Their journey back to the top starts here.
http://lothianbuses.com/news/article/new-appointments-for-lothian-buses-edinburgh-trams-and-transport-for-edinbu
Lothians hybrid buses are getting a makeover, first one in service today.
http://lothianbuses.com/news/article/hybrid-bus-refurbishment
According to todays London Bus News
"Wrightbus are currently building a new bespoke part open-topper for Lothian, some of which have started to be
delivered. They will be used on tourist sightseeing. The bus is built on a Volvo B5TL chassis and the structure
has been redesigned to account for the open-top section. The front section also has two opening sunroofs. To
provide a glazed section in place of the thick A-pillar on the top deck, the frontal structure has been redesigned.
The changes also see a smaller destination screen, with a glazed area above, making the design unique in
sightseeing. Also, a special drainage system for water from the upper deck has been designed. It is expected
that around 30 will be needed to replace the whole of the ageing Lothian open-top Trident fleet, which urgently
need replacing. It is also expected that the new buses will be in a mixture of different liveries"
Picture at:-
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Wrightbus+part+open+topper+pic&tbm=isch&imgil=7xeQeFHRX_VwSM%253A%253BA0pFlkK_XEJZIM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fclondoner92.blogspot.com%25252F2016%25252F05%25252Fwrightbus-unveils-their-open-top-bus.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=7xeQeFHRX_VwSM%253A%252CA0pFlkK_XEJZIM%252C_&usg=__XbD1rboWYrcd0auN5G5QbP-7FlU%3D&biw=1102&bih=618&ved=0ahUKEwjDgdaD08HNAhWEtxQKHeeuC0AQyjcINw&ei=p6ttV4OSAoTvUufdroAE#imgrc=7xeQeFHRX_VwSM%3A
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on June 24, 2016, 10:49:40 PM
According to todays London Bus News
"Wrightbus are currently building a new bespoke part open-topper for Lothian, some of which have started to be
delivered. They will be used on tourist sightseeing. The bus is built on a Volvo B5TL chassis and the structure
has been redesigned to account for the open-top section. The front section also has two opening sunroofs. To
provide a glazed section in place of the thick A-pillar on the top deck, the frontal structure has been redesigned.
The changes also see a smaller destination screen, with a glazed area above, making the design unique in
sightseeing. Also, a special drainage system for water from the upper deck has been designed. It is expected
that around 30 will be needed to replace the whole of the ageing Lothian open-top Trident fleet, which urgently
need replacing. It is also expected that the new buses will be in a mixture of different liveries"
Picture at:-
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Wrightbus+part+open+topper+pic&tbm=isch&imgil=7xeQeFHRX_VwSM%253A%253BA0pFlkK_XEJZIM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fclondoner92.blogspot.com%25252F2016%25252F05%25252Fwrightbus-unveils-their-open-top-bus.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=7xeQeFHRX_VwSM%253A%252CA0pFlkK_XEJZIM%252C_&usg=__XbD1rboWYrcd0auN5G5QbP-7FlU%3D&biw=1102&bih=618&ved=0ahUKEwjDgdaD08HNAhWEtxQKHeeuC0AQyjcINw&ei=p6ttV4OSAoTvUufdroAE#imgrc=7xeQeFHRX_VwSM%3A
This report has been doing the rounds for a while. The vehicles are now in the course of delivery to Edinburgh.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/27746790391/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/27259203703/in/datetaken/
Lothian Buses to be part TfE
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-37220094
Lothian buses announce four year deal with Wrightbus to supply 300 buses (40% of fleet!)
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=/amp/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/37848839&ved=0ahUKEwjr4cPv247QAhXMAsAKHQZEByYQiJQBCIIBMBk&usg=AFQjCNGpOOG1bJDq9C3KesDdRDrIgDK3Ag
Your new 22
https://fleetofthefuture.co.uk/
Eight new Wright Gemini 3 buses started today on route 22 numbered in the 44x and 45x series. Courtesy of TfE live app.
Some noticeable differences with the 66 reg than the 15.
1) Destination blind is smaller and no longer shows the via points
2) Branch defectors have not been removed, and makers nameplates (Volvo badge) have been stayed on
3) Different colour scheme with the white being more prominent on the front
I wish they had kept the destination blinds the same as it was quite useful to see where the bus was going via, however it is not the end of the world.
Sam
Just seen this photo of the first Volvo B8RLE with the Wright Streetdeck front end for Lothian owned East Coast Buses. It looks to be the same as any other Wright Eclipse Urban apart from the new front
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/33265590796/in/feed
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on March 07, 2017, 04:05:57 PM
Just seen this photo of the first Volvo B8RLE with the Wright Streetdeck front end for Lothian owned East Coast Buses. It looks to be the same as any other Wright Eclipse Urban apart from the new front
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/33265590796/in/feed
Looks remarkably like an Omnilink that's gone on a diet to me
Reminds me of a ALX300 with a face-lift
https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/south-queensferry-statement
New Lothian Country subsiduary set up to replace withdrawn Stagecoach service to South Queensferry
https://t.co/CjF14qAvlT?amp=1
Edinburgh Airport route 35 home of Lothians Scanias recently advertised for sale will be upgraded to Skylink route 300 with new buses.
https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/introducing-skylink-300
https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelst138/37215846956/in/feed
Haven't seen much about this?
Saw a photo before (presumably the same bus) while it was still at Wrightbus; I heard it was built on a Streetdeck chassis - though I am open to correction. Is this the StreetAir?
Yes it is a StreetAir, built on StreetDeck chassis due to weight.
Quote from: CL on September 23, 2017, 07:53:21 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelst138/37215846956/in/feed
Haven't seen much about this?
Saw a photo before (presumably the same bus) while it was still at Wrightbus; I heard it was built on a Streetdeck chassis - though I am open to correction. Is this the StreetAir?
Had a ride on that yesterday. Quite stylish inside but most of the seats are too low down to see out of the front window and theirs only 4 high seats plus the 9 around the back seat that are higher up. It wasn't the most suitable bus for a busy route like the 26 but it was only on there to coincide with the open day/vintage running. From the exterior though it looks very smart. Think the onboard display said Lothian have 6 of them.
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on September 24, 2017, 08:01:03 AM
Had a ride on that yesterday. Quite stylish inside but most of the seats are too low down to see out of the front window and theirs only 4 high seats plus the 9 around the back seat that are higher up. It wasn't the most suitable bus for a busy route like the 26 but it was only on there to coincide with the open day/vintage running. From the exterior though it looks very smart. Think the onboard display said Lothian have 6 of them.
Didn't get a ride but Dylan has a fair point about seats in the front of the bus, seen at Central garage open day.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/3v1m1e
Electric buses will be used on route 1 from this weekend.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-scotland-scotland-business-41429207&ved=0ahUKEwi24_rC0cjWAhUFLFAKHUmlCE8QFggcMAA&usg=AFQjCNEsUZi9JfWQ7zWN8xf7oCAtwJISjw&cf=1
The London Vehicle Finder having been expanded to include Reading now provides data for Lothian Buses. This can be accessed by typing "mode LRT" to gain access to data.
Christmas day special services start with C prefix.
How long before NX can be brought on board!
Thanks, how do you get LVF to go back to showing London after putting mode LRT into it to try it?
The Reading Vehicle Finder facebook page gives details of developments. "mode LDN" is for London.
Thank for this
Lothian now resorting to buying 40 second hand ex London buses
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/london-buses-on-their-way-to-edinburgh-1-4677889
The oldest new route masters?
Quote from: Chris on January 31, 2018, 05:06:06 PM
The oldest new route masters?
No.
It says they have bought them from a company in London, not Transport for London. As it's Lothian I would expect them to be Volvo B9/Wright from someone
Quote from: Tony on January 31, 2018, 05:22:46 PM
No.
It says they have bought them from a company in London, not Transport for London. As it's Lothian I would expect them to be Volvo B9/Wright from someone
I'd have thought it could be someone like Tower Transit, they've been losing a fair bit of work of late.
Wondered where buses for conversion of 21 to double deck were coming from for changes in late February.
https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/changes-to-our-services-from-25-february
I seem to recall on one of the Ensign lists recently that Lothian had acquired B9/Wright BG61SXJ/R from Tower Transit so perhaps some more of these are coming off?
My guess also would be Ensign Bus. What are the emission level requirements in Edinburgh ? I assume they are the same as Birmingham ?? :)
More news about vehicles joining fleet this year
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&source=web&q=&url=https://swd.media/lothian/edinburgh-central/lothian-buses-introduce-almost-100-buses-fleet-year-1-12247/&usg=AOvVaw0uu1nDLDej5tGyuBulnIw9
The vehicles are quite possibly the ex Metroline/First Gemini 2s formerly used on the 18. Saw a pic earlier of one at Heysham heading to Ireland so maybe Wright's are carrying out the refurbishment
Gearing for the changes at the weekend
https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/Service-changes-from-25-February-2018
and there is also the Calcutta Cup rugby match at Murreyfield as well!
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on February 05, 2018, 09:05:12 PM
The vehicles are quite possibly the ex Metroline/First Gemini 2s formerly used on the 18. Saw a pic earlier of one at Heysham heading to Ireland so maybe Wright's are carrying out the refurbishment
Here is the first one done
https://www.flickr.com/photos/km_edinburgh/39712326134/
Looks great like usual for Lothian
Not sure whether they are the ex route 18 ones as when compared with the one linked below, the 18 buses had bonded windows whereas the Lothian has glazed windows ?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/16658324@N08/23907471688/in/photolist-G8oHSm-o9nfps-c8Y71C-bqQjPm-nkAS3z-CqC3pJ-WAEieb-GD5gti-EhZfhM-z8sAsR
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on February 22, 2018, 08:11:14 PM
Not sure whether they are the ex route 18 ones as when compared with the one linked below, the 18 buses had bonded windows whereas the Lothian has glazed windows ?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/16658324@N08/23907471688/in/photolist-G8oHSm-o9nfps-c8Y71C-bqQjPm-nkAS3z-CqC3pJ-WAEieb-GD5gti-EhZfhM-z8sAsR
This one is either 'BG61 SXJ' or 'BG61 SXR' according to someone on the Edinburgh Facebook page.
Someone else also said this - 1001 (pictured) and 1002 are the only two buses with low back Lazzerini Practico seats - they also have gasket glazing. All the others will be fitted with high back Lazzerini Practico seats and will have bonded glazing. The rest could be the ex-First B9TLs
Quote from: John on February 22, 2018, 08:34:58 PM
This one is either 'BG61 SXJ' or 'BG61 SXR' according to someone on the Edinburgh Facebook page.
Someone else also said this - 1001 (pictured) and 1002 are the only two buses with low back Lazzerini Practico seats - they also have gasket glazing. All the others will be fitted with high back Lazzerini Practico seats and will have bonded glazing. The rest could be the ex-First B9TLs
1001 is ex BG61 SXJ
BG61SXJ & BG61SXR are ex Tower Transit VN37978 & VN37984, but originally First London (with same fleetnumbers) dating from 2012.
The ex 18 Volvos are ex Metroline West but were originally First London and are older as they date from 2010, which may explain the difference in the windows, First deciding that bonded windows were too costly?
Quote from: John on February 22, 2018, 07:37:50 PM
Here is the first one done
https://www.flickr.com/photos/km_edinburgh/39712326134/
Looks great like usual for Lothian
Looks slightly unusual seeing a shorter length one in Lothian colours - when buying new they always go for the longer wheelbase versions.
Quote from: John on February 22, 2018, 08:34:58 PM
This one is either 'BG61 SXJ' or 'BG61 SXR' according to someone on the Edinburgh Facebook page.
Someone else also said this - 1001 (pictured) and 1002 are the only two buses with low back Lazzerini Practico seats - they also have gasket glazing. All the others will be fitted with high back Lazzerini Practico seats and will have bonded glazing. The rest could be the ex-First B9TLs
Ok thanks
@John, that clears it up :)
Is the conversion to single door costly?
Lothian stopping services except Airline from 19:00.
This car driver will think twice in future and should thank the bus driver.
https://t.co/Y3KIZxoy8G?amp=1
Bloody hell, props to that driver! Thankfully the conditions aren't anywhere near as bad around here.
Quote from: DJ98 on March 01, 2018, 12:59:58 PM
Bloody hell, props to that driver!
Even the Daily Mail hailed the bus driver a hero, shocker!
There are already negative comments online about the bus driver going too fast, even though the guy in the van estimated the bus was traveling approx 20-30mph.... and completely missing the point that after the bus passed, the car just carried on driving down on the wrong side until another vehicle was coming! ::)
It made the BBC lunchtime news today.
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/revealed-the-edinburgh-bus-driver-who-averted-snow-disaster-1-4699122
Quote from: JoNi on March 01, 2018, 10:42:08 PM
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/revealed-the-edinburgh-bus-driver-who-averted-snow-disaster-1-4699122
The video appears to have been removed from Youtube. :(
Quote from: Stu on March 02, 2018, 07:51:20 PM
The video appears to have been removed from Youtube. :(
Can see the video on BBC News: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews/videos/1873134209377455/
Interview with the bus driver Charmaine Laurie: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews/videos/10155622142637217/
Driver are you a 48 because it says 26 on the front!
https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/Automatic-Passenger-Counting-trial-on-our-buses
Quote from: JoNi on March 10, 2018, 11:49:16 AM
Driver are you a 48 because it says 26 on the front!
https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/Automatic-Passenger-Counting-trial-on-our-buses
Saw a photo on flickr of an identical trial in Hong Kong! Would like to see these being rolled out soon, if successful of course.
Quote from: JoNi on March 10, 2018, 11:49:16 AM
Driver are you a 48 because it says 26 on the front!
https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/Automatic-Passenger-Counting-trial-on-our-buses
Quote from: CL on March 11, 2018, 12:01:26 PM
Saw a photo on flickr of an identical trial in Hong Kong! Would like to see these being rolled out soon, if successful of course.
But some people will still choose to stand (in the most awkward part of the bus) rather than sit next to someone else.
Belated posting of AFJ
https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/coming-this-summer
Ex London B9TLs 1001 and 1002 have been noted in service today
http://www.route-one.net/articles/Operators/Lothian_switches_to_ADL
42 Volvo/ADL Vehicles for Lothian :o
East Coast Buses are shortly about to take delivery of brank new Streetdecks which will convert the North Berwick 124 service to double deck.
They are not Streetdecks, they are Volvo B5TLs with Wright bodies.
Ian Hardy
https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2018/06/service-change-29-july/
With a promise to make timetables available in advance which undoubtedly they will.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://lothiancountry.co.uk/&ved=2ahUKEwiXgYSmqPbcAhUqKcAKHXYADgMQFjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw1MR1zFrjlYkU1mL0eu5vaF
Two days prior to launch of routes in West lothian another two routes have been announced starting at the end of September.
https://flic.kr/p/2cKBjPz
This kind of took me by surprise.. :P
Quote from: CL on November 08, 2018, 04:02:29 PM
https://flic.kr/p/2cKBjPz
This kind of took me by surprise.. :P
There has been rumours going round for a while now about a new Volvo / ADL product for Lothian. It was mentioned in Buses Magazine for one to appear at the NEC last week but obviously wasn't ready in time. Got to say it looks absolutely stunning 8)
Quote from: CL on November 08, 2018, 04:02:29 PM
https://flic.kr/p/2cKBjPz
This kind of took me by surprise.. :P
Impressive - I hadn't realised that the E400 could be specified with glazed staircase and roof sky lights.
Instead of investing into sprint why doesn't TfWM give NX a grant towards these for core route?
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on November 08, 2018, 08:44:35 PM
Instead of investing into sprint why doesn't TfWM give NX a grant towards these for core route?
How many routes using 70 seaters leave passengers behind?
Incidentally, what route are these planned for in Edinburgh?
Quote from: Tony on November 08, 2018, 08:47:17 PM
How many routes using 70 seaters leave passengers behind?
X51. Regularly
Strangely enough a route the Sprint is meant to serve, so I think
@SL 16 YPN has made a fairly justified comment
Quote from: Mike K on November 08, 2018, 08:59:29 PM
Incidentally, what route are these planned for in Edinburgh?
It has not been decided yet.
Quote from: Ian Hardy on November 08, 2018, 10:42:24 PM
It has not been decided yet.
Really?
It's like the latest batch of Platinums at NXWM, which weren't decided until after the order was made.
How can they not know where high spec vehicles are going to go? Especially high capacity ones like these, they have to have a route in mind otherwise they wouldn't be ordering them specifically
Quote from: Kevin on November 09, 2018, 07:44:16 AM
Really?
It's like the latest batch of Platinums at NXWM, which weren't decided until after the order was made.
How can they not know where high spec vehicles are going to go? Especially high capacity ones like these, they have to have a route in mind otherwise they wouldn't be ordering them specifically
There's the possibility that two routes justify them, but they've only ordered enough for one
Quote from: Kevin on November 08, 2018, 09:31:45 PM
X51. Regularly
Strangely enough a route the Sprint is meant to serve, so I think @SL 16 YPN has made a fairly justified comment
They regularly leave passengers behind waiting for the next one on the 11 and X2 as well.
Quote from: Tony on November 09, 2018, 09:01:37 AM
There's the possibility that two routes justify them, but they've only ordered enough for one
https://www.alexander-dennis.com/media/news/2018/november/100-seats-for-lothian-in-new-three-axle-adl-enviro400xlb-on-volvo-chassis
;
says 42 are on order - do they have a service with a PVR of 42?
I'm currently in Edinburgh. Although I haven't used the bus services here, it's a very modern and extremely well presented fleet.
Quote from: Gareth on November 10, 2018, 07:52:32 PM
I'm currently in Edinburgh. Although I haven't used the bus services here, it's a very modern and extremely well presented fleet.
I stayed the night in Edinburgh after a train journey up in mid-July - I would agree with that, a very presentable fleet.
Quote from: Kevin on November 09, 2018, 07:44:16 AM
Really?
It's like the latest batch of Platinums at NXWM, which weren't decided until after the order was made.
How can they not know where high spec vehicles are going to go? Especially high capacity ones like these, they have to have a route in mind otherwise they wouldn't be ordering them specifically
Perhaps what I should have said was the route/s have not been announced yet.
Quote from: mikestone on November 10, 2018, 12:45:58 PM
https://www.alexander-dennis.com/media/news/2018/november/100-seats-for-lothian-in-new-three-axle-adl-enviro400xlb-on-volvo-chassis
;
says 42 are on order - do they have a service with a PVR of 42?
Ah, didn't realise they were Volvos - that explains it. I believe Lothian's last experience of ADL was the E400H so it's understandable that they have been loyal to Volvo since.
2019 welcomes '100 Years of Lothian'
https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2018/12/100-years-of-lothian/
They've arranged several dates for various events throughout the year; really going all out, it seems.
The first of which being the 'Bus2020' event, on the 3rd February. Despite being told we'll see the XLBs in January, my mate has speculated whether we'll see an official unveiling of the vehicles on this date instead.
Lothian have announced new Enviro 400XLB will run on cross city routes 11 and 16 from Central garage.
https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2019/02/routes-for-our-new-enviro400xlb-revealed/
Giant 1063 out for first time on 11 this morning.
Was in the Scottish Capital yesterday. Near enough all the buses on the 11 were the new tri axle Volvos and a few of the output for the 16 were also the tri axle Volvos too.
https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2019/03/lothian-easter-vintage-running-day-2019/
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/traffic-and-travel/edinburgh-transport-chief-distressed-by-passenger-tales-about-new-city-buses-1-4920712/amp
I was in Edinburgh last week and travelled on several of the new 100 seaters. They do seem short of disabled/buggy space but are great people movers especially as they are used on cross city services. I also travelled on 207, one of the 400H's converted to straight diesel. It seemed to be coping well in service and had reasonable acceleration. Does anyone know if they have retained the 4cylinder engine? I thought it sounded like it, but could not confirm it.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/tram-extension-thrown-doubt-lothian-16750493.amp&ved=2ahUKEwiKy8-JjYPkAhVbiVwKHRVdDv4QFjACegQIBhAB&usg=AOvVaw0yF905A4rJS0IPvSpSjfLM&cf=1
Quite possibly a long-shot, but does anyone know what's happened with the StreetAirs?
According to the LVF, these are the last times any were used in service; seems an substantially long time for them to be off-road - particularly in the case of 286
Quote from: LVF.io
Oper Fleet Reg Rte Destination
LRT 284 SK67FLC 6 last seen at 08:00 14-11-2019
LRT 285 SK67FLD 1 last seen at 17:21 14-09-2019
LRT 286 SK67FLE 1 last seen at 23:47 30-04-2019
LRT 287 SK67FLF 61 last seen at 17:38 14-11-2019
LRT 288 SK67FLG 61 last seen at 15:51 25-11-2019
LRT 289 SK67FLH 24 last seen at 14:57 16-09-2019
Quote from: CL on January 11, 2020, 11:49:23 PM
Quite possibly a long-shot, but does anyone know what's happened with the StreetAirs?
According to the LVF, these are the last times any were used in service; seems an substantially long time for them to be off-road - particularly in the case of 286
They were not on display at Annual Open Day.
One hadn't long had overall wrap for route 61.
Lothian seems to have ordered some B8 EvoRas, though how many I'm not sure!
https://flic.kr/p/2k3WMG7
https://flic.kr/p/2k3WMSx
(not my photos)
According to November's Buses Magazine - Lothian are due 30 of these, the fleet numbers will be 66 - 95 and they for Longstone garage and will mainly be on the route 30 (Musselburgh - Clovenstone).
The 30 is a busy route but there is a low bridge near Newcraighall station so Lothian cannot use double deckers on it.
Quote from: Ian Hardy on November 13, 2020, 01:23:18 PM
According to November's Buses Magazine - Lothian are due 30 of these, the fleet numbers will be 66 - 95 and they for Longstone garage and will mainly be on the route 30 (Musselburgh - Clovenstone).
The 30 is a busy route but there is a low bridge near Newcraighall station so Lothian cannot use double deckers on it.
The frequency of the 30 has been increased in this weeks enhancements to every 8 minutes from every 10 minutes requiring six extra buses taking the daytime requirement to 27 vehicles.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2048331391973429
Filmed appeal for help from wider community by Lothian Buses and Police Scotland posted on Facebook following recent outbreak in antisocial behaviour.
Enviro400 bodied Volvo B5TL
https://flic.kr/p/2kMmLfK