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I much preferred the previous blue and white bud stop signage. It was a lot more clear and easier to read.

The new signage can not been read as easily from a distance and is virtually impossible to read in the dark.

Having seen the new design in Digbeth I totally agree.

Somebody should contact them.

4877 is out on X1 currently working the 09:00 from Birmingham

Probably replacing the single decker (213x?) which was out this morning in Coventry last night/this morning at 5AM.

The X1 was definitely affected by a broken down bus. I exited the front door of the airport at 12:15 and did not reach The Swan at Yardley til 13:30. Longer than the flight. The driver was getting some unwarranted criticism of the service from some passengers.

On a related matter the bus infrastructure at the airport really does not match the quality of the vehicles. Shelters covered in rust and a next to useless digital display which shows timetabled times rather than real-time. My phone was dead so I did not have the real time app available, if I had have done I'd have taken another route.

Thanks for the service info. Surprised to hear such a new vehicle broke down.

As for the bus stops at Birmingham Airport, not that I fly but on occasion I've been I prefer waiting for a bus at International station. Not much better but I prefer it being an enclosed building.
I don't know whether the airport stops are airport responsibility or TfWM but they could do with a bit of TLC. Might be worth reporting.

What's going on?

Just seen 3 Platinum Enviro's in Allesley

One unbranded went towards Coventry as if on the X1 but on 'Private hire'

Second parked up seemingly NIS with mechanic at Neale Ave

And 6854 on actually on the  X1.

This week could very well be the last. The maintenance parts contract finishes tomorrow, so 6021 will carry on until it needs something!

Sounds ominous!

Do we know how long the bendi's are going to last/When they're final day will be?

Thanks

How long do you reckon the last two will remain?

Obviously not

To elaborate, I believe the intended question is; Should the 70 have been X70?

6014 & 6021 both currently are dead with VI defects, but are expected to return to service

VI?

Visual inspection?

Thanks for the clarification.

Predictions for Coventry. Some humour, some serious!
- Having closed a no. of bus lanes in 2017 the council will go further and ban all buses from the city centre as they see Coventry as motor car city! Pollution and traffic jams rules here.
- Pool meadow bus station will be turned into student flats as the University overwhelmes the city.
- Millions of pounds will be wasted looking at a possible unique tram system for Coventry. After 10 years work it will confirm that buses are the best answer.
- Coventry will heavily fund excellent public tranport improvements in Birmingham for no positive gain whatsoever.
- Rotala will take over Igo routes.
- Decourcy will sell up its declining bus services to Rotala and concentrate on the more profitable coach business.
- Bus services to Kenilworth will take a hit when the trains call there.
- this forum will hopefully continue!
Happy Christmas everyone

Just brilliant!

I do see De Courcey withdrawing routes but I wouldn't say they will focus on coachwork more.

Predictions:
National Express withdraw all of the Citaro Bendibuses. This looks likely.
Slow withdrawal/Replacement of the older AXL400's.
Tweaking of timetables etc.

No it wasn't.
Its never even been on the 900/X1.

Quite right. The BC vehicles are from 4895 and none transferred. :)

4894 didn't have an offside fleet number for a while and now has one in larger than usual font.

Thanks for the clarification

what service will the ex bc b7rle's be going on

I predict the 5 and 7 mainly and possibly the 18/18A.
although I expect the 20 will see them to end E200 usage.
I just notice double deckers off peak on the 5 et el when in the past they haven't been.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/J14f02

4894 with its replacement fleetnumber

I take it you mean the number has been reapplied in black? 4894 was always 4894? (Ex BC 900 branded)

Isn't that more of an accident?

Possibly but passing by on another 16 I couldn't tell where the fire originated. There was an engine cover panel missing
Which gave me the impression it was engine related rather than cigarette/arson. The fire brigade did a good job nethertheless.

4401 is out of service with fire damage. Possible write off from the look of it. I don't think NX will repair it but could be wrong