How long have Sandwell Travel been running on the 80, and how often do they (supposedly) run.
Many Thanks
Registration was from yesterday, they have had two buses out both days
I saw one of their buses enter and leave the bus station today and was about 10 passengers on when entering the bus station and about 15ish when leaving the bus station dont know if people class this as good loadings.
Thanks, thought i hadnt seen them on there before, also i noticed how on Tonys photo of the N reg dart on the 80, its already lost its company name on the front (as opposed to the other picture of it).
They supposedly used to do the 63-they were left on centro's updated timetables long after they had left the route. strange
While perusing further on vosa i noticed this.
Public Inquiry (45150) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 08 October 2012 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2157)
)
PD1095259 SN
SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED
Director(s): SUKHWINDER SINGH.
26, SOMERSET ROAD WEST BROMWICH B71 1HA, GB
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985
Lots of different categories to answer to here.
Oh good! Let's hope this crappy operator is soon to be off the road
to be expected with the crap they have bye bye to another tat operator shame arriva cannock are not up there with the tat they run but can always cover it up being a big boy the big operators except first never get held to account for crappy buses and poor service
Their buses are tat and prob good to see them go
Never notice their services to be 'busy'
Glad we agree there crap and they used to operate the 63-well they did for about 2 months, were kept on the timetables for about another 3 even on the updated ones! Hope this is bye bye another operator that gives buses a bad image
"Also" - who else?
Edit: Ah, just read about Midland/Liyell sorry.
What was the outcome of this hearing? There was no sign of them around Bradford Place yesterday afternoon, maybe I was there at the point the 334 has a break.
In general, there seems to be a fair few operators going under and/or being pulled up by VOSA etc.. very interesting.
I have been on 333X many times, seats are uncomfortable and one driver thought he was a Michael Schumacher over that new canal bridge in Bentley.
Quote from: Bruce_LOA400X on October 14, 2012, 05:18:05 PM
In general, there seems to be a fair few operators going under and/or being pulled up by VOSA etc.. very interesting.
Yes, and hopefully the West Midland Traffic Commissioner is now showing his teeth. I used to hear about the others, particularly the Scottish one taking action against dodgy operators, but not a peep from the one down here.
Quote from: D10 on October 14, 2012, 09:39:54 PM
Quote from: Bruce_LOA400X on October 14, 2012, 05:18:05 PM
In general, there seems to be a fair few operators going under and/or being pulled up by VOSA etc.. very interesting.
Yes, and hopefully the West Midland Traffic Commissioner is now showing his teeth. I used to hear about the others, particularly the Scottish one taking action against dodgy operators, but not a peep from the one down here.
Not forgetting Beverley Bell of course and her condemnation and hatred of First Manchester
Quote from: fleetline6477 on October 14, 2012, 04:07:07 PM
What was the outcome of this hearing? There was no sign of them around Bradford Place yesterday afternoon, maybe I was there at the point the 334 has a break.
Saw a Sandwell Travel yellow Dart on the 80 in Birmingham yesterday, so it looks like they are still running.
Interesting article about this in this weeks route one
lovely article in today's Birmingham Mail about this. Company has banned from Bradford Place for 3 years from next February and have also been told they can only operate 3 buses max.
The article goes on to say that the firm was described as being " an amateurish operation" with "drivers driving dangerously, blocking departure stands, and running services early to stop a competitor picking up passengers in Walsall despite several warnings" The report also describes the firms sole director Sukhwinder Singh as a "Poor Communicator"
The firm released a short statement that they would be appealing the ruling.
Last time I used Sandwell Travel on the 333 I had a good journey, friendly driver and from what I saw, no foul play whatsoever.
Quote from: Tomjusttom on December 14, 2012, 12:59:38 PM
Last time I used Sandwell Travel on the 333 I had a good journey, friendly driver and from what I saw, no foul play whatsoever.
Still in Fantasy Bus mode!
Never encountered an operator like it.
Whatever. It seems like I'm not even allowed to complement a operator based on a journey that I've been on. I might as well not bother speaking.
Do you work for Midland/Arriva? If so then a obvious conflict of interest
Not a conflict of interests, just witnessing a shocking example of bus operation.
And Midland are saints? Everyone plays dirty there but its mainly NX and Thandi who are causing chaos and they get off Scott free
Why do you think Nick Jones has taken action against them Tom? Use some common sense.
It's about time the West Mids traffic commissioner actually did something, hopefully the next to go will be the likes of Thandi, VIP, Banga, GRS, Hi Ride, Joes, Midland Bus Company, Sunny...
Quote from: swifty on December 14, 2012, 12:32:04 PM
lovely article in today's Birmingham Mail about this. Company has banned from Bradford Place for 3 years from next February and have also been told they can only operate 3 buses max.
The article goes on to say that the firm was described as being " an amateurish operation" with "drivers driving dangerously, blocking departure stands, and running services early to stop a competitor picking up passengers in Walsall despite several warnings" The report also describes the firms sole director Sukhwinder Singh as a "Poor Communicator"
The firm released a short statement that they would be appealing the ruling.
Have you got a link to this article?
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/tipton-travel-firm-banned-from-walsall-375265
or
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/12/14/sandwell-bus-firm-banned-for-use-of-unfair-tactics/
Quote from: nx4737 on December 14, 2012, 04:20:18 PM
It's about time the West Mids traffic commissioner actually did something, hopefully the next to go will be the likes of Thandi, VIP, Banga, GRS, Hi Ride, Joes, Midland Bus Company, Sunny...
the sooner thandi are shafted the better remember Midland are almost Arriva and with Arriva record in running against NX they will just give up
Midland Bus Company, not Midland.
Does the fact that Sandwell are banned from Bradford Place and are registered to operate on the 63 mean that they are about to make a return to the Bristol Road corridor do we think?
Quote from: Peter123 on December 15, 2012, 09:48:52 PM
Does the fact that Sandwell are banned from Bradford Place and are registered to operate on the 63 mean that they are about to make a return to the Bristol Road corridor do we think?
I don't think the previous registration has ever been cancelled, since recent articles about them refer to them operating this route. They are currently operating 2 buses on the 80, they may simply increase to 3. Having said that I'm not sure if there low floor darts will comply with new emission levels for Birminghasm.
As long as they aren't operating more than 3 departures an hour then emissions won't come into it
Quote from: Steveminor on December 16, 2012, 09:12:34 AM
As long as they aren't operating more than 3 departures an hour then emissions won't come into it
IMO Centro need to take a TfL type approach and impose regulations regarding bus age/condition not just emissions, you wouldn't see the likes of Thandi, Sunny and Sandwell using questionable tat in London.
Never used these but seen them, there was only once I saw a driver uppercut a thandi driver in bradford place, but hang on, taking these off fair enough but E words here..... Travel Express???
The Darlaston to Walsall section is so competitve with 4 companies running it im not suprised things mentioned happened.
ok never used Sandwell travel but have always had my eye on them as thought they would be ideal to buy to start out in the bus world. some of the old east lanc buses are horrible. but have to say fair play to them for signing up to swift. it seems that everyones beloved nx haven't done that yet. and yes ok there are some not so great smaller operators but why shouldn't we have smaller operators surely we should allow someone who wants to set up a bus company to do so?
and on a personal note I complete hate nx, if companies like Sandwell travel were to go that would increase nx's 88% share of wm operations....very bad. nx are too big already and don't allow for competition!!! these small companies also save people money offering cheaper fares, im sure if you went and asked customers in Walsall would you mind going on an older bus which there service might not be as good but it will be 40p less what do you think they would say....I know I would say no I don't mind.
Competition should be encourages in the wm. it is unfare that nx have an 88% share its a complete monopoly,how on earth arriva can get investigated is beyond me when you see the size of nx in the wm.
So heres another point..... I really don't like the layout of Bradford place maybe if the layout was better buses could get out quicker and then there wouldn't be bay hogging!? maybe centro is to blame?
The reason why Sandwell have signed up to Swift must surely because most of their passengers are cash fares and OAP's rather than Travelcard holders.
NX haven't joined yet as surely it would be madness for the biggest operator to become part of Swift until all the faults that new systems always have to start with have been sorted.
And yes NX are far from perfect but at least you know their vehicles are kept in a safe condition, and if their drivers do misbehave, they have a proper disciplinary policy in place.
Quote from: dannygill on December 19, 2012, 01:28:08 AM
ok never used Sandwell travel but have always had my eye on them as thought they would be ideal to buy to start out in the bus world. some of the old east lanc buses are horrible. but have to say fair play to them for signing up to swift. it seems that everyones beloved nx haven't done that yet. and yes ok there are some not so great smaller operators but why shouldn't we have smaller operators surely we should allow someone who wants to set up a bus company to do so?
and on a personal note I complete hate nx, if companies like Sandwell travel were to go that would increase nx's 88% share of wm operations....very bad. nx are too big already and don't allow for competition!!! these small companies also save people money offering cheaper fares, im sure if you went and asked customers in Walsall would you mind going on an older bus which there service might not be as good but it will be 40p less what do you think they would say....I know I would say no I don't mind.
Competition should be encourages in the wm. it is unfare that nx have an 88% share its a complete monopoly,how on earth arriva can get investigated is beyond me when you see the size of nx in the wm.
So heres another point..... I really don't like the layout of Bradford place maybe if the layout was better buses could get out quicker and then there wouldn't be bay hogging!? maybe centro is to blame?
You had your eye on buying Sandwell Travel? TBF i admire anyone willing/wanting to start their own bus company tho Im sure u could probably do a better job from scratch than Sandwell Travel. I dont love NX for one-diamond are my favourite company and yes I believe in competition and low fares and yes Im a huge deregulation fan but we have to try to eliminate this kind of cowboy operator for deregulation to actually work-we cannot have dangerous driving and poor buses which are badly maintained. And actually recent surveys in places such as brighton suggest that the vast majority of people are more concerned about quality than price.... And also with swift as D10 has mentioned it, a famous small company failed to sign up for swift as they were concerned over reimbursement rates.
Quote from: D10 on December 19, 2012, 03:28:25 PM
The reason why Sandwell have signed up to Swift must surely because most of their passengers are cash fares and OAP's rather than Travelcard holders.
NX haven't joined yet as surely it would be madness for the biggest operator to become part of Swift until all the faults that new systems always have to start with have been sorted.
And yes NX are far from perfect but at least you know their vehicles are kept in a safe condition, and if their drivers do misbehave, they have a proper disciplinary policy in place.
I reckon NXWM will eventually introduce their own smart card for passengers paying cash fares to compliment their existing travelcard range rather then sign up to Swift
Quote from: swifty on December 14, 2012, 12:32:04 PM
lovely article in today's Birmingham Mail about this. Company has banned from Bradford Place for 3 years from next February and have also been told they can only operate 3 buses max.
The article goes on to say that the firm was described as being " an amateurish operation" with "drivers driving dangerously, blocking departure stands, and running services early to stop a competitor picking up passengers in Walsall despite several warnings" The report also describes the firms sole director Sukhwinder Singh as a "Poor Communicator"
The firm released a short statement that they would be appealing the ruling.
I think if there banned from operating in Walsall they will just focus on there 80 ?
Quote from: NathanJC on December 20, 2012, 06:55:59 PM
Quote from: swifty on December 14, 2012, 12:32:04 PM
lovely article in today's Birmingham Mail about this. Company has banned from Bradford Place for 3 years from next February and have also been told they can only operate 3 buses max.
The article goes on to say that the firm was described as being " an amateurish operation" with "drivers driving dangerously, blocking departure stands, and running services early to stop a competitor picking up passengers in Walsall despite several warnings" The report also describes the firms sole director Sukhwinder Singh as a "Poor Communicator"
The firm released a short statement that they would be appealing the ruling.
I think if there banned from operating in Walsall they will just focus on there 80 ?
Won't get much choice if they are restricted to operating 3 buses
http://www.route-one.net/issues/467/index.html#/22/
Apparently from this article they will be running 2 buses only, having there license reduced from being able to operate 5 buses to only 2.
What I find funny is that First stand block in Redditch's Bus Station which was why Red Diamond stopped there 55A and 56A because First layed over on the stand rather than the bay and it blocked up the Bus station and First didnt get into any trouble it was Diamond.
Sandwell shouldnt have done it but I can see why they may have done it.
I may be wrong, but with regards the above example, I think First owned that bus station, which caused issues.
There is no excuse for the behaviour shown by Sandwell Travel. Two common examples I would see would be the 333X and 9 entering Stroud Ave at the same time, and then the 333X turning around and returning back (rather than looping Stroud Ave) to beat the 9 to re-start the route towards Walsall. This is 'illegal' in the eyes of the Traffic Commisoner on two counts, in that the bus is not following the registered route and that it would also be leaving timing points early.
The most common thing I'd see would be at Darlaston Bus Station. A Sandwell bus would sit on the stand, when another operator came they would have to sit behind it somewhere or try to pull in an obsecure place, but when another Sandwell bus came, the bus would reverse off stand, the second Sandwell bus would pull on stand and passengers off the first bus would transfer onto the second. The Second bus would then leave and the first bus returns to stand block.
This is not providing a good experience to passengers at all.
Quote from: tank90 on December 31, 2012, 01:20:56 AM
What I find funny is that First stand block in Redditch's Bus Station which was why Red Diamond stopped there 55A and 56A because First layed over on the stand rather than the bay and it blocked up the Bus station and First didnt get into any trouble it was Diamond.
Sandwell shouldnt have done it but I can see why they may have done it.
It happens everywhere regardless of rules all operators are as bad but its the non dominant operator that gets the flack the thing is what would happen if someone was to compete in Cannock buses are just dumped on the stand as there is only one layover space in the station and the outer bay blocked off by coaches or taxis god help anyone trying to compete on pye greens they would never get on the stand
Interestingly, Sandwell Travel appear to have accepted their punishment. They are coming off the 334 & 333X on the 31st and starting on the 56 (Brownhills West - Birmingham) and 40 (Walsall bus station - Willenhall) the next day. I understand the 40E can be operated at an hourly frequency with 1 bus, but I'd have thought the 41 between Walsall & New Invention would have been a more profitable choice.
Quote from: notepanel on January 28, 2013, 11:24:50 AM
Interestingly, Sandwell Travel appear to have accepted their punishment. They are coming off the 334 & 333X on the 31st and starting on the 56 (Brownhills West - Birmingham) and 40 (Walsall bus station - Willenhall) the next day. I understand the 40E can be operated at an hourly frequency with 1 bus, but I'd have thought the 41 between Walsall & New Invention would have been a more profitable choice.
And I bet there will be no printed timetables either!
As Ive said before, how do you expect to get passengers if you dont do publicity!
Quote from: Westy on January 28, 2013, 12:01:42 PM
Quote from: notepanel on January 28, 2013, 11:24:50 AM
Interestingly, Sandwell Travel appear to have accepted their punishment. They are coming off the 334 & 333X on the 31st and starting on the 56 (Brownhills West - Birmingham) and 40 (Walsall bus station - Willenhall) the next day. I understand the 40E can be operated at an hourly frequency with 1 bus, but I'd have thought the 41 between Walsall & New Invention would have been a more profitable choice.
And I bet there will be no printed timetables either!
As Ive said before, how do you expect to get passengers if you dont do publicity!
Considering the whole reason they're coming out of Bradford Place and the TCs ruling, a timetable won't be much use anyway! Work on the assumption they will be a minute prior to the competitors bus!
Those wonderful people at traveline still have Sandwell operating from Bradford Place.
;
They also show a Corporate Express service on the 335, but not 336 although a Tandi dart was seen arriving this afternoon - no mention on the new leaflet of cowboy operation on the 335/6.
going to be pointless on the 56 with one bus even 2 would be sill!!
Sandwell are still on the 80, and I have noticed new drivers
I have noticed that the 333X is now being showed on bus stops on Wolverhampton Street (by Art Gallery) and even Willenhall now has got them. Sandwell Travel still running it?
Quote from: s-m-991 on March 03, 2013, 09:53:00 AM
I have noticed that the 333X is now being showed on bus stops on Wolverhampton Street (by Art Gallery) and even Willenhall now has got them. Sandwell Travel still running it?
Sure I saw it on a Clarkes Lane stop, but cant remember what date!
There was a plan to run the 40 as between Walsall & Wolverhampton at one point. Surely they are not going to run this using the 333X number!?
Sort of - it's running from the bus station (stand N) via the Manor Hospital. I was surprised to see one leaving Darlaston for Walsall and then when I got to Walsall the bus station was plastered with A4 notices directing passengers to stand N where there is a standard Centro timetable showing it.
It appears to be half hourly requiring three vehicles, with one journey missing at lunch time, so presumably the 80 is cancelled.
;
Needless to say Centro has just got round to posting new timetables dated March 10 removing the 333X en route to Darlaston!
Quote from: mikestone on March 14, 2013, 07:47:24 PM
Sort of - it's running from the bus station (stand N) via the Manor Hospital. I was surprised to see one leaving Darlaston for Walsall and then when I got to Walsall the bus station was plastered with A4 notices directing passengers to stand N where there is a standard Centro timetable showing it.
It appears to be half hourly requiring three vehicles, with one journey missing at lunch time, so presumably the 80 is cancelled.
;
Needless to say Centro has just got round to posting new timetables dated March 10 removing the 333X en route to Darlaston!
So is it effectively running the old 331 route, or is it operating via the Manor to rejoin the Wednesbury Road to Darlaston, from where it follows the 333 route to Willenhall?
I though Sandwell Travel was only allowed to run 2 buses
From the Manor via Pleck and then the 333 route.
Must've started it cause i aint seen a yellow dart
Quote from: dgss1 on March 16, 2013, 07:38:11 PM
Must've started it cause i aint seen a yellow dart
I saw 3 Sandwell Travel out today, one on the 80, two on the 333x
It doesn't seem to be showing up on the NWM timetable page thing.
Sandwell still running when they feel like it - R470LGH was parked near the junction of Great Bridge Road around 11.25 and then turned up in Darlaston to start the 11.15 from Walsall there.
;
After lunch caught it at the Globe (where a Green Bus DD was parked up) and although the bus stop outside the hospital carries 333x, driver did a turn onto the 335/6 lay-by stop.
;
In Darlaston "bus station" there are NWM timetables dated 13 March, although the outbound stop has either none or two journeys missing at lunchtime, depending how you read it, the inwards only has one.
;
Timetable now on traveline - undoubtedly requires three buses and the 80 needs two - vosa still showing VA as five, despite the reduction to 3!.
What was Sandwell travels dart off the 80
was heading from the bus station
approx. 230 down towards Oldbury
Ive started using sandwell travel as im having to go to hospital everyday. I really dont think they are as bad as they are made out to be. Whilst the buses are old they are cpean amd the staff are quite friendly and have turned up on time. The thing with bradford place bus station I personally feel is caused by the exstremely poor design and it still regularly gets blocked up and you see buses having to reverse to get out. I also dont know how on earth operators can load and unload safely in iust 3 minutes! I think that they have simply been unfairly ousted by the big boys and I reckon thandi couod fall victim next!
Quote from: dannygill on April 26, 2013, 04:50:15 PM
Ive started using sandwell travel as im having to go to hospital everyday. I really dont think they are as bad as they are made out to be. Whilst the buses are old they are cpean amd the staff are quite friendly and have turned up on time. The thing with bradford place bus station I personally feel is caused by the exstremely poor design and it still regularly gets blocked up and you see buses having to reverse to get out. I also dont know how on earth operators can load and unload safely in iust 3 minutes! I think that they have simply been unfairly ousted by the big boys and I reckon thandi couod fall victim next!
Perhaps not so much now, and Bradford Place can be awkward.
However, I would not describe Darlaston as being cramped. There was no legitimate excuse at all for parking a bus on stand there, blocking access to other operators, and then when the next Sandwell bus came along transferring passengers between buses. (I witnessed this several times myself)
Nor is there a legitimate excuse for them changing direction on the 11 mid-circle when it was clear there was a gap in the NXWM service (reported on here and elsewhere several times), nor for them doing a mid-loop turn on Stroud Avenue to get in front of the 9 (and therefore run early) on the route back to Walsall.
Remember, it was Midland that complained to the TC about their behaviour - which out of pure spite Sandwell Travel then made a counter complaint which was totally rubbished by the TC.
Changing direction on the 11 mid circle? They don't do the circle & never have. Are you confusing them with Joes Travel?
Quote from: Steveminor on April 26, 2013, 07:10:28 PM
Changing direction on the 11 mid circle? They don't do the circle & never have. Are you confusing them with Joes Travel?
Yes, sorry. I have got that part mixed up. However, the 333X & Darlaston issues were most definately Sandwell!
Quote from: dannygill on April 26, 2013, 04:50:15 PM
Ive started using sandwell travel as im having to go to hospital everyday. I really dont think they are as bad as they are made out to be. Whilst the buses are old they are cpean amd the staff are quite friendly and have turned up on time. The thing with bradford place bus station I personally feel is caused by the exstremely poor design and it still regularly gets blocked up and you see buses having to reverse to get out. I also dont know how on earth operators can load and unload safely in iust 3 minutes! I think that they have simply been unfairly ousted by the big boys and I reckon thandi couod fall victim next!
I was sent to monitor Bradford Place with a video recorder a couple of years ago. NXWM, Midland and Diamond were all running either on time or equal lateness to each other depending on traffic at different time.
Midland Bus Company (the blue tatty Carlyles that have now ceased), when they did run were on time, just a lot of registered journeys didn't run. Sandwell Travel ran when they felt like it. On the one day only bus ran to its registered time. Buses would park up in Bradford Place for an hour when they should be in service. At other times I saw them go from parked up onto a stand when they saw a queue 45 minutes away from their nearest registered time!
What I saw, and filmed, tied in almost exactly with the findings at the PI
Quote from: Tony on April 26, 2013, 08:10:46 PM
Quote from: dannygill on April 26, 2013, 04:50:15 PM
Ive started using sandwell travel as im having to go to hospital everyday. I really dont think they are as bad as they are made out to be. Whilst the buses are old they are cpean amd the staff are quite friendly and have turned up on time. The thing with bradford place bus station I personally feel is caused by the exstremely poor design and it still regularly gets blocked up and you see buses having to reverse to get out. I also dont know how on earth operators can load and unload safely in iust 3 minutes! I think that they have simply been unfairly ousted by the big boys and I reckon thandi couod fall victim next!
I was sent to monitor Bradford Place with a video recorder a couple of years ago. NXWM, Midland and Diamond were all running either on time or equal lateness to each other depending on traffic at different time.
Midland Bus Company (the blue tatty Carlyles that have now ceased), when they did run were on time, just a lot of registered journeys didn't run. Sandwell Travel ran when they felt like it. On the one day only bus ran to its registered time. Buses would park up in Bradford Place for an hour when they should be in service. At other times I saw them go from parked up onto a stand when they saw a queue 45 minutes away from their nearest registered time!
What I saw, and filmed, tied in almost exactly with the findings at the PI
I can understand Sunny want to compete and that is fine. What I cannot tolerate is unfair competition where companies are allowed to get away with this while NXWM/diamond and midland/arriva have to stick to the rules. Totally unfair and glad to see that midland were found quite correctly in my view not to have done anything wrong
Well said why do the small firms have to run just
a few mins in front if the other firms
rather than run inbtween
Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2013, 08:56:56 PM
Well said why do the small firms have to run just
a few mins in front if the other firms
rather than run inbtween
they do it to make money. I go nuts when Im on the 4 and watch diamond bus drivers not do it! Its business at the end of the day!
Quote from: dannygill on April 26, 2013, 09:41:06 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2013, 08:56:56 PM
Well said why do the small firms have to run just
a few mins in front if the other firms
rather than run inbtween
they do it to make money. I go nuts when Im on the 4 and watch diamond bus drivers not do it! Its business at the end of the day!
I suppose the diamond drivers have to keep to time on the 4 as they do seem to catch up with NXWM 4 quite a lot but also depends on the driver of the diamond some try to always get ahead of NXWM while other sit back and pull up behind them.
Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2013, 08:56:56 PM
Well said why do the small firms have to run just
a few mins in front if the other firms
rather than run inbtween
No all companies have to run to their registered timetable! If management register buses just in front of another operator then fine, but buses racing each other just give the whole industry a bad name and risk more accidents.
I feel sure if you ask the management of both Rotala and NX they will tell you all drivers are instructed to run as close to the times on the running board as is safely possible, If that means overtaking the opposition at a stop fine. On a route like the 4 with two companies both running a 6 minute frequency then yes, you will get quite a bit of this, but 'racing' to get in front? Noooooo
I know I have recently mentioned Sandwell travel but I wanted to again. Currently I am travelling to the Mannor hospital everyday and today for the first time I purchased a day return on Sandwell travel. it cost £2. So firstly its very good value for money. I have also used my swift card and Sandwell travel are the only operator which currently accept swift to Mannor Hospital. The driver was also brilliant he checked that I wasn't travelling to late back so I could use the return part of my ticket and checked that I knew what time the bus comes back from the hospital. I would bet a lot of money that this wouldn't be done by an nx driver so how! The bus was also spotless and turned up on time. So whats wrong with them. Ive itemised the psotives
1. Only Operator to accept swift from Walsall to Mannor Hospital
2. Great Drivers
3. Clean Buses
4. Great value for money (£2, compared to NXWM @ ££3.40)
5. Punctual Service
I really feel that they seem to be part of some witch hunt to get rid of what is obvious to me a good local independent operator
Quote from: dannygill on April 30, 2013, 07:44:04 PM
I know I have recently mentioned Sandwell travel but I wanted to again. Currently I am travelling to the Mannor hospital everyday and today for the first time I purchased a day return on Sandwell travel. it cost £2. So firstly its very good value for money. I have also used my swift card and Sandwell travel are the only operator which currently accept swift to Mannor Hospital. The driver was also brilliant he checked that I wasn't travelling to late back so I could use the return part of my ticket and checked that I knew what time the bus comes back from the hospital. I would bet a lot of money that this wouldn't be done by an nx driver so how! The bus was also spotless and turned up on time. So whats wrong with them. Ive itemised the psotives
1. Only Operator to accept swift from Walsall to Mannor Hospital
2. Great Drivers
3. Clean Buses
4. Great value for money (£2, compared to NXWM @ ££3.40)
5. Punctual Service
I really feel that they seem to be part of some witch hunt to get rid of what is obvious to me a good local independent operator
I 100% agree I have never noticed any foul play with this operator, and the day returns are useful.
Danny, NX returns cost £2.90 not £3.40
Nx dont offer a return so £3.40 is 2X£1.70
Quote from: Trident 4609 on April 30, 2013, 08:07:22 PM
Danny, NX returns cost £2.90 not £3.40
Return tickets are only on a handfull of routes, generally the more profitable ones.
Quote from: dannygill on April 30, 2013, 07:44:04 PM
I know I have recently mentioned Sandwell travel but I wanted to again. Currently I am travelling to the Mannor hospital everyday and today for the first time I purchased a day return on Sandwell travel. it cost £2. So firstly its very good value for money. I have also used my swift card and Sandwell travel are the only operator which currently accept swift to Mannor Hospital. The driver was also brilliant he checked that I wasn't travelling to late back so I could use the return part of my ticket and checked that I knew what time the bus comes back from the hospital. I would bet a lot of money that this wouldn't be done by an nx driver so how! The bus was also spotless and turned up on time. So whats wrong with them. Ive itemised the psotives
1. Only Operator to accept swift from Walsall to Mannor Hospital
2. Great Drivers
3. Clean Buses
4. Great value for money (£2, compared to NXWM @ ££3.40)
5. Punctual Service
I really feel that they seem to be part of some witch hunt to get rid of what is obvious to me a good local independent operator
There is no doubt that comments made about Sandwell Travel when operating the previous 333X and 334 were absolutely true. Before this the Company had already been closed down once before and the operator closed down as Bull Ring Travel.
If recent events have made the operator improve its service then all to the good. I think the revised 333X is a good route and provides new links, such as a direct route from Bentley to Manor Hospital, a link from Pleck and Darlaston area to Walsall Bus Station and restoring links from Darlaston Green to Willenhall. Lets hope the positive experiences and comments continue and the awful way the company did operate on many occasions become a thing of the past.
They still seem to have five buses worth of registrations for three discs.
Well Sandwell travel did appeal against traffic commissioners decision and they can go back to Bradford Place if they want and they still have five buses 3 on 333X and two on 80
Sandwell Travel Ltd still have five discs and they are no longer banned from Bradford Place
The idea of new 333X is brilliant from darlaston to St. Paul's bus station Walsall
There is no service from Walsall bus station to darlaston
I am a teaching assistant at a school in Lodge Farm, I have two children, one goes to a school in Daliston and other attends a school in Willenhall.
Three weeks ago my children starting using the 333x for the commute to there schools, last week they each bought a Sandwell Travel weekly pass for £5.
I must say after reading the past comments from your forum I was a bit weary, but after using the service now for three weeks I am ready to submit my comments.
First of all I have to say the drivers are extremely friendly and polite, secondly the service has always turned up on time, thirdly I have saved more then 50% on my traveling costs over the week.
I do not have transport of my own therefore I am heavily dependent on public transport, on Monday I myself will buying a weekly pass for £8.
Start of this month Ariva changed there times, Ariva are now running 1 minute in front of Sandwell Travell buses from Lodge Farm, even though this has happened, most people wait for the Sandwell Travel bus, I believe this is down to there £2 returns.
Finally I just want say, Sandwell Travel are doing ace job.
Quote from: sharon moor on May 18, 2013, 07:19:39 AM
I am a teaching assistant at a school in Lodge Farm, I have two children, one goes to a school in Daliston and other attends a school in Willenhall.
Three weeks ago my children starting using the 333x for the commute to there schools, last week they each bought a Sandwell Travel weekly pass for £5.
I must say after reading the past comments from your forum I was a bit weary, but after using the service now for three weeks I am ready to submit my comments.
First of all I have to say the drivers are extremely friendly and polite, secondly the service has always turned up on time, thirdly I have saved more then 50% on my traveling costs over the week.
I do not have transport of my own therefore I am heavily dependent on public transport, on Monday I myself will buying a weekly pass for £8.
Start of this month Ariva changed there times, Ariva are now running 1 minute in front of Sandwell Travell buses from Lodge Farm, even though this has happened, most people wait for the Sandwell Travel bus, I believe this is down to there £2 returns.
Finally I just want say, Sandwell Travel are doing ace job.
Good to hear that the little guy is winning people over. I think its brilliant we are lucky to have a small operator like Sandwell travel who are willing to create new connections. and yes fully agree very good value for more, even on a single journey you are saving 50p! soon adds up
http://www.route-one.net/issues/490/index.html#/18/
ello guys whats happening with this forum stuff then :)
Maybe the usual traffic problems between five ways and city had something to do with it, but just passed two Sandwell Travel darts on the 80 within 5 mins on me way out of town on the 98
Hi, I have been using Sandwell travel buses for a number of weeks now, still having no problems with the service, the 333x always turn's up on time and I still buy a weekly ticket for myself and my two children, a few of my friends have bought weekly tickets as well. I realy do believe small firms like Sandwell travel are victims of a witch hunt, simply because they provide affordable fairs. Keep the work up Sandwell Travel, well done.
Sandwell are not the victim of a witch hunt. If they ran smarter buses and ran them more reliably, then most of us would have less of an issue with them.
Even after their Appeal, they were still found guilty by the Traffic Commissioners Tribunal of running an unreliable service and doing little to improve matters.
Who's the one slagging Sandwell travel off >:( I am a student at Walsall college and I buy the £5 weekly pass and I have a safe pleasant journey to college and I am always on time. The buses are always on Time and always clean and reliable plus the buses are saving them money :) if you keep slagging them off get a life and grow a pair and find something actually slag off >:(i
Quote from: CoreyHodges-Baker on June 26, 2013, 05:27:18 PM
Who's the one slagging Sandwell travel off >:( I am a student at Walsall college and I buy the £5 weekly pass and I have a safe pleasant journey to college and I am always on time. The buses are always on Time and always clean and reliable plus the buses are saving them money :) if you keep slagging them off get a life and grow a pair and find something actually slag off >:(i
I can't help feeling that the reason they're 'always on time' is partly down to the drivers not having the worry of DQM's or complaints as like NXWM drivers experience. If the pay was there I'd gladly drive for an independent, but none pay NXWM wages + overtime etc. (None on my routes either)
seems like the company has some very loyal customers..... not so bad are they ;)
I went past the unit where Sandwell Travel are in Great Bridge today and I saw Yet two more low floor darts one was a W-Reg M.P.D. and the other one was a 51-Reg S.P.D. 8)
Quote from: Martin Morris on June 27, 2013, 11:18:49 PM
I went past the unit where Sandwell Travel are in Great Bridge today and I saw Yet two more low floor darts one was a W-Reg M.P.D. and the other one was a 51-Reg S.P.D. 8)
Whereabouts in Great Bridge are they?
Not far off the highstreet
Quote from: dannygill on June 28, 2013, 07:23:01 AM
Not far off the highstreet
Ah not far from me then. I work on the Apex 2 Estate.
I'm probably going to get slammed for saying this but tbh the couple of times I've used Sandwell Travel on the 333X it wasn't a bad journey. Some improvements could be made (like getting rid of the step stuff and timekeeping on Walsall inbounds, although that can be attributed to traffic as Thandi., NXWM and Arriva were running late at the time too so understandable).
Otherwise not bad.
You know we need more companys like Sandwell Travel, they have clean buses, freindly pleasant drivers and they have money saving fares. Plus they always run on time and help and advice passengers if they need help :D good work Sandwell travel.
Used them a few times also regularly and agree with above comments not bad at all :-)
Quote from: dannygill on June 27, 2013, 11:03:50 PM
seems like the company has some very loyal customers..... not so bad are they ;)
This may make me unpopular, but does anyone else find it slightly curious how all these Sandwell customers seem to have found out about this Forum?
There are several Users who have only ever posted comments in the Sandwell Travel thread. This strikes me as unusual as surely Enthusiasts have opinions about several operators not just Sandwell?
And I find it extremely unlikely that any general members of the public would go to the trouble of finding out, and then registering to use an Enthusiasts Forum just to post a comment.
Also most of the comments seem to have poor spelling and/or grammar and virtually keep repeating the same phrases such as that they "always run on time"...
Quote from: D10 on June 28, 2013, 09:42:26 PM
Quote from: dannygill on June 27, 2013, 11:03:50 PM
seems like the company has some very loyal customers..... not so bad are they ;)
This may make me unpopular, but does anyone else find it slightly curious how all these Sandwell customers seem to have found out about this Forum?
There are several Users who have only ever posted comments in the Sandwell Travel thread. This strikes me as unusual as surely Enthusiasts have opinions about several operators not just Sandwell?
And I find it extremely unlikely that any general members of the public would go to the trouble of finding out, and then registering to use an Enthusiasts Forum just to post a comment.
Also most of the comments seem to have poor spelling and/or grammar and virtually keep repeating the same phrases such as that they "always run on time"...
D10, you could well have a very good point there.....
Quote from: Winston on June 28, 2013, 09:45:02 PM
Quote from: D10 on June 28, 2013, 09:42:26 PM
Quote from: dannygill on June 27, 2013, 11:03:50 PM
seems like the company has some very loyal customers..... not so bad are they ;)
This may make me unpopular, but does anyone else find it slightly curious how all these Sandwell customers seem to have found out about this Forum?
There are several Users who have only ever posted comments in the Sandwell Travel thread. This strikes me as unusual as surely Enthusiasts have opinions about several operators not just Sandwell?
And I find it extremely unlikely that any general members of the public would go to the trouble of finding out, and then registering to use an Enthusiasts Forum just to post a comment.
Also most of the comments seem to have poor spelling and/or grammar and virtually keep repeating the same phrases such as that they "always run on time"...
D10, you could well have a very good point there.....
And called Shorty & Lanky! two of them, I was expecting them all to come from the same IP address but several are used
Quote from: Tony on June 28, 2013, 09:49:19 PM
Quote from: Winston on June 28, 2013, 09:45:02 PM
Quote from: D10 on June 28, 2013, 09:42:26 PM
Quote from: dannygill on June 27, 2013, 11:03:50 PM
seems like the company has some very loyal customers..... not so bad are they ;)
This may make me unpopular, but does anyone else find it slightly curious how all these Sandwell customers seem to have found out about this Forum?
There are several Users who have only ever posted comments in the Sandwell Travel thread. This strikes me as unusual as surely Enthusiasts have opinions about several operators not just Sandwell?
And I find it extremely unlikely that any general members of the public would go to the trouble of finding out, and then registering to use an Enthusiasts Forum just to post a comment.
Also most of the comments seem to have poor spelling and/or grammar and virtually keep repeating the same phrases such as that they "always run on time"...
D10, you could well have a very good point there.....
And called Shorty & Lanky! two of them, I was expecting them all to come from the same IP address but several are used
Would the IP addresses not be different if one person had two accounts, one account being accessed via a standard internet connection & the other via a mobile internet connection?
If you guys are implying that the people posting good things about Sandwell travel are either the owners or in some way linked to Sandwell travel, then just think about what you are saying.
These guys searched for the forum and posted several times or using several accounts from different places (so as to change ip address) just to make believe the company has a loyal following.
Now think again, how ridiculous does that sound.
I have refrained from making comment till now but, it does look like this operator has turned things around, their buses are 90% of the time within tolerance & i have seen several passengers having a conversation with the driver when boarding or alighting, which does suggest they are regulars.
Well done I say & keep it up.
Steve, I think the main point being made is how would non bus enthusiast loyal passengers even know such a forum existed?
Quote from: Steveminor on June 29, 2013, 07:40:23 AM
If you guys are implying that the people posting good things about Sandwell travel are either the owners or in some way linked to Sandwell travel, then just think about what you are saying.
These guys searched for the forum and posted several times or using several accounts from different places (so as to change ip address) just to make believe the company has a loyal following.
Now think again, how ridiculous does that sound.
I have refrained from making comment till now but, it does look like this operator has turned things around, their buses are 90% of the time within tolerance & i have seen several passengers having a conversation with the driver when boarding or alighting, which does suggest they are regulars.
Well done I say & keep it up.
Search sandwell travel in Google and this forum is top 3
Quote from: Winston on June 29, 2013, 10:42:38 AM
Steve, I think the main point being made is how would non bus enthusiast loyal passengers even know such a forum existed?
Quote from: Steveminor on June 29, 2013, 07:40:23 AM
If you guys are implying that the people posting good things about Sandwell travel are either the owners or in some way linked to Sandwell travel, then just think about what you are saying.
These guys searched for the forum and posted several times or using several accounts from different places (so as to change ip address) just to make believe the company has a loyal following.
Now think again, how ridiculous does that sound.
I have refrained from making comment till now but, it does look like this operator has turned things around, their buses are 90% of the time within tolerance & i have seen several passengers having a conversation with the driver when boarding or alighting, which does suggest they are regulars.
Well done I say & keep it up.
there is also the abusive message I deleted basically telling Martinmorris not to be do nosey looking in their garage
Who ever it was that called me nosey for looking into the garage has got it totally wrong as I was walking to West Bromwich from my home in Wednesbury not my usual route to walk into West Bromwich but I was on a public footpath and both of the buses were in view one was on the road outside of the garage and the other was parked up on the front just outside of the unit. . . . . . SO DON'T CALL ME NOSEY. >:(
I believe there is an unidentified plain white dart out on the 333X today.
re the white dart Walsall commuity transport also run one or 2 white darts from walsall bus station
Dart / Pointer KX51UCR was parked outside the depot today, allover white, presume this is the UID one
Dart R47x broke down on 333x today in the bus station
Is the White dart at sandwell travel a loan as it has no
blinds only paper where the blinds should be
Quote from: Solo1 on July 15, 2013, 12:14:57 PM
Is the White dart at sandwell travel a loan as it has no
blinds only paper where the blinds should be
All their other vehicles have electronic front blinds so they don't have roller blinds.
KX51UCR was on the 333x yesterday. It came into Walsall bus station at 16.20 as the 16.15 departure and went on stand M, as the 19 was on N, where a NWM inspector appeared to have a "suitable conversation".
Sandwell Travel purchased two vehicles recently
They are not on loan!!!!
What is the reg of the other bus & bus type ,what service is this on
On VOSA today!!!
PD1095259/13 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 333X effective from 02-Sep-2013. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
PD1095259/14 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Finish Point: Darlaston
Via:
Service Number: 333E
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2013
Other Details: Sundays & bank holidays
PD1095259/15 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: West Bromwich
Finish Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Via:
Service Number: 45
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2013
Other Details: Sundays & bank holidays
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 31, 2013, 02:38:58 PM
On VOSA today!!!
PD1095259/13 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 333X effective from 02-Sep-2013. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
PD1095259/14 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Finish Point: Darlaston
Via:
Service Number: 333E
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2013
Other Details: Sundays & bank holidays
PD1095259/15 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: West Bromwich
Finish Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Via:
Service Number: 45
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2013
Other Details: Sundays & bank holidays
On the 45 there buses wont get up the Charlemont farm hill :) there would be better trying out the 4 between Walsall and West Bromwich rather than the 45.
Quote from: Ash on July 31, 2013, 05:44:34 PM
On the 45 there buses wont get up the Charlemont farm hill :) there would be better trying out the 4 between Walsall and West Bromwich rather than the 45.
LOL, was my first thought as well, even nx buses struggle sometimes
Has anyone got any idea of the timetables for the altered/new services that Sandwell are running
I've just noticed that sandwell werent operating in the summer holidays
Saturday 333x appears to be down to one bus, and the weekday service now has a 90 minute lunch time gap.
#122
Well they were operating in the summer because I have used their 80 service to Birmingham few times!!!!!!
Quote from: dgss1 on September 03, 2013, 07:36:23 PM
I've just noticed that sandwell werent operating in the summer holidays
They were certainly operating the 333X during the Summer Holidays as it goes past the end of my road, saw it loads of times.
Any reason why S.T dont run a daytime 45 journeys, as I guarantee more people would board it M-F than Sunday :)
PD1095259/15 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 45 effective from 28-Dec-2013.
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 03:48:13 PM
PD1095259/15 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 45 effective from 28-Dec-2013.
Did they even start? I haven't seen one on the 45 since the registration began in September
Quote from: uniquicity on November 05, 2013, 04:49:50 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 03:48:13 PM
PD1095259/15 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 45 effective from 28-Dec-2013.
Did they even start? I haven't seen one on the 45 since the registration began in September
I think they were only registered to run it on Sundays. Was looking at the timetable in Walsall, and they were only down for Sunday journeys
Saw one some few Sundays back in West Brom so they are running the 45
Quote from: uniquicity on November 05, 2013, 04:49:50 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 03:48:13 PM
PD1095259/15 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich and Walsall, Bradford Place given service number 45 effective from 28-Dec-2013.
Did they even start? I haven't seen one on the 45 since the registration began in September
It was only registered on Sundays I cought 1 last week from Bradford Place to all saints way but it takes really long time just to get through bescott market it took 25 mins lot of people rather catch number 4!!!!!!
Has the White dart been painted yet that
Sandwell Travel have
Quote from: Solo1 on November 10, 2013, 09:48:49 AM
Has the White dart been painted yet that
Sandwell Travel have
I don't think so saw 1 last week on 333x still white!!!!!!!
333x: brilliant service, keep the good work up Sandwell Travell,
You are always on time and reliable, thank you. :)
clearing out my Mom's house in Darlaston this morning a white Dart went down Victoria Road and shortly afterwards KX51UCR headed towards Walsall on the 333X.
Waiting at bradford place needing a bus to bilston, thandi bus was at the stand, I boarded the bus and the driver said that he was going to daliston only.. could anybody explain why this driver is saying this, looked at the time table and should be going to bilston, can anybody give explain this??????
Quote from: sharon moor on January 27, 2014, 08:30:13 PM
Waiting at bradford place needing a bus to bilston, thandi bus was at the stand, I boarded the bus and the driver said that he was going to daliston only.. could anybody explain why this driver is saying this, looked at the time table and should be going to bilston, can anybody give explain this??????
One possibility is that he was running late and was trying to get time back. But the most likely option is that he couldn't be bothered.
It happens a lot with THANDI buses specially in the afternoon!
Quote from: sharon moor on January 27, 2014, 08:30:13 PM
Waiting at bradford place needing a bus to bilston, thandi bus was at the stand, I boarded the bus and the driver said that he was going to daliston only.. could anybody explain why this driver is saying this, looked at the time table and should be going to bilston, can anybody give explain this??????
What has this got to do with Sandwell Travel? And as explained by NXWM Spectra the driver was probably late running (Even though they run to their own times!) So terminated at Darlaston (Not daliston! 8))
We'll they did run 334 probly confused!!!!!!!
I do think its a shame that they are stopping the service to the mannor, it really did provide new links for people :(
Where did that come from?
It wou
Quote from: Nathan on January 27, 2014, 08:43:31 PM
Quote from: sharon moor on January 27, 2014, 08:30:13 PM
Waiting at bradford place needing a bus to bilston, thandi bus was at the stand, I boarded the bus and the driver said that he was going to daliston only.. could anybody explain why this driver is saying this, looked at the time table and should be going to bilston, can anybody give explain this??????
What has this got to do with Sandwell Travel? And as explained by NXWM Spectra the driver was probably late running (Even though they run to their own times!) So terminated at Darlaston (Not daliston! 8))
.
She appears to be Sandwell's official publicity machine.
;
Thandi don't go to Bilston on the 334 any more, they were replaced by a school holidays only 333, so its a Centro cock up if the timetable still shows them. Traveline doesn't show either version.
;
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2384.msg78095#msg78095
;
Passed a 333X coming up through Pleck on the 311/3 route.
What time - I have regularly seen one parked on the industrial estate on the site of the gas works during the lunch break.
Well they only had 1 or 2 passenger every trip going to hospital plus they were not picking up too many passengers from Bradford Place!!!!!!!!!
If any route stops serving the hospital it should be the 39, to regularise the interval to Darlaston with the 33/34.
Quote from: mikestone on January 31, 2014, 11:27:03 AM
If any route stops serving the hospital it should be the 39, to regularise the interval to Darlaston with the 33/34.
I think you have your route numbers a little muddled. It is the 38 Walsall - Wednesbury that serves the Manor and the 34 Walsall - Bilston and 39 Walsall - Wolverhampton that runs direct through Pleck.
Yes - I had just logged on to edit it.
Had a ride on them on the 80 yesterday and they seemed to be doing pretty well. Upwards of 13 passengers at one point and they certainly seem to use the slow method of competition ie holding back as much as possible so they're just in front of NX. A fair few cash payers though.
PD1095259/9 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted: Operating between West Bromwich and Birmingham given service number 80 effective from 26-Oct-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD1095259/13 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26, SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 333X effective from 26-Oct-2014. To amend Timetable.
Anyone seen KX51UCR the white one Sandwell travel has as I haven't seen it for a while
Quote from: Solo1 on January 05, 2015, 11:04:01 PM
Anyone seen KX51UCR the white one Sandwell travel has as I haven't seen it for a while
On the 333X every day but seems to run to a fictional timetable
Sandwell travel has had fire extinguishers stolen
& windows broken
It's in the newspaper express and star front page damage caused worth 30k three nights in row KX51 had around 10 windows smashed around 25 to 30 windows were smashed 4 different buses.
@Matt that's a handy excuse!
Quote from: Matt on February 18, 2015, 07:11:24 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 18, 2015, 07:08:23 PM
@Matt that's a handy excuse!
I'll hold my Hands up there...but you gotta Hand it to him...wonder if he had a helping Hand?
I wonder if he uses the dating agency match.com!
Quote from: Tony on February 18, 2015, 07:12:40 PM
Quote from: Matt on February 18, 2015, 07:11:24 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 18, 2015, 07:08:23 PM
@Matt that's a handy excuse!
I'll hold my Hands up there...but you gotta Hand it to him...wonder if he had a helping Hand?
I wonder if he uses the dating agency match.com!
We better not light up the joke sites
Whatever individuals might think about particular bus companies a serious vandal attack on their buses and premises is not something to make jokes about. This kind of attack on a small operator can threaten the survival of the business plus the livelihood of employees.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on February 19, 2015, 06:47:41 PM
Whatever individuals might think about particular bus companies a serious vandal attack on their buses and premises is not something to make jokes about. This kind of attack on a small operator can threaten the survival of the business plus the livelihood of employees.
All hands to the deck, to make sure it survives then
PD1095259/9 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between West Bromwich and Birmingham given service number 80 effective from 31-May-2015.
PD1095259/13 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 333X/333L effective from 31-May-2015. To amend Timetable.
A 'new' Pointer Dart on the 333X today, KX53 SHJ in bright dealership white.
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 05, 2015, 08:14:21 PM
PD1095259/9 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between West Bromwich and Birmingham given service number 80 effective from 31-May-2015.
PD1095259/13 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 333X/333L effective from 31-May-2015. To amend Timetable.
What's a 333L, compared to a 333X ?
Quote from: Westy on May 09, 2015, 12:37:26 AM
What's a 333L, compared to a 333X ?
As a guess, possibly a short working to Lodge Farm? In other words, the original 9?
333X is going to willenhall every 30 mins
333L is going to be every 30 mins from lodge farm
Every 15 mins from lodge farm
Quote from: Other Walsall Tony on May 08, 2015, 12:54:59 PM
A 'new' Pointer Dart on the 333X today, KX53 SHJ in bright dealership white.
Here is the said bus https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/17521910731/in/dateposted-public/
Quote from: sarai949 on May 09, 2015, 11:51:58 AM
333X is going to willenhall every 30 mins
333L is going to be every 30 mins from lodge farm
Every 15 mins from lodge farm
Anyone in the relavant area heard a rumour about the Arriva 9 being withdrawn?
Overhead part of a conversation this morning while waiting for a bus in Darlo.
(All very well Arriva withdrawing their route, if they're not making money, but they've got a massive support network in England.
What happens if Sandwell have problems? They dont have a support network elsewhere do they?)
Quote from: Westy on May 11, 2015, 05:03:15 PM
Anyone in the relavant area heard a rumour about the Arriva 9 being withdrawn?
Overhead part of a conversation this morning while waiting for a bus in Darlo.
(All very well Arriva withdrawing their route, if they're not making money, but they've got a massive support network in England.
What happens if Sandwell have problems? They dont have a support network elsewhere do they?)
Sandwell have higher patronage on the 333X than Arriva do on the 9 and to be honest I'm not surprised if it is happening.
Quote from: Westy on May 11, 2015, 05:03:15 PM
Anyone in the relavant area heard a rumour about the Arriva 9 being withdrawn?
Overhead part of a conversation this morning while waiting for a bus in Darlo.
(All very well Arriva withdrawing their route, if they're not making money, but they've got a massive support network in England.
What happens if Sandwell have problems? They dont have a support network elsewhere do they?)
Service 9 is indeed cancelled from 31st May 2015, with just one contracted morning journey remaining.
I do wonder what you mean by support network though?
Quote from: 646 on May 11, 2015, 05:33:35 PM
Service 9 is indeed cancelled from 31st May 2015, with just one contracted morning journey remaining.
I do wonder what you mean by support network though?
Dunno how I can put this legally, but what about if Sandwell have 'problems', unless they can get their hands on replacement vehicles, they're stuck.
At least Arriva could transfer in other vehicles from elsewhere in the group.
What can Sandwell do?
Quote from: Westy on May 11, 2015, 09:24:24 PM
Dunno how I can put this legally, but what about if Sandwell have 'problems', unless they can get their hands on replacement vehicles, they're stuck.
At least Arriva could transfer in other vehicles from elsewhere in the group.
What can Sandwell do?
They should have spare parts and ideally a spare bus
Precisely, an operator must be able to demonstrate that it has spare capacity in event of breakdown or during routine maintenance.
They do have spare vehicle they are increasing service to 15 mins also running on Saturdays
Quote from: 646 on May 12, 2015, 06:03:05 AM
Precisely, an operator must be able to demonstrate that it has spare capacity in event of breakdown or during routine maintenance.
what about a certain operator in brum who only has 1 bus as far as I know what a he going to do if the bus is of the road
It doesn't matter if u have one or two buses on the road operator should have least one spare vehicle. And have engineer on stand by when required
Quote from: Solo1 on May 12, 2015, 01:20:30 PM
what about a certain operator in brum who only has 1 bus as far as I know what a he going to do if the bus is of the road
Hi ride?
Yes what does he have as a spare
Quote from: Solo1 on May 12, 2015, 08:18:43 PM
Yes what does he have as a spare
Mates minibus ;)
Which operator r we talking about?
Hi ride
It's too costly to have spare vehicle when u only have one bus. Insurance for public service vehicle is expensive.
PD1095259/14 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Walsall, Bradford Place and Darlaston given service number 333E effective from 28-Jul-2015.
Quote from: Solo1 on June 05, 2015, 04:11:48 PM
PD1095259/14 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Walsall, Bradford Place and Darlaston given service number 333E effective from 28-Jul-2015.
That's the Sunday variant gone then
Last time I waited for that 333E Sunday service, it failed to run
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 05, 2015, 04:40:49 PM
Last time I waited for that 333E Sunday service, it failed to run
What a surprise...
What do u mean I buy a weekly pass every week on Sunday they have never missed this service
Even today
We have already purchased two MPD Dennis Darts both 51 Plate. R470 and R743 both already scrapped. We have also purchased another 51 Dennis Dart Caetano which will arrive in couple of weeks time.
Quote from: countryliner on November 22, 2015, 03:10:40 AM
Does anyone know what Sandwell Travel are going to do once the DDA compliance rules come in to place for single decker buses from 1/1/2016. I believe that Sandwell Travel currently operate quite a few low floor but non DDA compliant darts. Will they get rid of them or will they upgrade them to DDA compliant (which would probably be quite easy and not to expensive to do). I believe that N227 TPK / R470 LGH / R743 BMY / R746 FGX are all not DDA compliant. Also does anyone know if W773 URP is DDA compliant as i am not entirely sure if this vehicle is DDA compliant or not.
Looking at Sandwell Travels Timetables, they only seem to require
5 buses plus a spare or two perhaps to operate their services so they only require 2 or 3 DDA Compliant vehicles at the moment to for fill the legislation coming into place.
Well we will have 6 DDA by the end of this month.
Quote from: sarai949 on November 22, 2015, 12:11:47 PM
Well we will have 6 DDA by the end of this month.
New purchases?
Yes EK51 XXF and EK51 XXG
We have also installed new Brake Roller Tester and a Head Light Tester if anyone is interested in getting their vehicles tested let me know.
Cheers for the gen
@sarai949
@countryliner I assume this is it (KX53SHJ):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bigdan14025/23088649982/in/dateposted/
Quote from: countryliner on November 22, 2015, 11:57:47 PM
@Winston - Thanks for the info. But i dont think that KX53 SHJ is the new one as @sarai949 said that Sandwell Travel have just purchased a 51 plate Dennis Dart / Caetano Nimbus which will arrive in a few weeks time. KX53 SHJ is the first and original one that Sandwell Travel already have.
KX53SHJ isn't showing on Tony's Sandwell Travel fleetlist, but clearly isn't the 51 plater that hasn't arrived yet.
Quote from: countryliner on November 23, 2015, 12:23:54 AM
@Winston - Yes i see what you mean that KX53 SHJ is not yet on Tony's Sandwell Travel fleet list (i think that you mean Sandwell Travel not Sunny Travel). I have noticed that some of his fleet lists are a bit out of date and dont include newer arrivals - but i dont blame him as he does an excellent job writing fleet lists for so many bus operators and it is quite hard to keep up to date with the fleet happenings of a lot of bus operators. Well it will be interesting to see what vehicle the 51 plate Dennis Dart / Caetano Nimbus for Sandwell Travel is. I presume that it has probably been purchased from Ensignbus (bus dealers).
Yes, I meant Sandwell Travel
The 2 x EK51XXF/XXG MPD's should both have come from Ensign (ex South Lancs Travel /Diamond Bus NW), Ensign would seem the mostly likely for the 51 plate Caetano
New Nimbus reg RN52 EOV. With W773 its couple days job to make fully DDA. N227 will come of the road by end of this week. But we will try to make N227 fully DDA just to see if we can.
Latest Sandwell Travel Fleet
KX53 SHJ, KX51 SHJ, two new EX51's, RN52 EOV and W773
Sorry yes it's KX51 UCR. With N227 we have already fitted a ramp which is the biggest job once it's VOR we will have enough time to do the work. RN52 is getting some work at dawson will be ready in few weeks time.
It's a manual ramp on N227 we haven't got any folding seats left for wheelchair space. R746 has wheelchair space but needs ramp.
Quote from: sarai949 on November 23, 2015, 12:13:48 PM
New Nimbus reg RN52 EOV. With W773 its couple days job to make fully DDA. N227 will come of the road by end of this week. But we will try to make N227 fully DDA just to see if we can.
Latest Sandwell Travel Fleet
KX53 SHJ, KX51 SHJ, two new EX51's, RN52 EOV and W773
With regards to the R reg fleet. I still require R470 and another for haulage, are these still in use?
EK51XXG IS ON rt333X today so will leave Walsall 8:45 & 10:15 & then every 1hr 30mins
R470 is now gone to Barnsley Scrap Yard
We will be keeping R746 FGX. It's one of the most reliable bus we have that's why we will convert it to DDA Specification.
We have installed new brake roller tester and headlight tester for commercial vehicles. We are charging £20 per vehicle if anyone is looking for it.
That's right.
Quote from: sarai949 on November 24, 2015, 03:08:55 PM
R470 is now gone to Barnsley Scrap Yard
Cheers for that. I'll cross it off the list.
I catch the first 333X from Darlaston to go to my School Willenhall e-act academy The bus i
catch has a driver called Az who when a girl tripped and hurt her ankle on tuesday last week he helped her up. Also yesterday i was on a driver called Dans Bus he is in the Express and Star Vandal leaves 20K of damage he is on the left anyway he waited for a Women and aKid to sit down Then pulled away not only that Az makes sure i don't get bullied after i told him iwas so when thesd kjds were bullying me he told them to get of would any other oprater do that.
Quote from: DartSLF on December 22, 2015, 04:02:31 PM
I catch the first 333X from Darlaston to go to my School Willenhall e-act academy The bus i
catch has a driver called Az who when a girl tripped and hurt her ankle on tuesday last week he helped her up. Also yesterday i was on a driver called Dans Bus he is in the Express and Star Vandal leaves 20K of damage he is on the left anyway he waited for a Women and aKid to sit down Then pulled away not only that Az makes sure i don't get bullied after i told him iwas so when thesd kjds were bullying me he told them to get of would any other oprater do that.
If I understood what you are trying to say I may or may not agree. I'm just confused!!!
Looks like a normal Saturday service today for Sandwell. KX51 UCR has just arrived at Bradford Place on the 333X.
@DartSLF - Yes i agree with you about Sandwell Travel. They are a very good bus operator. Whenever i have used them they have always had friendly polite helpful bus drivers / cheap fares / gives change / nice vehicles / etc. Their route 333L and route 333X bus services seem to be doing quite well.
@Michael Bevan - That is good to hear that Sandwell Travel were running a bus service on Boxing Day.
@sarai949 - Do you or anyone else on this forum know what the PVR of the route 333L and the route 333X services is. Thank you.
Quote from: countryliner on January 03, 2016, 02:40:15 AM
@sarai949 - Do you or anyone else on this forum know what the PVR of the route 333L and the route 333X services is. Thank you.
If I remember correctly, it's 3 buses on the 333X and 2 on the 333L. Check the timetable on traveline, you should be able to work it out :)
@countryliner - it's 5 buses altogether 3 on 333x and two 333L.
Quote from: sarai949 on January 03, 2016, 10:30:41 AM
@countryliner - it's 5 buses altogether 3 on 333x and two 333L.
Quite a decent presence been built up on those routes, will be interesting to see whether Sandwell expand onto other services or not. Isn't there still a Traffic Commissioner's license limitation on how many vehicles they can run/how many departures out of Bradford Place due to previous poor compliance?
@sarai949 @Adam 404 - Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.
I believe that Sandwell Travel have eight vehicles in their current fleet (KX53 SHJ / RN52 EOV / EK51 XXF / EK51 XXG / KX51 UCR / W773 URP / R746 FGX / N227 TPK) so that means that they eight vehicles for a PVR of five which is good to hear.
@DiamondDart - Yes it will certainly be interesting to see if Sandwell Travel start to operate any other routes in the future. They seem to be doing quite well on their route 333L and route 333X services. They seem to be a very good bus operator. I am not 100% sure but i do not think that those restrictions apply anymore.
Quote from: countryliner on January 03, 2016, 03:57:11 PM
@sarai949 @Adam 404 - Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.
I believe that Sandwell Travel have eight vehicles in their current fleet (KX53 SHJ / RN52 EOV / EK51 XXF / EK51 XXG / KX51 UCR / W773 URP / R746 FGX / N227 TPK) so that means that they eight vehicles for a PVR of five which is good to hear.
@DiamondDart - Yes it will certainly be interesting to see if Sandwell Travel start to operate any other routes in the future. They seem to be doing quite well on their route 333L and route 333X services. They seem to be a very good bus operator. I am not 100% sure but i do not think that those restrictions apply anymore.
The 333L/X saw Arriva off the 9 and they're obviously decently used but I'd have thought that corridor is now saturated, if they want to expand, it may be better to look at another corridor.
@DiamondDart - Yes it will be interesting to see if they do expand their operations. If they do expand i wonder which routes they would be interested in operating.
We never had any restrictions to begin with we also have two RN52 buses next couple of months will be busy as we will be converting both RN52s to single door.
Quote from: sarai949 on January 03, 2016, 07:05:59 PM
We never had any restrictions to begin with we also have two RN52 buses next couple of months will be busy as we will be converting both RN52s to single door.
I lost track of what happened but wasn't there a PI towards the end of 2012 and weren't you limited to 2 buses, plus being banned from Bradford Place for 3 years from early 2013?
@sarai949 - Thanks for the info. Do you know what the full registration numbers of these RN52 *** buses are. Thank you.
@DiamondDart - I am not sure if those restrictions ever happened.
It's EOX AND EOV
@sarai949 - Thanks for the info. Do you know when RN52 EOV and RN52 EOX are likely to enter service with Sandwell Travel.
Quote from: countryliner on January 03, 2016, 07:21:10 PM
@sarai949 - Thanks for the info. Do you know what the full registration numbers of these RN52 *** buses are. Thank you.
@DiamondDart - I am not sure if those restrictions ever happened.
The restrictions did happen and for a period their 333 journeys operated from Pleck traffic lights and into the main St Paul's bus station via Manor Hospital. I actually think this was a far better option for an operator because it provided a unique link from Darlaston and Pleck Road to the Retail Park and main bus station.
Well if they've come from the dealer I think they've come from (who I will not name but some will know who I mean ) they'll probably be waiting for said dealer to put any remidial problems right before they even make it onto the road.
Quote from: Steveminor on January 03, 2016, 09:21:04 PM
Well if they've come from the dealer I think they've come from (who I will not name but some will know who I mean ) they'll probably be waiting for said dealer to put any remidial problems right before they even make it onto the road.
Neither of these have been in service for quite a while. Various dealers have had ex London leased darts sat around ages, here's EOV last year
https://www.flickr.com/photos/shedinagarden/20466863845/
@Steveminor @DiamondDart - Yes both RN52 EOV and RN52 EOX appear to have been out of service and stored at a bus dealers for quite a while.
@fleetline6477 - Thanks for the info. That is interesting to hear.
I guess a fair few will have recently been snapped up as operators prepared for DDA. Obviously their book value was higher than their real value which was why they weren't selling. Not every fleet wants ex London Darts that on certain routes would require an expensive single door conversion.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 04, 2016, 07:40:02 PM
I guess a fair few will have recently been snapped up as operators prepared for DDA. Obviously their book value was higher than their real value which was why they weren't selling. Not every fleet wants ex London Darts that on certain routes would require an expensive single door conversion.
And the irony is the single door conversion makes them non-DDA, so you might just as well by a non London single door bus and convert that
Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2016, 08:00:10 PM
And the irony is the single door conversion makes them non-DDA, so you might just as well by a non London single door bus and convert that
Exactly, you have to do 2 conversions and not 1! Only good thing I guess is they tend to be newer so there's a chance of recouping investment.
Well we do have a idea what to do with both RN52 buses which doesn't require converting to single door.
Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2016, 08:00:10 PM
And the irony is the single door conversion makes them non-DDA, so you might just as well by a non London single door bus and convert that
How are they non-DDA after single door conversion? Fitting of a ramp and moving of seats / disabled area / etc should make them compliant, am I right?
Quote from: justlookingaround on January 04, 2016, 10:12:17 PM
How are they non-DDA after single door conversion? Fitting of a ramp and moving of seats / disabled area / etc should make them compliant, am I right?
Exactly, you have to do all the further work to make them DDA again
Quote from: sarai949 on January 04, 2016, 09:59:48 PM
Well we do have a idea what to do with both RN52 buses which doesn't require converting to single door.
Leave them as they are?
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 04, 2016, 10:32:12 PM
Leave them as they are?
If you want a dual door bus, yes, but most operators don't which is why these have been sitting in fields all over the country unused for so long
@justlookingaround you have to remember it's not just moving the stuff around but it has to all be perfectly placed & to re dda the bus it will be measured with laser accuracy again & then there's the all important push test this will all add an extra £2k to the cost of the purchase of the bus money that won't add to the book value of the vehicle. That's why so many people won't buy them.
@Steveminor @Tony @DiamondDart @justlookingaround - Yes i suppose that is why there are so many dual door buses that are sitting around in bus dealers. Most bus operators seem to prefer to convert them to single door rather than operating them in service as dual door vehicles. I know that many bus operators all over the UK have converted their buses from dual door to single door but i suppose it can be very expensive to do.
@sarai949 - So are RN52 EOV and RN52 EOX going to be converted to single door or will they be kept as dual door vehicles.
Quote from: countryliner on January 05, 2016, 01:12:58 PM
@Steveminor @Tony @DiamondDart @justlookingaround - Yes i suppose that is why there are so many dual door buses that are sitting around in bus dealers. Most bus operators seem to prefer to convert them to single door rather than operating them in service as dual door vehicles. I know that many bus operators all over the UK have converted their buses from dual door to single door but i suppose it can be very expensive to do.
@sarai949 - So are RN52 EOV and RN52 EOX going to be converted to single door or will they be kept as dual door vehicles.
He answered that 6 comments above, they are staying two door, which I can fully understand as the conversion costs would probably be almost as much as the cost of buying the vehicles!
@Tony - Ok. Thank you. I was just confused as first he said that they were converting them and then he said that they were not converting them. Thanks for confirming. I know that converting vehicles from dual door to single door can be expensive but i did not realise that it was that expensive. I suppose with all the DDA compliance rules it will cost much more and there will be a lot more work that needs to be done to them.
Quote from: countryliner on January 05, 2016, 01:32:07 PM
@Tony - Ok. Thank you. I was just confused as first he said that they were converting them and then he said that they were not converting them. Thanks for confirming. I know that converting vehicles from dual door to single door can be expensive but i did not realise that it was that expensive. I suppose with all the DDA compliance rules it will cost much more and there will be a lot more work that needs to be done to them.
London vehicles are more expensive than other dual doors to convert because of London's insistance on the wheelchair ramp being on the centre door
@Tony - Yes i suppose that definetly makes it harder and more expensive to convert. I have never understood why TFL insists on bus operators putting their ramps at the back door and having electronic ramps. In my opinion i think that all dual door buses in the UK (including London) should have wheelchair ramps at the front door (personally i think that this should have been made part of the DDA compliance rules). Why should wheelchair users have to board at the back when everyone else boards at the front. What happened when you could still pay cash on buses in London and the wheelchair user did not have an ENCTS pass. Also what if the wheelchair user has a question for the driver. The ramps should also be manual as the electronic ramps can break down and what happens if it breaks down when a wheelchair user is on the bus already (i personally think that this should have been made part of the DDA compliance rules as well).
@sarai949 - Do you or anyone else on this forum know what is currently happening with N227 TPK / R746 FGX / W773 URP as i have just noticed that they are all currently SORN. Would i be correct in thinking that this is due to them currently being coverted to DDA compliant. Thank you very much.
Latest vehicle is KU02 YBC Dennis dart slf bodied Caetano nimbus on rt 333x just left loadge farm 7:50 for willenhall
PD1095259/13 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 333X/333L effective from 04-Jul-2016. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
PD1095259/16 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Bilston Bus Station (Stand C)
Finish Point: Walsall Bus Station, Bradford Place (Stand R)
Via: Darlaston, Pleck
Service Number: 339
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 04-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Friday, no public holidays.
To run via Bentley Road South rather than Owen Rd/Midland Rd?
Quote from: T840MAK on May 10, 2016, 10:01:38 AM
PD1095259/13 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 333X/333L effective from 04-Jul-2016. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
Page 15 about the 333X.
"Additional early and late journeys"
"Will operate via Bentley Road South"
PD1095259/16 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Bilston Bus Station (Stand C) and Walsall Bus Station, Bradford Place (Stand R) given service number 339 effective from 26-Sep-2016.
PD1095259/17 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Finish Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Via: Manaor Hospital, Alumwell
Service Number: 336
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-SEP-2016
Other Details:
I was wondering would Sandwell Travel operate a route via the Manor since the 38 got scrapped but a suggestion reinstate the 333X via the Manor so you could have that link from Darlaston to the Manor since the 38 got so people in Darlaston in particular nurses could get to work.
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 25, 2016, 11:23:29 AM
I was wondering would Sandwell Travel operate a route via the Manor since the 38 got scrapped but a suggestion reinstate the 333X via the Manor so you could have that link from Darlaston to the Manor since the 38 got so people in Darlaston in particular nurses could get to work.
There is a service between Manor Hospital and Darlaston, the 39 which replaced the 38 along that section of the route.
I read NX website said 39 was now running between Walsall and Bilston said nothing about going via the Manor
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 25, 2016, 11:50:40 AM
I read NX website said 39 was now running between Walsall and Bilston said nothing about going via the Manor
The 39 still operates between Walsall and Wolverhampton, the Wolverhampton to Bilston section is not withdrawn till September 4th, the route will still operate via Manor Hospital after September 4th..
http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/black-country-service-changes-from-sunday-24th-july-
"39 - route change to operate via Manor Hospital. Buses will operate to the same route as the 38 between Walsall and Darlaston. Minor timetable changes to coordinate with the 79."
Thanks Interesting changes by NX unless there is a forum discussing this I will create one
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 25, 2016, 12:17:26 PM
Thanks Interesting changes by NX unless there is a forum discussing this I will create one
There is already a thread for the July 24th service changes.
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=4396.210
PD1095259/13 - SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED, 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 333X effective from 17-Oct-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.
Having my first experience of Sandwell Travel.
This bus is a right rattler!
Did it vibrate when it exalted as well I caught this about 12:15 wish from Walsall
Quote from: BusFan94 on September 23, 2016, 06:50:03 PM
Did it vibrate when it exalted as well I caught this about 12:15 wish from Walsall
How do you know you were on the same bus.
I've never know a bus in a state of extreme happiness
I know because there former east Lancashire travel buses always vibrate and rattle when speeding up
Ps Driver told me it was the gearbox
Quote from: BusFan94 on September 23, 2016, 07:37:43 PM
I know because there former east Lancashire travel buses always vibrate and rattle when speeding up
Ps Driver told me it was the gearbox
But how do you know it is the same bus that Westy was on?
Quote from: Tony on September 23, 2016, 07:47:29 PM
But how do you know it is the same bus that Westy was on?
Crystal Ball...
We already put a new gearbox in one still can't stop it
The one I was on was one that departed Darlo around 1700.
Taking a guess it was the last but one service into Walsall, if I read the timetable stuck on the window inside correctly!
Yes that's correct
Sandwell Travel are now running five minutes Earle now although the 07:27 Depture From Darlaston is now timetable to run at 07:30 by the way
@Westy did you like the experience of Sandwell Travel.
Quote from: BusFan94 on October 21, 2016, 07:09:19 PM
Sandwell Travel are now running five minutes Earle now although the 07:27 Depture From Darlaston is now timetable to run at 07:30 by the way @Westy did you like the experience of Sandwell Travel.
It was alright. Nothing special.
First departure from Darlaston to Walsall is Actually 7:24
Quote from: sarai949 on October 21, 2016, 09:08:40 PM
First departure from Darlaston to Walsall is Actually 7:24
Does he mean 07:30 Darlaston to Willenhall?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 21, 2016, 09:28:21 PM
Does he mean 07:30 Darlaston to Willenhall?
Yes I did should have mentioned that.
SN51 SZV is on the 333X today, still in full Hansons vinyls, with 287 on the back...
I'm assuming that this is a new acquisition, rather than a loan?
Just a loan.
I was on this this bus as the 15:40 Depture from Willenhall I have to say I liked the look of the bus inside personally from one bus I think Hanson maintained there buses well.
Quote from: BusFan94 on November 11, 2016, 04:47:32 PM
I was on this this bus as the 15:40 Depture from Willenhall I have to say I liked the look of the bus inside personally from one bus I think Hanson maintained there buses well.
Hanson's do maintain their fleet well!
Quote from: Alex on November 11, 2016, 10:22:12 AM
SN51 SZV is on the 333X today, still in full Hansons vinyls, with 287 on the back...
I'm assuming that this is a new acquisition, rather than a loan?
What's wrong with sandwell travels buses having to loan a bus to maintain a service
At least there making an effort to maintain there service by hiring in a bus not like some operators
Quote from: Solo1 on November 12, 2016, 06:22:15 AM
What's wrong with sandwell travels buses having to loan a bus to maintain a service
https://twitter.com/FatScottie/status/795563621891932160
This was one the other day
When did this happen and do we have a link to a news story about it anywhere
Quote from: BusFan94 on November 12, 2016, 03:41:08 PM
When did this happen and do we have a link to a news story about it anywhere
See notepanel's link!
As far as I can see that link implies there was to be a piece in the E&S but doesn't link to it, nor does google produce anything.
Quote from: mikestone on November 13, 2016, 09:50:14 AM
As far as I can see that link implies there was to be a piece in the E&S but doesn't link to it, nor does google produce anything.
might b in this week's express &star
Quote from: mikestone on November 13, 2016, 09:50:14 AM
As far as I can see that link implies there was to be a piece in the E&S but doesn't link to it, nor does google produce anything.
Probably not deemed newsworthy enough. Still, the link at least answers BusFan94's question about when it happened.
I was on the Hansons dart again today and it sounded like it was going to break down when the bus braked it made a beep noise and flashed stop on the dashboard. Every time it accelerated it beeped and flashed stop does any know what this issue is. Also on Monday it broke down twice on the same 08:10 journey it broke down in Bentley near the 529 route before giving in at The Homestead.
Quote from: BusFan94 on November 16, 2016, 04:40:21 PM
I was on the Hansons dart again today and it sounded like it was going to break down when the bus braked it made a beep noise and flashed stop on the dashboard. Every time it accelerated it beeped and flashed stop does any know what this issue is. Also on Monday it broke down twice on the same 08:10 journey it broke down in Bentley near the 529 route before giving in at The Homestead.
Certainly doesn't sound like a hansons bus. They always maintain vehicles very well.
I am not suggesting Hansons don't maintain there veichels well because on the First day of it's loan with Sandwell Travel it was in good condition and not making any beeping noises or flashing Stop across the Dashboard you could even hear the Allison Gearbox whine without the judder. Two days in it brakes down twice. Fourth day on loan possible risk of a Brake Down it was beeping, clattered from the back and made a judder in Darlaston when accelerating what I'm trying to say is since Sandwell Travel have had this bus for a week it brakes down think about the Bus that lost it's rear axle I was on that bus this morning and it sounded like the rear axle might fall off. So Sandwell Travel are not maintaining there buses well so it is not Hansons felt.
Quote from: BusFan94 on November 16, 2016, 05:35:06 PM
I am not suggesting Hansons don't maintain there veichels well because on the First day of it's loan with Sandwell Travel it was in good condition and not making any beeping noises or flashing Stop across the Dashboard you could even hear the Allison Gearbox whine without the judder. Two days in it brakes down twice. Fourth day on loan possible risk of a Brake Down it was beeping, clattered from the back and made a judder in Darlaston when accelerating what I'm trying to say is since Sandwell Travel have had this bus for a week it brakes down think about the Bus that lost it's rear axle I was on that bus this morning and it sounded like the rear axle might fall off. So Sandwell Travel are not maintaining there buses well so it is not Hansons felt.
Don't think I've read a bigger load of bollocks in my time on this forum, and with some of the stuff that gets said in the pensnett thread thats bloody surprising!
Quote from: Dom on November 16, 2016, 06:23:42 PM
Don't think I've read a bigger load of bollocks in my time on this forum, and with some of the stuff that gets said in the pensnett thread thats bloody surprising!
That pensnett thread is very informative, best thread on forum me thinks 😉
Sandwell Travel today me p####d off first off all the 08:10 333X was missed out meaning I was late looking after my mates son. Second off all they missed out the 15:20 333X to Walsall I walked up to the Homestead when the 15:50 333X showed up. Thirdly the 15:50 was rammed meaning I had to stand up and some stupid women pushed past me and made me drop my phone. Not only that they had a driver change on Atlee Road on a service already rammed and late. Then some women argued both of whom had prams we all were shouted at to move but no one could I mean I would have sat at the back but some ignorant women and her children thought they owned the back we then stopped for a women not even at a bus stop to pick her up directly from her work. Then another pram got on. Finally the bus operating the service's panel by the fire extinguisher can be broken by a women leaning against it and I was late home which means I am now going to be late getting the 79 go my Uncles.
I'm not a fan of Sandwell Travel and I understand your frustration at missing journeys. However, driver reliefs have to take place whether a bus is late or not, full or empty. Didn't realise they had driver reliefs thought drivers took breaks with their bus during the course of the day.
Well I do like Sandwell Travel but if this is constant I'll get the 37.
I've never known so much happen on one bus
Sounds like a Jeremy Kyle episode
Quote from: karl724223 on December 01, 2016, 08:47:47 PM
I've never known so much happen on one bus
I've never known so many on a sandwell travel bus
Quote from: Dom on December 01, 2016, 09:20:56 PM
I've never known so many on a sandwell travel bus
Sandwell Travel appear to be the unluckiest operator in the country, for such a small operator, they must have the highest percentage of antisocial customers anywhere, all the incidents getting reported
Well lets just say that Women has been shouted art by the Bus driver today and is close to getting banned for antisocial behaviour. The driver I know said he told the ex lead driver who now works for Thandi for advice and he said ban them like you did a pool hayes kid for punching a Willenhall kid.
Quote from: Tony on December 01, 2016, 09:22:46 PM
Sandwell Travel appear to be the unluckiest operator in the country, for such a small operator, they must have the highest percentage of antisocial customers anywhere, all the incidents getting reported
Someone's half-inching the full stops as well ?
More crime on that one bus than in the whole of brum
Today got on the 07:30 333X to Willenhall and the driver wished the women in front of me a Merry Christmas and gave her a Christmas Card he then gave me one too. I opened it said ' To You ' ' From Bus Driver' Sandwell Travel caring about there Customers NXWM probably wouldn't give there customers Christmas Cards.
Quote from: BusFan94 on December 16, 2016, 01:34:51 PM
Today got on the 07:30 333X to Willenhall and the driver wished the women in front of me a Merry Christmas and gave her a Christmas Card he then gave me one too. I opened it said ' To You ' ' From Bus Driver' Sandwell Travel caring about there Customers NXWM probably wouldn't give there customers Christmas Cards.
Don't say that you'll get bombarded with hate from nx supporters
Quote from: BusFan94 on December 16, 2016, 01:34:51 PM
Today got on the 07:30 333X to Willenhall and the driver wished the women in front of me a Merry Christmas and gave her a Christmas Card he then gave me one too. I opened it said ' To You ' ' From Bus Driver' Sandwell Travel caring about there Customers NXWM probably wouldn't give there customers Christmas Cards.
Sandwell Travel don't have that many customers & could be a p r to try to get more customers
Quote from: Solo1 on December 16, 2016, 02:12:00 PM
Sandwell Travel don't have that many customers & could be a p r to try to get more customers
Erma they do an example today 12:20 333X from Willenhall had eight people on board.
A37 seen in Darlaston Green had two people on going to Willenhall the 333X had about eighteen people by then and when a 37 to Walsall past me it had five people on.
Quote from: BusFan94 on December 16, 2016, 01:34:51 PM
Today got on the 07:30 333X to Willenhall and the driver wished the women in front of me a Merry Christmas and gave her a Christmas Card he then gave me one too. I opened it said ' To You ' ' From Bus Driver' Sandwell Travel caring about there Customers NXWM probably wouldn't give there customers Christmas Cards.
Why would a big bus operator give their customers a Christmas card?
Quote from: P419 EJW on December 16, 2016, 02:55:23 PM
Why would a big bus operator give their customers a Christmas card?
They would have to buy the entire of clintons nationwide haha
Quote from: BusFan94 on December 16, 2016, 02:40:36 PM
Erma they do an example today 12:20 333X from Willenhall had eight people on board.
A37 seen in Darlaston Green had two people on going to Willenhall the 333X had about eighteen people by then and when a 37 to Walsall past me it had five people on.
well.they have timed their buses to run just in front of a 37 so will steal the passengersvso to speak
Sandwell Travel are running a potentially dangerous bus that could kill someone with Asthma The exhaust fumes can be smelt from the back seat and there was a yellow warning light indicated the Exhaust was broken. I could smell this exhaust 2 weeks ago and it still hasn't been fixed someone at Sandwell Travel needs to notice RN52EOV has a dodge exhaust and be fixed.
Out of interest did you report it to the driver and or the bus company?
I told the driver he said he'd tell the company I thought it would be out of service but I caught this morning I might just remind him again tomorrow because maybe they need it for the School Kids who get the later one so in other words Peak time loadings before it will be taken out of service.
Quote from: BusFan94 on January 17, 2017, 04:12:26 PM
I told the driver he said he'd tell the company I thought it would be out of service but I caught this morning I might just remind him again tomorrow because maybe they need it for the School Kids who get the later one so in other words Peak time loadings before it will be taken out of service.
Good. Toxic exhaust emissions should be an immediate off the road job. See what happens on tomorrows service.
It was still on the road today. This time a different driver I told this one. I don't think he understood what I mean by Exhaust is broken he kept saying door, door, door. He eventual looked down at the yellow light on his dash still carried on driving though he probably didn't understand what I was saying yet again I do have a cold.
Quote from: BusFan94 on January 18, 2017, 04:47:35 PM
It was still on the road today. This time a different driver I told this one. I don't think he understood what I mean by Exhaust is broken he kept saying door, door, door. He eventual looked down at the yellow light on his dash still carried on driving though he probably didn't understand what I was saying yet again I do have a cold.
we on here don't understand half the time
SANDWELL TRAVEL LIMITED 26 SOMERSET ROAD, WEST BROMWICH, B71 1HA, GB PD1095259 Valid PD1095259/17 Cancelled 1 09/02/2017 06/04/2017 336 2017-02-10T00:00:00+0000 Cancellation Accepted by SN Cancelled applications
RN52EOV'S exhaust finally fixed
Anyone from Sandwell Travel know what happened with 51 plate white dart last time I seen it was November last year.
Sandwell Travel p***ed me off today the 15:00 from Willenhall failed to show meant I was waiting for the 15:20PM bus to show and apparently the 08:10 at Darlo did not show until 08:33. But some stupid Pool Hayes Yob decided to splash me with Dirty Rain Water soaking my jeans and socks. In the end I got the 15:20 Depture which arrived around Five minutes late driver missing perhaps or could some tell me how being late in the morning makes you a no show or late in the afternoon.
Anyone from Sandwell Travel know what happened to the 15:10 and 15:30 Depture from the Homestead yesterday and also why every Friday does the 15:00 from Willenhall 15:10 from the Homestead fails to show and also why do you driver swap in the middle of the 15:50's 333X journey and why must you insist of picking up a women from outside here work not even at a bus stop?
Quote from: BusFan94 on March 18, 2017, 01:30:27 PM
Anyone from Sandwell Travel know what happened to the 15:10 and 15:30 Depture from the Homestead yesterday and also why every Friday does the 15:00 from Willenhall 15:10 from the Homestead fails to show and also why do you driver swap in the middle of the 15:50's 333X journey and why must you insist of picking up a women from outside here work not even at a bus stop?
try asking Sandwell travel
Quote from: karl724223 on March 18, 2017, 02:08:05 PM
try asking Sandwell travel
I thought there was a member on here who worked for them or knows gossip about them
Quote from: BusFan94 on March 18, 2017, 03:29:41 PM
I thought there was a member on here who worked for them or knows gossip about them
Gossip is useless compared to fact. It isn't like you don't have an alternative service you can use to complete your journey. Drivers swap for logistical purposes, if that's an inconvenience for you then suck it up.
Surely its against the rules to pick up elsewhere other than a designated bus stop?
It is isn't it like someone posted in the Hansons Thread That they don't drop off or pick on stops sometimes and they got in trouble
Or maybe that Women has mobility issues so can't walk very far to the bus stop on Bentley Road South over the bridge and by and the one by the Black Country Route towards Walsall
There are bus stops in Bentley Rd South, which serve nothing these days, though there were houses along ther 50 years ago, then nothing until Wrexham Avenue. The residents of Oberon Court are half way between the two. Perhaps TfWM should investigate?
Yeah it does have a temporary bus stop after That Court heading towards Walsall maybe put a bus stop there
What happened to most of Sandwell Travels old Fleet that aren't scrapped or withdrawn.
Also what routes do Sandwell Travel operate apart from the 333X
Quote from: BusFan94 on March 23, 2017, 04:38:01 PM
What happened to most of Sandwell Travels old Fleet that aren't scrapped or withdrawn.
Also what routes do Sandwell Travel operate apart from the 333X
333X and 336.
If you want to find out which routes any West Midland operator operates just search them into here,
https://journeyplanner.networkwestmidlands.com/Timetables .
Apparently Sandwell Travel have ceased the 333X according to Network West Midlands
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 30, 2017, 01:19:49 PM
Apparently Sandwell Travel have ceased the 333X according to Network West Midlands
all the action on the bus to much for the driver
@karl724223 it makes a trip on the 276 sound boring!
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 30, 2017, 05:06:51 PM
@karl724223 it makes a trip on the 276 sound boring!
the 333x has more action than all of pensnetts buses put together
So is that the end of Sandwell Travel?
Quote from: 2206 on May 30, 2017, 07:21:48 PM
So is that the end of Sandwell Travel?
Do Sandwell Travel operate any other routes apart from the 333X?
Not according to the TfWM journey planner.
333x no longer on Travel line West Midlands.
Have Sandwell Travel ceased trading? I doubt if anyone would want their vehicles.
Well I can report the 333X has gone as all there drivers including some of the Newsboys are now driving for Thandi as for there fleet Thandi have some similar buses to them and do they still operate the 336 as three or the drivers are either gone to someone else working at Thandi but I can't find them or are still working for them
Quote from: BusFan94 on June 10, 2017, 12:37:52 PM
Well I can report the 333X has gone as all there drivers including some of the Newsboys are now driving for Thandi as for there fleet Thandi have some similar buses to them and do they still operate the 336 as three or the drivers are either gone to someone else working at Thandi but I can't find them or are still working for them
Sandwell Travel no longer operate the 336.
Sandwell Travel have now ceased.
Thought they had so what happened to the Ex Diamond Driver Ex TWM driver and one of the oriental Drivers who caused Sandwell that ban from Bradford Place
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2017/10/16/bus-operator-hit-with-seven-year-ban/
Probably doesn't effect anything since they've shut up shop anyway, but I guess that's the final nail in the coffin.
Has the fleet been scrapped or up for sale via a dealer.
http://www.route-one.net/articles/Sandwell_Travel_banned
KU02YBC has turned up with Meakin, Crewe t/a Mikro.
Quote from: mikestone on May 19, 2018, 08:37:47 PM
KU02YBC has turned up with Meakin, Crewe t/a Mikro.
Must be desperate...
I came across KX53 SHJ on my way up to Dundee last week, now with Milkro Coaches in Crewe
KU02YBC was actually on the 39 to Nantwich this afternoon, normally a Solo if not the regular E200.