2013, 06:05:20 PM
Quote from: notepanel on September 06, 2013, 05:37:51 PM
It appears to be occurring on the same day as tender changes, I wonder if it is maybe the subsidised 610 & 327 services merging (I believe they already interwork?) and extended?
Arriva do appear to have lost a few contracts from that day.
No its the 229/610 that interwork i believe at Dudley
327 and 610 do interwork in Wednesbury as when the 327 goes down towards the bus station it pulls into the lay-by by the bus station and changes to the 610 and the 610 changes to the 327 when it gets into the bus station.
Must interwork again at Wednesbury then as it definetley interworks with the 229 at Dudley
Have to let my work mate know as he lives in Willenhall (not too far from Arriva Wednesfield! ), plus he goes to Merry Hell, but I doubt he'll use it for work (if it's the same as the 610, as I know that stops on the main road by Wednesbury Parkway like the 311/313), as he hates walking too far from the bus stop to work, plus he gets his 'friend' to drive him!
will this route run through Dudley ? if its replacing the 610
Currently on 19 from bloxwich gone past new invention and total passengers 4 incl me the other 3 are pensioners. Jeez arriva must be making a shedload of profit on here! Lol. On w367 vgj, to call these and the other ex london dafs sheds would be complimentary !
Quote from: bob on September 07, 2013, 11:57:38 AM
Currently on 19 from bloxwich gone past new invention and total passengers 4 incl me the other 3 are pensioners. Jeez arriva must be making a shedload of profit on here! Lol. On w367 vgj, to call these and the other ex london dafs sheds would be complimentary !
I would have thought Saturday daytime, it would have picked up with kids and O.A.P's getting out ;D clearly not
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 07, 2013, 11:42:04 AM
will this route run through Dudley ? if its replacing the 610
Yes it will Nathan :) I believe its the 327/610 merged together then extended to Merry Hill from Dudley
Just pulling into wolves now 5 on board incl me.
Interestingly, the 610 frequency is every 30 minutes, and the 327 is every hour, so I wonder what the frequency of the 310 will be
Quote from: Sh4166 on September 07, 2013, 12:17:13 PM
Interestingly, the 610 frequency is every 30 minutes, and the 327 is every hour, so I wonder what the frequency of the 310 will be
It would make sense to make it half hourly so it attracts more passengers but you will probably find it will have a hourly frequency!
Quote from: Sh4166 on September 07, 2013, 12:17:13 PM
Interestingly, the 610 frequency is every 30 minutes, and the 327 is every hour, so I wonder what the frequency of the 310 will be
Maybe hourly between Merry Hill and Willenhall and hourly between Merry Hill and Wednesbury. So 30 mins frequency to Wednesbury and hourly to Willenhall
There was an amendment for the route & timetable posted on VOSA yesterday, beginning in October for the 19 route.
I wonder what the amendments are? On s251 jua which is absolutely knackered sounding and has an awful downstairs interior, 8 passengers from wolves on way back.
You watch they will put the DAFs on it knowing Arriva :-)
Seriously though what is it with about everyone doing some kind of Merry Hill-Dudley route now!
Dafs as in deckers? Theyll probably be redundant from the 19 by that point lol
Quote from: notepanel on September 07, 2013, 12:58:42 PM
There was an amendment for the route & timetable posted on VOSA yesterday, beginning in October for the 19 route.
Probably wont serve the Hospital grounds ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 07, 2013, 09:03:35 PM
Quote from: notepanel on September 07, 2013, 12:58:42 PM
There was an amendment for the route & timetable posted on VOSA yesterday, beginning in October for the 19 route.
Probably wont serve the Hospital grounds ?
What gives you that idea?
Maybe curtailed to walsall-bloxwich only?
I suppose you have to give it to Arriva, they do at least make an effort in creating new, potentially useful and therefore lucrative, routes. Granted the 19 hasn't really worked, but I reckon this one would, because that would now mean a fairly large area from Willenhall, Darlaston, Wendesbury, Great Bridge and Tipton now connected to Merry Hill that previously wasn't, although having just typed that out I realise the previous link from Tipton didn't really work out did it (x1)?. Hope it works out for them
Quote from: bob on September 08, 2013, 09:35:31 AM
Maybe curtailed to walsall-bloxwich only?
Probably so. The 89/69 and 59 all cover the Bloxwich/New Invention/Ashmore Park-Wolverhampton corridor enough as it is
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 07, 2013, 10:46:20 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 07, 2013, 09:03:35 PM
Quote from: notepanel on September 07, 2013, 12:58:42 PM
There was an amendment for the route & timetable posted on VOSA yesterday, beginning in October for the 19 route.
Probably wont serve the Hospital grounds ?
What gives you that idea?
Dunno to be honest, just a thought that ran through my head an I posted it without thinking :)
How long would a more direct route from Willenhall to Merry Hill take, say via Bilston?
Would Willenhall passengers use this more direct route or the new route?
(Might have a word with my mate as it's more his area than mine! From where he lives, he used to catch the bus from the Neachells Lane lights that went to Merry Hill before the review. )
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 08, 2013, 10:12:49 AM
Quote from: bob on September 08, 2013, 09:35:31 AM
Maybe curtailed to walsall-bloxwich only?
Probably so. The 89/69 and 59 all cover the Bloxwich/New Invention/Ashmore Park-Wolverhampton corridor enough as it is
Plus a lot of people have nx travel cards, and from walsall if you were goin wolves youd never catch the 19, as u say from bloxwich there's the 89 from new invention 89 & 69, and wednesfield 89 69 59 plus others and arrivas own 68. Nx have that corridor sewn up and use more modern buses (on the 89 and 59 anyway, I know b10ls creep onto the 69). And even when they do use a spectra occasionally it makes you think, the best arriva can do bus wise on a new route is a load of knackered buses which are the same type (and some the same age) of bus (db250) that is thd oldest and soon to be withdrawn decker in the entire nx fleet
Quote from: Kevin on September 08, 2013, 09:42:09 AM
I suppose you have to give it to Arriva, they do at least make an effort in creating new, potentially useful and therefore lucrative, routes. Granted the 19 hasn't really worked, but I reckon this one would, because that would now mean a fairly large area from Willenhall, Darlaston, Wendesbury, Great Bridge and Tipton now connected to Merry Hill that previously wasn't, although having just typed that out I realise the previous link from Tipton didn't really work out did it (x1)?. Hope it works out for them
Yea but a lot of the time the routes are stupid. The X31. ...who in the right mind would run an HOURLY service along the m6???? And label it an express service! It was always held up on the motorway and with it being hourly people were left for hours at times wondering where the bus was lol. If it had been run down the a34 it wouldve worked.
I'm liking the route number 310 being reintroduced to Dudley and Merry Hill. Particularly as the 610 route was originally the BCC 310 years back.
Quote from: bob on September 08, 2013, 11:20:20 AM
Plus a lot of people have nx travel cards, and from walsall if you were goin wolves youd never catch the 19, as u say from bloxwich there's the 89 from new invention 89 & 69, and wednesfield 89 69 59 plus others and arrivas own 68. Nx have that corridor sewn up and use more modern buses (on the 89 and 59 anyway, I know b10ls creep onto the 69)
But Bloxwich - Wolves is only every half hour with the 89, so I would definitely say there is scope for more
So why are the 19s always almost empty then yet the 89s are busy?
Could it be possibly be sent via the former Diamond 300 route (Ie down the 246 route between Dudley and Brierley hill but avoiding the Hospital and Brierley Hill itself to get to Merry Hill)?
Quote from: bob on September 08, 2013, 01:58:30 PM
So why are the 19s always almost empty then yet the 89s are busy?
Everyone has nx passes...?
Quote from: Kevin on September 08, 2013, 04:27:59 PM
Quote from: bob on September 08, 2013, 01:58:30 PM
So why are the 19s always almost empty then yet the 89s are busy?
Everyone has nx passes...?
Tbh not always the case. Some people even paying a single fare may wait for the NX bus (89/59/69) and let the Arriva bus go past. Seen this many times
If thats the case arriva are gona gind it doubly hard to crack the WM then aren't they
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 08, 2013, 05:56:12 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 08, 2013, 04:27:59 PM
Quote from: bob on September 08, 2013, 01:58:30 PM
So why are the 19s always almost empty then yet the 89s are busy?
Everyone has nx passes...?
Tbh not always the case. Some people even paying a single fare may wait for the NX bus (89/59/69) and let the Arriva bus go past. Seen this many times
I tend to arrive at the wrong times for a 19.
Quote from: the #trainbasher on September 08, 2013, 02:48:56 PM
Could it be possibly be sent via the former Diamond 300 route (Ie down the 246 route between Dudley and Brierley hill but avoiding the Hospital and Brierley Hill itself to get to Merry Hill)?
that worked well I recall.........lasted 4 months was it?
When it turned up on time. It used to be 479 - 486 that found themselves on the 300 if I remember correctly
479-483 the overheating Kings........Diamond should have stayed on the 311 they seemed much busier than the 300
Quote from: 4747 on September 14, 2013, 11:54:07 AM
479-483 the overheating Kings........Diamond should have stayed on the 311 they seemed much busier than the 300
Yeah I agree they should have stayed on many of their routes-maybe give the 311 another try-Ive got the BCC guide for this route and it looks a useful route-links some of the bits of the diamond network
On the x reg daf alx400 on the 19 , 4 passengers all the way from wolves to new cross hosp. The bus is a right shed ripped/patched flooring screeching brakes and SLOW.. interesting to see what the oct changes to the route are, surely at some point the wolves end will be axed? The others on with me are all pensioners and ive got a n bus so they havent took a penny so far cash fares. 3 more pensioners got on at the hospital and one got off...would the concessionary reimbursement even cover the diesel? ? Lol
Faulty LED on one of the Tridents today, the display was cut down the middle so only displaying half of what it was supposed to
Caught the 4pm from wolves which was late, not very busy total of about 9 passengers on and off. On s251 jua. Horrid buses especially the downstairs seating.
Leicester passengers and drivers apparently hate the things lol
Why don't they run from Wednesfield as it will be based there anyway?
Decker on a walsall bound 19 at new invention at 1.30pm today had 1 passenger on lol
Bearing in mind, the 327 & 610 are Centro subsidised, is the 310 also subsidised or is it now commercial, as if one of the bits is lost to another operator, surely it won't be worth running, unless it can be interworked with another route?
Lets hope they get some better buses for it. Willenhall to merry hill on an ex midland or even an arriva dart would NOTbe a pleasant eexperience
Quote from: bob on September 29, 2013, 10:37:09 PM
Lets hope they get some better buses for it. Willenhall to merry hill on an ex midland or even an arriva dart would NOTbe a pleasant eexperience
Wonder if the most cynical of us will be laying bets whether the bus will make it through on a regular basis without a breakdown.
Might actually book the morning off just to try it and the X26 when they launch :-)
Quote from: Westy on September 30, 2013, 07:59:49 AM
Quote from: bob on September 29, 2013, 10:37:09 PM
Lets hope they get some better buses for it. Willenhall to merry hill on an ex midland or even an arriva dart would NOTbe a pleasant eexperience
Wonder if the most cynical of us will be laying bets whether the bus will make it through on a regular basis without a breakdown.
5/1 odds at least the first trip! :-)
What's the X26
Quote from: woody38 on September 30, 2013, 04:20:30 PM
What's the X26
A new Hansons route, Dudley to Merry Hill I think, starting next month
Next month will be interesting with hansons and arriva running in competition with nxwm on the X96 and part of the 246.
Arriva on the x96???
Quote from: bob on September 30, 2013, 09:41:03 PM
Arriva on the x96???
Hansons are launching a new route to compete with the X96 between Dudley and Merry Hill, the X26, think it will follow the same line of route?
It will but not to compete against the X96 but for another purpose which is to reinstate a link severed by Centro in a network review
Anyone know what might be used to kick start the new 310 ?
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 30, 2013, 09:59:28 PM
It will but not to compete against the X96 but for another purpose which is to reinstate a link severed by Centro in a network review
The old 265/264 loop??
so I guess the x26 will interwork with the 226 for this to work well???
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 30, 2013, 10:00:33 PM
Anyone know what might be used to kick start the new 310 ?
A Solo, in Midland livery probably!
Quote from: bususer12 on October 01, 2013, 12:13:44 AM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 30, 2013, 10:00:33 PM
Anyone know what might be used to kick start the new 310 ?
A Solo, in Midland livery probably!
that or a decker for the 4 people that use it
Quote from: bususer12 on October 01, 2013, 12:12:09 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 30, 2013, 09:59:28 PM
It will but not to compete against the X96 but for another purpose which is to reinstate a link severed by Centro in a network review
The old 265/264 loop??
so I guess the x26 will interwork with the 226 for this to work well???
As per Centro site
X26 Hansons Merry Hill Centre - Dudley via Woodside New service following line of existing X96 service Will link up with service 226 at Merry Hill and offer a through circular service Dudley - Merry Hill - Kingswinford - Dudley
19 Arriva Midlands Wolverhampton - Walsall via Bloxwich Will no longer serve Wolverhampton Bus Station or the grounds of New Cross Hospital Timetable amended
310 Arriva Midlands Willenhall - Merry Hill Centre via Wednesbury New service incorporating current services 327 and 610 and extended to Merry Hill Centre Frequency up to every 30 mins on majority of route Monday to Saturday daytime.
327 Arriva Midlands Wednesbury - Willenhall via Darlaston Service is withdrawn, journeys are amalgamated into new service 310
610 Arriva Midlands Wednesbury - Dudley via Great Bridge, Tipton Service is withdrawn, journeys are amalgamated into new service 310
I reckon itll be Darts lol
Wonder if thatll lead to even less passengers lol? The handful of pensioners that do get on tend to.be around new cross hospital. Maybe theyre just speedin up the impending death of the route hahaha, they could invest in some 14 seater vans? For capacity purposes loooooool :-p
Guessing that is to avoid fees by not serving bus stn
Does anyone know whether the 19 turns a profit at all? Logic would suggest it makes a big loss but you never know
A bit pedantic I know but surely you can only MAKE a profit..........you SUSTAIN a loss.
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 01, 2013, 09:16:19 AM
19 Arriva Midlands Wolverhampton - Walsall via Bloxwich Will no longer serve Wolverhampton Bus Station or the grounds of New Cross Hospital Timetable amended
:D I was right :D ;D 8)
the bus station being missed out does not suprise me. centro messed up big time with the bus station timings. as the 19 was quite often late it wasnt possible to get on the stand or near it. new cross is and will always be a time consuming bottleneck. even nxwm 28 suffers just doing part of the circuit
As I said though the handful of pensioners that use it largely board and alight at the hospital. Surely running it up and down the main road where nx buses are ten a penny along large stretches of it will just kill it off?
Yes you are correct, very pedantic !!
226 and x26 forming a loop? Day trip for me one day then!
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 01, 2013, 09:21:49 AM
310 Arriva Midlands Willenhall - Merry Hill Centre via Wednesbury New service incorporating current services 327 and 610 and extended to Merry Hill Centre Frequency up to every 30 mins on majority of route Monday to Saturday daytime.
"every 30 mins on majority of route" leads me to think the 327 route will still be hourly
The new timetable is now on the Arriva website.
It's quite interesting, the morning peak timetable towards Merry Hill appears to be roughly half hourly from Darlaston through to Merry Hill, commencing at aprx 0630. The timetable from Willenhall is hourly starting at 0720.
During the daytime the frequency is hourly on the full route and half hourly between Wednesbury & Merry Hill.
The off-peak journey time is 1 hour & 20 minutes from Willenhall - Merry Hill, the final journeys from Willenhall are 1620 through to Merry Hill & 1725 through to Dudley. From Wednesbury, the last journey to Merry Hill is at 1725 & 1755 through to Dudley.
The last bus from Merry Hill is at 1940 running as far as Darlaston.
1hr 20 on a mpd or solo..... jesus
They'll probably put DAFs on bob :-)
Better use of them than on the 19. (A solo would be better for the 19!)
Lol yea but is this new route expected to be quite a busy one then?
As busy as the 19 one hastens to guess :-)
They'd probably assume that, because it goes to merry hill, it's going to be busy...
...pretty sure NX assumed the same when they introduced the X1 and look what happened there
Depends tho, the x1 wasnt that much quicker than the 255 plus the 255 gos through some nice scenery lol. Maybe itll giv em the hit they desperately need. Those daf deckers are a bit shitty aint they
Quite clever though providing a new link to merry hill
Seeing the route is run by Wednesfield depot anyway, why didn't they start the early journeys from Willenhall instead of Darlaston anyway because they'll have to pass through Willenhall anyway won't they, unless they go along the Keyway & the Willenhall to Moxley section of the BCR to get to Darlo ?
The same goes for the last few journeys running short to Darlo too.
I dont know what the 1940 ex MH 310 would come off - unless it comes off the 213
And what the 0629 ex Darlo goes onto at MH (arr 0726) as the first one ex MH leaves 0815 - unless that goes onto the 213
310 branded 2156 just turned up in dudley with 'go on, get on to merry hill centre' on the side
Quote from: Andrew on October 18, 2013, 11:23:06 AM
310 branded 2156 just turned up in dudley with 'go on, get on to merry hill centre' on the side
It doesn't seem as though Arriva see much demand since they are branding up MPD's
Other than wasted deckers thats about the best they can do lol with the enviro200s branded up for the other routes. Id like fo see the bu03 plate cadets that have recently had re trimmed seats shifted over from cannock. Slightly bigger than a dart with 36/37 seats ish, they would be decent for any busier wednesfield services if they've got any. Not very powerful though they sound like a hairdryer on wheels but not as noisy as mpds
Centro have put a timetable on the stop at Brierley Hill Mill Street (RHH bound)
Anyone spotted the advert for the 19 in tonight's Express & Star?
Quote from: Andrew on October 18, 2013, 11:23:06 AM
310 branded 2156 just turned up in dudley with 'go on, get on to merry hill centre' on the side
Wonder how many are branded and how many will actually work the 310 ::)
I can't believe that discussion about a route that hasn't even started operation yet has already reached 5 pages! ;)
This Route is now operated by Arriva
22 Wolverhampton - Roseville - Princes End - Great Bridge - Oldbury Interchange
Revised route and timetable. Service extended to commence in Oldbury running via Albion, Jolly Sailor, Great Bridge and Upper Church Lane to Princes End then to Wolverhampton – providing a quick link into the city centre. Service 22 runs up to every 60 minutes daytime Monday to Saturday.This Route no longer serves Dudley or Rusells Hall Hosp.
Timetable from oldbury to wolverhampton
Oldbury, Interchange, Stop OC 16:12
Albion, Jolly Sailor 16:17
Great Bridge, Bus Station, Stand GB 16:22
Upper Church Lane /Powis Avenue 16:29
Princes End, Richards Road 16:33
Coseley, Roseville, Square 16:43
Swan Village, Chad Road 16:48
Lanesfield, Spring Road 16:55
Parkfield, Parkfield Road 16:59
Vicarage Road / Powlett Street 17:04
Wolverhampton, Bus Station 17:08
Partly replaces the Central Buses 19.
Yeah i all honesty i think it's ridiculous yes its brilliant for arriva but they should keep the old route i think
Reminds me of a previous Wolverhampton - Oldbury service over a not dissimilar route.
Who else is old enough to remember WMPTE 588 - previously 88 and before that Midland Red 880? This was a peak hour service that I think disappeared in the cuts of 1980. I did it once in its final years on a Cleveland Road Bristol VRT/MCW which I had virtually to myself!
Quote from: Stu on October 18, 2013, 06:48:21 PM
I can't believe that discussion about a route that hasn't even started operation yet has already reached 5 pages! ;)
Once it starts the discussion will probably ease off!
No doubt itll be as successful as their others :-p
2154 also branded working the 214 today, didnt notice yesterday but there's also a £2 day return ticket on the route.
Surely it mainly replaces Diamond 22?
;
Not that Centro appear to know they have changed the operator?
Wondered why I saw 22 on the bus stop flags around Great Bridge yesterday.
Is anything replacing the Dudley Port to Russells Hall section of the route?
Quote from: mikestone on October 19, 2013, 02:31:40 PM
Surely it mainly replaces Diamond 22?
;
Not that Centro appear to know they have changed the operator?
I know, it's not on the list of changes on the NWM website. However on their own website, Diamond Bus do list the 22 as being withdrawn.
Quote from: Andrew on October 19, 2013, 11:56:16 AM
2154 also branded working the 214 today, didnt notice yesterday but there's also a £2 day return ticket on the route.
Yes, there was an advert in the E&S the other day advertising the route and promotional fare.
Notices about the 610/327 inproving are appearing on Arriva Wednesfield's buses now. Saw one whilst on 2554 on the 18 (Wolverhampton-Lyndale Park)
2153 has been branded for the 310, on 217 today.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 23, 2013, 06:30:04 PM
2153 has been branded for the 310, on 217 today.
with branded 2154 on the 214.
All the way from Willenhall to merry hill on a mpd, id imagine itd feel like you were going straight to hell lol
Quote from: bob on October 23, 2013, 07:07:12 PM
All the way from Willenhall to merry hill on a mpd, id imagine itd feel like you were going straight to hell lol
Merry Hell ?
That could be a branding tagline that....
Quote from: bob on October 23, 2013, 09:29:45 PM
That could be a branding tagline that....
"Merry Hell...and that's just the buses"
One of my Enforcement Officers noticed they've started putting flags up in Brierley Hill this week with 310 on
Just spotted a 310 branded Mpd on the 327 at Shepwell Green just.
Didn't catch the number though.
Quote from: Westy on October 24, 2013, 08:10:03 AM
Just spotted a 310 branded Mpd on the 327 at Shepwell Green just.
Didn't catch the number though.
Technically on the right route ;)
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 24, 2013, 08:21:24 AM
Quote from: Westy on October 24, 2013, 08:10:03 AM
Just spotted a 310 branded Mpd on the 327 at Shepwell Green just.
Didn't catch the number though.
Technically on the right route ;)
Here is 2154 branded on the 229 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/10494620343/
A very smart job, no dought others will disagree
Quote from: John on October 26, 2013, 06:34:19 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 24, 2013, 08:21:24 AM
Quote from: Westy on October 24, 2013, 08:10:03 AM
Just spotted a 310 branded Mpd on the 327 at Shepwell Green just.
Didn't catch the number though.
Technically on the right route ;)
Here is 2154 branded on the 229 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/10494620343/
A very smart job, no dought others will disagree
Its very small writing for "branding". NX's is better and diamonds schemes were miles better. This isnt branding-its little stickers stuck on a bus that you can scarcely read. With diamonds, you couldnt help notice due to the bright colours and big route information.
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 26, 2013, 06:47:10 PM
Quote from: John on October 26, 2013, 06:34:19 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 24, 2013, 08:21:24 AM
Quote from: Westy on October 24, 2013, 08:10:03 AM
Just spotted a 310 branded Mpd on the 327 at Shepwell Green just.
Didn't catch the number though.
Technically on the right route ;)
Here is 2154 branded on the 229 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/10494620343/
A very smart job, no dought others will disagree
Its very small writing for "branding". NX's is better and diamonds schemes were miles better. This isnt branding-its little stickers stuck on a bus that you can scarcely read. With diamonds, you couldnt help notice due to the bright colours and big route information.
I would have to agree with you there, good branding should catch the eye and clearly advertise where the bus service is going. With the very small text and dodgy colour choice, I don't think it does either of those things
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 26, 2013, 10:13:45 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 26, 2013, 06:47:10 PM
Quote from: John on October 26, 2013, 06:34:19 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on October 24, 2013, 08:21:24 AM
Quote from: Westy on October 24, 2013, 08:10:03 AM
Just spotted a 310 branded Mpd on the 327 at Shepwell Green just.
Didn't catch the number though.
Technically on the right route ;)
Here is 2154 branded on the 229 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/10494620343/
A very smart job, no dought others will disagree
Its very small writing for "branding". NX's is better and diamonds schemes were miles better. This isnt branding-its little stickers stuck on a bus that you can scarcely read. With diamonds, you couldnt help notice due to the bright colours and big route information.
I would have to agree with you there, good branding should catch the eye and clearly advertise where the bus service is going. With the very small text and dodgy colour choice, I don't think it does either of those things
I'm sorry but I don't think arriva know how to compete at all. And I'm not just talking west midlands-I'm talking nationally. The arriva branding compared to say go north east branding is awful and doesnt catch people's attention. Which company's buses are usually busier? Go North East... Successful branding should stand out and a little bit cheap and tacky with a few jokes in there like on the diamond ones is all part of it. Branding needs to also include interior notices and timetables and website links with the brands on, again like go north east, in order to be successful. I just think with arriva yes the buses look smart but they don't stand out enough and thats the worry I have with the new diamond livery as well. In fairness to petes travel, they may have had their problems but when one was coming on the 404 people could actually see it!!
Travelled on the 22 from Oldbury to Wolverhampton today.
Leaving Oldbury at 12:07 i was the only passenger, it was 12:51 before we picked up another passenger in Wolverhampton who was probably waiting for an WN81 but we turned up first.
What a waste of money this service seems.