Hello all,
Now that I have got my feet under the table in this bit of Arriva Midlands, I thought it would be good to make myself available for questions/comments/suggestions on the forum.
I have already seen quite a few from afar!
I won't be able to answer everything and some things from the past I might not know but will always do my best.
So, over to you.
Thanks, Simon Mathieson.
Do Arriva plan in investing anything at all in the Cannock operation? In the way of new vehicles? Considering the last time was 4 years ago and half of them were rapidly transferred out.
Quote from: Bob on June 03, 2018, 09:06:31 PM
Do Arriva plan in investing anything at all in the Cannock operation? In the way of new vehicles? Considering the last time was 4 years ago and half of them were rapidly transferred out.
Hi Bob,
Thanks.
There are some plans that exist and some new ones that I want to develop but nothing is confirmed as yet. In the meantime the fleet we have needs to be reliable - there is a plan in place for this.
Hopefully as it hasnt been very reliable in the past
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 03, 2018, 09:11:21 PM
Hi Bob,
Thanks.
There are some plans that exist and some new ones that I want to develop but nothing is confirmed as yet. In the meantime the fleet we have needs to be reliable - there is a plan in place for this.
Would you be able to elaborate on the plans in place?
Quote from: Bob on June 03, 2018, 09:15:23 PM
Would you be able to elaborate on the plans in place?
Not really except to say that I am always keen to make sure that we invest in our best routes.
There is other investment being looked at other than new vehicles of course, details to follow when I can give them.
It has looked like Cannock has suffered declining patronage/axed routes etc with then the knock on effect of new buses transferred away further decline in passengers for a long time. What happened to the Pye Greens was a prime example, brand new buses branded for the service launched with a lot of publicity, to then being a route with literally anything shoved on it. Whikst its ok now that Commanders seem to be permanently allocated, even then, being 7 years older than the new buses bought specifically for the route 4 yrs ago, it still gives it an image of decline. Theyve never been refurbished in 12 years yet nx are refurbing and respraying buses 5/6 years newer than them. Hopefully you'll be able to do something. Even to try and reverse the way the network has contracted over the last few years.
Will 3805 ever go on 3 in Walsall thanks
Can you tell what your loadings are like between Bloxwich & Walsall, especially where you co exist with NX & Diamond, because I never see anyone use your buses on Bloxwich Road, people waiting for NX mainly, then Diamond?
This may more be an issue for TfWM than yourselves, but can't you persuade them to change the tender for the number 2 in Leamore, to turn right, not left, at the KFC & serve Beechdale & Reedswood Retail Park instead?
The section of Leamore Lane you use, there is no bus stops at all, so there is a gap between Addenbrooke Street & Broadstone Avenue(or as your Sapphire buses persist in calling it, Addenbrook Road & Bradstone Avenue!), then it continues the same route as your 1 (& Nx / Diamond!)
I did inform Centro sometime back over this, but obviously, unlike us locals, no one knows the local geography & I was fobbed off with an answer, which showed they had obviously not read the question correctly.
If there is no way they can change the tender, I would like a properly researched answer please.
Quote from: Westy on June 03, 2018, 10:24:04 PM
Can you tell what your loadings are like between Bloxwich & Walsall, especially where you co exist with NX & Diamond, because I never see anyone use your buses on Bloxwich Road, people waiting for NX mainly, then Diamond?
This may more be an issue for TfWM than yourselves, but can't you persuade them to change the tender for the number 2 in Leamore, to turn right, not left, at the KFC & serve Beechdale & Reedswood Retail Park instead?
The section of Leamore Lane you use, there is no bus stops at all, so there is a gap between Addenbrooke Street & Broadstone Avenue(or as your Sapphire buses persist in calling it, Addenbrook Road & Bradstone Avenue!), then it continues the same route as your 1 (& Nx / Diamond!)
I did inform Centro sometime back over this, but obviously, unlike us locals, no one knows the local geography & I was fobbed off with an answer, which showed they had obviously not read the question correctly.
If there is no way they can change the tender, I would like a properly researched answer please.
And please get rid of the Streetlites! Theyre an embarrasment for a supposedly upmarket service! Awful
Are Hinckley having any buses brought in to fleet Simon
Whens buses being repainted into new Arriva Blue Livery
Are arriva thinking of withdrawing anymore routes run by cannock garage
Quote from: Solo1 on June 03, 2018, 09:54:30 PM
Will 3805 ever go on 3 in Walsall thanks
Has it not been on there then?
Quote from: Westy on June 03, 2018, 10:24:04 PM
Can you tell what your loadings are like between Bloxwich & Walsall, especially where you co exist with NX & Diamond, because I never see anyone use your buses on Bloxwich Road, people waiting for NX mainly, then Diamond?
This may more be an issue for TfWM than yourselves, but can't you persuade them to change the tender for the number 2 in Leamore, to turn right, not left, at the KFC & serve Beechdale & Reedswood Retail Park instead?
The section of Leamore Lane you use, there is no bus stops at all, so there is a gap between Addenbrooke Street & Broadstone Avenue(or as your Sapphire buses persist in calling it, Addenbrook Road & Bradstone Avenue!), then it continues the same route as your 1 (& Nx / Diamond!)
I did inform Centro sometime back over this, but obviously, unlike us locals, no one knows the local geography & I was fobbed off with an answer, which showed they had obviously not read the question correctly.
If there is no way they can change the tender, I would like a properly researched answer please.
Hi,
Thanks for this. Let me look in to it.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 04, 2018, 06:19:42 AM
Are Hinckley having any buses brought in to fleet Simon
Whens buses being repainted into new Arriva Blue Livery
Hi,
Not my area anymore so I am not up to speed but there are buses that have gone in to Hinckley from today for the new Coventry tenders. Not sure on what is happening with the paint colour.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on June 04, 2018, 07:27:39 AM
Are arriva thinking of withdrawing anymore routes run by cannock garage
Nothing substantial. There may be a change to the way in which some college services operate from September and some minor route changes but nothing more.
Hello Simon
Are Arriva having any new buses this year Does this included Leicester Garages of Thurmaston & Wigston
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 04, 2018, 05:11:29 PM
Nothing substantial. There may be a change to the way in which some college services operate from September and some minor route changes but nothing more.
Conversely, are they planning to launch amy more services?
When are the buses in the new liverey going to get the new logo applied?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 04, 2018, 07:27:15 PM
When are the buses in the new liverey going to get the new logo applied?
Good question. I am looking into that.
Quote from: Bob on June 04, 2018, 06:12:26 PM
Conversely, are they planning to launch amy more services?
Nothing confirmed at the moment.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 04, 2018, 05:56:16 PM
Hello Simon
Are Arriva having any new buses this year Does this included Leicester Garages of Thurmaston & Wigston
Nothing confirmed at the moment.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 05, 2018, 08:14:55 AM
Nothing confirmed at the moment.
Given the way the network has shrunk over the years and the reduction in passengers that doesnt surprise me
Hi Simon,
I appreciate you are responsible for Arriva Midlands West but I am wondering if you could answer, or find out regarding whether Arriva Midlands has done an equality impact assessment following the decision to withdraw paper timetables soon from its Leicester operation?
Having previously worked within digital transformation, I understand the potential impact this sort of decision could have on your most vulnerable users who are potentially not digital ready.
Quote from: Straightlines on June 07, 2018, 09:59:12 PM
Hi Simon,
I appreciate you are responsible for Arriva Midlands West but I am wondering if you could answer, or find out regarding whether Arriva Midlands has done an equality impact assessment following the decision to withdraw paper timetables soon from its Leicester operation?
Having previously worked within digital transformation, I understand the potential impact this sort of decision could have on your most vulnerable users who are potentially not digital ready.
Hi,
I am not aware if they have or haven't to be honest.
I know it is a trial and we want to see what happens. Printouts from the internet will be available in St Margaret's Travel Shop if all else fails for people.
I will pass your comment on.
Thanks
Simon
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 11, 2018, 08:21:42 PM
Hi,
I am not aware if they have or haven't to be honest.
I know it is a trial and we want to see what happens. Printouts from the internet will be available in St Margaret's Travel Shop if all else fails for people.
I will pass your comment on.
Thanks
Simon
I thought equality impact assessments were only applicable to public bodies and were abolished in 2012?
On the subject of paper timetables Simon, a few years ago(certainly while you were working for the other lot!), there was supposed to be some sort of agreement between Arriva & Centro/TfWm, to put Arriva branded leaflets in NWM centres, but for some reason, that situation has changed & unless that service is part of an TfWm contract & included for completeness, there is no paper copies of timetables for Arriva services operating to & from Wm county.
As far as Walsall is concerned, there has been no timetables for services 1, 2 & 3 since late 2016 in the travelshop.
Unless you go online, the nearest place, subject to availability, is Cannock library, or if you're really lucky, you find a copy on a bus, but that is hit & miss, as I initially found the Cannock 25/26 leaflet on a 2 going to Walsall!
True but its a 4 bus per hr combined 1 & 2 and timetable is on the stop in walsall 😀
Quote from: Westy on June 11, 2018, 09:50:38 PM
On the subject of paper timetables Simon, a few years ago(certainly while you were working for the other lot!), there was supposed to be some sort of agreement between Arriva & Centro/TfWm, to put Arriva branded leaflets in NWM centres, but for some reason, that situation has changed & unless that service is part of an TfWm contract & included for completeness, there is no paper copies of timetables for Arriva services operating to & from Wm county.
As far as Walsall is concerned, there has been no timetables for services 1, 2 & 3 since late 2016 in the travelshop.
Unless you go online, the nearest place, subject to availability, is Cannock library, or if you're really lucky, you find a copy on a bus, but that is hit & miss, as I initially found the Cannock 25/26 leaflet on a 2 going to Walsall!
They have them in Cannock in-shops upstairs, but I agree they should have some in Walsall and on the busses. I have all of the Cannock timetables if you want scans of them.
Simon: do you know when the 113/4/5/6 and 297 will be returning to operation under Telford?
Quote from: PointerDart on June 13, 2018, 06:32:01 PM
Simon: do you know when the 113/4/5/6 and 297 will be returning to operation under Telford?
Hi,
21st July along with other changes in the Bridgnorth area.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 14, 2018, 08:44:43 AM
Hi,
21st July along with other changes in the Bridgnorth area.
Does that mean the 9 is changing too?
Quote from: Westy on June 14, 2018, 04:39:51 PM
Does that mean the 9 is changing too?
Yes it is according to my sources the 436 and the 9 will be interworking so for example a 436 on arrival into Bridgnorth will change to a 9 and go to Wolverhampton this means that Shrewsbury will be operating the Wolverhampton section of the 9 with Telford garage retaining the Telford to Bridgnorth part of the route I am also led to believe the 297 will be interworking with either the 113 or 114 so this effectively means you could board the 297 in Kidderminster and go straight through to Telford on it
Splitting the 9 back into two separate routes?
Can this thread please be kept clear for questions / answers to/from Simon only! Thanks, Winston
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 12, 2018, 04:33:56 PM
They have them in Cannock in-shops upstairs, but I agree they should have some in Walsall and on the busses. I have all of the Cannock timetables if you want scans of them.
Timetables are on there way to Walsall bus station.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 15, 2018, 03:44:31 PM
Timetables are on there way to Walsall bus station.
Thank you Simon.
What is it about your predecessors, that CBA to sort this problem sooner?
I even told your Customer Services on Facebook on several occasions & to be honest, they can be as useful as a chocolate fireguard.
Have you actually read the Facebook page?
There seems to be loads of comments of missing journeys, rude drivers etc.
I do hope now you are in charge, we will see a substantial reduction in these complaints.
Is there no way the Midlands depots can 'gain individual control' of the Facebook account, instead of Luton or some other far flung place handling local queries?
Is Cannock still going to get a Pulsar refurbed to Sapphire standard? Better still are there any plans to get rid of the Streetlites from the 1 & 2? The most god awful noisy jerky uncomfortable ( despite being the newest) in Cannocks fleet. If theyre the best they can do for a supposedly premium service....
Quote from: Bob on June 15, 2018, 07:35:51 PM
Is Cannock still going to get a Pulsar refurbed to Sapphire standard? Better still are there any plans to get rid of the Streetlites from the 1 & 2? The most god awful noisy jerky uncomfortable ( despite being the newest) in Cannocks fleet. If theyre the best they can do for a supposedly premium service....
Hi
It is still the plan to refurb a Pulsar to Sapphire so that Cannock has a spare one.
No plans on the Streetlites.
Quote from: Westy on June 15, 2018, 07:11:32 PM
Thank you Simon.
What is it about your predecessors, that CBA to sort this problem sooner?
I even told your Customer Services on Facebook on several occasions & to be honest, they can be as useful as a chocolate fireguard.
Have you actually read the Facebook page?
There seems to be loads of comments of missing journeys, rude drivers etc.
I do hope now you are in charge, we will see a substantial reduction in these complaints.
Is there no way the Midlands depots can 'gain individual control' of the Facebook account, instead of Luton or some other far flung place handling local queries?
Hi
I look at the Facebook page every day.
The policy is that Luton responds to customers and we are able, locally, to do diversions and those kinds of things.
I have always been a big believer in seeing the 'sharp end' as often as possible and experiencing my services as a passenger. Not everyone is like that but I think it is important.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 18, 2018, 01:17:21 PM
Hi
It is still the plan to refurb a Pulsar to Sapphire so that Cannock has a spare one.
No plans on the Streetlites.
Shame about the Streetlites, it means the 1 & 2 will still be an embarassment of a premium service 😕. Is Cannock due any vehicles in? Some of the Cadets are on their last legs surely?
Simon
Any plans for Arriva Midlands to introduce contactless payment technology this year?
Thanks
Quote from: metrocity on June 18, 2018, 06:23:31 PM
Simon
Any plans for Arriva Midlands to introduce contactless payment technology this year?
Thanks
@Simon@Arriva - I must agree with this comment the Wayfarer 200 consoles which Arriva use throughout the country are now very outdated
Quote from: metrocity on June 18, 2018, 06:23:31 PM
Simon
Any plans for Arriva Midlands to introduce contactless payment technology this year?
Thanks
Plans are being worked on across Arriva UK Bus with a view to a roll out of new machines at the end of the year. Contactless will be part of this. Not sure exactly when Midlands will get them.
Quote from: Bob on June 18, 2018, 04:17:26 PM
Shame about the Streetlites, it means the 1 & 2 will still be an embarassment of a premium service 😕. Is Cannock due any vehicles in? Some of the Cadets are on their last legs surely?
Nothing confirmed on new vehicles as yet.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 18, 2018, 09:21:36 PM
Nothing confirmed on new vehicles as yet.
Not necessarily new. Its obvious Cannocks a bit of a basket cade and no new buses forthcoming i meant transfers
Quote from: Bob on June 18, 2018, 09:56:59 PM
Not necessarily new. Its obvious Cannocks a bit of a basket cade and no new buses forthcoming i meant transfers
Sorry - thought you had written new.
I am looking at what we have where for the fleet but this is not a completed piece of work as yet.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 18, 2018, 09:21:04 PM
Plans are being worked on across Arriva UK Bus with a view to a roll out of new machines at the end of the year. Contactless will be part of this. Not sure exactly when Midlands will get them.
Thanks Simon. I hope it can be implemented sooner rather than later as the bus industry in general is well behind the curve compared to the retail industry with regards to contactless technology implementation
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 18, 2018, 10:12:35 PM
Sorry - thought you had written new.
I am looking at what we have where for the fleet but this is not a completed piece of work as yet.
Any chance of any Deckers coming back? The Cadets, well theyre not really suited to longer interurban routes surely and neither would the darts be for frontline work anymore, surely, yet thats where they end up a lot of the time
On the subject of deckers, albeit Telford, is there truth in the rumour of Telford's current ALX400/DB250s leaving?
Quote from: Bob on June 18, 2018, 11:23:26 PM
Any chance of any Deckers coming back? The Cadets, well theyre not really suited to longer interurban routes surely and neither would the darts be for frontline work anymore, surely, yet thats where they end up a lot of the time
There are not many double deckers about to be used so this is unlikely.
Quote from: PointerDart on June 19, 2018, 07:19:20 AM
On the subject of deckers, albeit Telford, is there truth in the rumour of Telford's current ALX400/DB250s leaving?
Hi
Yes that is very likely at the end of the summer.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 19, 2018, 07:51:02 AM
Hi
Yes that is very likely at the end of the summer.
That's a shame. Are these going to be replaced with newer deckers, such as Geminis? If not, is there a possibility of the depot doing a running day for the DAFs, as I know the deckers are popular, especially with families, in the area?
Which of the cannock fleet are now in new livery please
This is a ticketing query to which I cannot seem to get a response from customer services online. On the appropriate zone maps on this page on your website https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/bus-tickets/midlands-saver-area-maps/ the West Midlands day ticket is apparently NOT valid east or south of Atherstone, clearly excluding Nuneaton. But the Coventry map on the same set of links clearly states the West Midlands ticket IS valid between Nuneaton, Bedworth and Coventry. So, does one have to pay extra to bridge the gap or not?
Welcome to the group Simon, look forward to your postings over time.
Would be particularly interested to see how Oswestry depot responds to the somewhat arrogant competitive attack by EasyCoach on the 2 Oswestry to Wrexham and 2C Cefn Mawr to Wrexham due to start next week. I find the press releases from that concern poking at the long established operator in poor taste operating five minutes in front of Arriva long established services, particularly after the farse demonstrated in Shrewsbury by EasyCoach the later part of 2017. I understand this is probably a commercially sensitive subject however. You have a very well run smaller garage in Oswestry, long may that continue.
Quote from: Smethwickian on June 19, 2018, 03:24:09 PM
This is a ticketing query to which I cannot seem to get a response from customer services online. On the appropriate zone maps on this page on your website https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/bus-tickets/midlands-saver-area-maps/ the West Midlands day ticket is apparently NOT valid east or south of Atherstone, clearly excluding Nuneaton. But the Coventry map on the same set of links clearly states the West Midlands ticket IS valid between Nuneaton, Bedworth and Coventry. So, does one have to pay extra to bridge the gap or not?
Hi,
The West Midlands ticket is valid on the 65 route in its entirety.
Quote from: Depotosw on June 19, 2018, 09:43:58 PM
Welcome to the group Simon, look forward to your postings over time.
Would be particularly interested to see how Oswestry depot responds to the somewhat arrogant competitive attack by EasyCoach on the 2 Oswestry to Wrexham and 2C Cefn Mawr to Wrexham due to start next week. I find the press releases from that concern poking at the long established operator in poor taste operating five minutes in front of Arriva long established services, particularly after the farse demonstrated in Shrewsbury by EasyCoach the later part of 2017. I understand this is probably a commercially sensitive subject however. You have a very well run smaller garage in Oswestry, long may that continue.
The team at Oswestry are excellent!
Quote from: PointerDart on June 19, 2018, 10:10:32 AM
That's a shame. Are these going to be replaced with newer deckers, such as Geminis? If not, is there a possibility of the depot doing a running day for the DAFs, as I know the deckers are popular, especially with families, in the area?
Won't be replaced by deckers. I will consider a running day.
Are the Pye Greens, as rumoured, Cannocks most profitable route? And if so, why were the brand new branded up vehicles taken off and sent elsewhere, after being launched with a lot of publicity?
If it was because takings werent enough to justify them, what does that indicate about Cannock garages long term future?
You could argue that as long as a bus is on there its ok, and thats all that matters, but when something declines in quality you'd be surprised how much people do notice
As I said before, why couldnt Cannock keep the newer vehicles anyway?
The older vehicles would have needed replacing anyway!
You have NX eefurbing 11 plate deckers on repaint, the Commanders are 06 and havent been retrimmed ever
Is there going to be a bus painted/wrapped for Tamworth's 90th anniversary?
Quote from: ntw456 on June 22, 2018, 09:41:15 AM
Is there going to be a bus painted/wrapped for Tamworth's 90th anniversary?
Hi
No plans to do this. There is an open day at Tamworth depot on 5th August to mark this occasion. Would be good to see people there.
Quote from: Bob on June 21, 2018, 05:48:31 PM
Are the Pye Greens, as rumoured, Cannocks most profitable route? And if so, why were the brand new branded up vehicles taken off and sent elsewhere, after being launched with a lot of publicity?
If it was because takings werent enough to justify them, what does that indicate about Cannock garages long term future?
Hi
I can't really talk about profitability on here but they are important routes for us.
I am not aware of all the reasons why the new buses were moved elsewhere but I know that the depot were disappointed and it still mentioned when I talk to staff/hold staff meetings.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 25, 2018, 08:30:22 PM
Hi
I can't really talk about profitability on here but they are important routes for us.
I am not aware of all the reasons why the new buses were moved elsewhere but I know that the depot were disappointed and it still mentioned when I talk to staff/hold staff meetings.
They cant be that important or Arriva would invest in them. Darts and cadets seem to have crept back on them as well
Maybe they could at least look at using refurbed vehicles on there?
It doesnt make sense, the 70 , all of a sudden an important service has modern sb200s running literally empty on the half hourly 70. My moneys on that reverting to hourly
3306 was at Tamworth today to cover for a 110 Decker that was being used to support a local school in teaching children about safety on buses.
Hello Simon not sure if you answer this question as you don't cover Leicester & Leicestershire
Why has Thurmaston Depot never put full allocation of Sapphires on 158 I've noticed in last few weeks 7 Sapphire Spec buses have been put on instead of 8 buses
Also when's Hinckley Bus Branding being replaced with Arriva
One of Streetlites 3316 has still got 158 branding on it
It needs removing as it confuse customers of 74 78 79 routes from Nuneaton to Coventry
I am not sure what the exact question is about allocation of buses at Cannock, the frequency of the 70 and the quality of the Streetlites is but here are some thoughts that I will make in general to try and explain where my thinking is at.
1. We need to have buses on the 25/26 that can take 2 pushchairs. This rules out some of the Cannock fleet but we are thinking carefully about what we need to do on those routes to make them a real showcase for people to use.
2. The 25/26 are important routes and changes/upgrades do not happen overnight. My first aim has been to standardise the allocation at Cannock with appropriate vehicles and take stock.
3. The Pulsars are on the 70 as this is interurban work and I believe that these are good buses for that type of work. We are hoping that the increase in the 70 frequency works for us and so we need good buses on it to ensure reliability. It is also a longer route and so needs vehicles that people can feel comfortable on for longer than a journey from Pye Green to Cannock, for example.
4. We are often accused of too many cuts/shrinking the network but here is an attempt to grow the 70 - we need to see what happens. If it does not work then we tried - the difficult question to answer is how long to give it. With the industry in decline and the High Streets in some despair it is hard work at the moment.
5. I am not as certain as I once was that the general public take a great deal of interest in the type, make, model, age of a bus. Every survey I ever see says that people want punctual, reliable services that operate as directly as possible. Whether that is a Volvo, DAF, Wrightbus, ADL, BYD or something else is not as important as have sometimes I have treated it as. They can have all the bells and whistles that manufacturers can come up with but if it is late or breaks down then it is all for nothing. We haven't been as good as we should have been in Cannock at stopping breakdowns or being punctual but this is now a major area of focus for us and progress is being made.
6. As for the Streetlites, I think they look good and, for me, ride well and drive well. Drivers have not mentioned them to me in meetings or when I have been around and about. Passengers seem to like them and I am not aware of complaints regarding them.
7. And so we carry on trying our best, seeing what we can do to improve, me trying to bring my views to the team and ultimately provide the best possible service to the people of Cannock and the surrounding area.
Apologies that was long but hopefully useful. We can't please everyone but all feedback is good and is taken notice of.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 27, 2018, 09:25:49 PM
Hello Simon not sure if you answer this question as you don't cover Leicester & Leicestershire
Why has Thurmaston Depot never put full allocation of Sapphires on 158 I've noticed in last few weeks 7 Sapphire Spec buses have been put on instead of 8 buses
Also when's Hinckley Bus Branding being replaced with Arriva
One of Streetlites 3316 has still got 158 branding on it
It needs removing as it confuse customers of 74 78 79 routes from Nuneaton to Coventry
Hi Lee,
There was a time that I would know all the answers to that but now I am fully in my new area I will have to ask someone else! Will see what I can find out.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 27, 2018, 09:25:49 PM
Hello Simon not sure if you answer this question as you don't cover Leicester & Leicestershire
Why has Thurmaston Depot never put full allocation of Sapphires on 158 I've noticed in last few weeks 7 Sapphire Spec buses have been put on instead of 8 buses
Also when's Hinckley Bus Branding being replaced with Arriva
One of Streetlites 3316 has still got 158 branding on it
It needs removing as it confuse customers of 74 78 79 routes from Nuneaton to Coventry
Have you seen the allocations on the Pye Greens last few days? I thought it was now a Commander route? Anything and everything has been on there. With regard to passengers not noticing blatant low quality downgrades, ie from a 63 plate branded pulsar to a 54 plate knackered Dart, maybe dont relaunch the routes with loads of fanfare and new buses in the town centre then and people wont care.
With regard to the 70, if the best Cannock can offer is Pulsars some of which have knackered diffs and /or vibrate badly when idling ( conpare this to the condition of nx B7RLEs of similar vintage) then its a sorry state of affairs.
Most daytime 70s ive seen have been virtually empty so i wouldnt hold out much hope sadly. Are you looking to launch any new routes to new destinations? Also regarding the 70, its not got the best history...frequency up and down, cluelessly converted to a ( handy but dead) express variant, converted back, frequency cut again, so all thats being done is restoring a previous ( recent) frequency level that failed miserably before, rather than growing the network as such.
PS why do the pye greens need to be able to take 2 pushchairs? Can people not fold them up?
Hi
I have not noticed the allocation as have not been in Cannock - there tomorrow and will pick this up.
I accept that some of this history is not good but I can only take it forward from here. The 70 decision was not mine but I can see the logic and want to give it the best shot.
Quote from: Bob on June 27, 2018, 09:42:26 PM
PS why do the pye greens need to be able to take 2 pushchairs? Can people not fold them up?
People don't like to do that and, if we can take 2 then why would we not. It is all about the customer!
@Simon@Arriva there no pleasing
@Bob I would rather a bus shows up on time regardless what type. NX are the same with their platinums sometimes the buses need maintenance, is needed on another route or has suffered a fault so instead of leaving a gap in service they send out a bus regardless what type. I'm sure people of Cannock are glad when a bus turns up!
I have got a question for
@Simon@Arriva how come the company has decided to withdraw the 10 Perton to Wolves in the coming months?
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on June 27, 2018, 09:54:46 PM
@Simon@Arriva there no pleasing @Bob I would rather a bus shows up on time regardless what type. NX are the same with their platinums sometimes the buses need maintenance, is needed on another route or has suffered a fault so instead of leaving a gap in service they send out a bus regardless what type. I'm sure people of Cannock are glad when a bus turns up!
I have got a question for @Simon@Arriva how come the company has decided to withdraw the 10 Perton to Wolves in the coming months?
It will still be running between Wolverhampton and Perton. Withdrawn through to Telford from Perton although there is a summer only shuttle bus from Perton to Codsall running.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on June 27, 2018, 09:54:46 PM
@Simon@Arriva there no pleasing @Bob I would rather a bus shows up on time regardless what type. NX are the same with their platinums sometimes the buses need maintenance, is needed on another route or has suffered a fault so instead of leaving a gap in service they send out a bus regardless what type. I'm sure people of Cannock are glad when a bus turns up!
I have got a question for @Simon@Arriva how come the company has decided to withdraw the 10 Perton to Wolves in the coming months?
I wouldnt imagine NXWM would use a falling to bits 02 plate Cadet or 14 year old Dart on an interurban service though if they had them? They might stick a Trident on but then thats a heavyweight bus designed for that type of work. Arriva stick anything and everything on longer distance routes. A knackered Cadet all the way to Lichfield or a crappy threadbare solo all the way to Stafford is a poor show. Particularly for the Stafford service having previously used B9s!
Quote from: Bob on June 27, 2018, 09:42:26 PM
PS why do the pye greens need to be able to take 2 pushchairs? Can people not fold them up?
if you go back 20 years back there was no low floor buses
I rarely post on this forum these days because one thing never change's is the fact that whatever you, you or anyone else say or do will not please Bob. B9's on the 74/75, yes for a couple of years then B7's because single deckers more suited to the passengers using the service. Knackered Solos and Dart on the 74/75 and 825 rarely on the 74 but usual on the evening 825. This constant comparison with NXWM is a little bit naïve because their area is much more urban, has a lower car ownership, higher average loadings and because of these factors can afford to refurbish/renew more often. Generally speaking it is only the enthusiast who notices the type of bus being used, the general public who make up the vast majority of riders are only concerned that their bus turns up and is at least clean both inside and out, rattles they accept as a fact of life, there has never been a bus built that doesn't rattle after a few months in service.
Quote from: Grinder on June 28, 2018, 08:33:53 AM
I rarely post on this forum these days because one thing never change's is the fact that whatever you, you or anyone else say or do will not please Bob. B9's on the 74/75, yes for a couple of years then B7's because single deckers more suited to the passengers using the service. Knackered Solos and Dart on the 74/75 and 825 rarely on the 74 but usual on the evening 825. This constant comparison with NXWM is a little bit naïve because their area is much more urban, has a lower car ownership, higher average loadings and because of these factors can afford to refurbish/renew more often. Generally speaking it is only the enthusiast who notices the type of bus being used, the general public who make up the vast majority of riders are only concerned that their bus turns up and is at least clean both inside and out, rattles they accept as a fact of life, there has never been a bus built that doesn't rattle after a few months in service.
I didnt say rattle i said vibrate. Through the whole of the bus when idling. A fact noticed also by WM bus user forum mystery shopper.
Also 74 single deckers, more suited? Or declining patronage?
@Simon@Arriva Will the Perton-Codsall shuttle replacing the 10 continue to be operated by Telford garage or is Cannock taking this operation over?
Re 74 patronage - The profile of users is definitely, and pretty well always has been older people who prefer not to have to climb stairs. Exception being the couple of journeys a day coinciding with college hours. So yes more suited.
Also regarding the 10, what's happening to Pattingham? Just losing a service completely?
Quote from: Grinder on June 29, 2018, 08:22:32 AM
Re 74 patronage - The profile of users is definitely, and pretty well always has been older people who prefer not to have to climb stairs. Exception being the couple of journeys a day coinciding with college hours. So yes
So why was the route ever converted to DD then if the profile of the route "pretty much always has been older people" if that was the case it woukd suggest either Arriva havent a clue about the routes/passengers/user profile or that regardless of those deckers were needed to increase capacity. If the latter was the case then, and now single deckers are ample capacity wise, it would imply a decline in patronage....
Quote from: Kevin on June 29, 2018, 08:42:47 AM
Also regarding the 10, what's happening to Pattingham? Just losing a service completely?
Hi
There was a tender put out by Staffs for a limited replacement for the 10 that would serve Pattingham but I am not aware if it has been awarded yet or not.
Quote from: PointerDart on June 28, 2018, 08:02:37 PM
@Simon@Arriva Will the Perton-Codsall shuttle replacing the 10 continue to be operated by Telford garage or is Cannock taking this operation over?
The shuttle will be operated by Telford with a Sprinter we will have on loan from Southern Counties.
Allocation on the Pye Greens is a bit odd today...a Dart..a Solo ( 2 puschair spaces??) A Streetlite displaying Arriva Midlands with no board in window so people at the stop were having to ask what route it was on...werent there enough of the 12 or so Commanders available for the route?
Why dont the plug sockets work on the Sapphire buses ? Currently on the 2 thats about to leave Walsall and NONE work. Bus is also out with vandalised seats, rubbish everywhere and generally dirty . Sapphire poster is also hanging off above the seats. Premium???
I have taken photos but cant find an attach option on here
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2018, 02:30:41 PM
Why dont the plug sockets work on the Sapphire buses ? Currently on the 2 thats about to leave Walsall and NONE work. Bus is also out with vandalised seats, rubbish everywhere and generally dirty . Sapphire poster is also hanging off above the seats. Premium???
None of the sockets work? Here's an idea, might it be because somebody has poked something into one of them and blown the fuse?
How is it Arriva's fault that passengers leave their rubbish on the bus?
Maybe you should set up your own bus company if you're that bloody clever Bob.
Driver, lady driver, when i asked her why sockets didnt work, said its the same on most of them.
Erm its not me that advertises sockets that DONT EVER work...
The floor and seats were dirty. Passengers fault?
Basically it just makes Sapphire look like a value brand Platinum
Quote from: Dennis on July 07, 2018, 08:04:12 PM
None of the sockets work? Here's an idea, might it be because somebody has poked something into one of them and blown the fuse?
How is it Arriva's fault that passengers leave their rubbish on the bus?
Maybe you should set up your own bus company if you're that bloody clever Bob.
I have to agree with Bob on this one... I forgot to mention the plug sockets to Simon previously. I also mentioned it to a driver and she just said "I know" which didn't fill me with much confidence that its going to be sorted! Also the next stop announcements are not working on about 1 in 4 of my journeys. In terms of rubbish this is down to customers who cant be bothered to take it with them and this is the same on every bus, so for that I disagree with bob.
Wish they'd correct the next stop announcements.
Getting fed up of seeing & hearing 'Addenbrook Road', 'Bradstone Avenue' & 'Long Achre Street'!
This thread is for Q & A's to/from Simon @ Arriva only, any comments / general discussions posted in this thread will simply be deleted to keep it clear, Winston
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2018, 02:32:23 PM
I have taken photos but cant find an attach option on here
Hi,
What was the bus number please Bob?
I am sorry that you did not have a pleasant journey.
Thanks.
Quote from: Bob on July 06, 2018, 01:13:48 PM
Allocation on the Pye Greens is a bit odd today...a Dart..a Solo ( 2 puschair spaces??) A Streetlite displaying Arriva Midlands with no board in window so people at the stop were having to ask what route it was on...werent there enough of the 12 or so Commanders available for the route?
Hi,
Not sure but I will ask and get them back on track with the allocation.
Thanks for letting me know.
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2018, 02:30:41 PM
Why dont the plug sockets work on the Sapphire buses ? Currently on the 2 thats about to leave Walsall and NONE work. Bus is also out with vandalised seats, rubbish everywhere and generally dirty . Sapphire poster is also hanging off above the seats. Premium???
Hi
If you could send me the bus number that would be great.
I have asked for an audit of all the Staffordshire Sapphire vehicles to be carried out and this is currently underway. Once we know what the issues are we can fix them.
Thanks.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 19, 2018, 07:51:02 AM
Hi
Yes that is very likely at the end of the summer.
Hi Simon,
Any chance you could send the better of the three to Oswestry to replace our poor LowLander? Seriously, it's almost embarrassing to drive sometimes...
;D
I didnt get it im afraid. However its got the above seat sapphire branding thing literally hanging off in the air and the right hand seat before the front had vandalised headrests. The journey wasnt unpleasant its just a bit poor that none of the pmug sockets ever seem to work despite the services advertising them as a plus point. Applies to many e400s at Tamworth too.
Quote from: Westy on July 08, 2018, 12:57:52 AM
Wish they'd correct the next stop announcements.
Getting fed up of seeing & hearing 'Addenbrook Road', 'Bradstone Avenue' & 'Long Achre Street'!
Lol one of the Cheslyn Hay stops is spelt "Streeet". Not sure how easy these things are to change, Simon?
If its any help it was the 2 that would have left walsall at 14.33
Is it planned to use the Citaro regularly on the 1 and 2? If its anything like Tamworths bus seated examples id imagine it being a much nicer bus to travel on compared to a Streetlite.
Quote from: Bob on July 08, 2018, 11:12:50 PM
Is it planned to use the Citaro regularly on the 1 and 2? If its anything like Tamworths bus seated examples id imagine it being a much nicer bus to travel on compared to a Streetlite.
3022 is at Cannock as a spare Sapphire bus. There wasn't one previously which meant anything went out on the 1 and 2 if any Streetlites were off. Rather than refurb one this is a better option.
Quote from: samash on July 08, 2018, 10:22:52 PM
Hi Simon,
Any chance you could send the better of the three to Oswestry to replace our poor LowLander? Seriously, it's almost embarrassing to drive sometimes...
;D
Hi
Yes we can look at this.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 09, 2018, 05:19:10 PM
3022 is at Cannock as a spare Sapphire bus. There wasn't one previously which meant anything went out on the 1 and 2 if any Streetlites were off. Rather than refurb one this is a better option.
Has to be asked then... Why did they offload some Sapphire Streetlites when the frequency was cut? Surely keep them and get rid of older vehicles?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 09, 2018, 05:21:15 PM
Hi
Yes we can look at this.
One thought with the DLAs, Oswestry previously operated 'Y' registered 4802 for a short time in a view to replace 4788 which was non DDA but the Y reg examples were taller than the older ones and it was dispatched to Telford with 4707 coming to Oswestry, reason was the clearance on Whittington Road bridge for the 53 and 449. In fairness to 4707, it has been worked quite hard at Oswestry outside its dedicated 405 turns and certainly can shift, on going into reverse it has had niggles with at times but the passengers did like it appearing from comments aboard on the 70 on many occasions.
Is there any plans for the 2/2A/2C services to Wrexham? EasyCoach seems to be happily nabbing the passengers at Oswestry Bus Station five minutes in front, sad to see. Would be nice to see the Pulsars updated to Sapphire spec like the ones on the 158 in Leicester (sampled some months back and very nice) to offer some extra quality over the budget operator or at least an extra Pulsar to replace the likes of 2546 to ensure a PVR spare opposed to Versas and Scanias covering far too often as they do.
Quote from: Depotosw on July 09, 2018, 07:36:24 PM
One thought with the DLAs, Oswestry previously operated 'Y' registered 4802 for a short time in a view to replace 4788 which was non DDA but the Y reg examples were taller than the older ones and it was dispatched to Telford with 4707 coming to Oswestry, reason was the clearance on Whittington Road bridge for the 53 and 449. In fairness to 4707, it has been worked quite hard at Oswestry outside its dedicated 405 turns and certainly can shift, on going into reverse it has had niggles with at times but the passengers did like it appearing from comments aboard on the 70 on many occasions.
Unfortunately it's not all about the passengers liking a bus, if you are unable to reverse it off Shrewsbury bus station then it is unfit for service, same with the 449 at Hindford, and even on the yard!
Simon, have those leaflets been sent to Walsall yet, as I havent spotted them yet?
The Cannock stand needs re-stocking with timetables too
Quote from: Westy on July 10, 2018, 07:12:29 AM
Simon, have those leaflets been sent to Walsall yet, as I havent spotted them yet?
They on their way - I have been promised.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 10, 2018, 12:04:51 PM
The Cannock stand needs re-stocking with timetables too
Yes. This has been asked for.
Quote from: Kevin on July 09, 2018, 07:01:01 PM
Has to be asked then... Why did they offload some Sapphire Streetlites when the frequency was cut? Surely keep them and get rid of older vehicles?
Hi
I don't know. Before my time.
Hello,
I am heading off on 2 weeks annual leave after tomorrow so will respond to any questions on my return.
Thanks for the ones that have come through so far. I do value hearing them and getting the feedback on offer through them - and from when I read the other topics on here.
Thanks for your interest.
Simon
Hi Simon, are vehicles from the 70 going to be used on the 10 on an interworking basis?
Quote from: Bob on July 12, 2018, 09:56:18 PM
Hi Simon, are vehicles from the 70 going to be used on the 10 on an interworking basis?
Hi
Yes they will be but at certain times of day the 10 will self cycle.
Will it be a completely Pulsar operated route still? Also staffs CC site states timetable for 70 is changing 21st July but cant find that on Arriva site?
Quote from: Bob on July 13, 2018, 09:54:33 AM
Will it be a completely Pulsar operated route still? Also staffs CC site states timetable for 70 is changing 21st July but cant find that on Arriva site?
It will be Pulsar operated when all Pulsars are available - it is 8 for 8.
Good point on the 70 - will check why it is not on the website.
Cannot seem to find any of the new timetables for the Telford and Bridgnorth area changes starting in precisely a week's time - links alongside the listing on the service changes page of Arriva website only go to current services. Traveline also spectacularly unhelpful even when trying a specific journey request on an advance date. And of course no new timetables in the 'office' at Telford bus station today. Anyone from Arriva or elsewhere know where on earth passengers are supposed to find information?
Quote from: Smethwickian on July 14, 2018, 07:59:31 PM
Cannot seem to find any of the new timetables for the Telford and Bridgnorth area changes starting in precisely a week's time - links alongside the listing on the service changes page of Arriva website only go to current services. Traveline also spectacularly unhelpful even when trying a specific journey request on an advance date. And of course no new timetables in the 'office' at Telford bus station today. Anyone from Arriva or elsewhere know where on earth passengers are supposed to find information?
I second this; very recently, Arriva's release of timetables for service changes has always been last minute, often only a couple of days before. Can this be looked into?
In the meantime,
@Smethwickian, your only solution is to currently look on Traveline timetables and plan that way for the time being; the timetables have been updated (apart from the 9 for some reason) on that website.
Quote from: Smethwickian on July 14, 2018, 07:59:31 PM
Cannot seem to find any of the new timetables for the Telford and Bridgnorth area changes starting in precisely a week's time - links alongside the listing on the service changes page of Arriva website only go to current services. Traveline also spectacularly unhelpful even when trying a specific journey request on an advance date. And of course no new timetables in the 'office' at Telford bus station today. Anyone from Arriva or elsewhere know where on earth passengers are supposed to find information?
Good point you have raised here. I had a bit of an Arriva Shropshire day today and went on 3 Telford depot buses. They all had posters inside advising there would be changes, and to pick up a leaflet on board for the info. Guess what there were no leaflets on board ant of the buses! ::)
Hi
I have been back a week and just about caught up so happy to take any more questions.
Will also be at the Tamworth Depot open day tomorrow (5th August) so may see some of you there.
Hi Simon...evidently the upgrade to Pulsars on the 70 has gone tits up????
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 04, 2018, 09:59:00 PM
Hi
I have been back a week and just about caught up so happy to take any more questions.
Will also be at the Tamworth Depot open day tomorrow (5th August) so may see some of you there.
I'll be there, convinced a couple guys from down south and a friend from Worcester to come along too.
How about a Cannock open day?
(But it would have to be a Saturday daytime, as people are working Monday to Friday, plus you have no buses on Sundays!)
simon, are arriva continuing the no.10 to perton after 2nd September. also is it possible to say get on in perton and travel to cheslyn hay if the bus goes onto the 70 once it arrives in Wolverhampton.
Quote from: mranon on August 05, 2018, 09:07:55 PM
simon, are arriva continuing the no.10 to perton after 2nd September. also is it possible to say get on in perton and travel to cheslyn hay if the bus goes onto the 70 once it arrives in Wolverhampton.
Hi
We will be continuing with the 10 to Perton from 2nd September yes.
You can travel through but please let the driver know. If you have a pass show it again or pay the fare.
Quote from: Westy on August 04, 2018, 11:29:21 PM
How about a Cannock open day?
(But it would have to be a Saturday daytime, as people are working Monday to Friday, plus you have no buses on Sundays!)
We just need a special birthday to do one!
Quote from: Bob on August 04, 2018, 11:05:42 PM
Hi Simon...evidently the upgrade to Pulsars on the 70 has gone tits up????
We have had a change of plan. Whilst I was away it was felt that slightly shorter vehicles would be better on the 10 so a change was made.
Pulsars are now being focused on the 25/26 which was my original plan anyway so not all bad from my perspective!
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 06, 2018, 09:18:49 PM
Hi
We will be continuing with the 10 to Perton from 2nd September yes.
You can travel through but please let the driver know. If you have a pass show it again or pay the fare.
thankyou simon for the reply, in perton there is arriva timetables showing wifi/usb symbols, will there be those facilities available? many thanks
Simon, were there plans for an open day as part of Telford's 50th anniversary as a town? Just a thought.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 06, 2018, 09:20:34 PM
We have had a change of plan. Whilst I was away it was felt that slightly shorter vehicles would be better on the 10 so a change was made.
Pulsars are now being focused on the 25/26 which was my original plan anyway so not all bad from my perspective!
Are Commanders slightly shorter then?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 06, 2018, 09:18:49 PM
Hi
We will be continuing with the 10 to Perton from 2nd September yes.
You can travel through but please let the driver know. If you have a pass show it again or pay the fare.
Last week, the driver on 3725 kicked all of us off at Cleveland Street whilst terminating on the 10 in Wolverhampton. He shouted "Last stop!" I asked him is he going on the 70. He said yes, he has to go somewhere to start the 70... Not sure if drivers are meant to do that,
@Simon@Arriva?
Is the 70 now, as an interurban route going to be landed permanently with 14/15/16 year old Cadets that are nearing the end of their working lives? Considering that being an interurban route, better buses such as Pulsars were considered more appropriate? Cadets have ridiculous legroom and surely would be more suited to local trips?
@Simon@Arriva, are the deckers based at TF still being taken out of service this month?
Quote from: PointerDart on August 09, 2018, 04:30:48 PM
@Simon@Arriva, are the deckers based at TF still being taken out of service this month?
Hi.
Yes at the start of September once the Rail Replacement ends in Derby (last day of that is 4th September).
Quote from: P419 EJW on August 07, 2018, 03:55:30 PM
Last week, the driver on 3725 kicked all of us off at Cleveland Street whilst terminating on the 10 in Wolverhampton. He shouted "Last stop!" I asked him is he going on the 70. He said yes, he has to go somewhere to start the 70... Not sure if drivers are meant to do that, @Simon@Arriva?
Hi,
There are 2 different terminal points in Wolverhampton depending on what the bus does next. Cleveland Street is not one of them from what I know. Sorry to hear this - I will ask that all staff are reminded of the correct route.
Quote from: PointerDart on August 06, 2018, 10:52:01 PM
Simon, were there plans for an open day as part of Telford's 50th anniversary as a town? Just a thought.
Hi
Nothing planned.
Quote from: mranon on August 06, 2018, 09:47:56 PM
thankyou simon for the reply, in perton there is arriva timetables showing wifi/usb symbols, will there be those facilities available? many thanks
Hi,
I will get these checked and taken down if incorrect.
Quote from: Bob on August 07, 2018, 04:51:42 PM
Is the 70 now, as an interurban route going to be landed permanently with 14/15/16 year old Cadets that are nearing the end of their working lives? Considering that being an interurban route, better buses such as Pulsars were considered more appropriate? Cadets have ridiculous legroom and surely would be more suited to local trips?
I need to review all the allocations at Cannock again and will be doing so this week.
Are there refurbishment plans for any of Cannocks fleet? The two 55 plate standard bus seated Darts or the 06 plate Commanders in particular? Some of the Commander seats are looking tired dirty and starting to get a bit threadbare now. NX are retrimming buses 5 years newer ....
Would Cannock ever consider a Birmingham route again? That didnt stupidly use the M6 like the X31 ( What in the name of God were they thinking with that, that an hourly service would ever be able to run down the most congested stretch of motorway in the Midlands?)
Quote from: Bob on August 12, 2018, 09:04:11 PM
Are there refurbishment plans for any of Cannocks fleet? The two 55 plate standard bus seated Darts or the 06 plate Commanders in particular? Some of the Commander seats are looking tired dirty and starting to get a bit threadbare now. NX are retrimming buses 5 years newer ....
Hi,
Yes there are plans to do some refurbs through the Autumn.
Quote from: Bob on August 12, 2018, 09:08:15 PM
Would Cannock ever consider a Birmingham route again? That didnt stupidly use the M6 like the X31 ( What in the name of God were they thinking with that, that an hourly service would ever be able to run down the most congested stretch of motorway in the Midlands?)
Hi,
This is unlikely for a number of reasons and with an ever improving rail service the bus can't really compete.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 28, 2018, 04:48:59 PM
Hi,
Yes there are plans to do some refurbs through the Autumn.
On which type of vehicles do you know?
RE the Birmingham link, if the bus ran a direct route ( not ludicrously down the most congested part of the m6) you might find it would be a hit. The X31 was often busy despite its hourly frequency and rubbish timekeeping
086#msg243086 date=1535474881]
On which type of vehicles do you know?
RE the Birmingham link, if the bus ran a direct route ( not ludicrously down the most congested part of the m6) you might find it would be a hit. The X31 was often busy despite its hourly frequency and rubbish timekeeping
[/quote]
Have a look at how many people use the X51 through journies Bob, and you will soon see that most people will still use a train that takes 40 minutes
Polite Notice to all members
This thread is specifically for asking questions to Simon from Arriva, and not for general chit-chat or other discussions/arguments. Non-relevant posts will be removed by the admins, thank you.
Can you confirm which of the fleet are planned for a refurb Simon?
Is There any planned repaint for Shrewsbury garage?
Simon, how come the notice of service updates has come to the point where the notice is put up just two days before the changes are due to take place (for example, the recent cancellation of the 519 Newport - Shrewsbury on Saturdays)?
Previously the notice given was about 3 weeks or so but has dwindled to being just days beforehand. While I can understand certain services being cut, I also understand the inconvenience and frustration customers feel from a lack of sufficient notice.
Quote from: PointerDart on September 01, 2018, 08:31:49 PM
Simon, how come the notice of service updates has come to the point where the notice is put up just two days before the changes are due to take place (for example, the recent cancellation of the 519 Newport - Shrewsbury on Saturdays)?
Previously the notice given was about 3 weeks or so but has dwindled to being just days beforehand. While I can understand certain services being cut, I also understand the inconvenience and frustration customers feel from a lack of sufficient notice.
Hi,
Fair point and I am not sure what has happened here. Will look in to this and see how we can improve.
Quote from: Rich-82 on August 29, 2018, 05:39:39 PM
Is There any planned repaint for Shrewsbury garage?
Yes, very shortly.
Quote from: Bob on August 29, 2018, 12:26:12 PM
Can you confirm which of the fleet are planned for a refurb Simon?
The Pulsars.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 04, 2018, 08:28:26 PM
Hi,
Fair point and I am not sure what has happened here. Will look in to this and see how we can improve.
Thanks - also from what I could see it was only advertised on Facebook and not even the website; could this be looked into as well, please, for those who may not use social media?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 04, 2018, 08:29:51 PM
The Pulsars.
Really? Out of all of Cannocks fleet theyre probably the vehicles that arent in desperate need of a retrim!
Just to let Simon know.
I've seen at least one 1 & 2 leaflet at NX Walsall Travelshop so far.
Whether any more will be put out, I won't be able to check until Saturday though.
It's a shame, it's taken a few years to sort out though.
Thank you anyway.
Quote from: Bob on September 04, 2018, 09:32:53 PM
Really? Out of all of Cannocks fleet theyre probably the vehicles that arent in desperate need of a retrim!
We are assessing which other vehicles we want to refurb so there will be others but the first batch will be the Pulsars. They are mid-life and we want to make sure they get refurbed before they get too shabby. 3795 will be done in Sapphire to act as the spare for the 1 and 2 - the others will be in standard new Arriva spec.
Quote from: PointerDart on September 04, 2018, 08:31:01 PM
Thanks - also from what I could see it was only advertised on Facebook and not even the website; could this be looked into as well, please, for those who may not use social media?
For lots of reasons, which are not for on here, updating the website is more difficult than you might expect. It would be our aim to do this.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 05, 2018, 04:28:42 PM
We are assessing which other vehicles we want to refurb so there will be others but the first batch will be the Pulsars. They are mid-life and we want to make sure they get refurbed before they get too shabby. 3795 will be done in Sapphire to act as the spare for the 1 and 2 - the others will be in standard new Arriva spec.
Whats heppening with the Merc? I thought that was brought in so the Pulsar didnt need to be refurbed. You'd be better refurbing several to Sapphire and putting them on the 1 and 2, and then shoving the Streetlites on the Pye Greens where passengers only have to suffer the slowness, noise, wheelspins, jerks and uncomfortable ride for a few mins at a time. Are the Commanders not going to be considered? The interiors of the 06 plate in many cases are filthy and threadbare as are some of the 04 plate Cadets
Quote from: Bob on September 05, 2018, 04:51:30 PM
Whats heppening with the Merc? I thought that was brought in so the Pulsar didnt need to be refurbed. You'd be better refurbing several to Sapphire and putting them on the 1 and 2, and then shoving the Streetlites on the Pye Greens where passengers only have to suffer the slowness, noise, wheelspins, jerks and uncomfortable ride for a few mins at a time. Are the Commanders not going to be considered? The interiors of the 06 plate in many cases are filthy and threadbare as are some of the 04 plate Cadets
The Merc will go back to Tamworth as their spare Sapphire.
It is likely the Commanders will be done but not confirmed.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 05, 2018, 08:34:53 PM
The Merc will go back to Tamworth as their spare Sapphire.
It is likely the Commanders will be done but not confirmed.
Are any of the fleet due to be replaced? Not necessarily by new buses, well that defo wont be the case but second hand?
Would have thought some of the Cadets would be approaching the end of their lives...
Simon, which depot is operating the Bridgnorth 101 from next Monday? Is it Telford or Shrewsbury?
Quote from: PointerDart on September 06, 2018, 02:03:06 PM
Simon, which depot is operating the Bridgnorth 101 from next Monday? Is it Telford or Shrewsbury?
Telford.
What will the refurbishment of Pulsars entail? MX61 AWP just had a repaint didnt it?
Quote from: Bob on September 12, 2018, 10:19:04 PM
What will the refurbishment of Pulsars entail? MX61 AWP just had a repaint didnt it?
Still be worked up. 3795 will be Sapphire.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 14, 2018, 04:34:43 PM
Still be worked up. 3795 will be Sapphire.
Still to be worked up? Will it maybe not include a retrim then??
Quote from: Bob on September 14, 2018, 10:44:12 PM
Still to be worked up? Will it maybe not include a retrim then??
It will include a retrim.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 26, 2018, 03:43:14 PM
It will include a retrim.
E-leather?
Have you looked at the interiors of the 06 plate Commanders? Some are pretty dire now
Quote from: Bob on September 26, 2018, 04:24:24 PM
E-leather?
Have you looked at the interiors of the 06 plate Commanders? Some are pretty dire now
Yes some are poor.
Was up Liverpool yesterday.
Why are Arriva Merseyside vehicles a lot better than the ones down here?
They've even got hybrids as well!
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 28, 2018, 01:10:32 PM
Yes some are poor.
Is anything going to be done about them? Compare them with NXWMs 56 plate Volvos, the Commanders are an embarrassment alongside
Ive heard today that tamworth are loosing there pulsars for there scanias that are currently at Oswestry, is this true?
Why on earth is Cannock now operating a 17 year old decker, a garage that has zero requirement for one 😂
Quote from: Bob on October 01, 2018, 09:53:44 PM
Why on earth is Cannock now operating a 17 year old decker, a garage that has zero requirement for one 😂
We have had 3 engines being replaced on 3 single deckers and have this double decker on short term loan to cover.
Quote from: Westy on September 28, 2018, 01:58:31 PM
Was up Liverpool yesterday.
Why are Arriva Merseyside vehicles a lot better than the ones down here?
They've even got hybrids as well!
There are lots and lots of reasons for that!
Quote from: ntw456 on September 30, 2018, 07:41:58 PM
Ive heard today that tamworth are loosing there pulsars for there scanias that are currently at Oswestry, is this true?
Hi
Interesting that you have heard that I must say.
There have been a lot of options put forward looking at fleet standardisation across the Midlands and that is on one of the options - by no means decided upon.
Quote from: Bob on September 28, 2018, 02:22:19 PM
Is anything going to be done about them? Compare them with NXWMs 56 plate Volvos, the Commanders are an embarrassment alongside
We are refurbing some of them but I am looking at how we can get them retrimmed ahead of the repaint.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 05, 2018, 12:15:01 PM
We are refurbing some of them but I am looking at how we can get them retrimmed ahead of the repaint.
RE the comment above this one, what could be done around fleet standardisationat Cannock where theres a large variety of types
Quote from: Bob on October 05, 2018, 02:45:12 PM
RE the comment above this one, what could be done around fleet standardisationat Cannock where theres a large variety of types
That is what we are looking at - it may be that nothing really works but fleet standardisation is generally a good thing to try and achieve.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 05, 2018, 04:23:03 PM
That is what we are looking at - it may be that nothing really works but fleet standardisation is generally a good thing to try and achieve.
What types do you think would work well standardised at Cannock?
Quote from: Bob on October 05, 2018, 06:03:29 PM
What types do you think would work well standardised at Cannock?
Good question.
Streetlites, Volvo and Solo probably.
Could always send 3900-3913 to Telford in exchange for 3701-4/17/32-39 then at least cannocks main allocation is sb200 lol
How long is the decker staying for?
Quote from: Bob on October 17, 2018, 03:41:52 PM
How long is the decker staying for?
A couple more weeks.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 22, 2018, 05:10:00 PM
A couple more weeks.
What was the reason for it being transferred here? Doesnt really fit any services passenger numbers wise does it?
Quote from: Bob on October 22, 2018, 05:50:35 PM
What was the reason for it being transferred here? Doesnt really fit any services passenger numbers wise does it?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 05, 2018, 12:12:06 PM
We have had 3 engines being replaced on 3 single deckers and have this double decker on short term loan to cover.
Has work started refurbishing all of the Pulsars? As theyre allegedly to be done by November?
Quote from: Bob on October 22, 2018, 06:23:13 PM
Has work started refurbishing all of the Pulsars? As theyre allegedly to be done by November?
3762 is almost finished and, of course, 3795 is already done.
Are they all being refurbed the same ie Sapphire but without high backed seating?
Quote from: Bob on October 23, 2018, 01:50:42 PM
Are they all being refurbed the same ie Sapphire but without high backed seating?
No, only 3975 is Sapphire.
The others are getting the same seating charger points wifi arent they ?
Quote from: Bob on October 24, 2018, 03:37:28 PM
The others are getting the same seating charger points wifi arent they ?
No wifi but there will be at seat charging
Thought the 61 plates already had wifi. Are the charging points still broken on pretty much all the Streetlites?
Quote from: Bob on October 24, 2018, 09:53:37 PM
Thought the 61 plates already had wifi. Are the charging points still broken on pretty much all the Streetlites?
Not that I know of. Please let me know if you have seen otherwise.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 25, 2018, 03:57:02 PM
Not that I know of. Please let me know if you have seen otherwise.
I thought they usrd to have free wi fi stickers either side of the destination blinds
Google Arriva Cannock Pulsar under images......
Quote from: Bob on October 25, 2018, 04:25:15 PM
Google Arriva Cannock Pulsar under images......
If they had wifi before they will still have it but it is not being added to those without it.
My question was about the charging points that weren't working - if you have travelled on a bus that had one/them not working then please let me know. Not sure how often you are out and about on our buses but all feedback like that gratefully received.
Are any buses having Poppy's on this year?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 26, 2018, 04:40:12 PM
If they had wifi before they will still have it but it is not being added to those without it.
My question was about the charging points that weren't working - if you have travelled on a bus that had one/them not working then please let me know. Not sure how often you are out and about on our buses but all feedback like that gratefully received.
Every Streetlite ive been on has had charging points that dont work
Quote from: ntw456 on October 26, 2018, 07:38:07 PM
Are any buses having Poppy's on this year?
Not that I know of.
Dunno about the charging points, but I've tried logging on the wi-fi in the past & given up!
(Can't remember if it was connection issues or whether it was too much faffing about with the actual logging in though!)
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 26, 2018, 04:40:12 PM
My question was about the charging points that weren't working - if you have travelled on a bus that had one/them not working then please let me know. Not sure how often you are out and about on our buses but all feedback like that gratefully received.
USB sockets don't work on today's 14:18 number 1 from Walsall Bus Station
Saw the repainted Pulsar today. Has it been done internally? I thought they were being done to 'Arriva's latest spec' which is E-leather isnt it?
When will the other 'new liverey' vehicles get the new logo?
2371, 2404, 2447, 2448, 2496, 2497, 2740 all in new liverey at Cannock but still carry the old logo
Quote from: Bob on October 30, 2018, 08:04:15 PM
Saw the repainted Pulsar today. Has it been done internally? I thought they were being done to 'Arriva's latest spec' which is E-leather isnt it?
It had new fabric seat coverings.
Quote from: Busman Jamie on October 30, 2018, 08:37:58 PM
When will the other 'new liverey' vehicles get the new logo?
2371, 2404, 2447, 2448, 2496, 2497, 2740 all in new liverey at Cannock but still carry the old logo
We now have the new logos and these will be fitted as and when the vehicles are in the workshop.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 29, 2018, 03:40:43 PM
USB sockets don't work on today's 14:18 number 1 from Walsall Bus Station
Thanks.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 01, 2018, 08:12:37 AM
It had new fabric seat coverings.
So basically you pretty much wouldnt notice that its been refurbed then. The 61 plates had prob the least worn seat covers of all the buses at Cannock. Surely the threadbare Commanders/cadets/darts still with 12/13 year old orginal seat covers could have been dealt with first. The Pulsars were pretty ok, MX61 AWP didnt get an inside retrim did it?
Quote from: Bob on November 01, 2018, 09:38:49 AM
So basically you pretty much wouldnt notice that its been refurbed then. The 61 plates had prob the least worn seat covers of all the buses at Cannock. Surely the threadbare Commanders/cadets/darts still with 12/13 year old orginal seat covers could have been dealt with first. The Pulsars were pretty ok, MX61 AWP didnt get an inside retrim did it?
I think that it easy to notice and overheard someone in Cannock bus station making a comment about 3762 in the new livery today and they were pleased to see what they thought was a new bus. 3795 looks superb. It is also a good morale boost for staff in the depot to see that we are investing in things like repaints and refurbs.
We can't do everything and I am keen to make sure that we have a sensible list for repaint and for refurbishment that will give the best benefit for as many people as possible. Not a lot had happened with repaints and refurbs in the area for a while but I have managed to get investment to do some buses this year and we have a plan for 2019 as well. I would hate to see the Pulsars get in to a poor state which is why they are being done.
Some of the 55 plate darts need some attention, looking abit tatty now, especially 2378 which has never been painted since it was new
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 02, 2018, 05:11:24 PM
I think that it easy to notice and overheard someone in Cannock bus station making a comment about 3762 in the new livery today and they were pleased to see what they thought was a new bus. 3795 looks superb. It is also a good morale boost for staff in the depot to see that we are investing in things like repaints and refurbs.
We can't do everything and I am keen to make sure that we have a sensible list for repaint and for refurbishment that will give the best benefit for as many people as possible. Not a lot had happened with repaints and refurbs in the area for a while but I have managed to get investment to do some buses this year and we have a plan for 2019 as well. I would hate to see the Pulsars get in to a poor state which is why they are being done.
The Pulsars were and would be even next year not in a bad state in comparison with the threadbareness of a lot of the fleet 06 plate Commanders especially. If all Arriva can offer is piecemeal refurbs of buses that were intended to be interurban (60/825 thats what they were purchased for but now anything goes) but are now wasted on Pye Greens it doesnt bode well
Quote from: Bob on November 02, 2018, 10:59:10 PM
The Pulsars were and would be even next year not in a bad state in comparison with the threadbareness of a lot of the fleet 06 plate Commanders especially. If all Arriva can offer is piecemeal refurbs of buses that were intended to be interurban (60/825 thats what they were purchased for but now anything goes) but are now wasted on Pye Greens it doesnt bode well
Not wasted at all - on a busy route.
There are many ways to look at the repaint/refurb plan and we will all have different views.
Quote from: Busman Jamie on November 02, 2018, 07:45:54 PM
Some of the 55 plate darts need some attention, looking abit tatty now, especially 2378 which has never been painted since it was new
Some of them do this is true. We have some skilled bodymen in Cannock who are going to be used to do some buses over and above the main repaint/refurb work that is being done in MRC in Derby. I will try and get 2378 on the list.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 05, 2018, 10:48:49 AM
Not wasted at all - on a busy route.
There are many ways to look at the repaint/refurb plan and we will all have different views.
Theres charging points for a route that people are likely to be on fir a maximum of 10-15 mins...Also by doing absolutely nothing to most cadets/most darts ( although some had a light refurb elsewhere a few years back), the poor state of most if not all Commanders, and surely the volvos will need doing shortly, most of the vehicles used on much longer /interurban services are in a right state, and it just makes Arriva look poor
Why hasn't somebody posted on Arriva's social media pages that the number 2 will do the 2E route in Great Wyrley & Cheslyn Hay whilst the railway bridge is closed to vehicles? I've been asked about 6 times since it closed. On the up side it means I've got a bus every 15-20 mins at the moment.
Is the bridge currently closed? I park at Landywood when i bus/train to bham for work
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 06, 2018, 11:11:52 PM
Why hasn't somebody posted on Arriva's social media pages that the number 2 will do the 2E route in Great Wyrley & Cheslyn Hay whilst the railway bridge is closed to vehicles? I've been asked about 6 times since it closed. On the up side it means I've got a bus every 15-20 mins at the moment.
Not sure. I am on the case.
The bridge is closed till the 11th of this month
They should split the number 1 up so that Walsall to Cannock is number 1 sapphire, then have Cannock to Huntington separate. Any delays then on the route wouldn't affect Huntington. The 1 could also go back to a 20 minute frequency?
My suggestion would be for the 74 to loop round Huntington the way Social Travel did that would reduce cannock overall pvr & still maintain the network they have.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 08, 2018, 08:35:24 AM
My suggestion would be for the 74 to loop round Huntington the way Social Travel did that would reduce cannock overall pvr & still maintain the network they have.
Interestingly both the 74 and 75 used to go to Cannock Bus Station, loop round Cannock Hospital, then back to the bus station (same concept as the Huntington loop on the number 1).
I like what Telford and Oswestry garages have done on there destination blinds for the the 100 years but disapointed that Shrewsbury garage have done nothing
Quote from: Rich-82 on November 09, 2018, 02:38:14 PM
I like what Telford and Oswestry garages have done on there destination blinds for the the 100 years but disapointed that Shrewsbury garage have done nothing
They should have done as all depots had the same instructions.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 09, 2018, 03:43:03 PM
They should have done as all depots had the same instructions.
They have had an issue with the program and it has not worked so can't be done in time unfortunately.
Hi Simon
I travelled on 3305 & 3308 today. USB sockets were not working on either
Quote from: Tony on November 10, 2018, 07:43:27 PM
Hi Simon
I travelled on 3305 & 3308 today. USB sockets were not working on either
OK thanks. Apologies for that. Was everything else ok?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 12, 2018, 03:33:43 PM
OK thanks. Apologies for that. Was everything else ok?
Yes, I have no problem with travelling on StreetLites and both had next stop working and good pleasant drivers
Quote from: Tony on November 12, 2018, 03:56:59 PM
Yes, I have no problem with travelling on StreetLites and both had next stop working and good pleasant drivers
Ok good to hear. I am on the case with the USB.
Is the odd man out B7RLE ( 05 plate, the one with leather seats) still in use at Cannock?
And have any refurb plans been sorted for the dismal state of the Commanders/all bar one 54 plate Cadets/Darts? Even B7RLEs surely at 10 years theyd be coming up for retrim?
Quote from: Bob on November 12, 2018, 04:37:59 PM
And have any refurb plans been sorted for the dismal state of the Commanders/all bar one 54 plate Cadets/Darts? Even B7RLEs surely at 10 years theyd be coming up for retrim?
Not yet. A few things up in the air with the fleet at the moment so we are waiting on other decisions before we make a call on these (and no it is not selling/closing Cannock).
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 12, 2018, 05:17:10 PM
Not yet. A few things up in the air with the fleet at the moment so we are waiting on other decisions before we make a call on these (and no it is not selling/closing Cannock).
Up in the air with the fleet? Planning to get rid of a load of buses?
Lets hope its the ones that are in a dilapidated state...probably about half!
Can we have 2E back on Friday & Saturday evenings, like the 60 and 825? It would be in the local papers if we did ;-)
& how about the number 1 back to every 20 minutes by not serving Huntington, but rather having the 74 serve it on route to/from Stafford?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 13, 2018, 07:03:15 PM
Can we have 2E back on Friday & Saturday evenings, like the 60 and 825? It would be in the local papers if we did ;-)
& how about the number 1 back to every 20 minutes by not serving Huntington, but rather having the 74 serve it on route to/from Stafford?
Hi. I think it is unlikely we will do the 2E in the evenings at this stage. I will add it to the list though as we are currently looking at ways we can improve what we do and how we can build on the solid network we now have - watch this space.
The 1 and 74 provide a co-ordinated 15 minute frequency from Cannock to Huntington, with the 1 penetrating the estate and the 74 staying on the main road. A 15 minute frequency is ideal and should help people decide to use the bus (obviously 12 and 10 are even better). Once we get to 20 minutes it is less attractive and we would either miss out the estate or drag people travelling through on the 74 in and out of the estate, which would make their journeys longer.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 14, 2018, 05:27:50 PM
Hi. I think it is unlikely we will do the 2E in the evenings at this stage. I will add it to the list though as we are currently looking at ways we can improve what we do and how we can build on the solid network we now have - watch this space.
The 1 and 74 provide a co-ordinated 15 minute frequency from Cannock to Huntington, with the 1 penetrating the estate and the 74 staying on the main road. A 15 minute frequency is ideal and should help people decide to use the bus (obviously 12 and 10 are even better). Once we get to 20 minutes it is less attractive and we would either miss out the estate or drag people travelling through on the 74 in and out of the estate, which would make their journeys longer.
Solid network? Diminishing network surely? Youve just made another round of cuts in the last month?
Or are Cannock garage planning new routes and services? I would very much doubt that but you never know...
Is there any reason why the remaining 2E journeys operate as 2E's & not as extra 2 journeys?
Just seems daft the bus goes a different way for 2 journeys each way!
(And not because I want later journeys up Somerfield Rd in Leamore!)
Hi Simon, may I ask what the intended cycle is for a bus to be washed? I know weather has been mixed of late but of there is quite a notable difference in standards in the Shropshire garages, for instance, Oswestry had a near spotless and gleaming fleet running out today (and they don't have a bus wash!). Shrewsbury had some buses running around that clearly haven't had a bath for while, 2993 on the X5 had a notable thick coating of mud as did 3691 on the 519 on pre 08:00 workings, infact most of the 36xx examples looked very poor in presentation in terms of looking grubby as did a a variety of the general fleet inc some Park and Ride vehicles and recently repainted Versas. This is notable when Telford's input on the 19 looking near spotless and that for a country route you can expect to get coated!
Quote from: Depotosw on November 14, 2018, 07:25:03 PM
Hi Simon, may I ask what the intended cycle is for a bus to be washed? I know weather has been mixed of late but of there is quite a notable difference in standards in the Shropshire garages, for instance, Oswestry had a near spotless and gleaming fleet running out today (and they don't have a bus wash!). Shrewsbury had some buses running around that clearly haven't had a bath for while, 2993 on the X5 had a notable thick coating of mud as did 3691 on the 519 on pre 08:00 workings, infact most of the 36xx examples looked very poor in presentation in terms of looking grubby as did a a variety of the general fleet inc some Park and Ride vehicles and recently repainted Versas. This is notable when Telford's input on the 19 looking near spotless and that for a country route you can expect to get coated!
Hi. Thanks for this. Should all be washed the same - every night. I will ask what has happened at Shrewsbury.
Quote from: Westy on November 14, 2018, 07:00:16 PM
Is there any reason why the remaining 2E journeys operate as 2E's & not as extra 2 journeys?
Just seems daft the bus goes a different way for 2 journeys each way!
(And not because I want later journeys up Somerfield Rd in Leamore!)
I asked this myself. The reason is:
The 2E is a throwback to the Staffordshire tender and is a combination of a 1 to Great Wyrley and a 2 to Cheslyn Hay. It's not known where passengers from Walsall are travelling to, but there are slightly more boarding from Cheslyn Hay than from Great Wyrley.
Quote from: Bob on November 14, 2018, 06:16:53 PM
Solid network? Diminishing network surely? Youve just made another round of cuts in the last month?
Very solid network with some strong routes.
Some lightly used journeys were withdrawn as we have done in many other depots as well - just like a lot of other bus companies as well.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 14, 2018, 05:27:50 PM
Hi. I think it is unlikely we will do the 2E in the evenings at this stage. I will add it to the list though as we are currently looking at ways we can improve what we do and how we can build on the solid network we now have - watch this space.
The 1 and 74 provide a co-ordinated 15 minute frequency from Cannock to Huntington, with the 1 penetrating the estate and the 74 staying on the main road. A 15 minute frequency is ideal and should help people decide to use the bus (obviously 12 and 10 are even better). Once we get to 20 minutes it is less attractive and we would either miss out the estate or drag people travelling through on the 74 in and out of the estate, which would make their journeys longer.
2E is a vital link between the two counties and it would re-connect thousands. Could you not link it to work another service such as the Pye Green circular as it previously did? or even Huntington which lost the old 75A at night?
Quote from: Bob on November 14, 2018, 06:18:32 PM
Or are Cannock garage planning new routes and services? I would very much doubt that but you never know...
Steady on.... ;)
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 14, 2018, 08:18:41 PM
2E is a vital link between the two counties and it would re-connect thousands. Could you not link it to work another service such as the Pye Green circular as it previously did? or even Huntington which lost the old 75A at night?
I think it is unlikely. Passenger numbers are just too low - I wish there was thousands.
Quote from: Kevin on November 14, 2018, 08:21:43 PM
One word answer. Train.
That's what everyone says but the train is not accessible to everyone and it's very unreliable on the chase line. You could say 'train' to most bus routes... the 825 runs evenings Friday & Saturday and despite there being a train link between Stafford and Lichfield?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 14, 2018, 08:26:18 PM
That's what everyone says but the train is not accessible to everyone and it's very unreliable on the chase line. You could say 'train' to most bus routes... the 825 runs evenings Friday & Saturday and despite there being a train link between Stafford and Lichfield?
And there are not that many people on the 825 in the evening really but it just about does ok.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 14, 2018, 08:29:27 PM
And there are not that many people on the 825 in the evening really but it just about does ok.
You're welcome to see the comments from my petition I sent to Mark Deaville before the changes, might be useful to look at people's thoughts from various areas. (See attachment).
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 14, 2018, 08:18:27 PM
Very solid network with some strong routes.
Some lightly used journeys were withdrawn as we have done in many other depots as well - just like a lot of other bus companies as well.
If its a "very solid network with strong routes" why has there been zero investment in any new vehicles for almost 5 years then and whys half the ageing fleet unrefurbished and threadbare when other companies are refurbing and respraying buses newer than them that werent even in the condition cannocks are before? If its so solid and strong whys the best they can do a few piecemeal resprays and retrims?
For the last 2 days theres been a Streets##e on Pye Greens with 'Arriva Midlands" on front side and rear displays and no route number in window. How on earth are people supposed to know the buses destination
Quote from: Bob on November 14, 2018, 10:48:03 PM
For the last 2 days theres been a Streets##e on Pye Greens with 'Arriva Midlands" on front side and rear displays and no route number in window. How on earth are people supposed to know the buses destination
Not good so thanks for info. I am on the case.
Quote from: Bob on November 14, 2018, 10:35:10 PM
If its a "very solid network with strong routes" why has there been zero investment in any new vehicles for almost 5 years then and whys half the ageing fleet unrefurbished and threadbare when other companies are refurbing and respraying buses newer than them that werent even in the condition cannocks are before? If its so solid and strong whys the best they can do a few piecemeal resprays and retrims?
I can't speak for the past 5 years. I have taken over the area and am assessing what we do as quickly as possible. We don't have unlimited funds and, with the overall UK Bus market in decline, we have to go carefully with our decisions.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 14, 2018, 08:58:35 PM
You're welcome to see the comments from my petition I sent to Mark Deaville before the changes, might be useful to look at people's thoughts from various areas. (See attachment).
And if they all used the services that were paid for then it would not have needed Council funding to run them and they would still be running.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 15, 2018, 09:59:25 AM
And if they all used the services that were paid for then it would not have needed Council funding to run them and they would still be running.
I meant there are comments on there that may be useful like when you do a road show but never mind.
Have you updated the next stop announcements on the number 1? The names seem correct now (except Norton Lane has been called Brook Lane but at least it reads it out).
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 17, 2018, 04:26:21 PM
Have you updated the next stop announcements on the number 1? The names seem correct now (except Norton Lane has been called Brook Lane but at least it reads it out).
Any chance of looking at the number 2 announcements as well?
Solo SR working out of Cannock? On 60 last night
2505 has been in use for about a fortnight
Why have cannock ended up with one of Tamworth's best buses??
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 17, 2018, 04:26:21 PM
Have you updated the next stop announcements on the number 1? The names seem correct now (except Norton Lane has been called Brook Lane but at least it reads it out).
We have had some people trained on how to do this so that we can update it ourselves, rather than rely on others.
Quote from: Hector on November 17, 2018, 11:50:27 PM
2505 has been in use for about a fortnight
It is covering for the repaint and refurb programme.
Quote from: Westy on November 17, 2018, 05:14:33 PM
Any chance of looking at the number 2 announcements as well?
Yes.
Quote from: ntw456 on November 18, 2018, 02:12:39 PM
Why have cannock ended up with one of Tamworth's best buses??
Which bus is that?
Quote from: ntw456 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:01 PM
3743
Yes, we have had to swap 2 newer SB200 Pulsars in to Tamworth so that they can be fitted with the technology to clean up the emissions to Euro 6 standard ready for the Birmingham Clean Air Zone rules.
There is no technical solution for Citaro with this as yet and, as vehicles have to be used for 5 years in the same place once fitted we wanted newest possible vehicles.
Which are the two swapped Pulsars and which is the other one that has come?
Could of sent 3727-3731 to Cannock, better than the newer pulsars
Quote from: Bob on November 19, 2018, 09:07:34 AM
Which are the two swapped Pulsars and which is the other one that has come?
3805 and 3806 are now in Tamworth.
3763 is now in Derby.
3742 and 3743 are now in Cannock.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 20, 2018, 08:08:12 AM
3805 and 3806 are now in Tamworth.
3763 is now in Derby.
3742 and 3743 are now in Cannock.
Permanent moves?
Yes Bob
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 18, 2018, 08:22:58 PM
We have had some people trained on how to do this so that we can update it ourselves, rather than rely on others.
That's great except why have two correct names been changed making them wrong?? "Leacroft Lane" has been incorrectly changed to "Lee Croft Lane" and "Rumer Hill Road" has been incorrectly changed to "Roomer Hill Road"? Do they not have access to a map?
@Simon@Arriva Just spotted the new network maps on your site, would be useful having those displayed at Cannock Bus Station and as flyers on the busses.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 20, 2018, 04:16:13 PM
That's great except why have two correct names been changed making them wrong?? "Leacroft Lane" has been incorrectly changed to "Lee Croft Lane" and "Rumer Hill Road" has been incorrectly changed to "Roomer Hill Road"? Do they not have access to a map?
>:( I will get them back on the case.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 20, 2018, 10:27:25 PM
@Simon@Arriva Just spotted the new network maps on your site, would be useful having those displayed at Cannock Bus Station and as flyers on the busses.
Bus station is work in progress. The view is that the maps should be online only and not printed out unfortunately.
For others the new map is here:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets/documents/multi-journey-saver-tickets/j12786-stafford--cannock-network-aw.pdf
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 20, 2018, 08:08:12 AM
3805 and 3806 are now in Tamworth.
3763 is now in Derby.
3742 and 3743 are now in Cannock.
3805 is still at Cannock. It was in service on the 74 today.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 21, 2018, 05:44:16 PM
The view is that the maps should be online only and not printed out unfortunately.
Sadly the way too many bus operators and local authorities are going these days. Comprehensive maps and timetables you can open up in front of you are an easy way to gauge possible connections and alternative routes, rather than trying to flip between different screens in different formats online. And don't get me started on the bizarre routings and peculiar stop location descriptions thrown up by asking Traveline for connecting journeys...
Seems Arriva is already ruling out making printed publicity available in places like Walsall and Wolverhampton bus station travel shops anyway - have not seen any Arriva timetables there for a year or more.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 21, 2018, 05:44:16 PM
Bus station is work in progress. The view is that the maps should be online only and not printed out unfortunately.
For others the new map is here:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets/documents/multi-journey-saver-tickets/j12786-stafford--cannock-network-aw.pdf
Not even as a poster display at the bus station? Like where it would be needed?
Quote from: Hector on November 21, 2018, 06:50:18 PM
3805 is still at Cannock. It was in service on the 74 today.
Swaps are happening at the moment - if it wasn't last weekend it will be this one.
Quote from: Kevin on November 21, 2018, 09:22:53 PM
Not even as a poster display at the bus station? Like where it would be needed?
That is our aim but we need Council permission etc but those discussions are happening.
Quote from: Smethwickian on November 21, 2018, 08:24:56 PM
Sadly the way too many bus operators and local authorities are going these days. Comprehensive maps and timetables you can open up in front of you are an easy way to gauge possible connections and alternative routes, rather than trying to flip between different screens in different formats online. And don't get me started on the bizarre routings and peculiar stop location descriptions thrown up by asking Traveline for connecting journeys...
Seems Arriva is already ruling out making printed publicity available in places like Walsall and Wolverhampton bus station travel shops anyway - have not seen any Arriva timetables there for a year or more.
Timetables were delivered to Walsall bus station a few weeks ago.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 22, 2018, 08:32:08 AM
Swaps are happening at the moment - if it wasn't last weekend it will be this one.
Theres two 59 plates at Cannock currently then? Are they expecting a third?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 22, 2018, 08:33:20 AM
Timetables were delivered to Walsall bus station a few weeks ago.
They were delivered yes, but they wont stick them on the shelf where they should be.
You have to ask for them.
FYI 3741 has had new seat coverings and is due to go in the paint shop at the end of the week. I am quite excited about that!
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 28, 2018, 01:34:33 PM
FYI 3741 has had new seat coverings and is due to go in the paint shop at the end of the week. I am quite excited about that!
What garage is 3741 currently at?
Are the 06 plates to be done? As theyre worse internally than 3740/41
Quote from: Bob on November 28, 2018, 05:20:57 PM
Are the 06 plates to be done? As theyre worse internally than 3740/41
Not at the moment.
Fair enough. The two 09 plate Pulsars , are they pretty much refurbed to the same standard as the Sapphire one? This is just a question and not a criticism before i get shot down for negative comments...if you compare the Pulsars that were refurbished for the 158, why was Cannocks example refurbed to a lower/different standard ( no high back seats/next stop announcements etc?) Heres a Leicester example, its quite a lot different
https://youtu.be/lVkFPHK-Thg
As part of my initial work and analysis of the area I look after (depots in Derby, EMA, Tamworth, Cannock, Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry) we have been looking at all aspects of what we do. This has included vehicles (allocation/refurbs/repaints), stakeholder relationships, routes, timings, prices etc.
One aspect that we are almost ready to make public is a set of service changes in Cannock and Stafford. I can't give the details yet but will do as soon as I can. We have taken feedback from staff, customers, stakeholders and from this site to help try and shape some of what we are doing. We can't do everything and have to balance the costs with potential revenue but I think it is a more positive evolution of the network than some of what has happened before. I hope it works and we can build for the future.
I wanted to say thanks for the feedback. I read most of the other threads on here and take it all in but only comment on this thread.
Is it big changes afoot? To the network?
@Bob I can't give the details yet but will do as soon as I can.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 29, 2018, 01:36:53 PM
As part of my initial work and analysis of the area I look after (depots in Derby, EMA, Tamworth, Cannock, Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry) we have been looking at all aspects of what we do. This has included vehicles (allocation/refurbs/repaints), stakeholder relationships, routes, timings, prices etc.
One aspect that we are almost ready to make public is a set of service changes in Cannock and Stafford. I can't give the details yet but will do as soon as I can. We have taken feedback from staff, customers, stakeholders and from this site to help try and shape some of what we are doing. We can't do everything and have to balance the costs with potential revenue but I think it is a more positive evolution of the network than some of what has happened before. I hope it works and we can build for the future.
I wanted to say thanks for the feedback. I read most of the other threads on here and take it all in but only comment on this thread.
Sounds interesting. Look forward to seeing those. Any ideas on time period?
Quote from: Brick60000 on November 29, 2018, 02:29:26 PM
Sounds interesting. Look forward to seeing those. Any ideas on time period?
Late January.
Quote from: Bob on November 29, 2018, 02:13:56 PM
Is it big changes afoot? To the network?
@Bob I can't give the details yet but will do as soon as I can.
Evolution of the network.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 29, 2018, 02:54:06 PM
Evolution of the network.
Im not quite sure what that means?
It'll be interesting to see, considering the previous attempts as reported on here.
(Just as long, as we've still got the 2 diversion in Leamore though!)
Is late Jan when the changes will take effect or when theyll be announced
Quote from: Bob on November 29, 2018, 04:28:40 PM
Is late Jan when the changes will take effect or when theyll be announced
When they take effect.
Ah ok. Are any routes being dropped/passed to other operators or anything like that?
Quote from: Bob on November 29, 2018, 04:41:41 PM
Ah ok. Are any routes being dropped/passed to other operators or anything like that?
No
Can you start by spelling 'Wyrley' correctly on the front of the number 2 lol??
Look forward to hearing about it though. Hope some later journeys will return too. Please keep Great Wyrley & Cheslyn Hay well connected :D
Oh could I also ask when will you publish the christmas timetables? Hopefully not too many 'sunday services' as they don't exist. Cheers.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on November 29, 2018, 05:10:31 PM
Oh could I also ask when will you publish the christmas timetables? Hopefully not too many 'sunday services' as they don't exist. Cheers.
Due out this week but in essence:
Christmas and New Years Eve is a Saturday service with early finishes around 6pm
No service Christmas, Boxing or New Years Day
Saturday service 27/28 December
Noticed one of the 'old' Sapphires has had it's next stop information finally updated.
(It was on the Service 2 just after 2pm from Walsall today!)
Only thing is, the audio & visual announcements are out of sync!
For example (AUDIO : Next Stop - Long Acre Street) Visual - Next Stop - Walsall Bus Station, until you are right on top of the stop, then the screen changes to read 'You are now approaching Long Acre Street'.
(Long Acre Street should have been flagged visually as soon as you left Walsall!)
Also in Leamore, nothing flagged after Comwall Close visually, but you get an audio annoucement for 'Green Lane', but no audio for 'Addenbrooke Street', which was as far as I went!
Got a little challenge for you Simon if you're up for it. Have a look at the seats of 3726, it was on the 70 today, particularly the seats in the stepped area. The seats are actually threadbare ( as are many of the same batch), but as i understand theres no plans for a desperately needed retrim for any of them. Thats fair enough, if its unaffordable at the moment etc. But could anything else be done? Like a steam clean maybe? They are filthy, really filthy, and smell terrible too. Have a look at the interior, ide be interested to see what your thoughts were, and if you were happy with the condition/think the level of cleanliness was acceptable etc 😃
Quote from: Bob on December 01, 2018, 03:29:18 PM
Got a little challenge for you Simon if you're up for it. Have a look at the seats of 3726, it was on the 70 today, particularly the seats in the stepped area. The seats are actually threadbare ( as are many of the same batch), but as i understand theres no plans for a desperately needed retrim for any of them. Thats fair enough, if its unaffordable at the moment etc. But could anything else be done? Like a steam clean maybe? They are filthy, really filthy, and smell terrible too. Have a look at the interior, ide be interested to see what your thoughts were, and if you were happy with the condition/think the level of cleanliness was acceptable etc 😃
I will look when I am there on Tuesday. Thanks for the challenge!
Quote from: Westy on November 30, 2018, 03:31:05 PM
Noticed one of the 'old' Sapphires has had it's next stop information finally updated.
(It was on the Service 2 just after 2pm from Walsall today!)
Only thing is, the audio & visual announcements are out of sync!
For example (AUDIO : Next Stop - Long Acre Street) Visual - Next Stop - Walsall Bus Station, until you are right on top of the stop, then the screen changes to read 'You are now approaching Long Acre Street'.
(Long Acre Street should have been flagged visually as soon as you left Walsall!)
Also in Leamore, nothing flagged after Comwall Close visually, but you get an audio annoucement for 'Green Lane', but no audio for 'Addenbrooke Street', which was as far as I went!
Ok thanks. I will let the team know and get it updated.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 02, 2018, 08:05:24 PM
Ok thanks. I will let the team know and get it updated.
Will the refurb sapphire have a screen with next stop announcements? and will the 'old' sapphires get resprayed to the new design?
Are you guys looking at route branding the 74? as it's always a mix between the old 158 streetlites (Arriva interurban) and e200mmcs (2017 Arriva) (This is the bus to Coventry btw)
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 02, 2018, 08:04:13 PM
I will look when I am there on Tuesday. Thanks for the challenge!
Awesome! I reckon a steam seat clean or something like it would make a massive difference
Re the upcoming changes to the network in January, do you expect any fleet changes alongside it?
Quote from: Bob on December 03, 2018, 04:19:27 PM
Re the upcoming changes to the network in January, do you expect any fleet changes alongside it?
Not really. There may be some fleet changes for other reasons in the new year however.
Quote from: Thenuneatonbusspotter on December 03, 2018, 12:35:33 AM
Are you guys looking at route branding the 74? as it's always a mix between the old 158 streetlites (Arriva interurban) and e200mmcs (2017 Arriva) (This is the bus to Coventry btw)
Not in my area I am afraid but I doubt we would do this.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 03, 2018, 08:22:18 PM
Not really. There may be some fleet changes for other reasons in the new year however.
Oooh really..any hints of types?
Quote from: Bob on December 03, 2018, 08:28:32 PM
Oooh really..any hints of types?
Afraid not and it is not anything new. Just a cascade/move around depots.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 03, 2018, 08:29:36 PM
Afraid not and it is not anything new. Just a cascade/move around depots.
What could Cannock potentially lose?
Btw the evolution of the network, could it potentially involve any new destinations?
Quote from: Bob on December 03, 2018, 08:34:24 PM
What could Cannock potentially lose?
Still to be decided.
Quote from: Bob on December 03, 2018, 08:35:39 PM
Btw the evolution of the network, could it potentially involve any new destinations?
No.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 03, 2018, 08:53:31 PM
Still to be decided.
Hopefully Streetlites! I hope they keep the 58 plate Volvos. Id assume the Pulsars would be definetely be staying
Quote from: Bob on December 03, 2018, 09:13:53 PM
Hopefully Streetlites! I hope they keep the 58 plate Volvos. Id assume the Pulsars would be definetely be staying
Streetlites, Volvo and Pulsars all staying.
Quote from: Bob on December 01, 2018, 03:29:18 PM
Got a little challenge for you Simon if you're up for it. Have a look at the seats of 3726, it was on the 70 today, particularly the seats in the stepped area. The seats are actually threadbare ( as are many of the same batch), but as i understand theres no plans for a desperately needed retrim for any of them. Thats fair enough, if its unaffordable at the moment etc. But could anything else be done? Like a steam clean maybe? They are filthy, really filthy, and smell terrible too. Have a look at the interior, ide be interested to see what your thoughts were, and if you were happy with the condition/think the level of cleanliness was acceptable etc 😃
Hi,
I had a good look this afternoon. Not our best example. All being well this bus will be retrimmed on Friday.
Wow that was quick. You agree its in a pretty dire state?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 04, 2018, 04:35:40 PM
Streetlites, Volvo and Pulsars all staying.
Is the 05 plate Volvo still back in use in Cannock? Not seen it for ages
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 04, 2018, 04:35:40 PM
Streetlites, Volvo and Pulsars all staying.
Ooooh that leaves Darts Solos and Cadets to potentially go
Quote from: Bob on December 04, 2018, 04:58:32 PM
Is the 05 plate Volvo still back in use in Cannock? Not seen it for ages
It's at Tamworth has been for a month or so
Hi Simon, would it be possible to review the suitability 2546 at Oswestry? Since the 2B Wrexham to Cefn Mawr service has been discontinued around a month ago where it regularly appeared, it has been spending the last few weeks on the 70/70A Oswestry to Shrewsbury. I have had it out of Shrewsbury three times in a week and the capacity and poor legroom on many of the seats is already starting to annoy the passengers or so it seems.
The 70/70A seems to have fallen on hard times since the days it had four new buses dedicated in the shape of 2367-70, later replaced by 3696-9 with Wifi provided (for 2367-70 to return as the default when these were moved onto Shrewsbury). The batch of SB200's that replaced the SPDs, 3727-31 which also had WiFi, were a reliable allocation until moved onto Tamworth. The Scanias that replaced the SB200's have not seen a full allocation since the first few days they arrived at Oswestry, lightweight 11.1M Versas are dominating with the odd Scania at best, giving the impression of a service in decline and the use of 2546 is not inspiring a positive imagine.
Simon can anything be done to improve the punctuality of the number 60 from Cannock - Lichfield around the evening peak time? It's always late by 15-25 minutes. Of course you can't help traffic but perhaps some coordination somewhere can be improved. Today for example the 17:13 didn't arrive until about 17:30ish.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 04, 2018, 11:57:01 PM
Simon can anything be done to improve the punctuality of the number 60 from Cannock - Lichfield around the evening peak time? It's always late by 15-25 minutes. Of course you can't help traffic but perhaps some coordination somewhere can be improved. Today for example the 17:13 didn't arrive until about 17:30ish.
Hi,
This is being addressed in the January changes but thanks for the observation.
Quote from: Depotosw on December 04, 2018, 06:20:00 PM
Hi Simon, would it be possible to review the suitability 2546 at Oswestry? Since the 2B Wrexham to Cefn Mawr service has been discontinued around a month ago where it regularly appeared, it has been spending the last few weeks on the 70/70A Oswestry to Shrewsbury. I have had it out of Shrewsbury three times in a week and the capacity and poor legroom on many of the seats is already starting to annoy the passengers or so it seems.
The 70/70A seems to have fallen on hard times since the days it had four new buses dedicated in the shape of 2367-70, later replaced by 3696-9 with Wifi provided (for 2367-70 to return as the default when these were moved onto Shrewsbury). The batch of SB200's that replaced the SPDs, 3727-31 which also had WiFi, were a reliable allocation until moved onto Tamworth. The Scanias that replaced the SB200's have not seen a full allocation since the first few days they arrived at Oswestry, lightweight 11.1M Versas are dominating with the odd Scania at best, giving the impression of a service in decline and the use of 2546 is not inspiring a positive imagine.
Hi
Fair point made and I will ask the team about it. I think that there will be some fleet changes early in 2019 which will probably address this.
Hi Simon, are 3805/6 getting painted into sapphire livery? Or just standard?
Quote from: ntw456 on December 05, 2018, 12:32:17 PM
Hi Simon, are 3805/6 getting painted into sapphire livery? Or just standard?
3806 is being painted in to standard. 3805 not being painted.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 05, 2018, 02:36:13 PM
3806 is being painted in to standard. 3805 not being painted.
Is Cannock keeping 3805
Simon
19 New Streetlites heading for Derby info on the website www.derbybusdepot.co.uk
Which Optares will be leaving Derby
@leepenfold30 - If I was a betting man, I would hazzard a guess it's the
'ONLY' Optare vehicles that are allocated to Derby (i.e. Solo's 2505-2521 - 18 in total), Winston
Quote from: leepenfold30 on December 06, 2018, 08:50:35 PM
Simon
19 New Streetlites heading for Derby info on the website www.derbybusdepot.co.uk
Which Optares will be leaving Derby
@leepenfold30 - If I was a betting man, I would hazzard a guess it's the 'ONLY' Optare vehicles that are allocated to Derby (i.e. Solo's 2505-2521 - 18 in total), Winston
Couldn't possibly comment at this stage.
3741 now back at Cannock in new livery and with a retrim
Is it true 4200 is going to be swapped with 4600 from Derby?
Quote from: SG on December 07, 2018, 09:00:09 PM
Is it true 4200 is going to be swapped with 4600 from Derby?
It is being discussed - maybe.
@Simon@Arriva Will the refurb 'new' Sapphire get next stop announcements? Also will there be any route changes to 1/2/2E in January? P.s. thanks for your swift reply the other day.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 10, 2018, 04:12:35 PM
@Simon@Arriva Will the refurb 'new' Sapphire get next stop announcements? Also will there be any route changes to 1/2/2E in January? P.s. thanks for your swift reply the other day.
Hi, no plans for putting announcements on the refurbed Sapphire bus.
Minor changes to route 1 only.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 10, 2018, 04:25:15 PM
Hi, no plans for putting announcements on the refurbed Sapphire bus.
Minor changes to route 1 only.
When will these changes be listed on Vosa?
Quote from: Bob on December 10, 2018, 04:27:05 PM
When will these changes be listed on Vosa?
Registration sent by end of this week but I will update on here before the end of this week.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 10, 2018, 04:27:32 PM
Registration sent by end of this week but I will update on here before the end of this week.
Cool cheers
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 10, 2018, 04:27:32 PM
Registration sent by end of this week but I will update on here before the end of this week.
A little teaser of the changes we are making in January:
- Some increased frequencies at peak times
- Some later journeys
- Some better co-ordination
- Some more direct journeys
- Some improvements for punctuality
Not been able to introduce anything on a Sunday but we are looking at the Outlet Village at Mill Green and what this will mean for us.
More in a couple of days.
The 'more direct journeys' is interesting
Quote from: Bob on December 11, 2018, 06:48:57 PM
The 'more direct journeys' is interesting
Between Lichfield and Stafford perhaps? The huge loop round the Haywoods and Colwich is now a bit of a pain...
Quote from: Cheese on December 11, 2018, 07:02:55 PM
Between Lichfield and Stafford perhaps? The huge loop round the Haywoods and Colwich is now a bit of a pain...
Maybe the return of the X25 lol.
In Cannock the return of the odd X70 would be ace
Did you have a look at the section of the 1 & 2 between Bloxwich & Walsall as per a previous post of mine?
It seems a shame you cant make more of that section, bearing in mind the other lot have got that corridor sewn up, as per a previously suggested rerouting.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 11, 2018, 05:30:54 PM
A little teaser of the changes we are making in January:
- Some increased frequencies at peak times
- Some later journeys
- Some better co-ordination
- Some more direct journeys
- Some improvements for punctuality
Not been able to introduce anything on a Sunday but we are looking at the Outlet Village at Mill Green and what this will mean for us.
More in a couple of days.
Sounds positive! Later journeys will be much appreciated in particular. I hope it is marketed well as this isn't one of the Cannock strong points in my opinion. Will the later journeys be all week or just Friday-Saturday?
@Simon@Arriva Last week I mentioned they have changed the next stop screen on the Sapphires 1/2/2E and changed correct spellings to incorrect ones... Made a note of the wrong ones:
*Wearwell Lane instead of Wharwell Lane
*Jaycobs Hall Lane instead of Jacobs Hall Lane
*Roomer Hill Road instead of Rumer Hill Road
*Lee Croft Lane instead of Leacroft Lane
*Bradstone Avenue instead of Broadstone Avenue
Bizarre.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 13, 2018, 05:26:57 PM
@Simon@Arriva Last week I mentioned they have changed the next stop screen on the Sapphires 1/2/2E and changed correct spellings to incorrect ones... Made a note of the wrong ones:
*Wearwell Lane instead of Wharwell Lane
*Jaycobs Hall Lane instead of Jacobs Hall Lane
*Roomer Hill Road instead of Rumer Hill Road
*Lee Croft Lane instead of Leacroft Lane
*Bradstone Avenue instead of Broadstone Avenue
Bizarre.
Forest Lane not Forest Avenue too.
Addenbrooke Street, not Addenbrook Road too.
Quote from: Westy on December 13, 2018, 08:07:46 PM
Forest Lane not Forest Avenue too.
Addenbrooke Street, not Addenbrook Road too.
and "Low Streeet" in Cheslyn Hay. Those have been wrong for a while though, what I don't get is why the correct ones have been changed. Attention to detail isn't good, you notice a lot as a passenger.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 13, 2018, 09:17:48 PM
and "Low Streeet" in Cheslyn Hay. Those have been wrong for a while though, what I don't get is why the correct ones have been changed. Attention to detail isn't good, you notice a lot as a passenger.
I am on the case with all of these. Thanks for pointing out.
As promised, here is some information about the changes being made from 26 January. It is an evolution of the network rather than a massive change, picking up on feedback we have had and work made by the local team. The impact of the Colwich bridge issues has also had to be taken in to account.
Overview of key changes to Arriva's Staffordshire bus network, 26th January 2018:
• 1 – Huntington/Cannock/ Walsall: Slight revision to timetables to offer better coordination with route 2, between Walsall and Bloxwich and route 74, between Cannock and Huntington.
• H – Stafford/Stafford Hospital: A new shuttle service which will replace routes 74 and 825 to provide a frequent and reliable service to Stafford Hospital direct from the town centre. Buses will operate every 15 minutes during off-peak Monday to Friday, half hourly at all other times during the day.
• 10 – Wolverhampton/Perton: The route is being revised on its way into Wolverhampton to serve shops located on Darlington Street and Lichfield Street, with all buses terminating at the bus station. A simplified anti-clockwise loop of Perton is also being introduced.
• 22 – Rugeley/Etching Hill: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with services on route 825/6 (Stafford to Lichfield).
• 25/26 - Cannock/Pye Green: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with connecting services across Staffordshire.
• 60 – Cannock/Lichfield: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with trains arriving at Lichfield City train station as well as to improve punctuality.
• X61 – Cannock/Lichfield: A new, more direct service between Cannock and Lichfield operating at peak times (once a day).
• 63 – Cannock/Rugeley: Additional early morning journeys towards Rugeley are being introduced at 5.50am and 6.50am, Monday to Fridays. Further journeys in the direction of Cannock will be added to evening timetables, Monday to Saturday at 6.25pm and 7.25pm.
• 74 – Cannock/Stafford: This service will benefit from an improved 20 minute frequency towards Stafford in the morning peak, and back to Cannock in the evening peak, along with the introduction of a late night bus introduced on Friday and Saturdays. It will no longer service the hospital, but will offer connections from the same town bus stops to the newly introduced 'H' hospital shuttle. The railway station will also be omitted from the route due to the delays often incurred by congestion.
• 825/826 – Stafford/Lichfield: Together, these services will provide a more direct route between Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford, resulting in an increased 20 minute frequency for journeys from Rugeley to Stafford in the morning, and returning back to Stafford in the afternoon, plus journeys between Lichfield and Stafford every 30 minutes. The 825 will operate a more direct route between Rugeley and Stafford so that journey times are improved. A number of early morning Saturday journeys will be removed due to low patronage. The frequency of buses serving the villages of Colwich, Little Hayward and Great Haywood reduced to hourly to better match demand, however, the new timetables will better co-ordinate with evening trains arriving at Lichfield City train station. A number of early morning journeys will also be removed due to low patronage.
• 827 – Stafford/Baswich: A new hourly service which will partially replace route 1B, and co-ordinates with routes 825 and 826 to offer a bus every 20 minutes between Stafford and Baswich.
• 828 – Stafford/Great Haywood: A new service which will serve Blessed William Howard School, replacing the 1B/1C.
Registrations are with the Traffic Commissioner today and we will be promoting this in early January. The marketing department within Arriva covers all depots in the Midlands so no reason why Cannock would ever have less/worse marketing than anywhere else.
Quote from: Westy on December 11, 2018, 07:33:22 PM
Did you have a look at the section of the 1 & 2 between Bloxwich & Walsall as per a previous post of mine?
It seems a shame you cant make more of that section, bearing in mind the other lot have got that corridor sewn up, as per a previously suggested rerouting.
Being looked still and couldn't get it done for January.
The issue is trying to match up bus station slots in Walsall, frequency co-ordination with the 74 north of Cannock etc.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 14, 2018, 03:23:34 PM
As promised, here is some information about the changes being made from 26 January. It is an evolution of the network rather than a massive change, picking up on feedback we have had and work made by the local team. The impact of the Colwich bridge issues has also had to be taken in to account.
Overview of key changes to Arriva's Staffordshire bus network, 26th January 2018:
• 1 – Huntington/Cannock/ Walsall: Slight revision to timetables to offer better coordination with route 2, between Walsall and Bloxwich and route 74, between Cannock and Huntington.
• H – Stafford/Stafford Hospital: A new shuttle service which will replace routes 74 and 825 to provide a frequent and reliable service to Stafford Hospital direct from the town centre. Buses will operate every 15 minutes during off-peak Monday to Friday, half hourly at all other times during the day.
• 10 – Wolverhampton/Perton: The route is being revised on its way into Wolverhampton to serve shops located on Darlington Street and Lichfield Street, with all buses terminating at the bus station. A simplified anti-clockwise loop of Perton is also being introduced.
• 22 – Rugeley/Etching Hill: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with services on route 825/6 (Stafford to Lichfield).
• 25/26 - Cannock/Pye Green: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with connecting services across Staffordshire.
• 60 – Cannock/Lichfield: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with trains arriving at Lichfield City train station as well as to improve punctuality.
• X61 – Cannock/Lichfield: A new, more direct service between Cannock and Lichfield operating at peak times (once a day).
• 63 – Cannock/Rugeley: Additional early morning journeys towards Rugeley are being introduced at 5.50am and 6.50am, Monday to Fridays. Further journeys in the direction of Cannock will be added to evening timetables, Monday to Saturday at 6.25pm and 7.25pm.
• 74 – Cannock/Stafford: This service will benefit from an improved 20 minute frequency towards Stafford in the morning peak, and back to Cannock in the evening peak, along with the introduction of a late night bus introduced on Friday and Saturdays. It will no longer service the hospital, but will offer connections from the same town bus stops to the newly introduced 'H' hospital shuttle. The railway station will also be omitted from the route due to the delays often incurred by congestion.
• 825/826 – Stafford/Lichfield: Together, these services will provide a more direct route between Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford, resulting in an increased 20 minute frequency for journeys from Rugeley to Stafford in the morning, and returning back to Stafford in the afternoon, plus journeys between Lichfield and Stafford every 30 minutes. The 825 will operate a more direct route between Rugeley and Stafford so that journey times are improved. A number of early morning Saturday journeys will be removed due to low patronage. The frequency of buses serving the villages of Colwich, Little Hayward and Great Haywood reduced to hourly to better match demand, however, the new timetables will better co-ordinate with evening trains arriving at Lichfield City train station. A number of early morning journeys will also be removed due to low patronage.
• 827 – Stafford/Baswich: A new hourly service which will partially replace route 1B, and co-ordinates with routes 825 and 826 to offer a bus every 20 minutes between Stafford and Baswich.
• 828 – Stafford/Great Haywood: A new service which will serve Blessed William Howard School, replacing the 1B/1C.
Registrations are with the Traffic Commissioner today and we will be promoting this in early January. The marketing department within Arriva covers all depots in the Midlands so no reason why Cannock would ever have less/worse marketing than anywhere else.
As a resident of Baswich, the changes sound rather interesting. Can you clarify what you mean by partially replace the 1B? Will it be operating at the same hours (9-3) along the same route through the estate?
Certainly seems a positive step.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 14, 2018, 03:23:34 PM
As promised, here is some information about the changes being made from 26 January. It is an evolution of the network rather than a massive change, picking up on feedback we have had and work made by the local team. The impact of the Colwich bridge issues has also had to be taken in to account.
Overview of key changes to Arriva's Staffordshire bus network, 26th January 2018:
• 1 – Huntington/Cannock/ Walsall: Slight revision to timetables to offer better coordination with route 2, between Walsall and Bloxwich and route 74, between Cannock and Huntington.
• H – Stafford/Stafford Hospital: A new shuttle service which will replace routes 74 and 825 to provide a frequent and reliable service to Stafford Hospital direct from the town centre. Buses will operate every 15 minutes during off-peak Monday to Friday, half hourly at all other times during the day.
• 10 – Wolverhampton/Perton: The route is being revised on its way into Wolverhampton to serve shops located on Darlington Street and Lichfield Street, with all buses terminating at the bus station. A simplified anti-clockwise loop of Perton is also being introduced.
• 22 – Rugeley/Etching Hill: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with services on route 825/6 (Stafford to Lichfield).
• 25/26 - Cannock/Pye Green: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with connecting services across Staffordshire.
• 60 – Cannock/Lichfield: The timetable is being revised so that is offers better co-ordination with trains arriving at Lichfield City train station as well as to improve punctuality.
• X61 – Cannock/Lichfield: A new, more direct service between Cannock and Lichfield operating at peak times (once a day).
• 63 – Cannock/Rugeley: Additional early morning journeys towards Rugeley are being introduced at 5.50am and 6.50am, Monday to Fridays. Further journeys in the direction of Cannock will be added to evening timetables, Monday to Saturday at 6.25pm and 7.25pm.
• 74 – Cannock/Stafford: This service will benefit from an improved 20 minute frequency towards Stafford in the morning peak, and back to Cannock in the evening peak, along with the introduction of a late night bus introduced on Friday and Saturdays. It will no longer service the hospital, but will offer connections from the same town bus stops to the newly introduced 'H' hospital shuttle. The railway station will also be omitted from the route due to the delays often incurred by congestion.
• 825/826 – Stafford/Lichfield: Together, these services will provide a more direct route between Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford, resulting in an increased 20 minute frequency for journeys from Rugeley to Stafford in the morning, and returning back to Stafford in the afternoon, plus journeys between Lichfield and Stafford every 30 minutes. The 825 will operate a more direct route between Rugeley and Stafford so that journey times are improved. A number of early morning Saturday journeys will be removed due to low patronage. The frequency of buses serving the villages of Colwich, Little Hayward and Great Haywood reduced to hourly to better match demand, however, the new timetables will better co-ordinate with evening trains arriving at Lichfield City train station. A number of early morning journeys will also be removed due to low patronage.
• 827 – Stafford/Baswich: A new hourly service which will partially replace route 1B, and co-ordinates with routes 825 and 826 to offer a bus every 20 minutes between Stafford and Baswich.
• 828 – Stafford/Great Haywood: A new service which will serve Blessed William Howard School, replacing the 1B/1C.
Registrations are with the Traffic Commissioner today and we will be promoting this in early January. The marketing department within Arriva covers all depots in the Midlands so no reason why Cannock would ever have less/worse marketing than anywhere else.
Sounds positive as you promised. Good to see the new 'H' service - what will be the ticket arrangements for this because there is a change from the 74 or 825 which wasn't there before? Will the bus accept 74/825 tickets for example?.
Disappointing to see there's no later 2E journeys - I hoped this could be introduced on Friday and Saturday evenings at least.
In terms of the X61 when you say "peak times, once a day" does that mean only 1 journey each day, or more than 1 journey but only at morning or afternoon peak time?
Quote from: Brick60000 on December 14, 2018, 03:40:15 PM
As a resident of Baswich, the changes sound rather interesting. Can you clarify what you mean by partially replace the 1B? Will it be operating at the same hours (9-3) along the same route through the estate?
Certainly seems a positive step.
Hi, partially should read fully. Same route and roughly same times.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 14, 2018, 04:03:18 PM
Hi, partially should read fully. Same route and roughly same times.
Makes sense. Logical to renumber and match with the other services that serve the area.
Anything happening to the 70
Timetable suggestions -
*take the 60 off the 61|62 timetable map as it's overloaded, especially if the X61 will be on there
*more stops on the 63 timetable such as Cannock Hospital and Belt Road
*more stops on the 1|2|2E timetable such as Leamore (you're already aware it's missing Sapphire branding)
*copy the promotional information from the X65/765 timetable for Lichfield and place it in the 60 and 61/62 timetables
*...then use this idea for promoting Stafford in the 74 and 75 timetables
*add onward travel information on timetables, see examples
*add 'whats new' on the front like on the Derby timetables, e.g. "new extra early journeys" on the 63
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 14, 2018, 08:30:47 PM
Anything happening to the 70
Later journeys - sorry I missed this off the list.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 17, 2018, 01:05:31 AM
Timetable suggestions -
*take the 60 off the 61|62 timetable map as it's overloaded, especially if the X61 will be on there
*more stops on the 63 timetable such as Cannock Hospital and Belt Road
*more stops on the 1|2|2E timetable such as Leamore (you're already aware it's missing Sapphire branding)
*copy the promotional information from the X65/765 timetable for Lichfield and place it in the 60 and 61/62 timetables
*...then use this idea for promoting Stafford in the 74 and 75 timetables
*add onward travel information on timetables, see examples
*add 'whats new' on the front like on the Derby timetables, e.g. "new extra early journeys" on the 63
Thanks! Good suggestions which I will pass on.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 17, 2018, 08:41:00 AM
Later journeys - sorry I missed this off the list.
What sort of time is 'later' on the 70 and 74?
and what about 2E? Can we get a 21:10 from Walsall?
Is there likely to be still interworking still, because, reading on here & on Facebook, that causes issues!
Quote from: Westy on December 17, 2018, 01:34:07 PM
Is there likely to be still interworking still, because, reading on here & on Facebook, that causes issues!
Yes it will. Some of it different from now but there is no way it can be totally eliminated without incurring costs and inefficiency.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 17, 2018, 10:56:12 AM
What sort of time is 'later' on the 70 and 74?
and what about 2E? Can we get a 21:10 from Walsall?
Last 70 from Wolverhampton will be 19.25 and 18.25 from Cannock
Last 74 from Stafford will be 19.28 and then on a Friday and Saturday there will be a 23.48
No later buses on 2E compared to now (it will be 20.25 instead of 20.10). 1/2/2E still needs more work next year.
Where will the X61 pass through
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 17, 2018, 06:07:04 PM
Where will the X61 pass through
It is direct to/from Boney Hay and Cannock and normal route of the 61 between Boney Hay and Lichfield
Is the 61 close to withdrawal
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 17, 2018, 05:51:50 PM
No later buses on 2E compared to now (it will be 20.25 instead of 20.10). 1/2/2E still needs more work next year.
Cheers. On the note of 1/2/2E I wonder if Turnberry estate would benefit from being served on the 2E or whether this would cut off the golf course stretch of road? And perhaps the 2E could follow the number 2 route after Bloxwich Asda since The Pinfold is well served by 31/32.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 17, 2018, 11:30:41 PM
Cheers. On the note of 1/2/2E I wonder if Turnberry estate would benefit from being served on the 2E or whether this would cut off the golf course stretch of road? And perhaps the 2E could follow the number 2 route after Bloxwich Asda since The Pinfold is well served by 31/32.
Agree on the last sentence.
just wondering why vehicles on the 825 route are usually the worst that cannock depot can find?
Those old darts, cadets and horrendous solo things are not suitable at all for these interurban routes.
Those pulsars are just wasted on pye green circulars, at many times just riding round with the odd 2 or 3 passengers per trip, if it was viable for this type of expensive vehicle, surely those brand new ones that had big promotion a couple of years back would still be on there??
I remember the press coverage about the new buses for the route 60 & 825 in 2011/12 to improve reliability, comfort and seating capacity's etc , but as ever those buses were rarely used from day one and was always on pye greens or cannock/stafford local circulars, and then some were re located else were in swap for old end of life tat.
Vehicle allocation at cannock seems very poor, every time i use the 825 its clapped out old 12 to 16 year old bone shakers with barely enough seating to meet demand, and stinking of hot oil/diesel fumes from being thrashed for up to14 hours a day [if they last that long before breaking down]. shame really as it seems a well used route too. Not a good image for any company im sure? Hopefully January changes might see a up turn on vehicle allocation ?? or perhaps inter link it with pye greens haha :)
Hi Simon, just a quick one is 3806 coming back to tamworth? As I've seen pictures of it in service atcannock and it has Arriva connecting Staffordshire on the side
Planning to refurb the other 57 plate Commander at Cannock? Any upcoming fleet changes that will coincide with the service changes?
Quote from: ntw456 on December 20, 2018, 06:39:03 PM
Hi Simon, just a quick one is 3806 coming back to tamworth? As I've seen pictures of it in service atcannock and it has Arriva connecting Staffordshire on the side
Hi
Yes both 3805 and 3806 will be at Tamworth.
Quote from: Bob on December 20, 2018, 07:36:15 PM
Planning to refurb the other 57 plate Commander at Cannock? Any upcoming fleet changes that will coincide with the service changes?
There may be a cascade from Derby in the new year and we will be doing some more refurbs on vehicles - most likely the Volvo vehicles for a full repaint and then the Commanders for the seats.
Quote from: bovaman on December 19, 2018, 11:01:25 PM
just wondering why vehicles on the 825 route are usually the worst that cannock depot can find?
Those old darts, cadets and horrendous solo things are not suitable at all for these interurban routes.
Those pulsars are just wasted on pye green circulars, at many times just riding round with the odd 2 or 3 passengers per trip, if it was viable for this type of expensive vehicle, surely those brand new ones that had big promotion a couple of years back would still be on there??
I remember the press coverage about the new buses for the route 60 & 825 in 2011/12 to improve reliability, comfort and seating capacity's etc , but as ever those buses were rarely used from day one and was always on pye greens or cannock/stafford local circulars, and then some were re located else were in swap for old end of life tat.
Vehicle allocation at cannock seems very poor, every time i use the 825 its clapped out old 12 to 16 year old bone shakers with barely enough seating to meet demand, and stinking of hot oil/diesel fumes from being thrashed for up to14 hours a day [if they last that long before breaking down]. shame really as it seems a well used route too. Not a good image for any company im sure? Hopefully January changes might see a up turn on vehicle allocation ?? or perhaps inter link it with pye greens haha :)
Thanks for this. The Volvo vehicles should be on the 825 and I will have a look at the recent allocation to see what has been happening.
Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you have a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.
Thanks for all your comments and questions on here - it is always interesting and thought provoking and I hope I can use it to make what we do that little bit better.
Cant Cannock have any of those vehicles like what Telford have run on the Wolves to Bridgnorth service?
They have a curved roof at the front ISTR.
I think Cannock had one on loan a few years back!
They would been good Sapphire refurbished.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 20, 2018, 09:30:28 PM
Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you have a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.
Thanks for all your comments and questions on here - it is always interesting and thought provoking and I hope I can use it to make what we do that little bit better.
Merry Christmas Simon, thanks again for co-operating with my mission this year. Hope you can update us in the new year with anymore information - hopefully timetables.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 20, 2018, 09:28:26 PM
There may be a cascade from Derby in the new year and we will be doing some more refurbs on vehicles - most likely the Volvo vehicles for a full repaint and then the Commanders for the seats.
That means an influx of 10 or 11 year old Solos?
Quote from: Westy on December 20, 2018, 10:11:40 PM
Cant Cannock have any of those vehicles like what Telford have run on the Wolves to Bridgnorth service?
They have a curved roof at the front ISTR.
I think Cannock had one on loan a few years back!
They would been good Sapphire refurbished.
Do you mean Optare Versas?
Quote from: Bob on December 21, 2018, 06:07:58 AM
That means an influx of 10 or 11 year old Solos?
Possibly some but there may be 3 way swaps with other depots that brings other vehicles in. I am awaiting the final proposed plan.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 21, 2018, 02:50:05 PM
Do you mean Optare Versas?
From what Ive been told elsewhere, yes.
Oooh any idea of types?
Just a question, and not a criticism, as its good that some of Cannocks fleet are getting a desperately required refurb. I thought that the standard current spec was E leather seats ( as per all the refurbed Pulsars/Volvos at Tamworth and the two 59 plates recently transferred here), is there a reason why Cannocks ( particularly Pulsars) are getting the older type moquette, as they end up looking pretty much the same as they did before interior wise? Just out of interest this is. Is E leather much more expensive or something like that?
NO more solos pleaseeeeeee........ they are horrendous machines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would gladly take every one of them solos from cannock on a 1 way journey to barnsley for free for you ;)
@Simon@Arriva What's the reasoning behind the 1656 number 2 from Cannock terminating in Cheslyn Hay on Saturdays? Low usage maybe?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 23, 2018, 02:06:42 PM
@Simon@Arriva What's the reasoning behind the 1656 number 2 from Cannock terminating in Cheslyn Hay on Saturdays? Low usage maybe?
Hi, I think so.
Quote from: Bob on December 22, 2018, 06:38:11 PM
Just a question, and not a criticism, as its good that some of Cannocks fleet are getting a desperately required refurb. I thought that the standard current spec was E leather seats ( as per all the refurbed Pulsars/Volvos at Tamworth and the two 59 plates recently transferred here), is there a reason why Cannocks ( particularly Pulsars) are getting the older type moquette, as they end up looking pretty much the same as they did before interior wise? Just out of interest this is. Is E leather much more expensive or something like that?
E-leather doesn't last as long.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 24, 2018, 07:55:28 AM
E-leather doesn't last as long.
Have Arriva as a firm stopped using it for standard spec refurbs then?
Quote from: Bob on December 24, 2018, 09:51:32 AM
Have Arriva as a firm stopped using it for standard spec refurbs then?
Not that I know of.
@Simon@Arriva When will you be able to upload the timetables (as in the ones that get printed)?
@Simon@Arriva 3309 next stop announcements are not working
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 24, 2018, 11:55:28 AM
Not that I know of.
Cannock must be a special case then lol
@Simon@Arriva I noticed yesterday (24/12/18) that sapphire 3305 still has 2A on the branding
According to Vosa a new service 7 is going to be introduced between Stafford and Moss Pitt. This service will commence on the 26th of Jan
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 28, 2018, 12:12:44 PM
According to Vosa a new service 7 is going to be introduced between Stafford and Moss Pitt. This service will commence on the 26th of Jan
Looks like the 8 is being divided back up again.
I wonder what the reason for this is? If memory serves me correct it used to be one route before the days when it was the 8 & 10, then going to one route again as the 8. I might have invented that though!
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 25, 2018, 02:26:55 PM
@Simon@Arriva I noticed yesterday (24/12/18) that sapphire 3305 still has 2A on the branding
There's more than one with it on I believe. Itd be nice if they all had the new sapphire rebrand and an NX style map on the side / back.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 28, 2018, 08:15:50 PM
There's more than one with it on I believe. Itd be nice if they all had the new sapphire rebrand and an NX style map on the side / back.
The other is 3309
Quote from: Brick60000 on December 28, 2018, 07:33:06 PM
Looks like the 8 is being divided back up again.
I wonder what the reason for this is? If memory serves me correct it used to be one route before the days when it was the 8 & 10, then going to one route again as the 8. I might have invented that though!
Hi, yes it is being divided up and it is to do with interworking of the 74, 825 and the new H service. There are some that run through at school times and are shown as a 7 and 8 with connections.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 24, 2018, 03:41:06 PM
@Simon@Arriva When will you be able to upload the timetables (as in the ones that get printed)?
Hoping to be around 9th January.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 02, 2019, 02:01:08 PM
Hoping to be around 9th January.
Have you got any provisional timetables you could email over?
Also Happy new year everyone to on the forum
Arriva used to run an X68 service between Cannock and New Cross hospitals. It didnt work though as everyone who used it had a free journey as staff or patient with appointment letter. Perhaps if the X61 is successful you could run an X70 at peak times, similar to that X68, for commuters? Journey time is about 20 minutes less according to the timetable I have found. Just an idea...
Hi Simon,
Could you possibly pass on a message to someone at Cannock regarding the driver of 3304 this evening on the 1? She was very friendly and helped me with working out the ticket I needed, a great representative for your company too.
Thanks.
Quote from: StourValley98 on January 02, 2019, 05:42:45 PM
Hi Simon,
Could you possibly pass on a message to someone at Cannock regarding the driver of 3304 this evening on the 1? She was very friendly and helped me with working out the ticket I needed, a great representative for your company too.
Thanks.
Hi
Yes of course and thanks for making me aware.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 02, 2019, 05:39:40 PM
Arriva used to run an X68 service between Cannock and New Cross hospitals. It didnt work though as everyone who used it had a free journey as staff or patient with appointment letter. Perhaps if the X61 is successful you could run an X70 at peak times, similar to that X68, for commuters? Journey time is about 20 minutes less according to the timetable I have found. Just an idea...
We will see.
The X68 was paid for by the NHS Trust so we did get income from it. The money for the service was withdrawn.
The X61 is only once a day in each direction but may be attractive for commuters - we will see.
Did a Pulsar breakdown on Wolverhampton road this morning heading towards Longford island? Yj61 FEP i think? Was parked with hazards on causing a massive queue of traffic behind it
Quote from: Bob on January 03, 2019, 06:16:02 PM
Did a Pulsar breakdown on Wolverhampton road this morning heading towards Longford island? Yj61 FEP i think? Was parked with hazards on causing a massive queue of traffic behind it
Sounds like it!
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 04, 2019, 04:34:49 PM
Sounds like it!
Hi
@Simon@Arriva 3303 and 3304 next stop announcements not working but the screen displaying the stops are
3303 stop announcements screen is behind we passed nursery road and came up with next stop is nursery road but again no voice announcements
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 04, 2019, 04:34:49 PM
Sounds like it!
Strange place for a bus to be i thought unless it was en route to Stafford via the motorway etc
Is the link to the new 825 826 827 828 timetable broken or just me
New timetables are online just to let everyone know.
@Simon@Arriva Can you clarify the H route please? So it goes "South Walls > Hospital > Gaol Square" im presuming ot then starts again at South Walls, so can people get on at Gaol square to get to the hospital or not? Also what is the ticketing - will you accept 74/825 tickets or would thoae people have to pay twice? Cheers.
Quote from: Lichfield_Lad on January 08, 2019, 05:39:41 PM
Is the link to the new 825 826 827 828 timetable broken or just me
Hi,
It is working for me on laptop and phone.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 08, 2019, 06:01:12 PM
New timetables are online just to let everyone know.
@Simon@Arriva Can you clarify the H route please? So it goes "South Walls > Hospital > Gaol Square" im presuming ot then starts again at South Walls, so can people get on at Gaol square to get to the hospital or not? Also what is the ticketing - will you accept 74/825 tickets or would thoae people have to pay twice? Cheers.
Hi
The H interworks with one of the other town routes (7 I think) and so you can't get on at Gaol Square for the Hospital. What we hope will happen is that those people coming on 74/75 and the 825/6/7 will interchange at South Walls for the Hospital and at Gaol Square coming back to make it as easy as possible.
No through tickets so day ticket is best option.
Hi Simon, take a look at the first comment on this link showing an Arriva NE streetlite. Interesting. Wondered what your thoughts are? As you know, personally i think they're terrible.
https://youtu.be/cUkQz2Egv-c
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 09, 2019, 08:52:55 PM
Hi
The H interworks with one of the other town routes (7 I think) and so you can't get on at Gaol Square for the Hospital. What we hope will happen is that those people coming on 74/75 and the 825/6/7 will interchange at South Walls for the Hospital and at Gaol Square coming back to make it as easy as possible.
No through tickets so day ticket is best option.
That makes sense. Shame about the tickets, I was expecting something like a £1.00 supplement for passengers with 74 or 825/826 tickets.
On the topic of Sapphires when will the posters inside be updated? The route map is out of date... could use the updated one I sent you?
Quote from: Bob on January 11, 2019, 10:36:52 PM
Hi Simon, take a look at the first comment on this link showing an Arriva NE streetlite. Interesting. Wondered what your thoughts are? As you know, personally i think they're terrible.
https://youtu.be/cUkQz2Egv-c
My thoughts are that I am happy to receive new buses for Derby and that we are able to contribute towards helping with cleaner air in the City. I don't have any say over the new buses that Arriva buy and am glad of what I get. I don't receive many passenger complaints about the Streetlites and very little is said to me from drivers about the ones at Cannock or Telford.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 12, 2019, 02:39:31 PM
That makes sense. Shame about the tickets, I was expecting something like a £1.00 supplement for passengers with 74 or 825/826 tickets.
On the topic of Sapphires when will the posters inside be updated? The route map is out of date... could use the updated one I sent you?
I still think that most people will be better off with a day ticket.
I am on to Marketing about the interiors of the Sapphires.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 14, 2019, 04:37:33 PM
My thoughts are that I am happy to receive new buses for Derby and that we are able to contribute towards helping with cleaner air in the City. I don't have any say over the new buses that Arriva buy and am glad of what I get. I don't receive many passenger complaints about the Streetlites and very little is said to me from drivers about the ones at Cannock or Telford.
In Cannocks case they dont get any new buses. This will be the fifth consecutive year that they've had none. In the scheme of things thats quite bad and doesnt bode well. Sure its great that old buses are getting their interiors retrimmed finally but can that scenario go on forever do you think?
Quote from: Bob on January 14, 2019, 09:10:06 PM
In Cannocks case they dont get any new buses. This will be the fifth consecutive year that they've had none. In the scheme of things thats quite bad and doesnt bode well. Sure its great that old buses are getting their interiors retrimmed finally but can that scenario go on forever do you think?
It could go on forever as it could be that Cannock just receives cascades from other depots and never has any new of its own.
New buses are expensive and, in a declining market (which the UK bus market is), hard to justify. Derby has a specific need due to the Clean Air Zone requirements and if not for that then maybe wouldn't be getting any new ones either.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 15, 2019, 08:06:28 AM
It could go on forever as it could be that Cannock just receives cascades from other depots and never has any new of its own.
New buses are expensive and, in a declining market (which the UK bus market is), hard to justify. Derby has a specific need due to the Clean Air Zone requirements and if not for that then maybe wouldn't be getting any new ones either.
Cannock must have declined further than most other depots would you say? Its average fleet age must be worse than the other garages.
Quote from: Bob on January 15, 2019, 10:47:14 AM
Cannock must have declined further than most other depots would you say? Its average fleet age must be worse than the other garages.
And its a shame because it'll become a self fulfilling prophecy., perpetual decline. NXWM seem to do well with investing etc in vehicles and refurbs. Are the Sapphirs routes suffering declining patronage? I ask because when they wete converted to Sapphire, the idea was to grow the routes/increase passengers, but afterwards the frequency of the 1 was cut from every 20 to 30 mins. That didnt really suggeat it had been successful to me etc.
When will the printed timetables be at Cannock shopping centre? And does the 110 Sapphire have one printed?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 15, 2019, 08:06:28 AM
It could go on forever as it could be that Cannock just receives cascades from other depots and never has any new of its own.
New buses are expensive and, in a declining market (which the UK bus market is), hard to justify. Derby has a specific need due to the Clean Air Zone requirements and if not for that then maybe wouldn't be getting any new ones either.
Bit of an admission that "it could go on foreverc ie no investment in new vehicles. Thats assuming Cannock garage can stay viable surely?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 15, 2019, 06:47:38 PM
When will the printed timetables be at Cannock shopping centre? And does the 110 Sapphire have one printed?
I am trying to find out. Yes the Sapphire leaflet will be printed.
Quote from: Bob on January 15, 2019, 09:34:46 PM
Bit of an admission that "it could go on foreverc ie no investment in new vehicles. Thats assuming Cannock garage can stay viable surely?
Not an admission - just pointing out that when you said that 'it can't go on forever', it technically could.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 16, 2019, 08:31:57 AM
Not an admission - just pointing out that when you said that 'it can't go on forever', it technically could.
Hardly an ideal situation though surely? Poorly performing depot with no investment in new buses for years limps on another year ? 😐
Which Derby Buses be transfered to other Arriva Depots once all 19 Streetlites are in service
Quote from: Bob on January 16, 2019, 09:08:59 AM
Hardly an ideal situation though surely? Poorly performing depot with no investment in new buses for years limps on another year ? 😐
I didn't say it was or wasn't ideal. Poorly performing????
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 16, 2019, 03:46:05 PM
I didn't say it was or wasn't ideal. Poorly performing????
Well if it was well performing there'd be investment in new vehicles maybe?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 16, 2019, 08:30:33 AM
I am trying to find out. Yes the Sapphire leaflet will be printed.
Thanks. Will the 110 times change this month? and where can I pick one of those timetables up, corporation street travel shop?
i personally find that cannock's fleet utilisation is pretty poor, interurban routes again today [825] clapped out 13 year old bone shaker dart on whilst the newer bigger expensive asset pulsars are driving around pye green with very light loads, the 60 & 74 again seems to get any old thing going,again whilst pye green gets big capacity and the most expensive assets at that depot. Who ever allocates the vehicles at cannock aint doing the company many favours, or are they kept in cannock to save face from the withdrawal of the new buses that was brought for pye green a couple of years ago , guess they was removed off there as not viable so seems silly to put on ones from the interurban routes that actually carry good loads. Also them solos are not suitable for route's like the 74 / 825/ 60 but seem to be on there quite often all day if they actually last that long before expiring . Are the vehicles for the 825/826 set to improve from these old clapped out darts cadets and solos and lots of breakdowns and missing mileage ? The pulsars was a pleasure to travel on being larger capacity and a tool for the job so to speak, now its a journey to be dreaded or even avoided if possible, shame really its got to this stage now, with unreliable or packed out for space on such passenger unfriendly small capacity old end of life vehicles. ill get me coat lol
Hi Simon,
When are the scanias at tamworth due for refurb? There starting to look tacky with threadbare seats and body damage.
Also 3006 is looking terrible as the wrap it's in, it's starting too peel in places and looks very unprofessional
Quote from: ntw456 on January 17, 2019, 05:11:09 PM
Hi Simon,
When are the scanias at tamworth due for refurb? There starting to look tacky with threadbare seats and body damage.
Also 3006 is looking terrible as the wrap it's in, it's starting too peel in places and looks very unprofessional
Hi
No plans at the moment for the Tamworth Scanias but I will have a look at a few next time I am there.
I saw 3006 in Lichfield and I agree. I will see what is possible with it.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 16, 2019, 06:47:15 PM
Thanks. Will the 110 times change this month? and where can I pick one of those timetables up, corporation street travel shop?
No 110 changes this month.
Quote from: Bob on January 16, 2019, 04:22:56 PM
Well if it was well performing there'd be investment in new vehicles maybe?
No investment in Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Telford or Tamworth either and Derby is due to clean air - not just Cannock.
Quote from: bovaman on January 16, 2019, 11:16:22 PM
i personally find that cannock's fleet utilisation is pretty poor, interurban routes again today [825] clapped out 13 year old bone shaker dart on whilst the newer bigger expensive asset pulsars are driving around pye green with very light loads, the 60 & 74 again seems to get any old thing going,again whilst pye green gets big capacity and the most expensive assets at that depot. Who ever allocates the vehicles at cannock aint doing the company many favours, or are they kept in cannock to save face from the withdrawal of the new buses that was brought for pye green a couple of years ago , guess they was removed off there as not viable so seems silly to put on ones from the interurban routes that actually carry good loads. Also them solos are not suitable for route's like the 74 / 825/ 60 but seem to be on there quite often all day if they actually last that long before expiring . Are the vehicles for the 825/826 set to improve from these old clapped out darts cadets and solos and lots of breakdowns and missing mileage ? The pulsars was a pleasure to travel on being larger capacity and a tool for the job so to speak, now its a journey to be dreaded or even avoided if possible, shame really its got to this stage now, with unreliable or packed out for space on such passenger unfriendly small capacity old end of life vehicles. ill get me coat lol
Hi
It was not too bad when I spent the day riding around on buses yesterday but too often it is not good enough.
The changes this weekend should make it easier and we have been clear about which vehicles will go on which route. They need to stick to it now.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 22, 2019, 12:43:33 PM
No investment in Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Telford or Tamworth either and Derby is due to clean air - not just Cannock.
Which of those garages has the oldest/worst condition fleet?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 22, 2019, 12:44:52 PM
Hi
It was not too bad when I spent the day riding around on buses yesterday but too often it is not good enough.
The changes this weekend should make it easier and we have been clear about which vehicles will go on which route. They need to stick to it now.
Which vehicles will/should be allocated to which routes? There was a solo on pye greens for most of last week ( or the week before not sure which) . 55 plate dart on today, also a cadet on last week. The sapphire pulsar is on pye greens today
Are there any plans to update the stop signage in and around Stafford? Particularly as many will become two set of significant changes out of date from this weekend.
- Stops outside Wetherspoons still advertising 75A as the old 75A versus the 'new' 75A and 75B (iirc)
- Railway station stops advertising 76A/74/825 which is/will no longer be the case
- 8 as the through route as opposed to the new split route
- Some still advertise the 'old' 826/7/83x routes
- Etc
If they are to be changed, when can we expect them to be done? Friday night, or over the weekend?
Where do you get timetable leaflets in Cannock thesedays?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 22, 2019, 12:44:52 PM
Hi
It was not too bad when I spent the day riding around on buses yesterday but too often it is not good enough.
The changes this weekend should make it easier and we have been clear about which vehicles will go on which route. They need to stick to it now.
Does this mean you can have branded busses on some routes like you used to?
Did you go on any Sapphire 1, 2, 2E routes and if so what did you think? The disruption from Landywood bridge is making both the 1's and 2's late through no fault of your own, I do mention this to anyone waiting at a bus stop wondering why its a few minutes late. On the upside I can get either the number 1 or 2 from my nearest stop during the diversion, so works for me!
Quote from: Brick60000 on January 22, 2019, 03:26:55 PM
Are there any plans to update the stop signage in and around Stafford? Particularly as many will become two set of significant changes out of date from this weekend.
- Stops outside Wetherspoons still advertising 75A as the old 75A versus the 'new' 75A and 75B (iirc)
- Railway station stops advertising 76A/74/825 which is/will no longer be the case
- 8 as the through route as opposed to the new split route
- Some still advertise the 'old' 826/7/83x routes
- Etc
If they are to be changed, when can we expect them to be done? Friday night, or over the weekend?
Thanks for these. We are doing our ones at the end of this week and over the weekend. If they are County Council ones then that is up to them.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 22, 2019, 05:48:45 PM
Does this mean you can have branded busses on some routes like you used to?
Did you go on any Sapphire 1, 2, 2E routes and if so what did you think? The disruption from Landywood bridge is making both the 1's and 2's late through no fault of your own, I do mention this to anyone waiting at a bus stop wondering why its a few minutes late. On the upside I can get either the number 1 or 2 from my nearest stop during the diversion, so works for me!
Hi
Didn't do any 1/2/2E as we went to Lichfield and Stafford. Next time!
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 23, 2019, 08:04:52 AM
Hi
Didn't do any 1/2/2E as we went to Lichfield and Stafford. Next time!
I'd happily join you on that to see what you think. Maybe wait until the bridge is open though! Just to let you know Cheslyn Hay Memorial (towards Cannock) doesn't have a timetable or holder for one. Nor does Darges Lane stop on Station Road (towards Walsall, 2E).
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 23, 2019, 06:37:33 PM
I'd happily join you on that to see what you think. Maybe wait until the bridge is open though! Just to let you know Cheslyn Hay Memorial (towards Cannock) doesn't have a timetable or holder for one. Nor does Darges Lane stop on Station Road (towards Walsall, 2E).
Ok thanks.
Tamworth and Lichfield need an updated arriva network map the current one shows the 765 going via boley Park, the x65 extending to tamworth college and the 35 being operated by arriva >:(
Good to see lichfield bus station shelter signs been updated. Shame the station overall isn't very nice at all.. council need to spend some money on it! Seen the new timetables at Cannock bus didnt see one for the H or 825.
Following the changes, whats the allocated vehicle type for Pye greens?
Are there any plans / potential to expand the coverage of Stafford? I'm thinking particularly of the new estates that have / are popping up. The one by Stafford Crematorium for instance. When the new link road opens between Tixall Rd / Weston Rd the H could be made into more of a circular route to cover these areas, perhaps? Seems a shame that all these new estates with potential for new passengers aren't served at all.
Simon, I'm sorry to say that Stafford seems to be as a bit of a dead area as far as Arriva are concerned. The rerouting of the 74/825 services away from the railway station on the premise that the congestion on the Newport road causes problems on service reliability is a bit of a red herring for two reasons, first the congestion is from the Queensville island into Stafford in the morning rush and from Stafford all the way to the Queensville island in the evening rush, taking out the Newport road section makes b****r all difference and second any time lost in Stafford can be regained on the rural sections of the routes. There is little congestion on the Newport road during the day. The H service does not in any way compensate for the lost services to and from the County Hospital to Cannock and Lichfield. My view is that the changes have been made to suit the interworking that takes place on these routes and has little to do with punctuality ie to suit Arriva NOT the customer.
Are the newly refurbed Pulsars no longer for Pye Greens? Solos, cadets, commanders 59 plate pulsar yesterday/today. Is tge recently transferred in Pulsar from Tamworth permanent?
Is the allocation on the 70/10 now permanently 14-15 year old Darts? Seems a strange choice for one of the longer interurban services. Still, least its not Solos and the 54 plate Darts in particular are pretty good and can shift
Quote from: Bob on February 02, 2019, 02:39:07 PM
Is the allocation on the 70/10 now permanently 14-15 year old Darts? Seems a strange choice for one of the longer interurban services. Still, least its not Solos and the 54 plate Darts in particular are pretty good and can shift
10/70 is now Dart allocation yes.
Quote from: Bob on January 30, 2019, 06:42:16 PM
Are the newly refurbed Pulsars no longer for Pye Greens? Solos, cadets, commanders 59 plate pulsar yesterday/today. Is tge recently transferred in Pulsar from Tamworth permanent?
Pye Green will now be the original SB200 Commanders.
Quote from: Grinder on January 30, 2019, 05:43:28 PM
Simon, I'm sorry to say that Stafford seems to be as a bit of a dead area as far as Arriva are concerned. The rerouting of the 74/825 services away from the railway station on the premise that the congestion on the Newport road causes problems on service reliability is a bit of a red herring for two reasons, first the congestion is from the Queensville island into Stafford in the morning rush and from Stafford all the way to the Queensville island in the evening rush, taking out the Newport road section makes b****r all difference and second any time lost in Stafford can be regained on the rural sections of the routes. There is little congestion on the Newport road during the day. The H service does not in any way compensate for the lost services to and from the County Hospital to Cannock and Lichfield. My view is that the changes have been made to suit the interworking that takes place on these routes and has little to do with punctuality ie to suit Arriva NOT the customer.
Hi
Thanks for this and we will have to disagree.
Quote from: Brick60000 on January 30, 2019, 08:43:47 AM
Are there any plans / potential to expand the coverage of Stafford? I'm thinking particularly of the new estates that have / are popping up. The one by Stafford Crematorium for instance. When the new link road opens between Tixall Rd / Weston Rd the H could be made into more of a circular route to cover these areas, perhaps? Seems a shame that all these new estates with potential for new passengers aren't served at all.
Hi,
There is a tender out at the moment from the County Council for the Tixall Road/St Mary's Gate new estate.
Quote from: Lichfield_Lad on January 27, 2019, 04:13:48 PM
Tamworth and Lichfield need an updated arriva network map the current one shows the 765 going via boley Park, the x65 extending to tamworth college and the 35 being operated by arriva >:(
A new map has been done. https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets/documents/multi-journey-saver-tickets/midlands/tamworth-and-lichfield-network-map-jan-2019-web.pdf
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 06, 2019, 08:36:22 PM
A new map has been done. https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets/documents/multi-journey-saver-tickets/midlands/tamworth-and-lichfield-network-map-jan-2019-web.pdf
There appears to be an error there. Tamworth City Centre. Tamworth isn't a City.
Quote from: 2206 on February 06, 2019, 08:41:07 PM
There appears to be an error there. Tamworth City Centre. Tamworth isn't a City.
We can dream...
I will ask for it to be changed.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 06, 2019, 08:30:13 PM
10/70 is now Dart allocation yes.
So a route that was given Pulsars because they were best suited to it and it was an interurban route, was then downgraded to Commanders, and now has an allocation of 14/15 year old Darts ( 54 plates good/55 plates not brilliant). I take it the increased frequency didnt generate good enough returns to warrant any investment? Pye Greens, which had Pulsars that had been newly refurbed now gets a fleet of largely ( apart from the solitary refurbished one) threadbare 13 year old buses....
Quote from: Bob on February 06, 2019, 10:30:09 PM
So a route that was given Pulsars because they were best suited to it and it was an interurban route, was then downgraded to Commanders, and now has an allocation of 14/15 year old Darts ( 54 plates good/55 plates not brilliant). I take it the increased frequency didnt generate good enough returns to warrant any investment? Pye Greens, which had Pulsars that had been newly refurbed now gets a fleet of largely ( apart from the solitary refurbished one) threadbare 13 year old buses....
Yes.
It is a question of trying to make the best of what we have. We have prioritised the Pulsar and B7 to the 74 and 825 as these are the best buses for these longer interurban routes.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 06, 2019, 08:35:23 PM
Hi,
There is a tender out at the moment from the County Council for the Tixall Road/St Mary's Gate new estate.
That sounds interesting. Is there any more information available to view for the public online?
Any idea why you have timed the first Service 2 to run between Bloxwich & Walsall at the same time as the second Nx X51?
Couldn't that journey run earlier to fill the gap between the first X51 timed at Bloxwich around 630 & the second one which is timed at around 650am, say at around 640 or 645am, or will this mess up the interworking with Service 1?
I've come out to catch the bus at my stop the past couple of days & both you & Nx have turned up at the same time.
(Admittedly you reach my stop first, but Nx is following close behind!)
Quote from: Brick60000 on February 07, 2019, 11:06:48 AM
That sounds interesting. Is there any more information available to view for the public online?
Hi
it may be on the Staffordshire website.
Quote from: Westy on February 07, 2019, 10:22:14 PM
Any idea why you have timed the first Service 2 to run between Bloxwich & Walsall at the same time as the second Nx X51?
Couldn't that journey run earlier to fill the gap between the first X51 timed at Bloxwich around 630 & the second one which is timed at around 650am, say at around 640 or 645am, or will this mess up the interworking with Service 1?
I've come out to catch the bus at my stop the past couple of days & both you & Nx have turned up at the same time.
(Admittedly you reach my stop first, but Nx is following close behind!)
Wouldn't make much difference, people using the X51 to commute probably have week or month passes. The only people that would get on the first to arriva would be concessionary pass users to travelling up to Walsall, probably, as it would make no odds which to get.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 08, 2019, 12:42:56 PM
Wouldn't make much difference, people using the X51 to commute probably have week or month passes. The only people that would get on the first to arriva would be concessionary pass users to travelling up to Walsall, probably, as it would make no odds which to get.
Concessionary pass holders at 06:30?
Will the 825 and 826 routes remain the same after the bridge reopens? The 825 is only serving great haywood as a diversion off the back of little haywood isn't it?
loads of breakdowns / missing journeys on 825/826 again in this last week, and yes still operating them unreliable old clapped out solos on it as well, no point complaining to Luton as they are simply not interested or even know or care where staffordshire is!! Where are all the re furbished pulsars hiding that was 'supposed' to be re deployed back on there from the timetable network revision? At least 2 break downs again yesterday too, and yet again one was a vintage solo...... Them solos things must be costing the company a fortune in lost mileage and lost revenue on these longer interurban services, they are simply not up to the job, one just cannot rely on these services at all any more im afraid.... Im baffled how Cannock depot have been let run this 825 service in to the ground with such shoddy unreliable old end of life vehicles in the last number of years tbh. Its not a good image for public transport at all im afraid in this area. :(
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 09, 2019, 11:09:22 PM
Will the 825 and 826 routes remain the same after the bridge reopens? The 825 is only serving great haywood as a diversion off the back of little haywood isn't it?
The bridge is open but they have resurfaced under the railway bridge so we can no longer fit under it. These are now the permanent routes.
Quote from: bovaman on February 10, 2019, 11:02:50 PM
loads of breakdowns / missing journeys on 825/826 again in this last week, and yes still operating them unreliable old clapped out solos on it as well, no point complaining to Luton as they are simply not interested or even know or care where staffordshire is!! Where are all the re furbished pulsars hiding that was 'supposed' to be re deployed back on there from the timetable network revision? At least 2 break downs again yesterday too, and yet again one was a vintage solo...... Them solos things must be costing the company a fortune in lost mileage and lost revenue on these longer interurban services, they are simply not up to the job, one just cannot rely on these services at all any more im afraid.... Im baffled how Cannock depot have been let run this 825 service in to the ground with such shoddy unreliable old end of life vehicles in the last number of years tbh. Its not a good image for public transport at all im afraid in this area. :(
I have reviewed the allocation for the week and looked at the lost mileage. The 60/825/826 cycle is marked for the Volvo B7 vehicles and these have been allocated correctly last week. However, as breakdowns have happened some Solos have been put out there as they were the only spare buses.
The refurbished Pulsars are allocated to the 74/8/7/H cards and, again, this looks consistent.
We have had problems in the week with congestion in Lichfield which has not helped the 825/6.
My apologies if your journey has been disrupted.
Are you still interworking Cannock Lichfield with Lichfield Stafford?
That doesnt appear to help, according to past posts on the subject.
Hi
I noted this morning that the stop at Baswich Compton Road (and thus I assume the other Baswich stops) that the last journey to Gaol Square on a Saturday is the same as in the week - 1550. However both your website and Bus Times seem to suggest this last trip does not run on a Saturday, terminating at the shops. Are you able to confirm which of these is correct?
Also, is there any plan to refurbish the Volvo/Wright vehicles now predominantly used on the 825/6?
Thanks for the reply Simon,
i'm quite surprised you are dragging them big pulsars around them local tight estates in Stafford tbh. would of thought more solo / dart territory
Some more up to date vehicle investment is really needed on the 825 im afraid, and another old bone shaker dart out at peak time again today too, but luckily it did manage to last the journey this time. I really do feel sorry for the drivers tbh
I get that nothing in 100% reliable, things old and new break, traffic etc etc, but as a regular traveller on this route i do feel arriva don't really care that much about its reliability or what vehicles are allocated, a sort of a end of life bus route in the past few years, such a shame really as it did vastly improve from early 2012 for a couple of years.
Quote from: Westy on February 12, 2019, 10:15:34 AM
Are you still interworking Cannock Lichfield with Lichfield Stafford?
That doesnt appear to help, according to past posts on the subject.
Yes but it has changed from what was happening before 26th January.
825 has to interwork so that we can get driver reliefs in Cannock.
Quote from: bovaman on February 12, 2019, 11:05:37 PM
Thanks for the reply Simon,
i'm quite surprised you are dragging them big pulsars around them local tight estates in Stafford tbh. would of thought more solo / dart territory
Some more up to date vehicle investment is really needed on the 825 im afraid, and another old bone shaker dart out at peak time again today too, but luckily it did manage to last the journey this time. I really do feel sorry for the drivers tbh
I get that nothing in 100% reliable, things old and new break, traffic etc etc, but as a regular traveller on this route i do feel arriva don't really care that much about its reliability or what vehicles are allocated, a sort of a end of life bus route in the past few years, such a shame really as it did vastly improve from early 2012 for a couple of years.
I would love some newer vehicles but we have what we have for now - plus so Solo from Derby
Quote from: Brick60000 on February 12, 2019, 10:53:35 AM
Hi
I noted this morning that the stop at Baswich Compton Road (and thus I assume the other Baswich stops) that the last journey to Gaol Square on a Saturday is the same as in the week - 1550. However both your website and Bus Times seem to suggest this last trip does not run on a Saturday, terminating at the shops. Are you able to confirm which of these is correct?
Also, is there any plan to refurbish the Volvo/Wright vehicles now predominantly used on the 825/6?
Thanks.
Yes the Volvo will be refurbed this year.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 13, 2019, 09:09:07 AM
I would love some newer vehicles but we have what we have for now - plus so Solo from Derby
Are the Derby Solos going to replace any vehicles at Cannock?
no more solos pleaseeeeeeeeee there horrendous unreliable piles of junk - thats solos in general lol and yes i have had to drive solos in a past career..... yak, but did not use much fuel though as spent lots of time expired, or hooked up to recovery trucks. Mind most optare products are pretty dire.
coach aid will be pleased though i guess ;D
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 13, 2019, 09:09:45 AM
Thanks.
Yes the Volvo will be refurbed this year.
The Volvos are probably the most decent vehicles Cannock has got
Quote from: Bob on February 13, 2019, 09:50:52 AM
Are the Derby Solos going to replace any vehicles at Cannock?
Yes. Replacing the following:
2731
2732
2736
2742
2741
3719
3720
2740
2745
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 14, 2019, 09:14:58 AM
Yes. Replacing the following:
2731
2732
2736
2742
2741
3719
3720
2740
2745
Do you know how long 2740 as left?
Wiping out the entire fleet of cadets then lol
Are there any plans to get rid of the Streetlites? Even the Cadets would be better on the 1 & 2 lol. Theyre truly the absolute worst buses Cannock have ever had and thats going sone. Half of em look shabby with pieces of branding missing on some ( for at least a year! ) missing route numbers on branding ( one now just has number 1) , they should just admit that no Cannock route was deserving of Sapphire status ( evidently not the number 1 as it was a 20 minute service all day pre sapphire- so upgrading it must have actually lost passengers- the opposite of what the sapphiring was intended to do) & put better, normal buses back on ( it wouldnt be hard virtually anything else the garage has)
Simon, are you please able to clarify the boundaries for the Staffs/Cannock saver ticket? The latest map on the website shows this to include Rugeley as well. Is this correct?
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2019, 05:34:33 PM
Are there any plans to get rid of the Streetlites? Even the Cadets would be better on the 1 & 2 lol. Theyre truly the absolute worst buses Cannock have ever had and thats going sone. Half of em look shabby with pieces of branding missing on some ( for at least a year! ) missing route numbers on branding ( one now just has number 1) , they should just admit that no Cannock route was deserving of Sapphire status ( evidently not the number 1 as it was a 20 minute service all day pre sapphire- so upgrading it must have actually lost passengers- the opposite of what the sapphiring was intended to do) & put better, normal buses back on ( it wouldnt be hard virtually anything else the garage has)
Hi,
No plans to get rid of them.
Quote from: Brick60000 on February 15, 2019, 02:05:12 PM
Simon, are you please able to clarify the boundaries for the Staffs/Cannock saver ticket? The latest map on the website shows this to include Rugeley as well. Is this correct?
Hi,
It is incorrect - I have already asked for it to be amended. There is a new day ticket for travel between Rugeley and Cannock at the same price however. This can be bought on a Rugeley local service or on the 63.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 15, 2019, 05:02:08 PM
Hi,
No plans to get rid of them.
Any plans to at least reapply missing branding? Respray them? So they dont look like a value brand version of Platinium lol
@Simon@Arriva Couldn't you run Lichfield services from Tamworth garage on Sundays? E.g. 765 to Lichfield then 60 to Cannock? The 10A from National Express is doing well based on when ive used it on a Sunday. Also if a Cannock-Birmingham bus wouldn't work what about a Lichfield-Birmingham?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 17, 2019, 04:58:35 PM
@Simon@Arriva Couldn't you run Lichfield services from Tamworth garage on Sundays? E.g. 765 to Lichfield then 60 to Cannock? The 10A from National Express is doing well based on when ive used it on a Sunday. Also if a Cannock-Birmingham bus wouldn't work what about a Lichfield-Birmingham?
I've often wondered this. Routes such as the 825 always seemed fairly busy on Sundays. Are there any plans at all to reintroduce some form of Sunday service to the area?
Quote from: Brick60000 on February 17, 2019, 06:07:17 PM
I've often wondered this. Routes such as the 825 always seemed fairly busy on Sundays. Are there any plans at all to reintroduce some form of Sunday service to the area?
2E was busy on Sundays whenever I used it. The main links between areas are most important... i.e. 2E, 60, 74, 765, 825.
They do need to look at the routing between Bloxwich & Walsall as Nx & Diamond do have it sewn up.
What is Arriva's selling point for that route, because 4 bph per hour versus Nx & Diamond every 3 mins with inter operator ticket availability, you know where the passengers are going to go?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 18, 2019, 09:12:20 PM
TfWM still doing a better job than Staffordshire! Before you even get on a bus, look at the state of some of the bus stations and stops. Also perhaps TfWM could partially subsidise the 2E evenings if it went via Turnberry like the daytime number 2 which is partially subsidised for this patch...
Can we keep this topic to questions not General chat or other people answering the questions. It makes it far easier for Simon to see what needs answering
Are the rest of the 06 plate Commanders to be retrimmed? As i remember you saying how great it was that passengers on the Pye Greens commented about the "new buses" re the refurbished Pulsars when they were on there. I wouldnt think theyd be overly impressed with the state of the insides of what theyve been replaced with...
Also not sure if this has been answered already but is 2731 permanently back or just temporary
If i buy a £4.20 cannock and stafford daysaver on the 70 from Longford can i then use it all the way to Stafford on the 74/75?
Quote from: Bob on February 22, 2019, 09:53:30 AM
If i buy a £4.20 cannock and stafford daysaver on the 70 from Longford can i then use it all the way to Stafford on the 74/75?
Yes
Quote from: Bob on February 19, 2019, 09:03:25 PM
Also not sure if this has been answered already but is 2731 permanently back or just temporary
Temporary.
Quote from: Bob on February 18, 2019, 10:56:06 PM
Are the rest of the 06 plate Commanders to be retrimmed? As i remember you saying how great it was that passengers on the Pye Greens commented about the "new buses" re the refurbished Pulsars when they were on there. I wouldnt think theyd be overly impressed with the state of the insides of what theyve been replaced with...
yes, that is the plan.
Quote from: Brick60000 on February 17, 2019, 06:07:17 PM
I've often wondered this. Routes such as the 825 always seemed fairly busy on Sundays. Are there any plans at all to reintroduce some form of Sunday service to the area?
No
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 17, 2019, 04:58:35 PM
@Simon@Arriva Couldn't you run Lichfield services from Tamworth garage on Sundays? E.g. 765 to Lichfield then 60 to Cannock? The 10A from National Express is doing well based on when ive used it on a Sunday. Also if a Cannock-Birmingham bus wouldn't work what about a Lichfield-Birmingham?
I think it is very unlikely.
Quote from: Bob on February 15, 2019, 06:22:28 PM
Any plans to at least reapply missing branding? Respray them? So they dont look like a value brand version of Platinium lol
No plans but it does need doing.
Is 3719/20 still leaving? 3719 on pye greens today
Quote from: Bob on February 26, 2019, 01:45:33 PM
Is 3719/20 still leaving? 3719 on pye greens today
Yes
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 22, 2019, 02:26:20 PM
No plans but it does need doing.
We have worked on this now and should be putting new vinyls on soon. Will be new Arriva logo with updated route information as per our Brand guidelines.
Are the Cadets going elsewhere or scrap?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 22, 2019, 02:23:25 PM
Temporary.
Apologies that was a typo i meant pulsar 3731 ex Tamworth
Quote from: Bob on March 03, 2019, 10:25:55 AM
Apologies that was a typo i meant pulsar 3731 ex Tamworth
3731 is permanentt
@Simon@Arriva Simon - Is there any reason there's no audio next stop announcements, only the screen is working??
When are 3719/20 and the Cadets leaving
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 04, 2019, 06:27:41 PM
@Simon@Arriva Simon - Is there any reason there's no audio next stop announcements, only the screen is working??
Hi
We have turned them all off at the moment.
Quote from: Bob on March 04, 2019, 06:31:56 PM
When are 3719/20 and the Cadets leaving
Dependent on releasing vehicles from Derby and other cascades involving depots out of my area. No dates yet.
Simon.
I gather Swift has now been introduced into Cannock.
Can you confirm/deny any of the following please?
I will NOT be able to use either the NBus Black Country or Walsall Low Fare passes in Cannock.
I can use my existing Swift Payg pass on your services in the Cannock area only.
(Is there a map? Basically I want to know, can I use the PAYG I have on journeys from Walsall/Bloxwich into Cannock/Hednesford, or does the fact I cross into South Staffs before going into Cannock council area knacker things up slightly?)
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on March 06, 2019, 05:14:53 PM
Dependent on releasing vehicles from Derby and other cascades involving depots out of my area. No dates yet.
Is it just Solo SRs replacing 3719/20 & all Cadets
Hi,
Have been away for a few days in Berlin so will catch up on the posts as best I can now.
Thanks
Simon
Quote from: Bob on March 06, 2019, 07:56:11 PM
Is it just Solo SRs replacing 3719/20 & all Cadets
There is a bit of flux in the fleet at the moment as we are also covering repaints/refurbs, retrofits for the Clean Air Zone (Tamworth vehicles being done at the moment) and some requirements further South for additional vehicles.
As far as I know the Solo SR are the only permanent replacements.
Quote from: Westy on March 06, 2019, 07:33:33 PM
Simon.
I gather Swift has now been introduced into Cannock.
Can you confirm/deny any of the following please?
I will NOT be able to use either the NBus Black Country or Walsall Low Fare passes in Cannock.
I can use my existing Swift Payg pass on your services in the Cannock area only.
(Is there a map? Basically I want to know, can I use the PAYG I have on journeys from Walsall/Bloxwich into Cannock/Hednesford, or does the fact I cross into South Staffs before going into Cannock council area knacker things up slightly?)
Hi,
The PAYG Swift cards are valid on all services that Cannock depot run from their start to their end.
The NBus area has not been extended so no travel valid on Swift Nbus outside of the West Midlands area.
There is a map on the leaflet that TfWM made for the extension but this is not online but it is basically our network map less the Stafford to Telford 5.
You can travel cross boundary with PAYG yes.
Hope that helps.
Thanks
Simon
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on March 21, 2019, 04:13:00 PM
Hi,
The PAYG Swift cards are valid on all services that Cannock depot run from their start to their end.
The NBus area has not been extended so no travel valid on Swift Nbus outside of the West Midlands area.
There is a map on the leaflet that TfWM made for the extension but this is not online but it is basically our network map less the Stafford to Telford 5.
You can travel cross boundary with PAYG yes.
Hope that helps.
Thanks
Simon
Cheers for that.
Is that from now?
When selecting the new ticket machine, was any consideration given to the fact that you have to stick your hand through the vandal screen to access the scanner?
The machine is suitable for vehicles without vandal screens, like Diamonds, but for vehicles with a vandal screen, surely a set up similar to Nx's should have been.purchased instead?
Does anyone know what is happening to the old machines as I would be interested in purchasing one
Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 25, 2019, 08:18:21 PM
Does anyone know what is happening to the old machines as I would be interested in purchasing one
Hi
They go back to Parkeon as they were only ever leased. Sorry, no chance to buy one from us but Parkeon might sell one.
Quote from: Westy on March 25, 2019, 05:15:02 PM
When selecting the new ticket machine, was any consideration given to the fact that you have to stick your hand through the vandal screen to access the scanner?
The machine is suitable for vehicles without vandal screens, like Diamonds, but for vehicles with a vandal screen, surely a set up similar to Nx's should have been.purchased instead?
Hi,
The new ticket machines are part of a national roll out and as part of this each vehicle type in the Arriva UK fleet was surveyed for compatibility with the assault screen. Some vehicles had changes made or the hole made bigger but this was not felt needed on all of them.
Your comment is similar to that made by some drivers so I have asked for this to be looked at again. Which type did you experience?
Thanks for the feedback.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on March 25, 2019, 08:59:44 PM
Hi,
The new ticket machines are part of a national roll out and as part of this each vehicle type in the Arriva UK fleet was surveyed for compatibility with the assault screen. Some vehicles had changes made or the hole made bigger but this was not felt needed on all of them.
Your comment is similar to that made by some drivers so I have asked for this to be looked at again. Which type did you experience?
Thanks for the feedback.
Was on the Sapphire!
whats cracking off with 60/825 routes vehicle allocation, lots of end of life small capacity old scruffy heaps allocated regularly again,,,,,,,,,, yes solos!!!!!!!!!! on busy interurban workings!!! must be commercial suicide, whilst big expensive refurbished vehicles are driving around Stafford locals empty most of the time!! , Surely you can find a better class of vehicle for this route?? its becoming a joke. Why are the newer bigger refurbished vehicles not allowed on this route allocation? losing the will to live with using the services tbh, not a good advert to encourage public transport at all im afraid for us distance travellers.
Quote from: bovaman on March 26, 2019, 06:44:34 PM
whats cracking off with 60/825 routes vehicle allocation, lots of end of life small capacity old scruffy heaps allocated regularly again,,,,,,,,,, yes solos!!!!!!!!!! on busy interurban workings!!! must be commercial suicide, whilst big expensive refurbished vehicles are driving around Stafford locals empty most of the time!! , Surely you can find a better class of vehicle for this route?? its becoming a joke. Why are the newer bigger refurbished vehicles not allowed on this route allocation? losing the will to live with using the services tbh, not a good advert to encourage public transport at all im afraid for us distance travellers.
Hi
Thanks for this. I am on the case.
Hi
Timetables for our 19 and 25 tenders from Monday are now on our website.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/services/19---walsall-to-bloxwich/
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/services/25---kingstanding-to-bloxwich/
25 will be Sprinter operated.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on March 28, 2019, 08:56:02 AM
Hi
Timetables for our 19 and 25 tenders from Monday are now on our website.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/services/19---walsall-to-bloxwich/
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/services/25---kingstanding-to-bloxwich/
25 will be Sprinter operated.
That's interesting... First time you will operate in the west mids other than the 1/2/3/110 for a while! Are these from iGo by any chance?
What's going to be used on 19 solos
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 28, 2019, 10:04:25 AM
That's interesting... First time you will operate in the west mids other than the 1/2/3/110 for a while! Are these from iGo by any chance?
Yes from Igo
Quote from: Solo1 on March 28, 2019, 10:23:35 AM
What's going to be used on 19 solos
SR Solo as they have to be Euro 5
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on March 28, 2019, 08:56:02 AM
Hi
Timetables for our 19 and 25 tenders from Monday are now on our website.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/services/19---walsall-to-bloxwich/
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/services/25---kingstanding-to-bloxwich/
25 will be Sprinter operated.
What fleet numbers are Sprinters on the photos, as I cant place one?
Quote from: Westy on March 28, 2019, 06:44:48 PM
What fleet numbers are Sprinters on the photos, as I cant place one?
They were:
1011 - Hemel
1017 - Southend
1018 - Northfleet
Now renumbered 1002, 1003, 1004
Do you think the allocation of the unrepainted, absolutely threadbare Dart was an acceptable allocation on the Sapphire routes today? Considering the array of other vehicles that could have been used? Its Cannocks shabbiest vehicle. How many Sapphires were off the road? Take it more than one?
Quote from: Bob on March 29, 2019, 05:18:20 PM
Do you think the allocation of the unrepainted, absolutely threadbare Dart was an acceptable allocation on the Sapphire routes today? Considering the array of other vehicles that could have been used? Its Cannocks shabbiest vehicle. How many Sapphires were off the road? Take it more than one?
Might have to agree with Bob for once here - it was pretty poor I didn't want to sit down the seats looked grim. Also the front screen said '1 Walsall' ok but the route underneath was an illegible string of shapes. Not seen it around before so must have been short of vehicles or something.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 29, 2019, 08:29:00 PM
Might have to agree with Bob for once here - it was pretty poor I didn't want to sit down the seats looked grim. Also the front screen said '1 Walsall' ok but the route underneath was an illegible string of shapes. Not seen it around before so must have been short of vehicles or something.
Perhaps the pair of you need to see what is involved with running a garage. If something happens and it can be as simple as someone being sick on a bus and the bus needs to be taken out of service. The a good operator will use the easiest available bus to keep the service running. That vehicle might be a ropey looking vehicle, but if it's legal and roadworthy then you use it in preference to leaving passenger standing on the roadside while you look for a better bus that will probably need removing from another service to replace it
Quote from: Bob on March 29, 2019, 05:18:20 PM
Do you think the allocation of the unrepainted, absolutely threadbare Dart was an acceptable allocation on the Sapphire routes today? Considering the array of other vehicles that could have been used? Its Cannocks shabbiest vehicle. How many Sapphires were off the road? Take it more than one?
Hi
This is not ideal but sometimes a choice is between a bus or no bus. The vast majority of customers would like a bus. It was not allocated in the morning as I was down in Walsall Bus Station for a couple of hours and it was all Streetlites on the 1/2 when I was there.
To be fair to the depot team they were dealing with mobilising the 19/25 tenders at the end of last week and that was on top of the normal day job.
We have a new General Manager for Cannock starting today who I suspect will be pretty focused on the allocation of vehicles and other service delivery related issues.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 01, 2019, 08:25:57 AM
This is not ideal but sometimes a choice is between a bus or no bus. The vast majority of customers would like a bus.
Fair point :-)
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 01, 2019, 08:25:57 AM
Hi
This is not ideal but sometimes a choice is between a bus or no bus. The vast majority of customers would like a bus. It was not allocated in the morning as I was down in Walsall Bus Station for a couple of hours and it was all Streetlites on the 1/2 when I was there.
To be fair to the depot team they were dealing with mobilising the 19/25 tenders at the end of last week and that was on top of the normal day job.
We have a new General Manager for Cannock starting today who I suspect will be pretty focused on the allocation of vehicles and other service delivery related issues.
But what was tje point of a spare Sapphire bus if its not used as said spare?
Quote from: Bob on April 01, 2019, 03:43:29 PM
But what was tje point of a spare Sapphire bus if its not used as said spare?
It is not kept in the depot doing nothing all day - if not needed in the morning for run out it is allocated to another route. If it can be swapped on to the 1/2 during the day to cover then it will be but not always possible at short notice.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 01, 2019, 04:17:16 PM
It is not kept in the depot doing nothing all day - if not needed in the morning for run out it is allocated to another route. If it can be swapped on to the 1/2 during the day to cover then it will be but not always possible at short notice.
Just a general question , was there a particular reason that the Pulsar was refurbed to a far lower standard compared to the ones at Leicester of similar vintage done for the 158? High backed seats, next stop announcements etc? 3795 is pretty much like a standard cannock refurbed example only with a different seat trim
Quote from: Bob on April 01, 2019, 04:55:35 PM
Just a general question , was there a particular reason that the Pulsar was refurbed to a far lower standard compared to the ones at Leicester of similar vintage done for the 158? High backed seats, next stop announcements etc? 3795 is pretty much like a standard cannock refurbed example only with a different seat trim
No particular reason.
Thought it may be cost/income generated in comparison
Quote from: Busman Jamie on April 01, 2019, 06:28:06 PM
3795 is currently loaned to Tamworth along with 2370
3795 is certainly not on loan to Tamworth. It has just passed me in Hednesford on the Pye Greens
@Simon@Arriva are there any plans for a service that serves some of the new housing estates in the Shifnal area?
@Simon@Arriva You may be pleased to know the leaflet for the 1 & 2 is finally on the shelf at Walsall Travelshop, instead of being hidden by the shop staff behind the scenes.
How long that will last, will be interesting!
Quote from: Westy on April 02, 2019, 06:50:13 PM
@Simon@Arriva
You may be pleased to know the leaflet for the 1 & 2 is finally on the shelf at Walsall Travelshop, instead of being hidden by the shop staff behind the scenes.
How long that will last, will be interesting!
This is good news.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 03, 2019, 09:51:30 AM
This is good news.
On that note, the Cannock leaflet stand by the cafe is empty again.
Is there a particular reason the 9 has moved forward a stand from A2 to A3 at Stafford Gaol Square? Seems a shame after you've just done all the signage !
Quote from: Brick60000 on April 11, 2019, 04:48:43 PM
Is there a particular reason the 9 has moved forward a stand from A2 to A3 at Stafford Gaol Square? Seems a shame after you've just done all the signage !
Congestion really. Signs to be updated asap.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 11, 2019, 05:03:42 PM
Congestion really. Signs to be updated asap.
Makes sense. Had a feeling this might be why - that row of stands is far busier now the 74/825/826/827 often layover there between workings.
Are the Sapphires getting a respray, completely debranded one running out of service in Cannock earlier
Quote from: Bob on April 12, 2019, 02:28:33 PM
Are the Sapphires getting a respray, completely debranded one running out of service in Cannock earlier
Updated vinyls are being applied to all the Sapphires in Cannock and Tamworth over the next couple of weeks. New logo and updated route messaging. Have had too many bits missing etc...
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 12, 2019, 04:22:33 PM
Updated vinyls are being applied to all the Sapphires in Cannock and Tamworth over the next couple of weeks. New logo and updated route messaging. Have had too many bits missing etc...
Could they do with a respray? 5 years i think almost.
Noticed other than ZTN, none of the other 06 plate Commanders have had anything done to their rotting interiors, has that project been abandoned now?
Quote from: Bob on April 12, 2019, 04:49:45 PM
Could they do with a respray? 5 years i think almost.
Noticed other than ZTN, none of the other 06 plate Commanders have had anything done to their rotting interiors, has that project been abandoned now?
No respray for them at the moment.
I will ask for an update on the interiors. Not been stopped afaik.
Saw FD52 GGP yesterday, back at Cannock long term?
FD52GGU is also at cannock
@Simon@Arriva - Just been looking at the website.
Surely Arriva should have removed references to the Black Country area by now, as you no longer operate into there?
I've found the Saver map, but whether there's anything else, I don't know.
Quote from: Westy on April 14, 2019, 04:20:06 PM
@Simon@Arriva - Just been looking at the website.
Surely Arriva should have removed references to the Black Country area by now, as you no longer operate into there?
I've found the Saver map, but whether there's anything else, I don't know.
Hi,
I think the answer may have been given elsewhere on these illustrious pages but the ticket still applies for routes 1/2, 3, 9, 10 (for a week or so), 19 and 25. I am not sure what else we would call it and it is easier to leave it as it is.
@Simon@Arriva any reason you are running the number 2 tomorrow rather than the 2E which covers Great Wyrley as well as Cheslyn Hay & Landywood?
On a side note ticket promotion information is at every bus stop in Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay, no sign of NX yet so you got in first.
Quote from: Westy on April 18, 2019, 02:55:27 PM
That leaves the TfWm contract between Turnberry & Leamore unserved if they run a 2e.
(Mods - Don't delete. It's on topic!) @Westy - Maybe on topic, but Simon's thread isn't for chatter, Q&A's to/from Simon only.
Running a 2 as it serves most areas and no requirement to run as a 2E as part of the contract.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 18, 2019, 03:00:50 PM
Running a 2 as it serves most areas and no requirement to run as a 2E as part of the contract.
Good point.. fair enough.
Have you considered running the number 2 down Green Lane now that the X51 doesnt serve it (albeit it was only a couple of journeys). Wonder if you could have a deal with TJX for employee discount. Also there's a stop at the end of Green Lane that is behind The Wharf so that links that retail estate too.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 18, 2019, 03:08:14 PM
Good point.. fair enough.
Have you considered running the number 2 down Green Lane now that the X51 doesnt serve it (albeit it was only a couple of journeys). Wonder if you could have a deal with TJX for employee discount. Also there's a stop at the end of Green Lane that is behind The Wharf so that links that retail estate too.
I can't really comment on matters that have commercial impacts.
Will cannock have a heritage livery?
For info: 3701-4 are in the fleet as cover for the vehicles that are being retrofitted for Euro 6 in Tamworth and have been helping out covering for repaints as well. They are due to go to Leicester for their Euro 6 conversions in mid-May.
Quote from: ntw456 on April 24, 2019, 11:01:02 PM
Will cannock have a heritage livery?
No I don't think so.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 25, 2019, 08:25:27 AM
No I don't think so.
@Simon@Arriva Would the reason be the heritage livery would be too close to the crimson Nx colours potentially causing confusion?
Quote from: Westy on April 25, 2019, 11:15:57 AM
@Simon@Arriva Would the reason be the heritage livery would be too close to the crimson Nx colours potentially causing confusion?
No, nothing like that. Just the need to keep on the right side of our Corporate Comms people.
@Simon@Arriva Bit of news for you on the publicity front.
You now have leaflets(multiple racks in the case of the 1 & 2!) in Walsall Bus Station for the 1 & 2, the 3 & 3c, plus Nwm's own version of the 3 & 3c as well!
Quote from: Westy on April 25, 2019, 04:55:33 PM
@Simon@Arriva Bit of news for you on the publicity front.
You now have leaflets(multiple racks in the case of the 1 & 2!) in Walsall Bus Station for the 1 & 2, the 3 & 3c, plus Nwm's own version of the 3 & 3c as well!
Thanks. After a long time trying we seem to have cracked this. Hopefully it will continue.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 26, 2019, 08:12:50 AM
Thanks. After a long time trying we seem to have cracked this. Hopefully it will continue.
What should be the situation at Wolves as didnt they close a desk at the bus station?
3701-3704 are they for Thurmaston or Wigston Depot Simon
@Simon@Arriva will you be running buses through the 'designer village' complex when it's finished?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 26, 2019, 09:59:44 PM
@Simon@Arriva will you be running buses through the 'designer village' complex when it's finished?
I would think so.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on April 26, 2019, 08:33:03 PM
3701-3704 are they for Thurmaston or Wigston Depot Simon
Both I think - cover for the Euro 6 conversions.
Noticed this afternoon on my ticket that it was valid to Wildwood loop. With this being programmed into the new machines, is it an indication of an intention to re-serve Wildwood estate now that the Select 73 has stopped? Perhaps with a loop round using the 74 for what must only add 5 minutes or so into the journey? It's quite a big estate to have now lost all coverage, particularly with the new estate that's being built on the site of the former police station as well.
If it's not a sign of any intention, do you think it's likely that it will see another Arriva service in the near future?
https://www.facebook.com/683173491770389/posts/2215938551827201/
Your company deserves a right of reply at least!
Quote from: Westy on May 02, 2019, 10:56:52 AM
https://www.facebook.com/683173491770389/posts/2215938551827201/
Your company deserves a right of reply at least!
Thanks for this link. I will pass on to the PR team and talk locally about what we might say.
We all work really hard to try and be as good as possible and the new management team in Cannock are starting to make some differences. We haven't always been as good as we should be so people are entitled to have complaints.
the only way you can get people to come back to the buses is to run longer hours and 7 days a week so people can travel when they need to
Quote from: evo mark on May 02, 2019, 03:33:19 PM
the only way you can get people to come back to the buses is to run longer hours and 7 days a week so people can travel when they need to
Nice idea but we have to balance cost with revenue.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 02, 2019, 03:56:26 PM
Nice idea but we have to balance cost with revenue.
Are you working towards bringing back some Sundays or is that still nowhere near a viable option at the moment?
Also how are the January changes going? i.e. X61, H, 826...? The 60 from Cannock after 5pm is now on time it was often as much as 15 or 20 minutes late before January so whatever you did there has worked!
Which routes in Cannock are next for the axe/cuts? Has patronage declined badly on the 3? As its now usually run by half empty solos.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 03, 2019, 12:39:35 AM
Are you working towards bringing back some Sundays or is that still nowhere near a viable option at the moment?
Also how are the January changes going? i.e. X61, H, 826...? The 60 from Cannock after 5pm is now on time it was often as much as 15 or 20 minutes late before January so whatever you did there has worked!
Good news about the 60 - thanks for the update.
Not much more I can say on the rest.
Quote from: Bob on May 03, 2019, 07:13:24 AM
Which routes in Cannock are next for the axe/cuts? Has patronage declined badly on the 3? As its now usually run by half empty solos.
I don't think you can really expect me to answer that. We all work really hard to make our bus services the best they can be. We have a new manager at Cannock and he is getting stuck in to the job really well. We are always looking at how we can do things better and how we can continue to be a profitable company. We have some plans (as we always do) that are being worked up but I can't say more than that.
Hi Simon, is there any plans for an open day at Cannock in the future? I thoroughly enjoyed the one at Tamworth last yeah and I'd love to check out Cannock too.
Quote from: StourValley98 on May 03, 2019, 09:06:13 AM
Hi Simon, is there any plans for an open day at Cannock in the future? I thoroughly enjoyed the one at Tamworth last yeah and I'd love to check out Cannock too.
Hi,
Not at the moment.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 03, 2019, 09:02:49 AM
I don't think you can really expect me to answer that. We all work really hard to make our bus services the best they can be. We have a new manager at Cannock and he is getting stuck in to the job really well. We are always looking at how we can do things better and how we can continue to be a profitable company. We have some plans (as we always do) that are being worked up but I can't say more than that.
All we can say Simon, is you need a hell of a lot of luck there, to get back to somewhere near the glory days of Midland Red!
On the subject of open days, I suppose this would come down to paying a driver unless they volunteered themselves, have you ever thought of sending a bus over to Aston Manor in Aldridge on one of the Sunday running days?
It might help with the company's public image.
(There was a old Midland Red towing vehicle, which I put a pic of on Arriva's Fb page earlier this week, there, plus Tamworth did send one of its Sapphires to the Cannon Hill bash a couple of years as well!)
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 03, 2019, 09:02:49 AM
I don't think you can really expect me to answer that. We all work really hard to make our bus services the best they can be. We have a new manager at Cannock and he is getting stuck in to the job really well. We are always looking at how we can do things better and how we can continue to be a profitable company. We have some plans (as we always do) that are being worked up but I can't say more than that.
Does this also cover my earlier question regarding a possible diversion via Wildwood going from Wildwood Loop being on the new tickets? Understandable if you can't say anything due to it being commercially sensitive?
Quote from: Brick60000 on May 03, 2019, 01:35:00 PM
Does this also cover my earlier question regarding a possible diversion via Wildwood going from Wildwood Loop being on the new tickets? Understandable if you can't say anything due to it being commercially sensitive?
We have no intention of diverting the 74 back into Wildwood. It does add on 5 minutes to each journey. There isn't enough slack in the timetable to do this. We feel it also detracts from the "fast and direct" Cannock to Stafford service. We tried this before a number of years ago, and it wasn't popular.
Quote from: Westy on May 03, 2019, 01:30:51 PM
All we can say Simon, is you need a hell of a lot of luck there, to get back to somewhere near the glory days of Midland Red!
On the subject of open days, I suppose this would come down to paying a driver unless they volunteered themselves, have you ever thought of sending a bus over to Aston Manor in Aldridge on one of the Sunday running days?
It might help with the company's public image.
(There was a old Midland Red towing vehicle, which I put a pic of on Arriva's Fb page earlier this week, there, plus Tamworth did send one of its Sapphires to the Cannon Hill bash a couple of years as well!)
Happy to send a bus to the Aston Manor event - do we need an invite?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 07, 2019, 03:31:56 PM
Happy to send a bus to the Aston Manor event - do we need an invite?
I'd be happy to take one
@Simon@Arriva unpaid
Quote from: ntw456 on May 07, 2019, 04:11:50 PM
I'd be happy to take one @Simon@Arriva unpaid
Thanks.
What dates are the events?
Suggest you contact Aston Manor via Facebook, as they would know the ins & outs, plus the events list is / will be on there.
(Tony might know more, as a Walsall Platinum went there before it entered service a few years ago!)
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 07, 2019, 03:31:15 PM
We feel it also detracts from the "fast and direct" Cannock to Stafford service..
You should advertise it as fast and direct on the timetables and posters etc. and highlight that late night journey ive mentioned it to a couple of people who say that might use it now they know.
Caught the 6.06 X51 to Bham this morning. At 6.01 the Number 1 that isnt due out till 6.13 proceeded to block the bus stand while the driver sat reading the paper. Acceptable to block a bus stand for 12 mins so that the preceding service from that stop cant use it?
@Simon@Arriva Have you got any plans to make changes to the 1/2/2E in the near future?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 08, 2019, 01:30:17 PM
@Simon@Arriva Have you got any plans to make changes to the 1/2/2E in the near future?
Hi
I can't comment.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 07, 2019, 07:39:04 PM
You should advertise it as fast and direct on the timetables and posters etc. and highlight that late night journey ive mentioned it to a couple of people who say that might use it now they know.
Hi,
Sorry, now they know what?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 07, 2019, 04:56:13 PM
Thanks.
What dates are the events?
Hi Simon, the Birmingham bus bash is on 8th September, Showbus is the 29th September, wythall usually have events on bank holidays.
Quote from: ntw456 on May 08, 2019, 10:26:17 PM
Hi Simon, the Birmingham bus bash is on 8th September, Showbus is the 29th September, wythall usually have events on bank holidays.
OK thanks.
Simon.
I've checked the online timetable & assumed it was late anyway.
A 2 bus arrived in Bloxwich towards Walsall approx 1655 today(Was surprised as I dont normally see one at this time!)
I got off the bus 5 mins later at my stop & noticed the driver had changed the display to ' Sorry Not In Service'.
I'm assuming, as the driver was late, plus he probably wouldnt had got any passengers to Walsall otherwise, he decided to run private anyway.
I'm hoping if there was other passengers, he asked them first!
Quote from: Westy on May 17, 2019, 05:21:30 PM
Simon.
I've checked the online timetable & assumed it was late anyway.
A 2 bus arrived in Bloxwich towards Walsall approx 1655 today(Was surprised as I dont normally see one at this time!)
I got off the bus 5 mins later at my stop & noticed the driver had changed the display to ' Sorry Not In Service'.
I'm assuming, as the driver was late, plus he probably wouldnt had got any passengers to Walsall otherwise, he decided to run private anyway.
I'm hoping if there was other passengers, he asked them first!
Thanks for this. I have got the depot investigating and appropriate action will be taken.
Slightly amended service this year for Lichfield Bower.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/updates/bus-services-to-the-lichfield-bower/
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 20, 2019, 01:40:17 PM
Slightly amended service this year for Lichfield Bower.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/updates/bus-services-to-the-lichfield-bower/
Does that mean Tamworth is doing all the buses, even from Cannock, or is someone coming in especially at Cannock when they normally wouldnt?
Quote from: Westy on May 20, 2019, 01:54:23 PM
Does that mean Tamworth is doing all the buses, even from Cannock, or is someone coming in especially at Cannock when they normally wouldnt?
All being done from Tamworth but some Cannock drivers are doing some of the work.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 20, 2019, 04:50:39 PM
All being done from Tamworth but some Cannock drivers are doing some of the work.
Could you not trial run some 60's and 825's on Sundays from Tamworth? I'm sure you've probably looked at this option a hundred times though.
On one of Shrewsbury's versas 2981 there is a handrail at the back of the bus by the emergency handle that very loose and moves about when u touch it. Just thought it might need mentioning
Are 4 busesallocated to the 9 Stafford to Highfields route?
Quote from: Rich-82 on May 21, 2019, 09:42:11 AM
On one of Shrewsbury's versas 2981 there is a handrail at the back of the bus by the emergency handle that very loose and moves about when u touch it. Just thought it might need mentioning
Hi,
Got this sorted on the same day. Thanks for the information.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on May 22, 2019, 08:29:07 PM
Are 4 busesallocated to the 9 Stafford to Highfields route?
I think in the course of a weekday there are 7 buses that work journeys on the 9.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 08, 2019, 08:31:03 PM
Hi
I can't comment.
The following is from the monthly Staffordshire County Council update on public transport. Apologies if these have been mentioned elsewhere on this forum and I've overlooked them. Nothing on the Arriva website. Perhaps the company might let passengers know some time soon if this information is correct?
"From 29 June 2019
Service 1 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Walsall) - Revised route and timetable. Huntington will now be served by service 2.
Services 2 / 2A (Arriva Midlands, Huntington - Walsall) - Revised route and timetable, extending from Cannock to serve Huntington. 2E evening journeys will be renumbered as 2A.
Services 3 / 3A (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Walsall) - Revised route and timetable. Service 3 will operate via Chapel Street and Norton Green Lane, new 3A journeys will operate between Norton East and Walsall.
Service 60 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Lichfield) - Revised route and timetable, including new 60A journeys operating via Hawks Green.
Service 61/61A/X61 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Lichfield) will be cancelled.
Service 62 (Arriva Midlands) will no longer serve Lichfield, operating between Cannock and Cannock Wood only. 62S School day only journeys will be cancelled.
Service 63 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Rugeley) - Revised timetable.
Service 70 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Wolverhampton) - Revised timetable."
I said the 61 would be on the hit list....that now leaves Wimblebury completely without a bus service? Cuts to the 62 aa well...oooo errrrr
Quote from: Bob on May 26, 2019, 08:57:32 AM
I said the 61 would be on the hit list....that now leaves Wimblebury completely without a bus service? Cuts to the 62 aa well...oooo errrrr
Wimblebury will still have a service.
Quote from: Smethwickian on May 25, 2019, 10:14:48 PM
The following is from the monthly Staffordshire County Council update on public transport. Apologies if these have been mentioned elsewhere on this forum and I've overlooked them. Nothing on the Arriva website. Perhaps the company might let passengers know some time soon if this information is correct?
"From 29 June 2019
Service 1 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Walsall) - Revised route and timetable. Huntington will now be served by service 2.
Services 2 / 2A (Arriva Midlands, Huntington - Walsall) - Revised route and timetable, extending from Cannock to serve Huntington. 2E evening journeys will be renumbered as 2A.
Services 3 / 3A (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Walsall) - Revised route and timetable. Service 3 will operate via Chapel Street and Norton Green Lane, new 3A journeys will operate between Norton East and Walsall.
Service 60 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Lichfield) - Revised route and timetable, including new 60A journeys operating via Hawks Green.
Service 61/61A/X61 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Lichfield) will be cancelled.
Service 62 (Arriva Midlands) will no longer serve Lichfield, operating between Cannock and Cannock Wood only. 62S School day only journeys will be cancelled.
Service 63 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Rugeley) - Revised timetable.
Service 70 (Arriva Midlands, Cannock - Wolverhampton) - Revised timetable."
Hi
These are an accurate summary but do not highlight some of the details contained within each service registration.
The information will be released publicly soon - we are already at an advance stage of timetable leaflet preparation.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 20, 2019, 05:04:59 PM
Could you not trial run some 60's and 825's on Sundays from Tamworth? I'm sure you've probably looked at this option a hundred times though.
Pretty unlikely.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 26, 2019, 09:53:31 AM
Hi
These are an accurate summary but do not highlight some of the details contained within each service registration.
The information will be released publicly soon - we are already at an advance stage of timetable leaflet preparation.
Would you consider it correct to summise though that there are cuts to services here?
Quote from: Bob on May 26, 2019, 10:11:36 AM
Would you consider it correct to summise though that there are cuts to services here?
Define cuts?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 26, 2019, 10:15:09 AM
Define cuts?
Less buses to lichfield? No way of getting from Cannock wood or hednesford to lichfield directly? Fewer buses from Cannock to Walsall?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 26, 2019, 10:15:09 AM
Define cuts?
Cutting local services to put more resources on routes facing competition & increasing the frequency of those instead.
Other than one bus, the 06 plate Comnanders are still rough and threadbare despite being one of the main workhorses of the fleet on both local and interurban services. Has the retrim programme been abandoned?
I appreciate the comments and questions but, at this stage, I won't say too much more about the service changes. I hope you understand why. Some of the changes have been in development for a few weeks and some have been developed more recently. Once more details are in the public domain, I will happily talk about them and answer questions.
Quote from: Bob on May 26, 2019, 07:18:45 PM
Other than one bus, the 06 plate Comnanders are still rough and threadbare despite being one of the main workhorses of the fleet on both local and interurban services. Has the retrim programme been abandoned?
Still the plan to retrim them but other things have ended up getting in the way.
Is the X51 having an impact on the Cannock to Walsall services?
Ermm.
You've just started tidying up the rebranding of the Sapphire's, getting rid of references of old 2a branding, as flagged on here in the past, in favour of the 'correct' 2e branding?
Now you've renumbered 2e back to 2a!
Let's hope someone remembers to change the current branding on the ones already done.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on May 26, 2019, 08:59:23 PM
I appreciate the comments and questions but, at this stage, I won't say too much more about the service changes. I hope you understand why. Some of the changes have been in development for a few weeks and some have been developed more recently. Once more details are in the public domain, I will happily talk about them and answer questions.
Always puzzling when bus companies refuse to give more than two or three weeks' notice of actual changes and timetable details. After all, do they not now have to give 56 days' notice (eight weeks) to the traffic commissioner?Are people in Hednesford, Wimblebury, Cannock Wood and parts of Burntwood expected to make alternative arrangements for work, school or college with less notice?
Cut after cut to bus services really will not be halted in future, let alone reversed, by operators (and local authorities) who try to avoid publicising changes and simply refuse to promote, advertise or market what is left.
Quote from: Westy on May 27, 2019, 07:40:20 AM
Ermm.
You've just started tidying up the rebranding of the Sapphire's, getting rid of references of old 2a branding, as flagged on here in the past, in favour of the 'correct' 2e branding?
Now you've renumbered 2e back to 2a!
Let's hope someone remembers to change the current branding on the ones already done.
Hi,
We will get them changed at the time. Didn't want any missing bits of the branding between now and 28th June.
Quote from: Smethwickian on May 27, 2019, 09:44:44 AM
Always puzzling when bus companies refuse to give more than two or three weeks' notice of actual changes and timetable details. After all, do they not now have to give 56 days' notice (eight weeks) to the traffic commissioner?Are people in Hednesford, Wimblebury, Cannock Wood and parts of Burntwood expected to make alternative arrangements for work, school or college with less notice?
Cut after cut to bus services really will not be halted in future, let alone reversed, by operators (and local authorities) who try to avoid publicising changes and simply refuse to promote, advertise or market what is left.
Hi
There is no longer 8 weeks notice to the Traffic Commissioner. Instead we have to give the local authorities 4 weeks notice and then we register for 6 weeks. The 4 weeks is a 'consultation' so things can change as we discuss with the Councils.
We are well advanced for the timetable leaflets and we will get the information out asap. The changes will be publicised.
On the subject of re branding, are 3742 and 3743 remaining in Cannock and if so when are they going to lose the 'Connecting Tamworth' branding for the correct 'Connecting Staffordshire' ?
Quote from: Grinder on May 28, 2019, 08:28:16 AM
On the subject of re branding, are 3742 and 3743 remaining in Cannock and if so when are they going to lose the 'Connecting Tamworth' branding for the correct 'Connecting Staffordshire' ?
Hi
In hand as they will be staying at Cannock.
Is there likely to be an sort of replacement for the 25 TFWM tendered service, or is the service going completely?
The registration said it was cancelled from the 16th?
Quote from: 2206 on May 29, 2019, 09:30:08 PM
Is there likely to be an sort of replacement for the 25 TFWM tendered service, or is the service going completely?
The registration said it was cancelled from the 16th?
Hi
Cancelled by us as that is the last date of the emergency tender. Long term tender being evaluated and we expect a decision imminently to see who the operator will be. Service will still run after 15th June.
Service changes at the end of this month in Cannock and still no updates? ????
Quote from: Bob on June 03, 2019, 01:45:44 PM
Service changes at the end of this month in Cannock and still no updates? ????
Updates on here or for the general public?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 03, 2019, 09:28:13 PM
Updates on here or for the general public?
General public?
Quote from: Bob on June 04, 2019, 12:27:48 AM
General public?
Should be on the website this week. Timetable leaflets are at print.
Dont forget to throw some Walsall way.
Quote from: Westy on June 04, 2019, 12:30:20 PM
Dont forget to throw some Walsall way.
Of course.
Hi
Changes from 29th June - should be public in the next 24 hours or so on the website but here is a special preview for you all:
• 1 Cannock/Great Wyrley/Bloxwich/Walsall: Frequency will be improved to provide a bus every 20 minutes on Mondays to Fridays between Cannock and Walsall. A bus every 30 minutes on Saturdays will be maintained. Route 1 will no longer operate between Cannock and Huntington, and this will be replaced by route 2.
• 2 Huntington/Cannock/Cheslyn Hay/Bloxwich/Walsall: Extended beyond Cannock and co-ordinate with route 74 to provide a bus every 15 minutes between Huntington and Cannock. Buses will continue to operate every 30 minutes on Mondays to Saturdays, while buses between Bloxwich and Walsall will be diverted to offer new links from Blakenall to Walsall, Bloxwich and Cannock..
• 3/3a Cannock/Norton Canes/Brownhills/Walsall: The number of journeys serving the Norton Green Lane and Chapel Street area of Norton Canes to Brownhills, Walsall and Cannock will be increased from three a day to every 60 minutes, Monday to Saturday. Route 3a will serve the Norton East Road area of Norton Canes every 60 minutes, maintaining a link to Brownhills and Walsall. The 3 operates every 60 minutes between Cannock and Walsall and the 3A every 60 minutes between Norton Canes and Walsall.
• 60/60a Cannock/Norton Canes/Chasetown/Lichfield: Frequency is being improved to provide a bus every 15 minutes on Mondays to Saturdays between Cannock, Heath Hayes, Norton Canes, Chasetown, Burntwood and Lichfield. A new route, numbered 60a provides Hawks Green, Heath Hayes and Norton Canes with more frequent links to Cannock, Chasetown and Lichfield.
• 61/61a Cannock/Wimblebury/Boney Hay/Lichfield: These services are being withdrawn due to low passenger numbers travelling to and from Lichfield. Going forward, transport into Cannock from Hawks Green (Gorsemoor Road) and Heath Hayes (Langholm Drive) will be available on route 3, while route 62 will serve Wimblebury and routes 60/60a will serve Chasetown and Burntwood.
• 62/62a/62s Cannock/Hednesford/ Rawnsley/Lichfield: The service from Cannock will now terminate at Cannock Wood/Prospect Village, with more frequent connections available to Lichfield on routes 60/60a from Cannock Bus Station every 15 minutes.
• 63 Cannock/Hednesford/Rugeley: The timetable of route 63 is being slightly revised to provide better connections at Cannock Bus Station with the improved route 60a.
• 70 Cannock/Cheslyn Hay/Featherstone/Wolverhampton: A revised timetable will be introduced with certain early morning and late afternoon journeys on Saturdays being withdrawn due to low passenger numbers. In addition, the 8.45am, 14.45pm and 15.15pm departures from Cannock to Wolverhampton, and the 8.12am and 14.12pm departures from Wolverhampton to Cannock, will no longer serve Ascot Drive and Bideford Way in Cannock on Mondays to Fridays due car parking along this section of the route causing delays. These buses will operate direct along Longford Road instead.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 05, 2019, 07:59:41 AM
Of course.
And my community centre and library please. I can collect some if its easier. Thanks for sharing the above, what about the 2E/A?
Hang on.
Have you given up on Somerfield Road as well?
No buses for my road then, if thats the case.
Quote from: Westy on June 05, 2019, 12:35:10 PM
Hang on.
Have you given up on Somerfield Road as well?
No buses for my road then, if thats the case.
Unfortunately that is correct.
Have you actually got enough Sapphire vehicles? They struggle as it is!
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 05, 2019, 01:01:28 PM
Unfortunately that is correct.
Does that count for Turnberry as well?
I'd better have a word with NWM & see if there's a replacement.
(I'd be surprised if there is though!)
Is the Blakenall section replacing the 19 because I was under the impression elsewhere on here Nx had got the rest of the 19?
Quote from: Westy on June 05, 2019, 04:10:32 PM
Does that count for Turnberry as well?
I'd better have a word with NWM & see if there's a replacement.
(I'd be surprised if there is though!)
Is the Blakenall section replacing the 19 because I was under the impression elsewhere on here Nx had got the rest of the 19?
Hi
Still doing Turnberry with the 2. As I understand it, the 19 is still going to be running.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 04, 2019, 08:41:27 AM
Should be on the website this week. Timetable leaflets are at print.
All on the website now.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/updates/cannock-network-service-changes/
While I understand the Staffordshire section of the new 2a is a tender, what is the status of the West Midlands section? Is it a TfWm tender added on, a full Staffs tender covering part of the Wm, or fully commercial?
When there is plenty of buses using that section, why does the 2a go that way as well?
Quote from: Westy on June 05, 2019, 06:09:28 PM
While I understand the Staffordshire section of the new 2a is a tender, what is the status of the West Midlands section? Is it a TfWm tender added on, a full Staffs tender covering part of the Wm, or fully commercial?
When there is plenty of buses using that section, why does the 2a go that way as well?
Fully commercial.
Will Cannock garage be requiring more Sapphire buses then?
Interesting competition vs NXWM on the 2 & 3, good luck
But I'm intrigued by the loss of the link from the Cannock Wood area to at least Burntwood, the local shops for many people there (and personally a handy link to the scout campsite in that corner of Cannock Chase)
Quote from: Bob on June 05, 2019, 07:20:26 PM
Will Cannock garage be requiring more Sapphire buses then?
It does need more and we don't have them at the moment. The 1 will be prioritised for Sapphire allocation.
Quote from: Kevin on June 06, 2019, 08:29:59 AM
Interesting competition vs NXWM on the 2 & 3, good luck
But I'm intrigued by the loss of the link from the Cannock Wood area to at least Burntwood, the local shops for many people there (and personally a handy link to the scout campsite in that corner of Cannock Chase)
Fair point but the usage is really low.
@Simon@Arriva Could you not work in any later 2A journeys from Walsall, or even Bloxwich, Friday/Saturday evenings? Like you do the 60 & 825?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 06, 2019, 09:51:38 AM
It does need more and we don't have them at the moment. The 1 will be prioritised for Sapphire allocation.
Any tat on the 2 then? Darts ? Solos? Has the X51 got Arriva panicking a bit? As from what ive seen of the 1 the loadings were never massive even before the X51 started? Certainly not enough to justify a 20 min frequency? Is the 2 no longer going to be Sapphire then?
https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2019/06/06/passengers-facing-changes-to-bus-timetables-in-lichfield-and-burntwood/
Sad news about 61 and 62,are the revised timetables online?
Quote from: Lichfield_Lad link=topic=5128.msg26056r5#msg260565 date=1559856412
https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2019/06/06/passengers-facing-changes-to-bus-timetables-in-lichfield-and-burntwood/
Sad news about 61 and 62,are the revised timetables online?
Couldn't they atleast send the 62 to sankeys corner like they did 10 years ago
Quote from: Lichfield_Lad on June 06, 2019, 10:26:52 PM
https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2019/06/06/passengers-facing-changes-to-bus-timetables-in-lichfield-and-burntwood/
Sad news about 61 and 62,are the revised timetables online?
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/updates/cannock-network-service-changes/
Simon
Just had a reply from TfWm about the loss of service along Somerfield Road & Im asking the same question to both of you.
Why wasnt diverting the service along Leamore Lane(right at Kfc!) & Beechdale considered instead?
Quote from: Westy on June 07, 2019, 03:48:39 PM
Simon
Just had a reply from TfWm about the loss of service along Somerfield Road & Im asking the same question to both of you.
Why wasnt diverting the service along Leamore Lane(right at Kfc!) & Beechdale considered instead?
Hi,
It was considered.
Quote from: Bob on June 06, 2019, 06:14:41 PM
Any tat on the 2 then? Darts ? Solos? Has the X51 got Arriva panicking a bit? As from what ive seen of the 1 the loadings were never massive even before the X51 started? Certainly not enough to justify a 20 min frequency? Is the 2 no longer going to be Sapphire then?
We will be trying to source additional Sapphire vehicles.
It's obvious that arriva are scared of NX, if not why increase the frequency of the 1 & the 60 to every 15 mins. It's because arriva fear that NX will take all of the burntwood to Lichfield passengers and as for the 1 arriva fear that the introduction of a new and more frequent service to and from walsall will provide a better option for passengers because of arriva's allocation problems on the route. By problems I mean a premium 'sapphire' route which is supposed to have streetlites but instead has darts solos etc which aren't reliable as it is. If it weren't for the 10A arriva wouldn't of shortened the 62, the only reason why they did it was because nx are targeting the 60's line of route not the 61/62's hense the frequency increase.
@BusMan Greg - This thread is 'NOT' for passing comment, it is for Q & A's to Simon @ Arriva only, use the other Arriva garage threads for discussion/comments, Winston.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 07, 2019, 04:28:51 PM
We will be trying to source additional Sapphire vehicles.
From where?
@Simon@Arriva are there any plans for a Telford network change anytime soon?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 08, 2019, 09:39:54 AM
Anywhere that has them.
And will this be done before the changes do you think?]
Quote from: Bob on June 08, 2019, 10:09:11 AM
And will this be done before the changes do you think?]
I doubt it unfortunately.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on June 08, 2019, 09:45:43 AM
@Simon@Arriva are there any plans for a Telford network change anytime soon?
There may be some minor changes later in the year but not a full network change.
I heard a rumour that the 62 might be getting withdrawn due to a problem with the current proposed route at Cannock wood. Is this true?
Is Tamworth Depot doing TZ2 Twycross Zoo route from next month Simon
Quote from: BusMan Greg on June 10, 2019, 06:44:31 PM
I heard a rumour that the 62 might be getting withdrawn due to a problem with the current proposed route at Cannock wood. Is this true?
The new 62 is not being withdrawn - it has not started yet.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 10, 2019, 06:57:31 PM
Is Tamworth Depot doing TZ2 Twycross Zoo route from next month Simon
No, one of the Leicester depots are doing it after it has done a Leicester to Drayton Manor service.
Hi
@Simon@Arriva. I took a ride on 2496 earlier on the 25 at 13:30 from Aldridge to Kingstanding, and I just want to compliment the driver who was very nice and friendly. Anyway with the 25 changing operators to Diamond as of next week, I'm just wondering if the Sprinters will be moving from Cannock?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 11, 2019, 03:56:41 PM
Hi @Simon@Arriva. I took a ride on 2496 earlier on the 25 at 13:30 from Aldridge to Kingstanding, and I just want to compliment the driver who was very nice and friendly. Anyway with the 25 changing operators to Diamond as of next week, I'm just wondering if the Sprinters will be moving from Cannock?
Thank you very much - I will make sure that is passed on.
The Sprinters are leaving Cannock and going to Hinckley to replace the ones they have there - those are then going back to Arriva Southern Counties.
The new 62 will be amended from 29th June so that it operates to/from Sankeys Corner.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 13, 2019, 02:52:56 PM
The new 62 will be amended from 29th June so that it operates to/from Sankeys Corner.
What influenced arriva to make that decision, although I ain't complaining this idea is 10 times better than the original plan
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 13, 2019, 02:52:00 PM
Thank you very much - I will make sure that is passed on.
The Sprinters are leaving Cannock and going to Hinckley to replace the ones they have there - those are then going back to Arriva Southern Counties.
Have you had much feedback about the Sprinters?
I tried one on the 25 not long after you took it over, from Bloxwich, but had to get off at Pelsall, as the speed humps around the Leamore area didnt half give my back gyp!
Dont remember the other operators on the route having similar issues.
@Simon@Arriva I'm now stranded in Bloxwich because the number 2E left the high street (which is a timing point I believe) 3 minutes early. 3 minutes doesn't sound much but when it's the last bus of the night with no alternative 🤔 Got to ring family to get a lift.
There might be a bit of reeducation needed for both passengers & drivers on routes crossing from Staffs into Wm.
Case in point, the number 1 Ive just caught from Walsall, the driver had to advise 2 female passengers that their Stafford / Cannock tickets were not valid from Walsall & they should have had a Midlands one instead!
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 13, 2019, 08:44:12 PM
@Simon@Arriva I'm now stranded in Bloxwich because the number 2E left the high street (which is a timing point I believe) 3 minutes early. 3 minutes doesn't sound much but when it's the last bus of the night with no alternative 🤔 Got to ring family to get a lift.
Hi Lee.
Sorry to read this. I have asked the depot manager to investigate.
Quote from: Westy on June 13, 2019, 06:39:29 PM
Have you had much feedback about the Sprinters?
I tried one on the 25 not long after you took it over, from Bloxwich, but had to get off at Pelsall, as the speed humps around the Leamore area didnt half give my back gyp!
Dont remember the other operators on the route having similar issues.
Hi
No feedback at all has reached me from customers but we may have had some through Customer Services and in the depot. Drivers like them and are sorry to see them go. Sorry to hear about your back.
Quote from: Westy on June 14, 2019, 04:14:35 PM
There might be a bit of reeducation needed for both passengers & drivers on routes crossing from Staffs into Wm.
Case in point, the number 1 Ive just caught from Walsall, the driver had to advise 2 female passengers that their Stafford / Cannock tickets were not valid from Walsall & they should have had a Midlands one instead!
Ok thanks. I will ask the depot manager to get something out.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on June 13, 2019, 06:29:40 PM
What influenced arriva to make that decision, although I ain't complaining this idea is 10 times better than the original plan
Various feedback from customers, drivers and local stakeholders. Happy to listen and make changes if we can.
Are Cannock Sprinters for Hinckley 1002 1003 1004 is that correct
When will they head for Hinckley Simon
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 17, 2019, 10:16:21 AM
Are Cannock Sprinters for Hinckley 1002 1003 1004 is that correct
When will they head for Hinckley Simon
Yes.
Should be there by end of this week.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 17, 2019, 08:35:46 AM
Hi Lee.
Sorry to read this. I have asked the depot manager to investigate.
Thanks. Less of an issue during the day especially when the 1 will be more frequent but last bus at night should be on time or even a few mins late.
When will timetables be in cannock / Wyrley?
Just thought I mention it but the driver of the 14.30 service 1 to sutton hill telford is running 5 mins late which is not his fault as it arrived late in on its previous journey but I dont think he driving safely in regards to speed in a bit up area of the route ie possibly doing more than 30mph.
Sorry if this seems negative but I thought it needs highliting
Quote from: Rich-82 on June 19, 2019, 02:49:37 PM
Just thought I mention it but the driver of the 14.30 service 1 to sutton hill telford is running 5 mins late which is not his fault as it arrived late in on its previous journey but I dont think he driving safely in regards to speed in a bit up area of the route ie possibly doing more than 30mph.
Sorry if this seems negative but I thought it needs highliting
OK thanks for the feedback. Have passed on to the depot.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 17, 2019, 01:25:39 PM
Thanks. Less of an issue during the day especially when the 1 will be more frequent but last bus at night should be on time or even a few mins late.
When will timetables be in cannock / Wyrley?
We are doing the delivery rounds this week.
Simon, you're probably aware from when you worked for NX, that faretables for services were made available on their website.
Any plans for Arriva to do the same?
@Simon@Arriva The number 1 on the new timetable departs from cannock one minute before the X51. Is this deliberate or coincidence? Will this not block Stand 8? There's only 1 space for a bus to wait perhaps you should put the 1 and 2 at the same stand like before.
Why do your Streetlites STILL advertise USB charging when its obvious that the sockets are STILL all dead! Surely youre breaching some trading standards as the product isnt sold as advertised? If i bought a pair of jeans advertised with buttons and their werent any?
Quote from: Westy on June 23, 2019, 03:27:00 PM
Simon, you're probably aware from when you worked for NX, that faretables for services were made available on their website.
Any plans for Arriva to do the same?
There is a new website planned but I am not sure what features this will have or when it will be available.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 23, 2019, 05:08:05 PM
@Simon@Arriva The number 1 on the new timetable departs from cannock one minute before the X51. Is this deliberate or coincidence? Will this not block Stand 8? There's only 1 space for a bus to wait perhaps you should put the 1 and 2 at the same stand like before.
Coincidence due to the way the running times work.
Quote from: Bob on June 25, 2019, 06:26:10 AM
Why do your Streetlites STILL advertise USB charging when its obvious that the sockets are STILL all dead! Surely youre breaching some trading standards as the product isnt sold as advertised? If i bought a pair of jeans advertised with buttons and their werent any?
Thanks for this. Do you have a fleet number please? The last one I was on had them working.
No but it was on the 6.13am from Cannock . Should be easy to find. Seats were still filthy from the day before covered in crisps and crumbs. I wouldnt normally entertain paying 2.70 to travel on one of them but the 6.06 X51 did not run
Quote from: Bob on June 25, 2019, 01:13:24 PM
No but it was on the 6.13am from Cannock . Should be easy to find. Seats were still filthy from the day before covered in crisps and crumbs. I wouldnt normally entertain paying 2.70 to travel on one of them but the 6.06 X51 did not run
Ok thanks - will get it looked at.
Hi,
Firstly I would like to say how much I enjoyed your Arriva Click service in Leicester this evening. The bus was very nice, brilliant Driver and all in all a really good service (vehicle reg RF68FMC)
Have Arriva ever thought of introducing a Similar service in Cannock/Stafford as a way to increase patronage/compete against taxis and uber/Ola?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 25, 2019, 10:21:30 AM
Thanks for this. Do you have a fleet number please? The last one I was on had them working.
I noticed this the other day when I caught the 2E from Cannock
@Simon@Arriva. The vehicles do infact have USB charging ports fitted into the plug sockets, but I find most of the time they don't work. However the plug socket I used did work on 3309 which I was happy about! Might it be better to have the advertisement stating that "Charging ports are available on this vehicle" or something like that rather than USB sockets? I think the advertisement for USB sockets is on the new update with the new Arriva Sapphire logo, as it showed on 3309. But the next stop announcements themselves did not sound.
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 27, 2019, 09:05:10 PM
Hi,
Firstly I would like to say how much I enjoyed your Arriva Click service in Leicester this evening. The bus was very nice, brilliant Driver and all in all a really good service (vehicle reg RF68FMC)
Have Arriva ever thought of introducing a Similar service in Cannock/Stafford as a way to increase patronage/compete against taxis and uber/Ola?
Hi
Glad you liked it! I think it is really good.
The team that looks after Click are always looking at options of where it can be launched next but I don't know what the firm plans are.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 28, 2019, 02:37:57 AM
I noticed this the other day when I caught the 2E from Cannock @Simon@Arriva. The vehicles do infact have USB charging ports fitted into the plug sockets, but I find most of the time they don't work. However the plug socket I used did work on 3309 which I was happy about! Might it be better to have the advertisement stating that "Charging ports are available on this vehicle" or something like that rather than USB sockets? I think the advertisement for USB sockets is on the new update with the new Arriva Sapphire logo, as it showed on 3309. But the next stop announcements themselves did not sound.
Thanks for the feedback.
@Simon@Arriva given the high levels of housing development in the Shifnal area, are there any plans to introduce a service to some of the new estates?
@Simon@Arriva See attachment. Will the number 2 divert the 2A route as previously when the bridge has been closed? We are all fed up of this disruption and I bet you are too as it affects your route.
Hey Simon,
Not sure if you know the Leicester operation well, but do you know what the plans are for the removal of the B7TLs from Wigston and DB250s from Thurmaston? Also what'll be replacing them. I'm guessing more E400MMCs but hope you'd be able to clarify. Thanks
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on June 30, 2019, 02:19:46 PM
Hey Simon,
Not sure if you know the Leicester operation well, but do you know what the plans are for the removal of the B7TLs from Wigston and DB250s from Thurmaston? Also what'll be replacing them. I'm guessing more E400MMCs but hope you'd be able to clarify. Thanks
Hi
No plans that I am aware of.
Don't know if you've actually sent leaflets down to Walsall yet but the lady behind the counter could only give out photocopies of the version that is on the Staffs site.
(The 'chapter & verse' version that lists every stop!)
Quote from: Westy on July 01, 2019, 04:59:30 PM
Don't know if you've actually sent leaflets down to Walsall yet but the lady behind the counter could only give out photocopies of the version that is on the Staffs site.
(The 'chapter & verse' version that lists every stop!)
OK thanks,
Will get some taken there asap.
Hi Simon,
Can you purchase cash single only fares on the number 9 between Wolverhampton and Worfield or is it app, daysavers only ?
Thanks,
Quote from: TT90 on July 02, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
Hi Simon,
Can you purchase cash single only fares on the number 9 between Wolverhampton and Worfield or is it app, daysavers only ?
Thanks,
Hi
Yes you can.
This will probably be more a TfWm issue than yours specifically, but if the timetable has changed by now, the bus stops between Bloxwich & Walsall have not been updated yet after 5 days, both the flags & the timetable posters.
(I like all operators to have a level playing field!)
Quote from: Westy on July 03, 2019, 05:46:12 PM
This will probably be more a TfWm issue than yours specifically, but if the timetable has changed by now, the bus stops between Bloxwich & Walsall have not been updated yet after 5 days, both the flags & the timetable posters.
(I like all operators to have a level playing field!)
Hi
Yes and it is not good. There has been some mix up but TfWM are doing them asap now.
Hi
@Simon@Arriva yours aren't the only timetables & stops that haven't been alterered, but yes TfWM are on the case now asap.
Hi Simon this is Regarding the the Telford Garage I caught the Number 2 Service from Sutton Hill Telford to Telford Town Centre this Morning. It was late cant remember how many minutes late though but after doing the loop around Sutton Hill the driver asked the passengers if they knew the Diversion route afound Halesfield Industial Park as roads are closed at present. Surely the garage would have been notified and all drivers informed of this.
Also on this service after going through Brookside the driver completeley missed the Junction to head towards Dawley. The driver did go to the nearest roundabout to turn round to get back on route.
But there was NO Apology from the driver about the mistake as passengers were looking in amazement at the mistake. The bus was 2148 and arrived at least 10 mins late in to Telford Bus Station.
Never really have an issue with the Telford Garage but i think there could better communications to drivers about service diversions. I know the drivers drive different routes but surely there should a communication to all drivers
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 01, 2019, 08:56:27 PM
OK thanks,
Will get some taken there asap.
Number 3 is on the rack so far!
Electric bus in Shrewsbury for a couple of weeks from today. Likely to be on Park and Rides but might make it on to the 436 as well. A Yutong E10 in London spec.
Just to give you an update on the Bloxwich corridor, as far as Bloxwich Road is concerned, the flags have mostly changed, but not the timetable posters!
(And no one has been down Somerfield Road, to remove their stops yet either!)
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 11, 2019, 05:16:55 PM
Electric bus in Shrewsbury for a couple of weeks from today. Likely to be on Park and Rides but might make it on to the 436 as well. A Yutong E10 in London spec.
Will any other garages see this?
I heard a rumor that stagecoach have bought arriva. Is this true?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 14, 2019, 10:22:53 PM
I heard a rumor that stagecoach have bought arriva. Is this true?
Don't you think a big story like that would be all over the internet?
Even if it was true, Simon, as a Director of the company would not be able to answer due to stock market rules.
Quote from: ntw456 on July 11, 2019, 06:25:53 PM
Will any other garages see this?
Possibly Telford.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 15, 2019, 09:44:43 AM
Possibly Telford.
Do you know what route this would run on?
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on July 15, 2019, 03:20:17 PM
Do you know what route this would run on?
Not at the moment.
@Simon@Arriva When will we have more sapphire buses for the 1 / 2 / 2A?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 18, 2019, 06:53:43 PM
@Simon@Arriva When will we have more sapphire buses for the 1 / 2 / 2A?
Apologies for delay to respond - my area now covers the 4 Leicester depots and I have been busy over there.
Not sure as yet on any more Sapphire vehicles.
why are you bothering to run the 2 through the estates in bloxwich speaking to your own drivers they all say its a waist of time why do it
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 21, 2019, 10:47:32 AM
Apologies for delay to respond - my area now covers the 4 Leicester depots and I have been busy over there.
Not sure as yet on any more Sapphire vehicles.
Will they even be bothering? The 1 and particularly the 2 must be loss making now
I have asked and the UK Bus Fleet person is looking for me. I can't do anymore than that.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 22, 2019, 05:11:52 PM
I have asked and the UK Bus Fleet person is looking for me. I can't do anymore than that.
Could they not do better than Darts Commanders and Solos though ? Considering there are Pulsars ( which recently were for Wolves as its "interurban" tjen not then pye greens, then Staffords as theyre "intwrurban") on pye greens literally daily?
Personally I'd concentrate on allocating sapphire vehicles on the 1 and in honesty I would allocate the solos to the 2?
You've now got the correct timetable posters on the Bloxwich Road corridor now.
Don't know about the Blakenall corridor unless anyone that lives on that section knows.
(And we've still got the stops down Somerfield Road, but I'll have to speak to TfWM about those!)
Quote from: Westy on July 22, 2019, 07:03:19 PM
You've now got the correct timetable posters on the Bloxwich Road corridor now.
Don't know about the Blakenall corridor unless anyone that lives on that section knows.
(And we've still got the stops down Somerfield Road, but I'll have to speak to TfWM about those!)
OK thanks for the update.
Quote from: Bob on July 22, 2019, 05:31:00 PM
Could they not do better than Darts Commanders and Solos though ? Considering there are Pulsars ( which recently were for Wolves as its "interurban" tjen not then pye greens, then Staffords as theyre "intwrurban") on pye greens literally daily?
Yes they can do better - remains an ongoing challenge.
1003 1004 arrived at Hinckley a few weeks ago & no sign of 1002 Simon
Are Hinckley Due any buses brought in
A question for Simon: you said a few days ago that your area now covers the 4 Leicester depots. Is this in addition to the Arriva Midlands North depots, and Derby? Thanks.
Quote from: Justin Tyme on July 24, 2019, 08:58:30 PM
A question for Simon: you said a few days ago that your area now covers the 4 Leicester depots. Is this in addition to the Arriva Midlands North depots, and Derby? Thanks.
Yes
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 22, 2019, 05:11:52 PM
I have asked and the UK Bus Fleet person is looking for me. I can't do anymore than that.
Two were moved to Luton a few years ago according to this website but they probably still need them. Do you still have plans to do something with the bus stop flags? They declined our offer/request.
Also the number 17:10 number 60 from cannock is constantly late again like before Christmas. It improved after the January timetable changes bus gone back to being late since June. Sometimes 15 - 20 minutes.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 29, 2019, 10:47:43 PM
Also the number 17:10 number 60 from cannock is constantly late again like before Christmas. It improved after the January timetable changes bus gone back to being late since June. Sometimes 15 - 20 minutes.
Ok thanks. Will have a look at what is happening with it.
Seriously when are they going to put better non sapphire buses on the 1 and 2? Refurbed Pulsars on the Pye Greens today and threadbare tat on the 1...
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 21, 2019, 10:47:32 AM
Apologies for delay to respond - my area now covers the 4 Leicester depots and I have been busy over there.
Not sure as yet on any more Sapphire vehicles.
You can tell someones been busy at Wigston as the random bus generator seems to have finally settled down. Remove 4028 which breaks down on more days than it doesn't and the depot would be providing a better service than for many years. Also could do with looking at some of the drivers rotas to remove mid-journey changeovers during the morning rush hour or at the very least a more reliable system for ensuring the replacement driver is ready and waiting for the bus to arrive.
@Simon@Arriva I think a return of the X68 could work if it ran from Hednesford Tesco then the previous route via Cannock Bus Stn and New Cross Hospital. Maybe at peak times to begin with, and a special day saver for NHS staff. I know there would be no financial support like before.
One of your Sapphires has just broken down in Walsall.
Apparently it wouldn't start!
(On a 1 by the way!)
I decided to catch a 2 & go the 'scenic ' route via Blakenall back to Bloxwich!
Are the rumours correcy that Cannock is to lose its Streetlites? If so presumably the 1 and 2 would no longer be Sapphire routes?
heard a rumor that cannock and a couple of garages have been bought by a company from the north is this true
Quote from: evo mark on August 16, 2019, 11:03:15 AM
heard a rumor that cannock and a couple of garages have been bought by a company from the north is this true
Directors of companies are not allowed to confirm rumours. It is against stock market rules, So Simon may not be able to answer that question. The only answer he would allowed to give is 'No'
They definitely haven't bought them or there would be a stock market announcement, but that doesn't mean there isn't negotiations going on. I personally have not heard anything, so don't think my answer gives a clue either way
What is the correct precedure from a driver following a RTA?
Was involved in a pretty major collision on the 50 in Leicester earlier and the driver did absolutely nothing to obtain whether there was any injured passengers on board or provide passengers with any information as to contact customer services and encouraged passengers to leave the area before any other arriva representatives were present.
I heard the Streetlites are now down to 2 or 3 now? Can you confirm the 1 and 2 are now downgraded?
Hi
Back from 2 weeks off today.
A couple of quick responses:
1. Yes the Streetlites are coming out of Cannock as needed in another depot for various reasons. The 1 and 2 will not be Sapphire anymore.
2. Thanks for the suggestion of the X68 but I think it is very unlikely.
3. 17.10 number 60 timekeeping under review.
Quote from: AlexS on August 16, 2019, 01:04:28 PM
What is the correct precedure from a driver following a RTA?
Was involved in a pretty major collision on the 50 in Leicester earlier and the driver did absolutely nothing to obtain whether there was any injured passengers on board or provide passengers with any information as to contact customer services and encouraged passengers to leave the area before any other arriva representatives were present.
Hi
Sorry to hear this and it doesn't sound right. I hope you are ok. Can you send me some more details about the time/bus number etc please so I can investigate.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 21, 2019, 09:31:36 AM
1. Yes the Streetlites are coming out of Cannock as needed in another depot for various reasons. The 1 and 2 will not be Sapphire anymore.
Wow im suprised. Will you be branding regular buses for those routes like the Chase Linx days?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 21, 2019, 09:31:36 AM
1. Yes the Streetlites are coming out of Cannock as needed in another depot for various reasons. The 1 and 2 will not be Sapphire anymore.
Hi Simon - Did passenger numbers increase when you rebranded to Sapphire? Is this a case of numbers increased so we'll revert to older buses as we've grown patronage and these passengers will travel on whatever bus is allocated, or, did passenger numbers stay the same/decrease so no need to maintain the brand/investment that Sapphire was intended?
Quote from: Wumpty on August 21, 2019, 10:42:50 AM
Hi Simon - Did passenger numbers increase when you rebranded to Sapphire? Is this a case of numbers increased so we'll revert to older buses as we've grown patronage and these passengers will travel on whatever bus is allocated, or, did passenger numbers stay the same/decrease so no need to maintain the brand/investment that Sapphire was intended?
Hi
I can't really comment on this.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 21, 2019, 11:32:29 AM
Hi
I can't really comment on this.
Thanks for replying anyway Simon - it was a genuine question where I'd like to understand the rationale.
I've worked in a number of industries, including the bus industry, where we've dangled the carrot to retain existing customers and encourage new business, to then revert to old world with mixed results.
Hello
@Simon@Arriva Can I purchase the staffordshire knot ticket on the 70 in Featherstone
Hello Simon
Which Garage will be having Cannocks Streetlights
Is Hinckley having any new buses
Are MIRA Buses at Hinckley & Tamworth having Repaints
I've noticed on Sapphire 158 they got fresh air for Leicester logo put on there buses
Hey Simon,
Why do you guys run the special summer services to Drayton and Twycross? You have to be losing money operating it. Nobodies on them.
Hi Simon
Are the Centros heading for Cannock garage? If they were, would it be likely that Telfords Centros might come back also in exchange for Pulsars as they are in similar numbers, for standardisation purposes?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 21, 2019, 09:44:56 AM
Hi
Sorry to hear this and it doesn't sound right. I hope you are ok. Can you send me some more details about the time/bus number etc please so I can investigate.
07:50 50 from Fosse Park into Leicester on Friday 16th August. Ticket suggests it was 4501.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 21, 2019, 11:59:08 PM
Hey Simon,
Why do you guys run the special summer services to Drayton and Twycross? You have to be losing money operating it. Nobodies on them.
We run them because we put together a business case after someone suggested that we give them a go. We have operated buses to Twycross before from Nuneaton and we also extend the 5A to Twinlakes at Melton. I have not seen any usage figures yet but some drivers tell me that they have carried people.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on August 21, 2019, 07:51:23 PM
Hello Simon
Which Garage will be having Cannocks Streetlights
Is Hinckley having any new buses
Are MIRA Buses at Hinckley & Tamworth having Repaints
I've noticed on Sapphire 158 they got fresh air for Leicester logo put on there buses
Streetlites are going to MK.
No new buses for Hinckley at the moment.
No plans to paint MIRA buses at the moment.
Yes, Leicester City Council have asked us to apply the stickers to buses that have had the Euro VI retrofit as part of the Clean Air Zone.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 21, 2019, 12:18:56 PM
Hello @Simon@Arriva Can I purchase the staffordshire knot ticket on the 70 in Featherstone
Yes. Can be sold anywhere in Staffordshire.
Quote from: Wumpty on August 21, 2019, 11:44:24 AM
Thanks for replying anyway Simon - it was a genuine question where I'd like to understand the rationale.
I've worked in a number of industries, including the bus industry, where we've dangled the carrot to retain existing customers and encourage new business, to then revert to old world with mixed results.
To be fair the decision on the Streetlites is more about the depot they are going to than Cannock or the 1/2 routes.
@Simon@Arriva You should consider running a service on Sunday and/or Bank Holiday Monday of the Lichfield Food Festival. It ran over the weekend and every year it's really busy. Perhaps the same set up as the Bower day which you ran a 60, 825 and X65. Not sure of there will be one between now and in 12 months time.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 27, 2019, 03:07:19 PM
To be fair the decision on the Streetlites is more about the depot they are going to than Cannock or the 1/2 routes.
So in the entire uk op theres no spare Sapphire buses resulting in a suppisedly premium route being reduced to having anything thrown on it?
Hi Simon,
How much do Arriva need roughly to make a route viable per bus? Stagecoach are relatively open with their numbers (if you contact the right people). I'm just wondering why a lot of routes which Arriva say are unviable can be quickly picked up by another big operator who finds it viable. Are your overheads a lot higher or is it just Arriva PLC wants more money for each bus?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 27, 2019, 03:07:19 PM
To be fair the decision on the Streetlites is more about the depot they are going to than Cannock or the 1/2 routes.
Thanks for that Simon - always appreciate your time!
Hey Simon!
When will the Leicester depots start having live tracking on bustimes.org?
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 28, 2019, 06:00:20 PM
Hey Simon!
When will the Leicester depots start having live tracking on bustimes.org?
Hi
I didn't know that they didn't - or that they did track in other areas.
Quote from: IMarkeh on August 27, 2019, 11:29:41 PM
Hi Simon,
How much do Arriva need roughly to make a route viable per bus? Stagecoach are relatively open with their numbers (if you contact the right people). I'm just wondering why a lot of routes which Arriva say are unviable can be quickly picked up by another big operator who finds it viable. Are your overheads a lot higher or is it just Arriva PLC wants more money for each bus?
I am afraid that I am not able to answer that other than to say I imagine we are broadly the same as Stagecoach.
Quote from: Bob on August 27, 2019, 07:41:46 PM
So in the entire uk op theres no spare Sapphire buses resulting in a suppisedly premium route being reduced to having anything thrown on it?
I asked and the answer was no.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 29, 2019, 08:56:46 PM
I asked and the answer was no.
When do the last of the Streetlites go? And replacements come?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 29, 2019, 08:54:46 PM
Hi
I didn't know that they didn't - or that they did track in other areas.
The Midlands North/West (Cannock, Tamworth etc) have their vehicles appearing on bustimes.org
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 30, 2019, 03:31:08 PM
The Midlands North/West (Cannock, Tamworth etc) have their vehicles appearing on bustimes.org
It seems to pick up every bus that does Leicester's 26 too (e.g. 2525, 2528, 2529, 2938 and 2950 as today's examples)
Noticed an Arriva Leicester 58/58A branded Versa passing Sheldon Tesco on the Coventry Road at 14:00.
Do you know what it was doing in Birmingham and where it was going?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on August 29, 2019, 08:55:43 PM
I am afraid that I am not able to answer that other than to say I imagine we are broadly the same as Stagecoach.
It's interesting how open Stagecoach are about that but Arriva are quite secretive about where the viable mark is.
Quote from: IMarkeh on August 30, 2019, 08:07:52 PM
It's interesting how open Stagecoach are about that but Arriva are quite secretive about where the viable mark is.
Where do Stagecoach publish their 'viable' mark?
Quote from: 2206 on August 30, 2019, 05:53:25 PM
Noticed an Arriva Leicester 58/58A branded Versa passing Sheldon Tesco on the Coventry Road at 14:00.
Do you know what it was doing in Birmingham and where it was going?
I think to Graysons for Efan fitment.
Quote from: Bob on August 30, 2019, 01:54:08 AM
When do the last of the Streetlites go? And replacements come?
Over the next couple of weeks.
An arriva bus was sighted in Boney hay, Burntwood this afternoon. Is a new route planned for the Burntwood area?
what delightful vehicles shall we see dumped in Cannock once the streetlites go?, and guessing the last few remaining pulsars will be next on the hit list no doubt.
Notice the 60 route seems to be a end of life vehicle route these days too, clapped out old darts and solos a lot of the time, its no incentive to use the services at all >:(
@Simon@Arriva are there any plans to withdraw the 60xx numbered Optare Solo's in Shrewsbury anytime soon?
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on September 03, 2019, 03:02:58 PM
@Simon@Arriva are there any plans to withdraw the 60xx numbered Optare Solo's in Shrewsbury anytime soon?
Hi, not at the moment.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on September 02, 2019, 04:30:32 PM
An arriva bus was sighted in Boney hay, Burntwood this afternoon. Is a new route planned for the Burntwood area?
Where in Boney Hay?
Quote from: bovaman on September 02, 2019, 11:04:14 PM
what delightful vehicles shall we see dumped in Cannock once the streetlites go?, and guessing the last few remaining pulsars will be next on the hit list no doubt.
Notice the 60 route seems to be a end of life vehicle route these days too, clapped out old darts and solos a lot of the time, its no incentive to use the services at all >:(
Isnt it Centros from down South? To be fair even the knackered 52 plate Commanders are better than the Streetlites
@Simon@Arriva I have noticed some new bus stops on one of the new housing estates in Shifnal. Are Arriva planning to run a new service/divert existing services there?
What happened to the spat outstation in uttoxeter. And what routes were operated from it
@Simon@Arriva
Quote from: BusMan Greg on September 14, 2019, 04:43:19 PM
What happened to the spat outstation in uttoxeter. And what routes were operated from it @Simon@Arriva
No bus routes have operated from Spath in my time with Arriva (6 years). It was a car MOT centre but it was closed down in 2018.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on September 13, 2019, 08:46:24 PM
@Simon@Arriva I have noticed some new bus stops on one of the new housing estates in Shifnal. Are Arriva planning to run a new service/divert existing services there?
There are some discussions about this ongoing but I am not sure anything has been decided.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 18, 2019, 09:20:37 AM
There are some discussions about this ongoing but I am not sure anything has been decided.
Would that make a difference to a Wolverhampton to Telford service being reintroduced or not?
What would Cannocks average fleet age be now roughly ? With the very newest vehicles being two 8 year old pulsars? Id imagine its well over 10 years?
Quote from: Bob on September 18, 2019, 04:00:19 PM
What would Cannocks average fleet age be now roughly ? With the very newest vehicles being two 8 year old pulsars? Id imagine its well over 10 years?
I haven't calculated it with these latest changes but it was over 10 before so yes.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 19, 2019, 08:06:33 AM
I haven't calculated it with these latest changes but it was over 10 before so yes.
Why is all the investment being moved to leave it with a terrible fleet? Surely reliability will go down also? It doesnt look good
Are the remaining 4 Pulsars also leaving?
@Simon@Arriva Will you be refurbing the buses that have replaced the sapphires inside and/or out? The seats aren't great but seen worse.
Also so you are aware Landywood Lane bridge is due to be closed in October they are finally putting the footbridge back - I assume the number 2 will follow the 2A route on these days.
No 1, 2 or 3 leaflets in Walsall Bus Station again, unless there's a timetable charge you can't tell us about yet!
Quote from: Westy on September 21, 2019, 06:19:44 PM
No 1, 2 or 3 leaflets in Walsall Bus Station again, unless there's a timetable charge you can't tell us about yet!
I will get some over.
Quote from: Bob on September 19, 2019, 04:22:48 PM
Are the remaining 4 Pulsars also leaving?
No plans to move them at the moment.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on September 21, 2019, 03:47:36 PM
@Simon@Arriva Will you be refurbing the buses that have replaced the sapphires inside and/or out? The seats aren't great but seen worse.
Also so you are aware Landywood Lane bridge is due to be closed in October they are finally putting the footbridge back - I assume the number 2 will follow the 2A route on these days.
No scope to refurb the buses this year but need to put a plan together for my whole area in 2020 and these might be in that plan.
I imagine that will be the route.
No scope to refurbish them? Would you agree theyre in a pretty awful state?
Hello
@Simon@Arriva I'm 15 so what bus fare will I have to pay on the route 70 between Featherstone and the scotlands. I'm only asking this because the staffs under 16 cards have been cut
Cannock had recently refurbished quite a number of there fleet, then off they go to other depots & inherit hoards of rough end of life relics in exchange, No wonder they cannot refurb any more. Would seem pretty pointless refurbishing all them old knackers like them darts & solos, the paint & labour costs would be worth more than the things it would be sitting on. I guess us travelling folk of Staffordshire / Lichfield/Stafford/Rugeley side don't count for any quality or reliability with Arriva. What a sad & unreliable state of affairs its become, can it possibly get any worse ? :-(
@Simon@Arriva Hey Simon!
Now that Thurmaston has cut the U1/2/3, what is happening with the Citaro Bendies?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on September 23, 2019, 09:14:57 PM
Hello @Simon@Arriva I'm 15 so what bus fare will I have to pay on the route 70 between Featherstone and the scotlands. I'm only asking this because the staffs under 16 cards have been cut
Child fare up to the age of 16
Quote from: Bob on September 23, 2019, 09:10:05 PM
No scope to refurbish them? Would you agree theyre in a pretty awful state?
No scope because we are refurbing/repainting a load of other buses. Would be nice to do eveything but it can't be done.
Quote from: bovaman on September 23, 2019, 11:06:04 PM
Cannock had recently refurbished quite a number of there fleet, then off they go to other depots & inherit hoards of rough end of life relics in exchange, No wonder they cannot refurb any more. Would seem pretty pointless refurbishing all them old knackers like them darts & solos, the paint & labour costs would be worth more than the things it would be sitting on. I guess us travelling folk of Staffordshire / Lichfield/Stafford/Rugeley side don't count for any quality or reliability with Arriva. What a sad & unreliable state of affairs its become, can it possibly get any worse ? :-(
I am sorry you feel that way.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 24, 2019, 01:29:09 PM
No scope because we are refurbing/repainting a load of other buses. Would be nice to do eveything but it can't be done.
Investment for everywhere else bar Cannock then?
i have heard something that the land that the cannock depot is on has been sold does that mean you will close the garage?
Quote from: Bob on September 24, 2019, 03:54:10 PM
Investment for everywhere else bar Cannock then?
Cannock has had some refurbs - granted some of them have moved now
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on September 30, 2019, 09:45:51 AM
Cannock has had some refurbs - granted some of them have moved now
And its had many of them replaced by vehicles in a poor condition?
Would I be correct in thinking, with the departure of the Streetlites, Cannock no longer has any vehicles 'from new', all the current fleet started 'elsewhere ' in the Arriva empire?
It's a sorry state of affairs if correct.
Quote from: Westy on September 30, 2019, 12:45:54 PM
Would I be correct in thinking, with the departure of the Streetlites, Cannock no longer has any vehicles 'from new', all the current fleet started 'elsewhere ' in the Arriva empire?
It's a sorry state of affairs if correct.
I am sure you are correct but I have not actually checked.
@Simon@Arriva Two questions about Thurmaston.
1) What's happening with the Citaro's now they aren't needed on the U1/2/3.
2) Why are we getting so many Cadet's?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 04, 2019, 02:27:13 PM
I am sure you are correct but I have not actually checked.
3761/2 started life new in Cannock back in the day when they invested. They were for the 60/825. @Simon what is going on at Cannock? As in zero investment, the garage filled with end of life vehicles, a load of threadbare (seriously) interiored buses intended for Sapphire repmacements? As soneone else pointed out it looks like s garage being prepared for disposal
@Simon@Arriva Can you prioritise, where possible, the refurbs with USB charging and WiFi on the 1, 2, 2A routes as better replacements for the Sapphires?
Also wondering whether you could move the 2A to within the bus station at Walsall along the 31, 32's that run less frequently at night to increase numbers? Stands D - F should be much quieter.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on October 05, 2019, 11:59:51 AM
@Simon@Arriva Can you prioritise, where possible, the refurbs with USB charging and WiFi on the 1, 2, 2A routes as better replacements for the Sapphires?
Also wondering whether you could move the 2A to within the bus station at Walsall along the 31, 32's that run less frequently at night to increase numbers? Stands D - F should be much quieter.
Hi,
Working on a refurb plan for 2020 at the moment so will see what we can do.
Will have a look at evening 2A journeys yes.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on October 04, 2019, 10:03:55 PM
@Simon@Arriva
Two questions about Thurmaston.
1) What's happening with the Citaro's now they aren't needed on the U1/2/3.
2) Why are we getting so many Cadet's?
Hi
Not sure on the Citaro vehicles. No plan at the moment.
Cadets are in place to cover for some vehicles that are away for Eminox fitment or have accident damage/long term off the road.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 07, 2019, 08:18:08 PM
Hi,
Working on a refurb plan for 2020 at the moment so will see what we can do.
Will have a look at evening 2A journeys yes.
Of Cannocks vehicles, which are likely to be refurbished? Assuming the Centros are staying theyre in a really poor state inside
Does the 23.48 Sat night 74 journey run from the stop outside the Sun Inn on its way out of Stafford?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 07, 2019, 08:19:19 PM
Hi
Not sure on the Citaro vehicles. No plan at the moment.
Cadets are in place to cover for some vehicles that are away for Eminox fitment or have accident damage/long term off the road.
@Simon@Arriva Is this what's happened with 4201 and 4763 as they've not been out for months. I know 4776's been scrapped but nothing's been said about these.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on October 08, 2019, 08:24:27 PM
@Simon@Arriva Is this what's happened with 4201 and 4763 as they've not been out for months. I know 4776's been scrapped but nothing's been said about these.
We have also had a couple of buses off due to accident damage and the like.
Quote from: Bob on October 08, 2019, 09:53:38 AM
Of Cannocks vehicles, which are likely to be refurbished? Assuming the Centros are staying theyre in a really poor state inside
Still being worked up.
Quote from: Bob on October 08, 2019, 04:33:56 PM
Does the 23.48 Sat night 74 journey run from the stop outside the Sun Inn on its way out of Stafford?
Hi, yes it does.
Hi Simon, can I ask why the driver of 3795 on the 110 off Sutton to City at 1315 refused to accept an nBus ticket just because it was issued by Diamond? I'd expect your staff to know what tickets are valid? He seemed pretty arrogant to me and my friends.
Which is the best Telford route for Patronage
@Simon@Arriva ?
Hi Simon are Cannocks 4 remaining Pulsars moving on?
Would it make sense to swap them with 4 Centros from Telford? ( these being in better condition than the recent transfers in too)
Quote from: StourValley98 on October 19, 2019, 01:18:01 PM
Hi Simon, can I ask why the driver of 3795 on the 110 off Sutton to City at 1315 refused to accept an nBus ticket just because it was issued by Diamond? I'd expect your staff to know what tickets are valid? He seemed pretty arrogant to me and my friends.
So sorry to hear this. Will get the driver identified and find out.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on October 19, 2019, 08:16:46 PM
Which is the best Telford route for Patronage @Simon@Arriva ?
Hi
I am sure you will understand that I can't give you that information.
Quote from: Bob on October 20, 2019, 02:12:55 PM
Would it make sense to swap them with 4 Centros from Telford? ( these being in better condition than the recent transfers in too)
Possibly but for now they will each stay in the depots they are in.
Quote from: Bob on October 20, 2019, 02:11:24 PM
Hi Simon are Cannocks 4 remaining Pulsars moving on?
No plans currently.
Hi Simon, of all the Midlands region garages which are the most/least profitable?
Quote from: Bob on October 23, 2019, 06:27:42 PM
Hi Simon, of all the Midlands region garages which are the most/least profitable?
You know I cannot answer that.
Hi Simon - any plans to introduce heritage liveried vehicles across your areas of responsibility?
Hi Simon, how come the Shrewsbury X4/5 have had the older versas allocated rather than the 12/13 plate ones?
Quote from: Wumpty on October 24, 2019, 01:33:11 PM
Hi Simon - any plans to introduce heritage liveried vehicles across your areas of responsibility?
Hi
Not currently. I hear that there maybe a preservd vehicle being put in to an older livery.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on October 24, 2019, 04:05:02 PM
Hi Simon, how come the Shrewsbury X4/5 have had the older versas allocated rather than the 12/13 plate ones?
The 12/13 plate ones are fitted with/being fitted with a retrofit to Euro 6 standard due to entering the West Midlands on route 9, therefore these have to be allocated on 9/436
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 25, 2019, 11:41:29 AM
Hi
Not currently. I hear that there maybe a preservd vehicle being put in to an older livery.
Surely the only liveries you could get away with were the Drawlane era one, as anything all / mostly red would be too close to Nx crimson, unless you did the NBC dual purpose red & white?
Hi Simon, any idea when the live tracking on bustimes.org will end up showing Oswestry depot?
Also, how does the interworking work out as at Oswestry for the locals? From what it looks, the bus does the following
:30 402
:47 402
:17 403
:30 402 (continues as above)
but this would then leave the 404 doing a 10 minute round trip each hour which surely wouldn't happen. I can't seem to see how it all works.
Thanks,
Mark
Hi Simon, why do services such as the 8 and 20 in Shrewsbury interwork rather than one bus staying on the same route? For example, when a 20 comes in and goes out as an 8 it sits on stand for 10 mins so why doesn't it go straight back out on the same route?
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on October 27, 2019, 09:58:54 AM
Hi Simon, why do services such as the 8 and 20 in Shrewsbury interwork rather than one bus staying on the same route? For example, when a 20 comes in and goes out as an 8 it sits on stand for 10 mins so why doesn't it go straight back out on the same route?
Hi,
Will be about route length, frequency, driving time and duty compilation to help with efficiency.
Quote from: IMarkeh on October 26, 2019, 12:04:37 PM
Hi Simon, any idea when the live tracking on bustimes.org will end up showing Oswestry depot?
Also, how does the interworking work out as at Oswestry for the locals? From what it looks, the bus does the following
:30 402
:47 402
:17 403
:30 402 (continues as above)
but this would then leave the 404 doing a 10 minute round trip each hour which surely wouldn't happen. I can't seem to see how it all works.
Thanks,
Mark
There are 2 buses on the town services and between them they do the 400, 402, 403 and 404.
No idea on tracking on bustimes I am afraid.
Do arriva offer through fares on the 9/436 so passengers can travel from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury on one bus
@Simon@Arriva ?
@Simon@Arriva The latest 110 timetable leaflet (online as a PDF) has no mention of Sapphire. Also will the 1/2/2A leaflet get reprinted to take off the Sapphire part?
Why is Sunday vehicle allocation a problem at Wigston depot? Yesterday (27/10/2019), buses 4511 and 4515 spent the entire day on routes 47A/48A; both vehicles are route branded for the 84/85. Since the repainting of the 4416 to 4425 batch of E400s, and the removal of their route branding, they tend to wander onto other routes more.
Also, destination faults seem to take a long time to remedy, despite being a requirement of PSVAR legislation. Thurmaston's 2406 has been running around for many months with side and rear signs which do not work (it has missing reflectors on the rear too) and 2948, also of Thurmaston, has a side sign that does not work. It's been like that for well over 6 months! The offside front third of Wigston's 4217 does not work either.
Hi again Simon, do Shrewsbury garage still operate the 738/740 service and if so how do drivers take their break? Is it one driver on the route for the whole day or do they change over?
Quote from: 47609FireFly on October 28, 2019, 11:04:11 AM
Why is Sunday vehicle allocation a problem at Wigston depot? Yesterday (27/10/2019), buses 4511 and 4515 spent the entire day on routes 47A/48A; both vehicles are route branded for the 84/85. Since the repainting of the 4416 to 4425 batch of E400s, and the removal of their route branding, they tend to wander onto other routes more.
Also, destination faults seem to take a long time to remedy, despite being a requirement of PSVAR legislation. Thurmaston's 2406 has been running around for many months with side and rear signs which do not work (it has missing reflectors on the rear too) and 2948, also of Thurmaston, has a side sign that does not work. It's been like that for well over 6 months! The offside front third of Wigston's 4217 does not work either.
Thanks for the feedback. I was in Wigston yesterday and passed this all on.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on October 27, 2019, 05:00:34 PM
Do arriva offer through fares on the 9/436 so passengers can travel from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury on one bus @Simon@Arriva ?
Hi
We don't and that is because one is a tender and one is commercial.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 29, 2019, 10:01:33 AM
Hi
We don't and that is because one is a tender and one is commercial.
@Simon@Arriva Wouldn't you recommend the relevant day ticket anyway?
Quote from: Westy on October 29, 2019, 12:35:57 PM
@Simon@Arriva Wouldn't you recommend the relevant day ticket anyway?
Yes - I assumed the question was aimed at a single.
Hi Simon - thanks for answering previous posts as I appreciate you're extremely busy.
Who is responsible for fleet disposals? We used to receive an Excel spreadsheet on a monthly/quarterly basis depending upon availability. We do a lot of grassroots projects and occasionaly get asked for buses.
Thanks, in advance again, for your help!
Hi Simon can a 6.30 Midlands daysaver be used on 70 to Cannock then 60 to Lichfield ( ill then be getting X12) but can i use it on the 29 to Swadlincote? I tried to buy on in Swadlincote as i assumed it covered the whole Midlands area and the driver hadnt a clue and kept talking about a 5.70 ticket which i knew couldnt be valid in lichfield for my journey back to cannock
Quote from: Bob on October 30, 2019, 11:45:15 PM
Hi Simon can a 6.30 Midlands daysaver be used on 70 to Cannock then 60 to Lichfield ( ill then be getting X12) but can i use it on the 29 to Swadlincote? I tried to buy on in Swadlincote as i assumed it covered the whole Midlands area and the driver hadnt a clue and kept talking about a 5.70 ticket which i knew couldnt be valid in lichfield for my journey back to cannock
Hi
There is no Midlands ticket. The £6.30 ticket is a West Midlands only ticket and is valid as far East as Atherstone and Nuneaton only I am afraid. Not valid to Burton or Swadlincote.
All details here on our webiste:
https://tickets.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/west-midlands/
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets/documents/midlands-service-documents/maps/arriva-midlands-east--west-april-2017-lr1.pdf?_ga=2.82938518.1047948076.1572458997-544949137.1567023352
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 29, 2019, 10:01:01 AM
Thanks for the feedback. I was in Wigston yesterday and passed this all on.
Many thanks.
A couple more destination defects, both involving vehicles allocated to Thurmaston depot:
3810 - rear sign is not working.
4746 - rear sign is not working & half of front sign is flickering.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on October 31, 2019, 08:01:50 AM
Hi
There is no Midlands ticket. The £6.30 ticket is a West Midlands only ticket and is valid as far East as Atherstone and Nuneaton only I am afraid. Not valid to Burton or Swadlincote.
All details here on our webiste:
https://tickets.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/west-midlands/
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets/documents/midlands-service-documents/maps/arriva-midlands-east--west-april-2017-lr1.pdf?_ga=2.82938518.1047948076.1572458997-544949137.1567023352
Thats a shame. You used to be able to use a Midlands daysaver as far as Leicester!
No service 3 leaflets in Walsall!
Hi Simon, cross border question linked with Oswestry. Historically Midlands Day Savers, Weekly etc have been accepted on the common sections along the 2/2A/2C on the Arriva Cymru, Wrexham operated routes 3/4 Penycae and 5 Llangollen, since the change to Ticketer, is this still the case? Now I know Oswestry issue the Arriva North West & Wales set of tickets including the Wrexham local range and have acceptance from Newbridge onto Wrexham.
@Simon@Arriva You're probably aware of West Midlands Railway's 'issues ' at the moment.
Are you aware of the new issue affecting their Saturday services from now until December?
I guess, with the 'help ' of Nx, the Cannock to Walsall corridor is covered, but are you covering extra capacity on the Cannock to Rugeley section?
Question for @Siamon @Arriva is it possible to send any West Midlands timetables that Arriva produce to Travelshops in the West Midlands or allow to send them to TFWM to distribute them? As may people do not have access to the Internet and/or they do but the may prefer the printed glossy paper edition. Thank you
Regards
Bus Man K2
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on November 11, 2019, 08:58:10 PM
Question for @Siamon @Arriva is it possible to send any West Midlands timetables that Arriva produce to Travelshops in the West Midlands or allow to send them to TFWM to distribute them? As may people do not have access to the Internet and/or they do but the may prefer the printed glossy paper edition. Thank you
Regards
Bus Man K2
Hi
We do send them to the bus stations and they should then display them. We keep topping them up when we are asked for more or kind people on here tell us that they have run out.
Quote from: Westy on November 11, 2019, 05:39:05 PM
@Simon@Arriva You're probably aware of West Midlands Railway's 'issues ' at the moment.
Are you aware of the new issue affecting their Saturday services from now until December?
I guess, with the 'help ' of Nx, the Cannock to Walsall corridor is covered, but are you covering extra capacity on the Cannock to Rugeley section?
We are aware and are looking at what it might mean for us.
Quote from: Depotosw on November 04, 2019, 10:15:41 PM
Hi Simon, cross border question linked with Oswestry. Historically Midlands Day Savers, Weekly etc have been accepted on the common sections along the 2/2A/2C on the Arriva Cymru, Wrexham operated routes 3/4 Penycae and 5 Llangollen, since the change to Ticketer, is this still the case? Now I know Oswestry issue the Arriva North West & Wales set of tickets including the Wrexham local range and have acceptance from Newbridge onto Wrexham.
I am not an expert but Midlands Saver Tickets should be accepted on Wrexham buses, but in reality I suspect their drivers wouldn't see many of these products.
The only Midlands tickets that would be valid along this corridor would be the West Midlands products and if a customer has one of these then they are more likely to be travelling outside of the Wrexham Local Zone towards Oswestry. If you are travelling wholly within the Wrexham Local Zone you would purchase a local product.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 11, 2019, 09:01:48 PM
We are aware and are looking at what it might mean for us.
Well could you please send the new edition of the 110 timetable to the Network West Midlands travelshop in New Street Station as they are currently giving out black and white paper copies?
This also goes for the Network shop in Wolverhampton. This is for the 70 timetable.
Also Dudley stock the TfWM edition of the 3/3C. I know this timetable is out of date but as TFWM don't produce the timetable any more could you please send them copies of the new timetable.
Lastly Walsall also stock this timetable but they seam to be missing it now. I know that the timetable has beed amended.
Thank you
Kind regards
Bus Man K2
@Simon@Arriva just off the back of the above regarding timetables the stand at Cannock has disappeared don't know whether deliberate or not.
Hi Simon is it possible to send the 74/78/79 timetable to Coventry's NXC Travelshop please?
Thank you
Kind regards
Bus Man K2
@Simon@Arriva There were Walsall to Cannock 1/2 & 3 in the travel shop last night cos I checked!
Bus 4200 at Wigston depot - for the last three days, this vehicle has been in service without operational destination equipment. Tuesday (12/11) and Wednesday (13/11) on routes 47/48, and, Thursday (14/11) on route 85.
On all three days, it has carried a printed, A4 sized route number in the windscreen, within the swept area of the wipers.
This is a totally non-compliant way to operate and not only puts the company's O-Licence at risk but also puts an element of culpability onto the driver, especially if he or she was to be involved in an incident of some kind or other.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on November 14, 2019, 08:58:21 AM
Bus 4200 at Wigston depot - for the last three days, this vehicle has been in service without operational destination equipment. Tuesday (12/11) and Wednesday (13/11) on routes 47/48, and, Thursday (14/11) on route 85.
On all three days, it has carried a printed, A4 sized route number in the windscreen, within the swept area of the wipers.
This is a totally non-compliant way to operate and not only puts the company's O-Licence at risk but also puts an element of culpability onto the driver, especially if he or she was to be involved in an incident of some kind or other.
Ex Tamworth B7RLE at Cannock has been like it for weeks
Hi
@Simon@Arriva I have been to Cannock today and as someone has already pointed out you have taken the stand away that used to be in the shopping Centre. Is there a reason for this?
As now there is only one place to get timetables from in Cannock no, but they haven't got them all. The link below should take you to the list of Cannock area services. The only two timetables that the other place had in stock were the 3/3A (Oct edition) and the 26/26 (Jan 19 edition). As you can see on the link below they should stock more than that.
Bus Man K2
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/timetables/
Will the branding on Arrivas share of the X38 ever make a return now the branded Pulsars have been repainted?
Quote from: SG on November 20, 2019, 10:39:39 PM
Will the branding on Arrivas share of the X38 ever make a return now the branded Pulsars have been repainted?
Unlikley.
Quote from: Bob on November 14, 2019, 01:26:06 PM
Ex Tamworth B7RLE at Cannock has been like it for weeks
Needed a part ordering and is being sorted today I have been told.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on November 14, 2019, 08:58:21 AM
Bus 4200 at Wigston depot - for the last three days, this vehicle has been in service without operational destination equipment. Tuesday (12/11) and Wednesday (13/11) on routes 47/48, and, Thursday (14/11) on route 85.
On all three days, it has carried a printed, A4 sized route number in the windscreen, within the swept area of the wipers.
This is a totally non-compliant way to operate and not only puts the company's O-Licence at risk but also puts an element of culpability onto the driver, especially if he or she was to be involved in an incident of some kind or other.
Should now be sorted.
Hi
@Simon@Arriva is it possible for you to send hard copies of the 110 timetable to the Network West Midlands Travelshop in New Street Station. Also could you send hard copies of the 9 & 70 timetables to Wolverhampton's Network West Midlands Travelshop.
Please
You can disregard my comment about the 3/3A timetable for Walsall in my last but one post. As I have picked it up and they have got it in the NXWM Travelshop in Walsall.
Thank you
Regards
Bus Man K2
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 21, 2019, 05:41:05 PM
Should now be sorted.
As of Thursday (21/11/2019) 4200 was not sorted - it still had paper in the windscreen and was merrily trundling around routes 47/48.
Noted the same day, Solo 2571 was also in service, on route 49, with paper in the windscreen and a blank front sign.
The picture in the link below was snapped by me, at 1255 hours, on 22/11/2019, on Saffron Road and shows bus 4200, working the 1230 route 47 from the city centre, without working destination equipment and a paper in the windscreen:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJ-rl2sXUAA1OOB?format=jpg&name=medium
Looks like someone at Wigston depot has been telling porkie pies with regard to the faulted being 'sorted'. Running a bus in service in this condition for 8 days is a massive failing.
To make matters worse, Solo 2571 was allocated to late route 44A on 22/11/2019, still without working destination displays. This shows utter contempt for bus users and demonstrates operational ineptitude. There would not have been any shortage of buses at the depot at that time of day. Running in the dark with a bit of paper in the windscreen is inexcusable. It's like jumping up and down, waving to the Traffic Commissioner, highlighting your own lack of compliance and begging to be taken to a P.I.
Why on earth are drivers taking these buses out in this condition? Makes me wonder if there's a culture of fear and intimidation at Wigston depot...
Hi Simon, what buses are next on any refurbishment programme for Cannock? The recently transferred Centro's are particularly poor and are a mainstay of the ex sapphire service. The 06 plate Commanders i think only two have been retrimmed. Are the 3 52 plate Commanders long term? Being 17 yrs old are they up for withdrawal soon?
Quote from: 47609FireFly on November 23, 2019, 12:31:44 AM
To make matters worse, Solo 2571 was allocated to late route 44A on 22/11/2019, still without working destination displays. This shows utter contempt for bus users and demonstrates operational ineptitude. There would not have been any shortage of buses at the depot at that time of day. Running in the dark with a bit of paper in the windscreen is inexcusable. It's like jumping up and down, waving to the Traffic Commissioner, highlighting your own lack of compliance and begging to be taken to a P.I.
Why on earth are drivers taking these buses out in this condition? Makes me wonder if there's a culture of fear and intimidation at Wigston depot...
Unfortunately the repairs so far have not worked and parts have had to be ordered. I am expecting them repaired by Tuesday night at the latest. Not a good situation at all.
Quote from: Bob on November 23, 2019, 01:51:43 PM
Hi Simon, what buses are next on any refurbishment programme for Cannock? The recently transferred Centro's are particularly poor and are a mainstay of the ex sapphire service. The 06 plate Commanders i think only two have been retrimmed. Are the 3 52 plate Commanders long term? Being 17 yrs old are they up for withdrawal soon?
One of the Centro's is in paint already and one has been retrimmed already. We did not recieve them in a good state - one needs a new engine already as well.
Refurb plan for next year not agreed yet but if something really needs doing we will do it anyway.
@Simon@Arriva What's to stop another depot nabbing these vehicles, once they've been refurbished etc, & Cannock gets more 'sub standard ' vehicles, for want of a better phrase, or have you been assured these vehicles are at their 'final ' home?
Let's face it, it's highly unlikely now Cannock is going to get new vehicles these days, unless your bosses have told you something we don't know?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 25, 2019, 09:02:02 PM
One of the Centro's is in paint already and one has been retrimmed already. We did not recieve them in a good state - one needs a new engine already as well.
Refurb plan for next year not agreed yet but if something really needs doing we will do it anyway.
A side note to this, I travelled on 3841 on the 74 on Saturday and whilst a nice vehicle, it was seriously let down by the very worn seat moquette, particularly sitting on the seat next to the emergency exit, it was that worn the underlining grey was more a feature, also did 3845/6 when they first came too and it was a similar case with those.
Could you confirm if the former Arriva Southern Counties sister vehicles, 3742/3/4 moved to join them to become 3842/3/4?
Thank you, Chris
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 11, 2019, 09:03:02 PM
I am not an expert but Midlands Saver Tickets should be accepted on Wrexham buses, but in reality I suspect their drivers wouldn't see many of these products.
The only Midlands tickets that would be valid along this corridor would be the West Midlands products and if a customer has one of these then they are more likely to be travelling outside of the Wrexham Local Zone towards Oswestry. If you are travelling wholly within the Wrexham Local Zone you would purchase a local product.
Thank you for the reply Simon, I know previously they were able to accept the tickets on the older machines via a 'Arriva Midlands' option after been shown it once by a driver when using a Midlands ticket on the common section of the 5. As a side note, can I say the English and Welsh bilingual notices applied internally to the Oswestry fleet are a very nice touch indeed.
Quote from: Westy on November 25, 2019, 09:13:43 PM
@Simon@Arriva What's to stop another depot nabbing these vehicles, once they've been refurbished etc, & Cannock gets more 'sub standard ' vehicles, for want of a better phrase, or have you been assured these vehicles are at their 'final ' home?
Let's face it, it's highly unlikely now Cannock is going to get new vehicles these days, unless your bosses have told you something we don't know?
There is a fleet plan that I have a lot of input in to so I do have a say in what vehicles go where. No plans to change the Cannock fleet any further at the moment.
Quote from: Depotosw on November 26, 2019, 05:36:33 PM
A side note to this, I travelled on 3841 on the 74 on Saturday and whilst a nice vehicle, it was seriously let down by the very worn seat moquette, particularly sitting on the seat next to the emergency exit, it was that worn the underlining grey was more a feature, also did 3845/6 when they first came too and it was a similar case with those.
Could you confirm if the former Arriva Southern Counties sister vehicles, 3742/3/4 moved to join them to become 3842/3/4?
Thank you, Chris
I would have to check.
Quote from: Depotosw on November 26, 2019, 05:40:40 PM
Thank you for the reply Simon, I know previously they were able to accept the tickets on the older machines via a 'Arriva Midlands' option after been shown it once by a driver when using a Midlands ticket on the common section of the 5. As a side note, can I say the English and Welsh bilingual notices applied internally to the Oswestry fleet are a very nice touch indeed.
Yes they look good don't they. I saw them on the vehicles when I had a couple of hours on the Oswestry Town Routes a week ago.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on November 25, 2019, 09:00:40 PM
Unfortunately the repairs so far have not worked and parts have had to be ordered. I am expecting them repaired by Tuesday night at the latest. Not a good situation at all.
I noticed both 2571 & 4200 in service, on 27/11/2019, with working destination equipment. Glad they're sorted but the problems took far too long to remedy; I hope lessons have been learnt.
As an aside, the side sign on 4200 now does not work and I've noticed 4416, another Wigston allocated motor, running around with its rear sign not working. Obviously, both of these are required to meet PSVAR legislation.
Are there bus timetable leaflets available in Stafford for the town services
@Simon@Arriva ?
Are the Xmas & New Year details out yet?
Hi
@Simon@Arriva, what were the changes to the Telford 14 in the recent timetable change on the 30th November? I can't seem to see any change to the timetable.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on December 01, 2019, 07:32:41 PM
Hi @Simon@Arriva, what were the changes to the Telford 14 in the recent timetable change on the 30th November? I can't seem to see any change to the timetable.
Very minor only.
Quote from: Westy on December 01, 2019, 07:22:04 PM
Are the Xmas & New Year details out yet?
Yes.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/global-floating-pages/christmas-2019/together-at-christmas/christmas-and-new-year-service-arrangements/christmas-and-new-year-service-arrangements-in-the-midlands/
Quote from: BusMan Greg on December 01, 2019, 05:28:50 PM
Are there bus timetable leaflets available in Stafford for the town services @Simon@Arriva ?
Yes should be.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on December 05, 2019, 06:07:50 PM
Yes.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/global-floating-pages/christmas-2019/together-at-christmas/christmas-and-new-year-service-arrangements/christmas-and-new-year-service-arrangements-in-the-midlands/
Are you putting flyers on buses? Can we have some for our library if so?
Just to let you know Simon, that Xmas leaflets were out on the 2 1's I caught to & from Walsall today.
(Nice to get a seat on yours & the X51 compared to the 31 & 32 between Bloxwich and Walsall!)
Quote from: Westy on December 11, 2019, 05:51:01 PM
Just to let you know Simon, that Xmas leaflets were out on the 2 1's I caught to & from Walsall today.
(Nice to get a seat on yours & the X51 compared to the 31 & 32 between Bloxwich and Walsall!)
Great, thanks.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on December 06, 2019, 05:52:11 PM
Are you putting flyers on buses? Can we have some for our library if so?
I will try and get some across.
Are there any plans to improve Cannocks fleet in the new year? Its an embarrassment. Caught the 230 70 from Longford to Cannock and as well as being really late and note even showing on the app the doors didnt work on the drivers button with passengers having to press the door button above the doors to alight! Went back out again in that condition too
Quote from: Bob on December 20, 2019, 03:01:31 PM
Are there any plans to improve Cannocks fleet in the new year? Its an embarrassment. Caught the 230 70 from Longford to Cannock and as well as being really late and note even showing on the app the doors didnt work on the drivers button with passengers having to press the door button above the doors to alight! Went back out again in that condition too
Not at the moment.
Why are the handful of better vehicles ( the pulsars) often completely wasted on the 2?
Quote from: Bob on January 04, 2020, 02:55:17 PM
Why are the handful of better vehicles ( the pulsars) often completely wasted on the 2?
Not sure I agree about wasted but we have a Euro 5 commitment to meet with TfWM so that is why.
Hey Simon!
Quick question about the X84, is it having any timetable changes before February? Also, do you know if the 09:15 X84 on a Saturday has double deckers or single deckers?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 06, 2020, 12:38:32 PM
Not sure I agree about wasted but we have a Euro 5 commitment to meet with TfWM so that is why.
Are the 52/06 plate Commanders used on the 1 Euro 5?
Quote from: Bob on January 06, 2020, 05:56:33 PM
Are the 52/06 plate Commanders used on the 1 Euro 5?
The 1 is commercial
The 2 receives a subsidy from TfWM
Any more vehicle transfers/route changes planned for Cannock in the New Year?
With Clean Air Zone coming into Leicester are Thurmaston and Wigston having New Double Deckers
Quote from: Bob on January 06, 2020, 07:39:20 PM
Any more vehicle transfers/route changes planned for Cannock in the New Year?
A Pulsar has gone back from Tamworth to Cannock and 2740 is to leave Cannock. Nothing else planned.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on January 08, 2020, 09:01:09 PM
With Clean Air Zone coming into Leicester are Thurmaston and Wigston having New Double Deckers
Hi
Nothing planned. Retrofits to Euro 6 standard continue.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 13, 2020, 03:45:12 PM
Hi
Nothing planned. Retrofits to Euro 6 standard continue.
What about Wigstons B7TLs? Surely they aren't being upgraded! I mean, I'm not complaining but it's a surprise. Also, I've seen a picture with a for sale sign at wigston depot. Any subtle hints about that?
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on January 13, 2020, 06:51:36 PM
What about Wigstons B7TLs? Surely they aren't being upgraded! I mean, I'm not complaining but it's a surprise. Also, I've seen a picture with a for sale sign at wigston depot. Any subtle hints about that?
Will have to wait and see with the B7 vehicles.
We would love to build a new depot and improve our facilities. Am looking to build a business case and looking to see what offers we get on the current site.
Will Sapphire return to Cannock? Would be good to see on 60 / 60A and 1 /2
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 15, 2020, 12:00:37 AM
Will Sapphire return to Cannock? Would be good to see on 60 / 60A and 1 /2
I'd imagime it unlikely Simon?
Quote from: Bob on January 15, 2020, 06:17:44 AM
I'd imagime it unlikely Simon?
Yes unlikely.
The basic Arriva spec on new buses does include most of the Sapphire elements now apart from next stop announcements.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on January 17, 2020, 03:10:39 PM
Yes unlikely.
The basic Arriva spec on new buses does include most of the Sapphire elements now apart from next stop announcements.
Couldn't you put next stop announcements in without the sapphire brand then? They are quite useful.
Noticed a number of vehicles with destination faults in the last few days:
2406 (Thurmaston) - rear sign not working.
2746 (Thurmaston) - rear sign not working.
3810 (Thurmaston) - rear sign not working.
4200 (Wigston) - side sign not working.
4205 (Wigston) - side sign not working.
4746 (Thurmaston) - rear sign not working.
4748 (Thurmaston) - side sign not working.
The rear on 3810 hasn't worked for over a year!
Quote from: 47609FireFly on January 24, 2020, 10:37:06 AM
Noticed a number of vehicles with destination faults in the last few days:
2406 (Thurmaston) - rear sign not working.
2746 (Thurmaston) - rear sign not working.
3810 (Thurmaston) - rear sign not working.
4200 (Wigston) - side sign not working.
4205 (Wigston) - side sign not working.
4746 (Thurmaston) - rear sign not working.
4748 (Thurmaston) - side sign not working.
The rear on 3810 hasn't worked for over a year!
Two more:
4217 (Wigston) - offiside part of front sign not working.
4416 (Wigston) - rear sign not working.
2746 rear blind wasn't working over a year ago when it was at Cannock
Can you use the Staffs knot ticket on the 29 between Burton & Swad?
@Simon@Arriva
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 04, 2020, 08:05:17 PM
Can you use the Staffs knot ticket on the 29 between Burton & Swad? @Simon@Arriva
Hi
No because Swad is outside of Stafforshire.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 06, 2020, 05:58:58 PM
Hi
No because Swad is outside of Stafforshire.
Swad is valid on the knot ticket if you check the map of places where it covers
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 06, 2020, 06:01:47 PM
Swad is valid on the knot ticket if you check the map of places where it covers
On the map I saw, it said that it was only valid on certain Midland Classic routes from Swadlincote.
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/miscellaneous/staffordshire-knot-ticket
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 06, 2020, 06:01:47 PM
Swad is valid on the knot ticket if you check the map of places where it covers
Why ask if you know the answer??
Quote from: l.murphy123 on February 06, 2020, 10:30:56 PM
Why ask if you know the answer??
I was unsure weather you could use it on arriva rather than just midland classic
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 07, 2020, 08:02:51 AM
I was unsure weather you could use it on arriva rather than just midland classic
Hi
Valid to Swad on Midland Classic but not Arriva.
Whats next for Cannocks fleet now that theres virtually nothing modern? The 08 plate Volvos although the seats arent horrific all stink, has the 06 plate Commander refurb plan been abandoned? Cannock now must have one of the oldest average fleet ages group wide?
are the the extra buses for shrewsbury park and ride going to be getting repainted into the park and ride colours?
Quote from: Rich-82 on February 09, 2020, 07:12:11 PM
are the the extra buses for shrewsbury park and ride going to be getting repainted into the park and ride colours?
HI
I think it is unlikey this year. Discussions remain ongoing with the Council about all aspects of the P&R including image/livery.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on February 11, 2020, 02:25:39 PM
HI
I think it is unlikey this year. Discussions remain ongoing with the Council about all aspects of the P&R including image/livery.
Hi Simon, can you confirm if the longer Versas at Shrewsbury (3691-9) are all been repainted into the latest fleet livery? I ask with 3699 so far been seen in a freshly applied coat of paint and Cadet 2745 appearing at Shrewsbury depot.
Any idea how much longer 3702-4 are going to stay in service at Cannock? On the 1 on 3703 now and it sounds awful. Surely must be coming up to retirement?
Hi
@Simon@Arriva would it be possible to have some 74/78/79 timetables sent to the Nuneaton Stagecoach and NXC Pool Meadow travelshops please. As there has never been stock of that timetable available at those two location?
Hi Simon, do you know when all of the Shrewsbury & Telford routes will show on bustimes.org tracker? Currently only the 1,2,8,9,12,20,23,24,25,26,164 track for Shrewsbury and only the 1,2,3,4,5/A,7,8 track for Telford.
Hi
@Simon@Arriva just wondering if Arriva still maintain timetables/cases around Leicester or is it down to LCC as my stop and a few others locally used to have timetables at them but no longer do.
Which vehicles at Cannock are in line for refurb and repaint and are there any transfers in/out coming up?
3903 appears to be doing the rounds with no working destination blinds
Hi
@Simon@Arriva is it possible to send timetables to Pool Meadow for the 74/79.
Thank you
@Simon@Arriva Any timetable changes in April? And will good friday be normal timetables?
Quote from: Bob on March 03, 2020, 06:53:17 PM
Still is
As is a Solo SR which has had no rear destination for yonks 3932 is the same.
same over in the East Mids
4200 and 4205 have no working side signs,
4217 has had only part of the front sign working for ages,
4416 has had the rear sign broken for at least 6 weeks.
Section 40 of the DDA regs 1995 amended 2002 state vehicles are to have route & number displayed at all times & illuminated between sunset & sunrise
Non compliance on these reported vehicles for many weeks it seems.
Poor show on rectification
With the large reduction in services in Cannock from Monday is any of the downtime going to be used to carry out some desperately needed refurbishments?
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on March 22, 2020, 09:07:46 AM
Hi @Adam404 as far as I am awere they have no timetables for those services behind the desk. Why aren't there any 'proper' printed timetables available?
Pretty pointless delivering timetables at the moment
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on March 22, 2020, 10:45:47 AM
I know delivering at this time is stupid, I'm not advercating that however for a long time now before @Adam 404 took over the travelshop never seemed to stock all up to date timetables gor operates not including the recent Arriva 74/78 timetable. That's why I'm asking about delivery dates/days no other reason.
You're not going to get delivery dates are you? Unless you have private information on when this virus is going away.
Hi
Not been able to find the time to be on here recently - many apologies but you'll appreciate why.
Will try and look if any questions I have missed later or over the Easter weekend when I hope I have some downtime.
Just wanted to wish everyone well and hope you are all staying safe through this terrible time.
Buses will be back to enjoy soon enough I hope.
Simon
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on March 22, 2020, 01:44:30 PM
I don't know, but if you think about it when this is all over I might be able to get delivery dates.
Once we get back to normal I will get some across
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on April 07, 2020, 04:22:10 PM
Hi
Not been able to find the time to be on here recently - many apologies but you'll appreciate why.
Will try and look if any questions I have missed later or over the Easter weekend when I hope I have some downtime.
Just wanted to wish everyone well and hope you are all staying safe through this terrible time.
Buses will be back to enjoy soon enough I hope.
Simon
Hope you and your drivers are keeping well. I've tried to keep my community informed with the temporary (hopefully short term) timetables. Hope the gov are supporting you too, cant run on fresh air.
Hi
@Simon@Arriva I know this is the lowest priority during this difficult time but at some point could you put a 2A timetable case at 'Appledore Close' (Cannock direction) on the lamp post? There isn't a flag there but SSCC have put an 'and opposite' sticker on the other side for us but there still seems to be confusion (somehow). There's also no cases at 'Landywood Green' stop both sides for the #2. Cheers.
Hi Simon any chance for more deckers at cannock when services pick up?
Are Arriva going to start running the 1 to Walsall again??
Quote from: Bob on May 24, 2020, 12:03:55 PM
Hi Simon any chance for more deckers at cannock when services pick up?
Maybe. Depends on loadings and service levels. Nothing planned at the moment.
Quote from: Bob on May 26, 2020, 08:49:56 PM
Are Arriva going to start running the 1 to Walsall again??
At some point I would expect us to but no date as yet.
Are Arriva planning to make more bus increases with 158 route
Also any news on Arriva Bus app Update it's not had one since 2018
Is Hinckley Due any Buses coming in this year
Quote from: leepenfold30 on May 27, 2020, 08:04:23 PM
Are Arriva planning to make more bus increases with 158 route
Also any news on Arriva Bus app Update it's not had one since 2018
Is Hinckley Due any Buses coming in this year
New timetables on many routes from 1st June. On the website now.
The app is due an update but I don't know when.
Nothing planned on buses for Hinckley.
Hi,
Whilst I am enjoying all the speculation about the various fleet moves and service changes, it feels appropriate to say that my only focus at the moment is to enable social distancing with the new advisory capacities (20 on a DD, 11 on a SD) that are now in place. There is nothing else behind the moves between depots.
This might mean, if there is another increase in service levels pretty quickly, that we have to undo a lot of what we have just put in place but it will be what it will be. With passenger numbers still so low, it will be interesting to see what increase we see next week and into the return of schools/opening of shops etc.
Is 158 going to be Double Decker route with Social Distancing Simon
How many people can get on Sprinter bus in total with Social Distancing as Hinckley Local routes 1/2 are returning on Monday
Quote from: leepenfold30 on May 29, 2020, 12:35:42 PM
Is 158 going to be Double Decker route with Social Distancing Simon
How many people can get on Sprinter bus in total with Social Distancing as Hinckley Local routes 1/2 are returning on Monday
Some on the 158 may be double decker but with the frequency change I am not expecting it to be all double decker.
4 on a Sprinter but I think that that 1/2 might be operated by something bigger.
Any reason the 825 does a clockwise loop of Great Haywood for both Lichfield and Stafford journeys rather than clockwise for Lichfield and anti for Stafford?
Also any changes to covid timetable for Cannock imminent?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 25, 2020, 09:18:54 PM
Any reason the 825 does a clockwise loop of Great Haywood for both Lichfield and Stafford journeys rather than clockwise for Lichfield and anti for Stafford?
Also any changes to covid timetable for Cannock imminent?
Hi
It is to do with the safety of turning on and off the A51 if I recall - was a road safety rep request.
Cannock and Tamworth timetable changes from 4th July.
Telford is from this weekend.
What are the changes for Cannock /Tamworth please thank you
Quote from: Solo1 on June 25, 2020, 09:30:01 PM
What are the changes for Cannock /Tamworth please thank you
Still being finalised but an increase in service levels to c80-85% of the pre-Covid normal.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 25, 2020, 09:31:49 PM
Still being finalised but an increase in service levels to c80-85% of the pre-Covid normal.
Thanks for this info. Can you say yet whether the 1 and 3 are returning on July 4th?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 26, 2020, 12:44:14 AM
Thanks for this info. Can you say yet whether the 1 and 3 are returning on July 4th?
Interesting. Can you confirm that the former Sapphire 1 route wont be operated by clapped out threadbare knackers? Also have TFWM relaxed emissions restrictions on the 2? As it seems to be permanently run with 15/16 year old Darts?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 26, 2020, 12:44:14 AM
Thanks for this info. Can you say yet whether the 1 and 3 are returning on July 4th?
The 3 is back but not the 1 yet.
Quote from: Bob on June 26, 2020, 12:59:09 AM
Interesting. Can you confirm that the former Sapphire 1 route wont be operated by clapped out threadbare knackers? Also have TFWM relaxed emissions restrictions on the 2? As it seems to be permanently run with 15/16 year old Darts?
All I have seen on the 2 are Solos but I am not in Cannock daily. Yes, the emissions rule was relaxed.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on June 26, 2020, 08:19:26 AM
All I have seen on the 2 are Solos but I am not in Cannock daily. Yes, the emissions rule was relaxed.
Its been Darts most days. Is the 1 not likely to come back?
@Simon@Arriva Will you be reducing the service levels in Leicester considering the lockdown which will be happening here from Thursday and Saturday?
Simon could you utilise one of the large poster frames at Cannock station (by the steps) for either the latest updates to service frequencies and/or a list of which services depart from which stand (including 67, 71, X51)? There used to be one there. I know there are destinations on the back of RTPI displays. Cheers.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on June 29, 2020, 10:01:34 PM
@Simon@Arriva Will you be reducing the service levels in Leicester considering the lockdown which will be happening here from Thursday and Saturday?
No we won't be reducing but we have postponed our planned increase that was due to start this weekend.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 30, 2020, 12:21:57 PM
Simon could you utilise one of the large poster frames at Cannock station (by the steps) for either the latest updates to service frequencies and/or a list of which services depart from which stand (including 67, 71, X51)? There used to be one there. I know there are destinations on the back of RTPI displays. Cheers.
I will ask marketing what is possible.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/coronavirus/important-service-information---midlands/
Staffordshire changes from 4th July now in this link.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 02, 2020, 12:41:54 PM
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/coronavirus/important-service-information---midlands/
Staffordshire changes from 4th July now in this link.
Thank you.
@Simon@Arriva According to SCC following my FOI request they state one of the Sunday routes they are looking to reinstate is the number 1. Do you have much say over this? It would make much more sense for it to be the 2A as this would cover Cheslyn Hay, Landywood and Great Wyrley rather than just Wyrley.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 06, 2020, 03:35:24 PM
@Simon@Arriva According to SCC following my FOI request they state one of the Sunday routes they are looking to reinstate is the number 1. Do you have much say over this? It would make much more sense for it to be the 2A as this would cover Cheslyn Hay, Landywood and Great Wyrley rather than just Wyrley.
Hi
Not much sway on this. The tender will come out and people will bid. The County will put out what they want. Sometimes we can propose alternatives but not always.
Are you even planning on bringing the 1 back anyway?
Quote from: Bob on July 06, 2020, 10:38:57 PM
Are you even planning on bringing the 1 back anyway?
The 1 is suspended due to Covid but the registration remains live.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 07, 2020, 08:38:25 AM
The 1 is suspended due to Covid but the registration remains live.
Surely the longer its not running the less likely itll come back?
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 06, 2020, 04:53:02 PM
Hi
Not much sway on this. The tender will come out and people will bid. The County will put out what they want. Sometimes we can propose alternatives but not always.
Thats interesting thanks. Do you agree the 2A would be more suitable? Especially given they used to fund the 2E so not sure why they chose the 1 in their intent.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 07, 2020, 04:30:55 PM
Thats interesting thanks. Do you agree the 2A would be more suitable? Especially given they used to fund the 2E so not sure why they chose the 1 in their intent.
Personal view, I think the 2 would be best option.
Hi Simon
Had this targeted email the other day (see below). Does the recent change of tone and capacity (excluding Leicester of course) suggest more general customers are been welcomed back? The same tone seems to be also been seen with other operators, First Kernow for example are putting summer frequencies back up for tourist routes routes with open tops from 12th July:
We have been closely following industry guidance on social distancing and from 8th July we will be changing our onboard seating guidance.
Please sit one per row unless travelling with a member of your own household.
This excludes Leicester and surrounding areas, where our current seating guidelines remain in place in line with the localised lockdown of the area.
To protect your fellow customers and our drivers you can also follow the below steps when travelling onboard:
- Please keep your face covering on for the entire journey. Face coverings must be worn onboard.
- Follow our no standing policy
- Pay by contactless or the app. Only use cash as a last resort and with exact fare only as our drivers cannot provide change.
- Please don't travel if you feel unwell
- Face away from others when sitting onboard
Throughout the pandemic your and our employees' safety has been and continues to be our priority and we will continue to monitor our service levels in line with current demand and ongoing advice from public health bodies.
For more information please visit: arrivabus.co.uk
Stay safe
Arriva UK Bus
Quote from: Depotosw on July 09, 2020, 10:20:53 PM
Hi Simon
Had this targeted email the other day (see below). Does the recent change of tone and capacity (excluding Leicester of course) suggest more general customers are been welcomed back? The same tone seems to be also been seen with other operators, First Kernow for example are putting summer frequencies back up for tourist routes routes with open tops from 12th July:
We have been closely following industry guidance on social distancing and from 8th July we will be changing our onboard seating guidance.
Please sit one per row unless travelling with a member of your own household.
This excludes Leicester and surrounding areas, where our current seating guidelines remain in place in line with the localised lockdown of the area.
To protect your fellow customers and our drivers you can also follow the below steps when travelling onboard:
- Please keep your face covering on for the entire journey. Face coverings must be worn onboard.
- Follow our no standing policy
- Pay by contactless or the app. Only use cash as a last resort and with exact fare only as our drivers cannot provide change.
- Please don't travel if you feel unwell
- Face away from others when sitting onboard
Throughout the pandemic your and our employees' safety has been and continues to be our priority and we will continue to monitor our service levels in line with current demand and ongoing advice from public health bodies.
For more information please visit: arrivabus.co.uk
Stay safe
Arriva UK Bus
The Government advice remains that public transport should be used only if essential and we support that. However, as more lockdown restrictions are eased, more people will be using the bus and we wanted to send out a message that reinforces what needs to happen when they travel and what they can expect.
No it doesn't - the latest guidance issued to the public quite clearly restricts any reference to essential journeys as applying to/from/in locations in local lockdown.
;
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 10, 2020, 09:20:35 AM
The Government advice remains that public transport should be used only if essential and we support that. However, as more lockdown restrictions are eased, more people will be using the bus and we wanted to send out a message that reinforces what needs to happen when they travel and what they can expect.
Although from what I saw while out on a walk this afternoon, it is acceptable for the drivers significant other to meet her at a stop mid route to have a cigarette whilst sat in the doorway of the bus and not bothering to social distance.
The 2A is showing as running from tomorrow on google maps, I presume this is incorrect?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on July 12, 2020, 08:38:31 PM
The 2A is showing as running from tomorrow on google maps, I presume this is incorrect?
Yes incorrect.
Quote from: mikestone on July 10, 2020, 04:58:00 PM
No it doesn't - the latest guidance issued to the public quite clearly restricts any reference to essential journeys as applying to/from/in locations in local lockdown.
;
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
Yes you are correct - I was paraphrasing a bit and had my Leicester head on!
Quote from: AlexS on July 10, 2020, 11:49:44 PM
Although from what I saw while out on a walk this afternoon, it is acceptable for the drivers significant other to meet her at a stop mid route to have a cigarette whilst sat in the doorway of the bus and not bothering to social distance.
Having cigarettes mid route has never been acceptable. A couple from the same household don't have to social distance of course - nor those in a social bubble.
Thanks to everyone for questions, comments and debates on here over the years when I was both with NXWM and, since 2013, with Arriva.
As some of you will know, I am both a bus professional and an enthusiast (with not enough time for the latter sadly). I have always loved my job and the industry.
Since Feb 2018 when I came back to being an Operational Director my area has grown from being what was Midlands North and Derby to include Leicester/shire and now, since February this year, Milton Keynes as well.
With such a large area comes an increase in workload but also less awareness of some of the details of the day to day operations - for those I trust my excellent team of managers. I am not as close to some of the things that you all ask about as I used to be.
I also have less time to spend on here happily reading through the various posts and threads (for my own interest) and answering questions. Recent posts have also made me feel as if the answers I give are now fair game to be taken apart and overly criticised, rather than being the genuine attempt to answer questions as best I can.
So I will leave the site in my professional capacity and thank you all for the posts over the years - maybe getting on for 10 years I think. I will lurk in the background reading what I can, when I can. Stay safe all.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 10, 2020, 09:20:35 AM
The Government advice remains that public transport should be used only if essential and we support that. However, as more lockdown restrictions are eased, more people will be using the bus and we wanted to send out a message that reinforces what needs to happen when they travel and what they can expect.
Thank you Simon for your reply and sorry you are keeping distance from the forum moving forward but fully understandable, more so with the current climate and increased work loads. I have found your contributions and answers excellent.
Quote from: Simon@Arriva on July 13, 2020, 08:32:59 AM
Thanks to everyone for questions, comments and debates on here over the years when I was both with NXWM and, since 2013, with Arriva.
As some of you will know, I am both a bus professional and an enthusiast (with not enough time for the latter sadly). I have always loved my job and the industry.
Since Feb 2018 when I came back to being an Operational Director my area has grown from being what was Midlands North and Derby to include Leicester/shire and now, since February this year, Milton Keynes as well.
With such a large area comes an increase in workload but also less awareness of some of the details of the day to day operations - for those I trust my excellent team of managers. I am not as close to some of the things that you all ask about as I used to be.
I also have less time to spend on here happily reading through the various posts and threads (for my own interest) and answering questions. Recent posts have also made me feel as if the answers I give are now fair game to be taken apart and overly criticised, rather than being the genuine attempt to answer questions as best I can.
So I will leave the site in my professional capacity and thank you all for the posts over the years - maybe getting on for 10 years I think. I will lurk in the background reading what I can, when I can. Stay safe all.
Simon many thanks for your contributions over the years. I was brought up to be polite and respectful of others and I am surprised at times that you have answered some, often repetitive, inane remarks, aimed at you and the company.
Best wishes for what the future holds and I wish you and your family, colleagues and all in the industry a safe and healthy future.
I too would like to say thank you, Simon, for all you have shared with us over the years.
This forum has been all the better for your involvement.
All the best for the future.
Thank you Simon for being available to answer our questions. You've been very helpful on many occasions and given answers to questions that we may not have has the opportunity to ask.