Rather a bad RTC today
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Bus-driver-airlifted-hospital-collision-tractor/story-20512289-detail/story.html
Looks like a 39** volvo
3910 it is. You can see it on one of the pictures of the bus been towed away
Is she likely to be repaired?
Thurmaston Streetlite 3318 noted at Heysham on delivery
http://malsfotofile.smugmug.com/HeyshamDocks/Arriva/28032174_Vd8bWH#!i=3516967699&k=DZ24sgm
Also, Pulsar Gemini 4775 is the 4th example to be repainted
https://www.flickr.com/photos/73096525@N02/15139682332/
Could this thread be pinned with the other garage threads? Already done John ;-) Winston
Quote from: arrivaaston on January 29, 2014, 09:51:36 PM
Is she likely to be repaired?
I believe it is being repaired along with the dart that caught fire too.
Streetlite 3313 during type training
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55205968@N03/15033322849/
Plus 4706 now in Wales
https://www.flickr.com/photos/28011506@N04/15036406770
Quote from: stuartn on September 08, 2014, 11:29:49 AM
Quote from: arrivaaston on January 29, 2014, 09:51:36 PM
Is she likely to be repaired?
I believe it is being repaired along with the dart that caught fire too.
3910 arrived back at Thurmaston last week.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/73096525@N02/15535721130/
Hows that for a route branded bus off route!
There are rumours that more Enviro200s are due at Thurmaston
Quote from: John on November 06, 2014, 11:49:05 AM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/73096525@N02/15535721130/
Hows that for a route branded bus off route!
There are rumours that more Enviro200s are due at Thurmaston
Correct
Will wednesfield need anything to replace them? Ie what will you be downgrading the walsall to lichfield route with? Darts?
Quote from: Bob on November 07, 2014, 11:35:12 AM
Will wednesfield need anything to replace them? Ie what will you be downgrading the walsall to lichfield route with? Darts?
Downgrading? You mean upgrading surely.
Haven't you read Bob's posts before?
Are all of wednesfields enviros going?
Heard wednesfield are having the remaining w reg alx200 darts as replacements for them? Nice.....
Quote from: Bob on November 08, 2014, 12:23:02 PM
Heard wednesfield are having the remaining w reg alx200 darts as replacements for them? Nice.....
I'd question your source, there's only seven left and these are non-DDA and due off fleet soon.
I have to admit I dont fully understand this dda compliance stuff? ?? Theyre low floor what's the problem? ?? ? Theyhave space for a wheelchair on board don't they?
Quote from: Bob on November 08, 2014, 12:23:02 PM
Heard wednesfield are having the remaining w reg alx200 darts as replacements for them? Nice.....
Incorrect, I have already said they are being upgraded.
Interesting to see what they get then....
Quote from: Bob on November 09, 2014, 09:49:31 AM
Interesting to see what they get then....
They are not from the midlands, i'll tell you that much.
Are cannock to lose any more buses following recent arrivals?
Id have thought maybe some of the worst darts at least werent far from withdrawal
Anyone any idea what will be replacing the e200's at Wednesfield?
Ex London enviro200's/darts?
Cadets from Telford?
Says above that whatever is replacing the e200s won't be from the midlands so wont be cadets from telford
Sapphire branded Volvo's 4002 & 4006 have been on other services this morning with 4002 on the 44/44a/49/49a/49b interworking and 4006 on the 84/85.
Here's 4002 on a 44a just before it returned to the 31/31a: www.facebook.com/LeicestershireTransportUpdates/photos/594613667337883/
There is a new 9001 at Thurmaston, 'YJ60 GDX'. I don't know how long this one has been there
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/15805950427
'Seems to have been used for warranty cover or similar from new - was previously 5001 at Telford.
;
https://www.flickr.com/photos/66525610@N08/15167816436
;
shows it with Leask, Lerwick in September, but refers to it as Arriva 314, BUS314, which led me to
;
http://maltabuses.piwigo.com/picture?/6364
;
3804 in service at Thurmaston
https://www.flickr.com/photos/73096525@N02/16427901281/
3805 and 6 also due.
Derby omnicity 3573 is currently on loan to South Wigston garage and has operated on services 44/44a and 49/49a/49b today.
FJ62 FOT is now 3300
@Tony
2711 2712 9001 at Wigston Depot
9001 still operating out of Wigston, with 2711 seemingly now operating out of Thurmaston, and 2712 remaining at Wigston also.
Sapphire service 31 has been seeing many non sapphire buses everyday this week, ranging from the next best 2006 geminis to 14 year old lowlanders that have never been refurbished.
Wigston is operating at 17 breakdowns a day, especially the lowlanders which are no longer suitable for the vast majority of Wigstons routes. 4780/4781/480? still out and about at Wigston and are also not suitable.
4015-4028 are becoming less and less reliable, and are beginning to show their age in their performance, and 4027 has had a broken window for 6+ weeks.
What is it that makes the Lowlanders unsuitable for Wigston routes? Or do you just mean they're reliability is questionable?
There reliability is terrible, half of them seem incapable of sticking to time, and they're just not a nice environment to spend almost an hour in. I'm sure that they still have 2-3 years of useful life on slower city services with longer turnarounds, and which rarely get above 20MPH.
If Leicester City Council press ahead with their proposed low emission zone then the Lowlanders wont last long after that
3604 and 3605, now 9504 and 9505 have now joined the fleet as trainers.
I'm told 3799 - 3806 are now fitted with WiFi
Just to add, 3803 is still issuing tickets showing the fleet number of 2257
It will be the base plate for the ticket machine that as the fleet number so it will need to be reset
Quote from: trixmax on May 02, 2015, 09:32:58 PM
It will be the base plate for the ticket machine that as the fleet number so it will need to be reset
There's one at Cannock showing its ANW number on tickets
2 Optare Versers now at Thurmaston 2937 2938 have Joined the fleet
3807 3810 3811 all at Thurmaston
Two more to come?
2328 EJZ 2291 now at Thurmaston it was on 53/53A today
Two more Commanders to Cannock?
3808 3809 now at Thurmaston 3724 3725 at Cannock
Quote from: Nathan on July 28, 2015, 12:16:42 PM
Already mentioned elsewhere
Does it really matter?
2739 - X783 NWX noted in use on Thurmaston's route 104, on 28/07/2015. Route number on an A4 sheet of paper, in the windscreen, unfortunately.
3618 on loan at Thurmaston it was seen on 6 to Syston today
3808 is now branded for the 53/A
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11863491_1037503076283142_3692044429350947356_n.jpg?oh=a9d4296b42174638b15701c99225f308&oe=5681965F)(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/11896056_1037503066283143_8142110565101550356_n.jpg?oh=a6435d89421b22036302dd15560c1954&oe=5681BA12)
4205-4211 are going to be in Sapphire for new look X3 Coming Soon
Quote from: leepenfold30 on August 16, 2015, 02:50:29 PM
4205-4211 are going to be in Sapphire for new look X3 Coming Soon
4210 now Sapphire
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11923205_1040750695958380_2638251908952030114_n.jpg?oh=7d94e26e8e9b914108b011a5e9b0b3cc&oe=56405C62)
4210 looking very smart
Leicester needs some new buses to replace DLA Double Deckers & Lowlanders aren't they non DDA Complement
Quote from: leepenfold30 on August 23, 2015, 11:35:27 AM
4210 looking very smart
Leicester needs some new buses to replace DLA Double Deckers & Lowlanders aren't they non DDA Complement
No, the Lowlanders are DDA spec.
London Double Deckers at Thurmaston & Wigston are 1999 non DDA Complement
Would these need to be off the fleet soon
Thurmaston
4778
4779
4782
4783
4785
4789
4791
4793
4794
4795
4802
4808
Wigston
4780
4781
4798
4803
Quote from: leepenfold30 on August 30, 2015, 09:43:59 PM
London Double Deckers at Thurmaston & Wigston are 1999 non DDA Complement
Would these need to be off the fleet soon
Thurmaston
4778
4779
4782
4783
4785
4789
4791
4793
4794
4795
4802
4808
Wigston
4780
4781
4798
4803
By the end of next year.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on August 30, 2015, 09:43:59 PM
London Double Deckers at Thurmaston & Wigston are 1999 non DDA Complement
Would these need to be off the fleet soon
Thurmaston
4778
4779
4782
4783
4785
4789
4791
4793
4794
4795
4802
4808
Wigston
4780
4781
4798
4803
Not all of those are non DDA.
2957 and 2958 has arrived from Burton.
2957 2958 at Thurmaston is that correct
Are the 420* Geminis branded for the Sapphire X3 yet?
4209 was on X3 today
Quote from: John on September 24, 2015, 06:38:43 PM
Are the 420* Geminis branded for the Sapphire X3 yet?
There are at least two branded with one in generic Sapphire branding, and may stay like that.
Quote from: countryliner on October 01, 2015, 05:32:31 PM
Has anyone seen Arriva Mercedes Benz Citaro O530G BX04 NDU (fleet number 5006) in service yet at Thurmaston depot.
As far as i am aware this has not been seen in service yet.
The only photo that i have seen of this is on Flickr where it seems to have been painted in to a blue (probably standard Arriva) livery.
https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/128987711@N07/17164439716/in/search_QM_q_IS_BX04NDU_AND_mt_IS_all_AND_w_IS_all_AND_s_IS_rec
If anyone knows any more that would be great.
Thank you very much.
Its not at Thurmaston depot, its at East Midlands airport. You are correct its in Sky blue.
Quote from: countryliner on October 01, 2015, 07:43:17 PM
Thanks for the info. Do you know what it is used for and what routes it is used on.
Its on East Midlands Airport car parks.
2718 at Thurmaston
Quote from: countryliner on October 05, 2015, 10:24:54 PM
Does anyone know if BX04 MXS (fleet number 5005) is still in its red london livery or has it been repainted yet.
It is still in red (but has Unilinx branding) and there are no plans to paint it.
From what i believe it is a pvr of 4 and they have 5 so a spare in red.
The 6th is purely based at the Airport and nothing to do with the Uni services. They are however loaned to Shrewsbury for the flower show.
Quote from: countryliner on October 18, 2015, 02:31:42 PM
@BN - No - they do actually have 7 in total (6 at Thurmaston for the 80 / 80A and one at East Midlands Airport for the car park shuttles). They have the following vehicles.
BX04 MXG [5001] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MXH [5004] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MXK [5002] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MXS [5005] (Thurmaston depot / red (ex london) livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MYA [5003] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MYG [5000] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 NDU [5006] (East Midlands Airport depot / blue (airport) livery / Car Park Shuttles)
So yes there is 2 spare vehicles for a PVR of 4 at Thurmaston depot (6 of them are based at Thurmaston depot) plus a 7th vehicles at East Midlands Airport. There is 7 of these Mercedes Benz Citaro O530G articulated bendy buses in total.
Apologies for the wrong info.
The 80/80A PVR at Thurmaston is 5.
Quote from: countryliner on October 18, 2015, 02:31:42 PM
@BN - No - they do actually have 7 in total (6 at Thurmaston for the 80 / 80A and one at East Midlands Airport for the car park shuttles). They have the following vehicles.
BX04 MXG [5001] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MXH [5004] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MXK [5002] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MXS [5005] (Thurmaston depot / red (ex london) livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MYA [5003] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 MYG [5000] (Thurmaston depot / green livery / routes 80 & 80A)
BX04 NDU [5006] (East Midlands Airport depot / blue (airport) livery / Car Park Shuttles)
So yes there is 2 spare vehicles for a PVR of 4 at Thurmaston depot (6 of them are based at Thurmaston depot) plus a 7th vehicles at East Midlands Airport. There is 7 of these Mercedes Benz Citaro O530G articulated bendy buses in total.
4729 has transferred from Wigston down to the Shires.
Quote from: countryliner on November 10, 2015, 03:58:29 PM
@andyallen4014 - Are you sure that the PVR of the 80 / 80A is 5 as i know someone who works for Arriva Leicester at Thurmaston depot who drives the 80 / 80A and he told me that the PVR is 4. Also i have just had a look at the current timetable and from looking at the timetable it would appear that it does only have a PVR of 4.
Certain as I drive the route regularly! The round trip from City Centre - City Centre is 2hrs30 mins at a 30 min frequency.
Anyone know why relatively modern DAF/East Lancs deckers are being withdrawn already from Leicester? DAF DB250's coming out of London seem relatively popular at the moment and that East Lancs bodywork was being produced until only 8 years ago? I'd have thought there were older vehicles in far greater need of replacement?
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 02, 2016, 02:40:03 PM
Anyone know why relatively modern DAF/East Lancs deckers are being withdrawn already from Leicester? DAF DB250's coming out of London seem relatively popular at the moment and that East Lancs bodywork was being produced until only 8 years ago? I'd have thought there were older vehicles in far greater need of replacement?
The ones quoted in P12 transfers have been in reserve for a number of months now and they will more than likely not see further service, hence why they've been changed to withdrawn.
Quote from: BN on January 02, 2016, 05:34:39 PM
The ones quoted in P12 transfers have been in reserve for a number of months now and they will more than likely not see further service, hence why they've been changed to withdrawn.
I'm just interested as to why not, a lot of Arriva divisions are running deckers still which are older than that. NE still have Y plate Lowlanders, Yorkshire have W plate B7TLs, even Midlands have older, albeit refurbed, DB250's.
Are all Lowlanders leaving Wigston
Does 3806 have 53 branding? I can't find anything on Flickr.
Also are there any plans to repaint/retrim the 58 plate B7RLE's?
2965 & 2966 are in Leicester not sure if they for Thurmaston
How long have the DB250 Gemini's had leather interiors?
Also does anybody know which routes the DLA's are on? Cheers
DLAs Ashley you can find them on 50 50A 5 5A 16
& odd apperinces on 51 53 53A 56 127 153 80 80A
Quote from: leepenfold30 on February 13, 2016, 04:19:05 PM
DLAs Ashley you can find them on 50 50A 5 5A 16
& odd apperinces on 51 53 53A 56 127 153 80 80A
Cheers
@leepenfold30 .
Quote from: leepenfold30 on February 13, 2016, 04:19:05 PM
DLAs Ashley you can find them on 50 50A 5 5A 16
& odd apperinces on 51 53 53A 56 127 153 80 80A
They are unsuitable for a number of the above routes (50/50A and I'd imagine also the 127), and really should be kept to shorter routes considering they have bench seating upstairs, and seem to struggle to get above about 10MPH. Winston depot especially seem to have favourite routes (or more likely routes where a handful of winging FB page owners live) which although are more suitable for the old heaps tend to get the newer buses. Also doesn't help that someone at Arriva HQ decided it would be a good idea to route brand all except 5 of the buses less than 10 years old at the depot, and mainly branded them for routes that the older buses could cope on.
Apparently the DB250 Geminis are being replaced by new Sapphire buses this year as well. Any truth in that?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on February 13, 2016, 11:52:58 PM
Apparently the DB250 Geminis are being replaced by new Sapphire buses this year as well. Any truth in that?
Not Sapphire mate.
Quote from: BN on February 14, 2016, 08:34:24 AM
Not Sapphire mate.
I thought not but that's doing the rounds on other social media but never mind.
Quote from: BN on February 14, 2016, 08:34:24 AM
Not Sapphire mate.
Arriva max finally coming to the midlands?
Couple of spots from yesterday
The 58 now has route branded Versas.
The 51 plate Geminis have lost their "Breeze into Leicester" branding.
X3 branded 4207 was on the 31/A along with 4731
A Versa and a B7RLE on the 127
DLA on the 45A
I haven't been to Leicester for 12 months so apologies if those are useless spots.
4201-4 are now on fleet here.
2990 2991 2992 at Thurmaston
Quote from: leepenfold30 on February 21, 2016, 04:10:43 PM
2990 2991 2992 at Thurmaston
No there not, only 2990 is. The other 2 are in Derby.
So 4780 and 4798 are now at Burton. This leaves Wigston with 4803 as their last DLA. Will that stay or move west?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on February 22, 2016, 08:24:05 PM
So 4780 and 4798 are now at Burton. This leaves Wigston with 4803 as their last DLA. Will that stay or move west?
4803 eventually Telford-bound.
4780 was on the 49 this morning, so unless it was taken out of service midday or went straight to Burton at the end of the day is still in Leicester unfortunately.
2712 was also out on the 49, so unless these have been replaced it is likely that Wigston will be having a bus shortage in the coming days, with these departing and 2711 being elsewhere.
Quote from: AlexS on February 22, 2016, 08:40:13 PM
4780 was on the 49 this morning, so unless it was taken out of service midday or went straight to Burton at the end of the day is still in Leicester unfortunately.
2712 was also out on the 49, so unless these have been replaced it is likely that Wigston will be having a bus shortage in the coming days, with these departing and 2711 being elsewhere.
Yes 4780 hasn't made the move yet.
They should send one or two to Cannock in case they require capacity for the 74
Quote from: Bob on February 22, 2016, 09:04:10 PM
They should send one or two to Cannock in case they require capacity for the 74
74 frequency increase should address this.
Quote from: 646 on February 22, 2016, 09:32:18 PM
74 frequency increase should address this.
Not really if a large number of passengers get on at certain times unless they wanna wait an extra half hour.. Deckers were introduced for a reason. They tried a half hourly thing with the 74A before. Soon got took off. Also it'll have a negative effect on 75 loads too.no end to end passengers etc plus cannock to Penkridge passengers alone isn't sustainable, & Penkridge to Stafford is already well served
3792-4 now transferred to Luton
2992 on fleet here.
Seen a picture of an enviro 400 mmc 4501 at Arriva Leicester. Do believe this the first e400 mmc outside London for Arriva?
Quote from: Chris on June 10, 2016, 10:48:56 AM
Seen a picture of an enviro 400 mmc 4501 at Arriva Leicester. Do believe this the first e400 mmc outside London for Arriva?
You may be right Chris. It does look very smart. I'm wondering if it may be used on the 47/48 with the Enviro400s already on there, if it is Leicester bound. I have seen a few pictures of two in build pictured a bit before 4501 but they might be for Arriva in Southend or more for us (https://www.flickr.com/photos/128789124@N06/27536268966/)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/27471097252/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/26960114784/
Quote from: John on June 10, 2016, 11:49:27 AM
You may be right Chris. It does look very smart. I'm wondering if it may be used on the 47/48 with the Enviro400s already on there, if it is Leicester bound. I have seen a few pictures of two in build pictured a bit before 4501 but they might be for Arriva in Southend or more for us (https://www.flickr.com/photos/128789124@N06/27536268966/)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/27471097252/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N08/26960114784/
There's more than just one due, and not all for Wigston.
Where else will they be going? Other midlands garages?
4501-22 WS; 4523-35 THM
YX16OJA 4501
YX16OJB 4502
YX16OJC 4503
YX16OJD 4504
YX16OJE 4505
YX16OJF 4506
YX16OJG 4507
YX16OJH 4508
YX16OJJ 4509
YX16OJK 4510
YX16OJL 4511
YX16OJM 4512
YX16OJN 4513
YX16OJO 4514
YX16OJP 4515
YX16OJR 4516
YX16OJS 4517
YX16OJT 4518
YX16OJU 4519
YX16OJV 4520
YX16OJW 4521
YX16OJY 4522
YX16OKA 4523
YX16OKB 4524
YX16OKC 4525
YX16OKD 4526
YX16OKF 4527
YX16OKG 4528
YX16OKH 4529
YX16OKJ 4530
YX16OKK 4531
YX16OKL 4532
YX16OKM 4533
YX16OKN 4534
YX16OKO 4535
With a lot of DLAs disappearing, and Lowlanders dispersing to Telford, Yorkshire, Southern Counties and The Shires amongst others.
None will come to Cannock lol they'll never see a decker again there.
The DLAs are pretty dreadful buses I'm sure passengers won't be sad they're going
Quote from: 646 on June 10, 2016, 06:38:10 PM
With a lot of DLAs disappearing, and Lowlanders dispersing to Telford, Yorkshire, Southern Counties and The Shires amongst others.
Lowlanders at Wednesfield again perhaps?
For their incredibly busy dart services?
Quote from: Bob on June 10, 2016, 10:01:48 PM
For their incredibly busy dart services?
The 10.
How come nx's services to perton do fine with Volvos? There's no way a arriva service would be better patronised. I've seen mpds and cadets on the 10 loads of times and they coped fine
22 doesn't even cover the remaining lowlanders at Wigston let alone the VLWs which also need replacing.
There was 35 in total with Wigston 21 & 14 to Thurmaston
I understand that thirty five of them are due.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 11, 2016, 08:07:49 AM
There was 35 in total with Wigston 21 & 14 to Thurmaston
22 Wigston, 13 Thurmaston.
Quote from: AlexS on June 11, 2016, 12:56:49 AM
22 doesn't even cover the remaining lowlanders at Wigston let alone the VLWs which also need replacing.
Wigston will be having more than the 22 new E400s.
New buses for Leicester are for 50/50A/52 and the 84/85 at Wigston and the 5/5A at Thurmaston.
With the arrival of 22 new E400 MMC Double Deckers at Wigston are they replacing 22 Lowlanders in total
They should get shot of the Ex London alx400 sheds
4501 has been in service on the 85 today
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/s960x960/13517393_1226784357355012_1152869305214821034_o.jpg
Wigston have got no DB250s they gone I can see Lowlanders going to other depots
Quote from: leepenfold30 on June 24, 2016, 03:54:52 PM
Wigston have got no DB250s they gone I can see Lowlanders going to other depots
Lowlanders are DB250s!
I'm guessing 4795, 4802 and 4808 will remain on fleet once all the MMC's are out given these are DDA I believe. Also is it just 4501-3 that have arrived so far?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on June 24, 2016, 06:13:27 PM
I'm guessing 4795, 4802 and 4808 will remain on fleet once all the MMC's are out given these are DDA I believe. Also is it just 4501-3 that have arrived so far?
Should be about 10 arrived if the schedule I was sent last week has been met
Quote from: Tony on June 24, 2016, 06:34:49 PM
Should be about 10 arrived if the schedule I was sent last week has been met
Will be an interesting few weeks then.
Quote from: Tony on June 24, 2016, 06:34:49 PM
Should be about 10 arrived if the schedule I was sent last week has been met
4501-4505 & 4508-4510 reported elsewhere as those in service yesterday
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on June 24, 2016, 06:13:27 PM
I'm guessing 4795, 4802 and 4808 will remain on fleet once all the MMC's are out given these are DDA I believe. Also is it just 4501-3 that have arrived so far?
4795, 4808 are non DDA why would they remain? 4802 will stay but not at Thurmaston.
Quote from: BN on June 25, 2016, 07:45:22 AM
4795, 4808 are non DDA why would they remain? 4802 will stay but not at Thurmaston.
I thought the W reg ones were DDA, sorry BN.
4501-6,4508-15,4517,4518 are all at Wigston and in service now.
Will every single ALX400 at Leicester be going
Quote from: Bob on July 01, 2016, 08:09:40 AM
Will every single ALX400 at Leicester be going
They'll all leave Leicester yes, most to be withdrawn. Think BN said 4802 would move to the our side of the patch.
Wednesfield or Telford probably. They needed replacing to be fair
Quote from: Bob on July 01, 2016, 08:27:04 AM
Wednesfield or Telford probably. They needed replacing to be fair
You would say that though because your so boringly negative about Arriva.
No id say that cos they were old unreliable heaps full of dead bells and had an awful impractical interior layout
I've seen reports elsewhere that eight DAF Lowlanders are to head up the M1 to Yorkshire. Just a thought for others to ponder over.
4708 4712 4714 4724 4725 4726 4727 4728 4731 4733 4735 4743 have all left Wigston
4736 4737 4739 4742 now at Thurmaston
Quote from: markcf83 on July 01, 2016, 12:46:15 PM
I've seen reports elsewhere that eight DAF Lowlanders are to head up the M1 to Yorkshire. Just a thought for others to ponder over.
9 and 9 to Southern Counties also.
4728 photographed in Maidstone yesterday now numbered 6259.
Can anyone confirm that 3786 has been withdrawn and why please
By 3786 I assume you are referring to Oswestry's Pulsar?
Sorry typo error meant 3796
3796, 3797 and 3798 have left Thurmaston and gone for refurbishment before being reallocated at Shires (I think they are for Aylesbury).
Ah right I see thanks for that
Quote from: andyallen4014 on August 10, 2016, 12:16:04 PM
3796, 3797 and 3798 have left Thurmaston and gone for refurbishment before being reallocated at Shires (I think they are for Aylesbury).
Refurbished? ? They're three years old
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2016, 04:41:23 PM
Refurbished? ? They're three years old
Sapphire I believe.
4802 back at Thurmaston
Burton buses heading to Coalville Garage on Saturday night which ones will be joining them for 29A 9 9A 9E
Quote from: leepenfold30 on August 25, 2016, 08:16:26 PM
4802 back at Thurmaston
Burton buses heading to Coalville Garage on Saturday night which ones will be joining them for 29A 9 9A 9E
3770-75
4779 4783 have been withdrawn at Thurmaston
4778 4789 4794 4795 are only 4 London DLA Double Deckers left in the fleet
Quote from: leepenfold30 on September 11, 2016, 06:16:23 PM
4779 4783 have been withdrawn at Thurmaston
4778 4789 4794 4795 are only 4 London DLA Double Deckers left in the fleet
No they haven't.
What is occuring with the remaining DLA's?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on September 12, 2016, 10:31:18 PM
What is occuring with the remaining DLA's?
Staying in fleet for now to help with the remaining Gemini refurbs and some roadworks.
Quote from: BN on September 13, 2016, 06:18:00 PM
Staying in fleet for now to help with the remaining Gemini refurbs and some roadworks.
What about the ones over our side? (sorry to be a pain)
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on September 13, 2016, 07:23:40 PM
What about the ones over our side? (sorry to be a pain)
Over our side?
Gemini Double Deckers 4746-4777 at Thurmaston are they all having refurb
Quote from: Nathan on September 13, 2016, 08:56:59 PM
Presume he means Wednesfield
Sorry I meant Wednesfield, Telford and Oswestry
4789 off the fleet at Thurmaston
2140-2144 heading to Telford what's Thurmaston having as replacements
5 Solos from MK
2409 was on 6 to syston today
Are these new number's for them as they clashed with Derby ones with the same numbers????
Quote from: trixmax on October 25, 2016, 11:29:31 PM
Are these new number's for them as they clashed with Derby ones with the same numbers????
Yes thats correct.
Thanks for that
RayB
2988 now back at Thurmaston
Quote from: leepenfold30 on November 06, 2016, 09:21:45 PM
2988 now back at Thurmaston
Its been at Thurmaston around 6 weeks now.
.... but only entered service last Friday.
2550 on loan at Thurmaston
2550 has left Thurmaston, it was taken to Cannock on Friday but is understood to be destined for Shrewsbury (along with 2546).
The last DLA has also left Thurmaston (4778) and the scrapers have also been removed.
Hinckley Bus 2106 Y381 HKE on loan at Thurmaston
To free up 4535 which has gone to Wigston
Quote from: leepenfold30 on January 20, 2017, 09:48:11 PM
Hinckley Bus 2106 Y381 HKE on loan at Thurmaston
former midland & choice travel
2939/40/41/42 now at Thurmaston in replacement for 3691/92/93/94 which have gone to Shrewsbury.
Hinckley Bus 2277 SN53 ESO at Thurmaston
Quote from: leepenfold30 on February 16, 2017, 02:19:57 PM
Hinckley Bus 2277 SN53 ESO at Thurmaston
With 2106 back at Hinckley for now.
From April 22nd 51 will be going from Thurmaston to Wigston
Does that mean they lose interworking route with 153
4425 back at Wigston
4535 going back to Thurmaston at the weekend
2106 Y381 HKE now withdrawn at Thurmaston
Quote from: leepenfold30 on April 16, 2017, 01:48:17 PM
2106 Y381 HKE now withdrawn at Thurmaston
or not.. ..reported elsewhere still in service today
VDL 4772 is the first Leicester vehicle to gain the new Arriva livery. Picture off a Facebook group and not mine
https://scontent.fbhx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18301756_1328874323860253_8069094689265742772_n.jpg?oh=73f99d5c447d60e4819f6ac58799f747&oe=59854722
How b****y exciting. I think I remember the original word on the new livery was that it was going to be cost effective, what was meant was obviously cheap. One colour with a bit of vinyl. No imagination at all.
Quote from: John on May 08, 2017, 05:52:12 PM
VDL 4772 is the first Leicester vehicle to gain the new Arriva livery. Picture off a Facebook group and not mine
https://scontent.fbhx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18301756_1328874323860253_8069094689265742772_n.jpg?oh=73f99d5c447d60e4819f6ac58799f747&oe=59854722
4747 is also at Thurmaston in the new livery.
2409 has left Thurmaston now at Hinckley
Bendi 5001 now repainted into the new blue livery
Wigston are getting 11 E400 MMC Double Deckers for 31/31A Route
I wonder which Gemini Deckers will be withdrawing when these arrive soon
Quote from: leepenfold30 on September 28, 2017, 07:03:17 AM
Wigston are getting 11 E400 MMC Double Deckers for 31/31A.
When are they due?
December
Quote from: John on September 20, 2017, 09:15:49 PM
Bendi 5001 now repainted into the new blue livery
Indeed it is:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKrGOKiXoAAkhT9.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKrGLtYWkAEHyNs.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKrGOMxW4AABUTJ.jpg
Quote from: leepenfold30 on September 28, 2017, 08:49:33 PM
December
Thanks very much. Am about to rewrite my Arriva Midlands fleetlist so this news is most helpful.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on September 28, 2017, 09:53:13 PM
Indeed it is:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKrGOKiXoAAkhT9.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKrGLtYWkAEHyNs.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKrGOMxW4AABUTJ.jpg
5005 is now also in the new, blue livery.
Some North West dross in service in Leicester on 22/11/2017:
DK55 FXA
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPRkQACXcAIPWR-.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPRkLUIX4AEEKn2.jpg - no effort to remove the remnants of the old legal address!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPRkMm-XUAA-jsV.jpg - North West price points still present on the window. Pure apathy.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPRkOXjX0AE_BFl.jpg - dated, out of area advert to drag image down even further.
DK55 FXR
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPRh8GcWAAACyc7.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPRh5Z6XcAAlITl.jpg - 'Connextion' logo still visible.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPRh8FzW4AIV-z3.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPRh8FvW0AEAVBa.jpg - one wonders if the racecourse would be happy that the bus they've paid to advertise on is umpteen miles from where it was originally...
Arriva's attention to detail is very poor indeed.
Aren't those on loan to Arriva Midlands?
I think if just on loan they just put 'on loan to...' in windscreen and wouldnt have to put lettering on side of bus. Not 100 percent sure tho lol
Quote from: Bob on November 23, 2017, 05:13:08 AM
I think if just on loan they just put 'on loan to...' in windscreen and wouldnt have to put lettering on side of bus. Not 100 percent sure tho lol
Not allowed to do that for more than 14 days. After two week they have to run on the correct operating licence
Currently being delivered to Wigston are
YY67HDA
4536-MD
YY67HDC
4537-MD
YY67HDD
4538-MD
YY67HDE
4539-MD
YY67HDF
4540-MD
YY67HDG
4541-MD
YY67HDH
4542-MD
YY67HDJ
4543-MD
YY67HDK
4544-MD
YY67HDL
4545-MD
YY67HDN
4546-MD
Quote from: Tony on November 30, 2017, 05:46:25 PM
Currently being delivered to Wigston are
YY67HDA
4536-MD
YY67HDC
4537-MD
YY67HDD
4538-MD
YY67HDE
4539-MD
YY67HDF
4540-MD
YY67HDG
4541-MD
YY67HDH
4542-MD
YY67HDJ
4543-MD
YY67HDK
4544-MD
YY67HDL
4545-MD
YY67HDN
4546-MD
Thanks for that. Do we know if they are the 'City' version of the E400MMC (like these: https://www.flickr.com/photos/northernsoutherner/35731719545/ ) or the full fat version of the E400MMC like buses 4501 to 4535?
Quote from: Tony on November 23, 2017, 08:08:24 AM
Not allowed to do that for more than 14 days. After two week they have to run on the correct operating licence
Not quite. The 14 day rule is a sort of 'get out of jail free' card to allow operators to run additional vehicles if additional, unforeseen work crops up (usually on an emergency basis). In this case, the vehicle remains on the O-licence of its owner and the owner is responsible for the vehicle maintenance. The vehicles currently in Leicester have had 'Arriva Midlands' legal addresses applied and should be running on Arriva Midlands' O-licences (PF0007085) because, as far as I can tell, they are being looked after, from a maintenance perspective by Leicester. That said, I snapped bus 2638 working route 55 on 29/11/2017, a route registered to PF0007085, with a 'Centrebus Holdings' O-licence in the window. Not good for compliance.
As mentioned in the above post, here are some views of 2638 in service in Leicester on 29/11/2017:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DP5HwG5WsAAxi4c.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DP5HwFnXUAAZFb6.jpg ---> showing the 'Centrebus Holdings', standard national, O-licence.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DP5HwGyWsAATImu.jpg ---> legal address change to Arriva Midlands (not Centrebus Holdings).
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DP5HwGwX0AAYqrc.jpg ---> working a route registered to the PF0007085 licence.
These new buses 4536-4546 is there a delivery dates for them
Mark
Quote from: mark114 on December 01, 2017, 06:19:36 PM
These new buses 4536-4546 is there a delivery dates for them
Mark
This is the exact wording of the email I received from Arriva
The following vehicles are now in process of delivery to Wigston for route 31/31a, the current Sapphire vehicles will be cascaded to another Wigston Route
Hi Tony thank you so much for replying to my post regarding 4536-4546
Mark
4536 and 4537 were in service, on route 31, from this afternoon.
A number of the Sapphire B7TLs have had their 31/31A route branding removed and were at work on routes 44/44A today.
4004 seen at work, at Aberdale Road, on route 44 on 01/12/2017: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQCa0nsUQAAIxl5.jpg
Despite the route branding for route 31/31A being removed, it is still clearly visible on the bodyside!
Would the new arrivals see off some of the older double deckers in Leicester?
Arriva have just sent me a photo of one of these which will be on the main site later, Are these the first vehicles in the UK to have the new logo on?
I think 4015-4028 will leave Wigston very soon
I snapped these views of 4536 on 03/12/2017:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQJsW8fXcAAdizI.jpg - sitting inside South Wigston depot.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQJsVh1XcAcEkXI.jpg - at the stop of Station Street, South Wigston.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQJsYg9XUAEchtj.jpg - rear end view of Blaby Road. Despite having a large rear destination display, the Arriva's programming doesn't make the most of it.
The bus didn't look to have a ticket machine fitted so don't know where it was going.
And here are some snaps of 4537 which I also took on the same day:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQJw_eIXkAE0nvO.jpg - on Charles Street. Got to keep that light blue clean!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQJxDtmWsAAI4M_.jpg - St. George's Way turning into Charles Street.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQJxDqmWkAIiq5b.jpg - railway station.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQJxDqjW0AAOMfW.jpg - railway station.
These are the first vehicles in service in Leicester with white LED destination displays.
On 04/12/2017, 4538, 4539 and 4542 were all noted in service. I managed a few quick pictures:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQPT0WIXkAAjcP5.jpg - 4538 on Charles Street.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQPVNlUWsAEaDB2.jpg - rear of 4542 on Charles Street.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQPVNlZXcAAhUwl.jpg - 4542 on Charles Street.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQPVNlXW4AApaZP.jpg
4536 appeared later on in with the day with a revised destination programme which uses a different font for the route number and destination text. Looks much better. It also corrects how the rear display is used, to show both the route number and destination.
Meanwhile, as the existing Sapphire vehicles are being used elsewhere (namely routes 44/44A & 49), old tat is being used on the 31/31A until all of the new kit is in service. That said, poor vehicle allocation in the past often meant the wrong vehicle type on routes 31/31A and the Sapphire bus used elsewhere.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQPOJUDW4AAF_pe.jpg - 4020 on Charles Street on 04/12/2017.
Appeared to be only MMCs and one or two Gemini still branded today.
Also The Sapphires are launching on 158 soon the streetlites will be coming off and they be on Leicester routes
What they gonna use on the 158?
Pulsars as Streetlites be coming off
Not cannocks sapphire streetlites then?
No Bob 3313-3318 & 3300
No i know that i meant as its rumoured still that Cannocks streetlites are shortly going i thought they might be headed leicester
3807 is the first one refurbished for the 158
So theyre refurbing older buses for an upgrade that involves taking newer ones off? Maybe NX will refurb some tridents for Platinum 😂😂😉😂
Quote from: Tony on December 05, 2017, 09:02:08 PM
3807 is the first one refurbished for the 158
Yes it is 3807 and it arrived back at Thurmaston today (05/12/2017). Arriva's refurbished kit versus the brand new E200MMCs of Stagecoach...
Regarding the B7TLs still in use on routes 31/31A, I make it that 4005, 4008, 4009 & 4010 are still branded for the route. I snapped 4005 today, at the London Road / Evington Road junction:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQTstPaWAAAfSmA.jpg
Also taken today, here's the revised destination programme:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQTselpXUAARvO1.jpg - 4536 at London Road / Granville Road inbound.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQTu6llW4AAIv06.jpg - 4537 at London Road / Evington Road outbound.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQTxOaJXcAEAr8N.jpg - 4536 at St. James the Greater outbound.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQTxOc8W0AEqlcG.jpg - 4539 at St. James the Greater inbound.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQTg8uXWsAISBgD.jpg - the rear signs now showing destination information too.
I don't think 'Leicester' is really needed. Which other city centre would the bus be going to? Less is more.
Also grabbed a quick snap of 2516 on Gravel Street:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQTgNyuW0AMTGGW.jpg
Noted today (06/12/2017), 4005, 4008 & 4009 were noted in service with the 31/31A route branding removed.
I've just passed a 'Sapphirized' 3804, at Leicester Forest East, doing a route 158 towards Nuneaton. Rear destination display was a full size, orange LED unit.
Snapped these pictures of 3802, on 11/12/2017, in Leicester city centre:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQzHw59X0AAjOMs.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQzHyvpW0AE4MNr.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQzH2G-WsAEwT2s.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQzH3aSW0AABOdI.jpg
Former Arriva Midlands 4730 - FD02 UKR, an East Lancs Lowlander bodied DAF DB250, is now with Reading Buses. It will be used to provide additional capacity on services to schools and on football specials. It has been acquired from Panther Travel of Essex, where it was registered AB02 PAN. Since being acquired by Reading, it has returned to its original registration. In fairness to Panther, they re-upholstered the vehicle and it now sports a burgundy seating moquette. The vehicle interior always looked very tired during its latter days in Leicester due to the moquette being faded and worn.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on December 11, 2017, 10:58:16 PM
Snapped these pictures of 3802, on 11/12/2017, in Leicester city centre:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQzHw59X0AAjOMs.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQzHyvpW0AE4MNr.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQzH2G-WsAEwT2s.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQzH3aSW0AABOdI.jpg
It looks ridiculous white on black on the front then orange on black side and rear. Looks cheap
Cannock streetshites are the same
Quote from: Bob on December 17, 2017, 09:04:48 PM
It looks ridiculous white on black on the front then orange on black side and rear. Looks cheap
They could well have recycled destination equipment, for the rears, to save costs. I agree though, having white on the front and orange on the rear looks a tad strange.
Mind you, it's all pretty meaningless when they still, continually, fail to get allocation correct. Here's 3802 on 20/12/2017:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DRmpHOuX0AElzM8.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DRmpHOvW4AApBc0.jpg - seems to be standard for vehicles to have a patch on the rear that the bus wash has missed.
The new Sapphire livery looks cheap anyway to be fair
I agree with Bob the new livery does look cheap, I said that when I saw the first photo's of it and in my humble opinion it's nowhere near as eye catching as some of the old ones. The Sapphire and Sapphire Max where much more eye catching.
Hello can anyone confirm if 4001-4014 are still in service here as I believe there was a post on here a few months back regarding these vehicles would be transferred else where when the newer vehicles would be in service info would be greatly appreciated
Quote from: mark114 on January 06, 2018, 12:52:40 PM
Hello can anyone confirm if 4001-4014 are still in service here as I believe there was a post on here a few months back regarding these vehicles would be transferred else where when the newer vehicles would be in service info would be greatly appreciated
I think Leepenfold30 said that 4015 - 4028 will leave Wigston.
Quote from: Sayeed on January 06, 2018, 01:16:48 PM
I think Leepenfold30 said that 4015 - 4028 will leave Wigston.
4022 spotted working out of Aylesbury.
Thank you so much for the reply sayeed yes I cannot re call who said they would be leaving but regarding these newer vehicles sounds like they may be in service info greatly appreciated
My apology Sayeed I believe I said 4001-4014 was been transferred I meant 4015-4028 again I apologized for my error again info greatly appreciated
Thank you so much BN for your reply I thought it was 4001-4014 was to go but is must be the next batch 4015-4028 thank you again for the info greatly appreciated
Quote from: BN on January 06, 2018, 01:50:44 PM
4022 spotted working out of Aylesbury.
Indeed (not my picture): https://www.flickr.com/photos/busboy99/38638448385/
Quote from: mark114 on January 06, 2018, 02:36:39 PM
Thank you so much BN for your reply I thought it was 4001-4014 was to go but is must be the next batch 4015-4028 thank you again for the info greatly appreciated
Recently, I've noted 4015 still working out of Wigston and 4016 to 4019 working out of Thurmaston.
Regarding 4001 to 4014, I've not clocked 4001 or 4010 recently but the rest are plodding around on Wigston's routes. The ex route 31/31A Sapphire buses, 4001 to 4010, usually appear on routes 44 / 44A and 49, but anything is possible with the way Wigston do vehicle allocation.
Wigston have got Optare Solo 2450 it's now Joined the fleet
Hello Leepenfold30 is this vehicle a transfer
Mark
Allocated to Wigston Yes Mark
Thank you so much Leepenfold30 for the info which is greatly appreciated
Hello Leepenfold30 just a quick question this transfer 2450 a strange one as wigston I believe only as deckers so why an optare solo info would be appreciated
Mark
I think Mark because Hinckley come under Wigston they could lend it to Barwell Depot
If there's Diverson or Low bridge 2450 could go on it
Well thank you for that info Leepenfold30 that was the least of things I was thinking of but in a way I guess it kinds of makes sence thank you again for you reply which is greatly appreciated
On 20/03/2018, Wigston allocated 4003 and 4005 were noted to have reverted to their original registrations of FJ06 ZPV and FJ06 ZRL. They were re-registered to TUI 7933 and TUI 7935 when converted to Sapphire. One presumes the rest of the batch will be similarly treated. Arriva seem to do an excellent job at wasting money on frivolous nonsense.
Whilst on the subject of the 4001 - 4010 batch, I can't say I've observed 4001 in Leicester, since the Sapphire E400MMCs entered service at Wigston...
Quote from: 47609FireFly on March 21, 2018, 10:16:06 AM
On 20/03/2018, Wigston allocated 4003 and 4005 were noted to have reverted to their original registrations of FJ06 ZPV and FJ06 ZRL. They were re-registered to TUI 7933 and TUI 7935 when converted to Sapphire. One presumes the rest of the batch will be similarly treated. Arriva seem to do an excellent job at wasting money on frivolous nonsense.
Whilst on the subject of the 4001 - 4010 batch, I can't say I've observed 4001 in Leicester, since the Sapphire E400MMCs entered service at Wigston...
Below is a link to a shot, taken by myself, of 4007, at Leicester railway station, on 21/03/2018, showing it with its original registration.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DY01sYgW4AIeUeT.jpg
Since being displaced from routes 31 / 31A by the new E400MMCs, 4001 - 4010 can be found at work on routes 44 / 44A & 49. The company states these routes aren't Sapphire; despite what it says on the exterior of the bus and throughout the interior. These vehicles still carry interior route maps for routes 31 / 31A! Such a failing in attention to detail which causes brand apathy and could result in passengers getting confused.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on March 21, 2018, 04:40:24 PM
Below is a link to a shot, taken by myself, of 4007, at Leicester railway station, on 21/03/2018, showing it with its original registration.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DY01sYgW4AIeUeT.jpg
Since being displaced from routes 31 / 31A by the new E400MMCs, 4001 - 4010 can be found at work on routes 44 / 44A & 49. The company states these routes aren't Sapphire; despite what it says on the exterior of the bus and throughout the interior. These vehicles still carry interior route maps for routes 31 / 31A! Such a failing in attention to detail which causes brand apathy and could result in passengers getting confused.
I posted all the reregistrations yesterday
Noted 4773 on suspended tow in Telford this evening.
Is this vehicle a transfer from Thurmaston info would be greatly appreciated
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 03, 2018, 08:56:32 PM
Noted 4773 on suspended tow in Telford this evening.
I've been told it's having work done by an electrician at Telford.
Thank you so much for the info which is greatly appreciated
Optare Versers 2989 2990 2991 2992 Have now returned to Thurmaston
Streetlites 3315 3316 3317 3318 are now at Hinckley for X84 route to Rugby
Some interesting workings on 04/06/2018:
Versas 2990, 2991 & 2992 were noted operating Wigston routes. 2990 was on the 52, a service which ceases this week & 2991 / 2992 were on the 86 / 87.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/De6XZKWXUAAoz_P.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/De6XZK7XkAAUs9y.jpg
Whether these are working out of Wigston to give a pool of single-decks for Hinckley or the plan is to convert the 86/87 to single-decks, who knows!
3539 - LF52 UOB was noted working on route 53 which is a Thurmaston allocation.
4012 was on the X55.
Route 158 branded Sapphire saloon 3808 was on the 127. It was joined on the 127 by a 5/5A branded double-deck.
In the evening, one of the buses on route 31E was a 50/51 branded double-deck and route 80E was being worked by a 5/5A branded double-deck.
Things certainly don't seem to be improving in Leicester with regard to allocating route branded vehicles to the correct services.
4204 was on X55 seen it at Hinckley at 9.20am this morning
Cadet 3539 (on loan to Milton Keynes from Southern Counties) noted working out of Thurmaston
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127786776@N04/42617966001/
Optare Solo 2401 now at Thurmaston
Cadet 2746 - LF02 PMO was noted working on Thurmaston depot's route 6 yesterday (11/06/2018). Rear route number display not working.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on June 12, 2018, 12:21:12 PM
Cadet 2746 - LF02 PMO was noted working on Thurmaston depot's route 6 yesterday (11/06/2018). Rear route number display not working.
Here are two views of it, taken in Leicester on 12/06/2018, working route 56:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dfjpq9qX4AElY3A.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dfjpq9lXkAI9WU4.jpg
Certainly a 'life expired' motor!
Wasnt it at Cannock?
Quote from: Bob on June 13, 2018, 01:39:43 PM
Wasnt it at Cannock?
Looks as though it last worked out of Derby. I couldn't tell you if it was a Cannock motor.
Quote from: Bob on June 13, 2018, 01:39:43 PM
Wasnt it at Cannock?
From the main site:
transferred to Arriva Midlands 2/12
Into service at Burton 4/12
to Telford 8/13
to Cannock 8/15
withdrawn 9/16
reinstated at Telford 5/17
withdrawn 6/17
reinstated at Telford 7/17
to Cannock 10/17
to Derby 1/18
so yes was at Cannock until January and then Derby.
Quote from: busfan2847 on June 14, 2018, 03:35:38 PM
From the main site:
transferred to Arriva Midlands 2/12
Into service at Burton 4/12
to Telford 8/13
to Cannock 8/15
withdrawn 9/16
reinstated at Telford 5/17
withdrawn 6/17
reinstated at Telford 7/17
to Cannock 10/17
to Derby 1/18
so yes was at Cannock until January and then Derby.
GOOD RIDDANCE! lol
Noted in Leicester on 14/06/2018, and working out of Wigston depot, were the following E200MMCs:
3105 - YX17 NMA on route X3.
3106 - YX17 NME on late route 44A.
Both vehicles were formerly at High Wycombe. 'THE SHIRES' legal addresses have been scraped off of the sides and 'ARRIVA MIDLANDS' legals are being carried, on bits of A4 paper, in the side window. Makes me wonder how they're doing against Carousel...
I managed some rushed shots of 3105:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfsHBjYX0AAGLCS.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfsHD7UXcAImlat.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfsHD7FW0AA-2_L.jpg
The jungle drums suggest that the E200MMCs will replace some newish E400MMCs at Wigston which will go off and do Notts Uni work.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on June 15, 2018, 12:47:14 AM
Noted in Leicester on 14/06/2018, and working out of Wigston depot, were the following E200MMCs:
3105 - YX17 NMA on route X3.
3106 - YX17 NME on late route 44A.
Both vehicles were formerly at High Wycombe. 'THE SHIRES' legal addresses have been scraped off of the sides and 'ARRIVA MIDLANDS' legals are being carried, on bits of A4 paper, in the side window. Makes me wonder how they're doing against Carousel...
I managed some rushed shots of 3105:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfsHBjYX0AAGLCS.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfsHD7UXcAImlat.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfsHD7FW0AA-2_L.jpg
Not sure what this has to do with Carousel? Wycombe 74 is withdrawn and peace seems to have returned to the 1 with coordinated headways and joint ticketing.
Quote from: Dennis on June 15, 2018, 10:24:09 PM
Not sure what this has to do with Carousel?
Are you not? Don't sweat it petal.
Sapphire 4208 was noted at work on route X84 on 19/06/2018. Pity more effort wasn't made to get it allocated to routes 31 / 31A in light of Wigston losing Sapphire E400MMCs. Poor allocation over the last couple of days has seen 4503 (50/51 branded), 4011 & 4028 on the route, amongst others. Still, service delivery has never been Wigston depot's strong point.
Volvo B7TLs 4018 & 4026 were both noted working on Thurmaston routes on 20/07/2018. 4018 was on route 104 whereas 4026 was on route 127.
Solo 2402 was noted working Wigston depot's route 44 on 03/08/2018.
Noted bendi 5003 heading along the A5 this evening at Gailey.
Quote from: tphi12000 on August 09, 2018, 06:58:07 PM
Noted bendi 5003 heading along the A5 this evening at Gailey.
Shrewsbury Flower Show
Wright Streetlite 3316 (FJ64 EUD) had its front O/S corner panel (around its headlights / sidelights etc !) damaged in Coventry this afternoon, when "NATIONAL EXPRESS COVENTRY" Dennis Trident 4453 (painted in Coventry Heritage livery !) caught it and damaged all its lower N/S panels as he drove past 3316, while leaving the Arena Tesco Bus Hub, near to the Ricoh Arena ! After both Drivers had exchanged details, the Coventry Bus ran back "OUT OF SERVICE" to its Garage, but 3316 carried on "IN SERVICE", on service 78 i think it was ?
2982 moved to Thurmaston with 2988 gone other way to Shrewsbury
Versa 2979 noted in service in Leicester, on routes 58 / 58A, yesterday (13/12/2018). Not sure how long it has been here.
Versa 2990 seems to be rigidly sticking to routes 86 / 87 since its repaint.
2989 has turned up in Shrewsbury and in service today so 2979 must have been the exchanged example.
Hinckley based E200 2001 was working out of Wigston depot in Leicester today.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stourvalley/46744154921/
Quote from: StourValley98 on January 14, 2019, 09:47:35 PM
Hinckley based E200 2001 was working out of Wigston depot in Leicester today.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stourvalley/46744154921/
That route is ran by Hinckley...
Quote from: ntw456 on January 14, 2019, 11:03:04 PM
That route is ran by Hinckley...
Nope, it's a Wigston route, unless my friends and the info I've been able to find are wrong. I caught 4013 to the terminus and 4011 back, both of which are Wigston vehicles.
Hinckley is now outstation at Wigston Both of Depots can Borrow there buses that's why MIRA Buses turn up on Wigston route like 86/87
4752 in its new guise (not my pictures, only linking to them):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127786776@N04/39840394753/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127786776@N04/39840395573/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127786776@N04/39840393803/
Very smart indeed.
what service wil 4752 be going to be found on
Quote from: Solo1 on January 20, 2019, 04:06:21 PM
what service wil 4752 be going to be found on
Errrm well as it doesnt appear to be branded probably pot luck lol
Quote from: Bob on January 20, 2019, 06:33:05 PM
Errrm well as it doesnt appear to be branded probably pot luck lol
You lost your crystal ball as well Bob?
@Solo1 you could contact arriva? But is say it can be found on any Leicester route
A couple of snaps, taken in Leicester on 09/03/2019, showing two vehicles working Arriva Midlands' routes 86/87, on Centrebus Holdings' O-licences:
Solo 2571: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1OqBPtWwAAXc48.jpg
A freshly repainted 3317: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1OqSoLXcAQIHio.jpg
I'm a little surprised that the traffic commisioners haven't had anything to say about the long term use of on hire labelling.
Quote from: mikestone on March 10, 2019, 07:50:01 AM
I'm a little surprised that the traffic commisioners haven't had anything to say about the long term use of on hire labelling.
What long term use? Think you'll find the law says you can do it for 14 days at a time, so the odd day here or there when vehicles go to Wigston for servicing is well within the requirements.
It may well not be the same vehicles but every time I am in Nuneaton there seems to be at least one, and thats only in a brief call while going from the station to the bread pudding shop and back!
Quote from: Dennis on March 13, 2019, 10:06:14 PM
What long term use? Think you'll find the law says you can do it for 14 days at a time, so the odd day here or there when vehicles go to Wigston for servicing is well within the requirements.
As well as saying 14 days at a time, the law also says 14 days off too. I just hope someone is keeping a very close eye on it. It's often more than an 'odd day here or there...'
In other news, Wigston's 'heritage fleet' seems to have expanded with 2731 - BU03 HRD noted at work, on 19/03/2019, on route 31/31E.
Wigston allocated, 4417 has become the first of the 4416-4425 batch of, 64 plate, E400s to have a date with paint brush. It was previously branded for routes 47/48. Here are a couple of snaps from 20/03/2019:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2JJrhTW0AAbr5o.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2JJtK2WoAAXc54.jpg
StreetLite 3318 is now in the latest livery.
StreetLite 3315 and E400 4420 are now both in the latest livery, the latter being de-branded for routes 47/48.
3315 3316 3317 3318 they all painted into Blue Livery
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/dramatic-pictures-show-severe-damage-2807392
Bit of a mess. Thoughts are with all concerned.
Solo 2410 and E400 4424 have both been repainted into the latest livery.
It would appear that East Lancs Lowlander bodied DB250s FE51 WSU and FE51 WSV, originally fleet numbers 4715 and 4716, passed from Arriva Southern Counties to Ensign in April; Ensign then sent them to Hardwick's for scrap.
Is 2277 still rolling around?
Noted on 07/05/2019: 3703 - FD52 GGU was noted working on Thurmaston's route 14, with a bit of paper in the windscreen, in lieu of a working destination display.
Noted on 08/05/2019: 3704 - FD52 GGV was noted working on Thurmaston's route 53.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on May 08, 2019, 09:02:18 PM
Is 2277 still rolling around?
I've certainly noted it as still being active within the last month. It stands out like a sore thumb with no Arriva logos on the front.
4418 has been repainted.
3702 - FD52 GGP and 3927 - KE05 FMM were both noted at work in Leicester, on 28/05/2019, operating Wigston depot routes; the former on route 49, without a working front destination display, and the latter on routes 31/31A/31E.
On 30/05/2019, both 4422 and 4757 were observed at work, in Leicester, repainted.
4419 has been repainted. It is on the 44/A today.
4423 has been repainted which just leaves 4425 from the batch outstanding.
Solo SR 2508 was noted in Leicester on 27/06/2019 working Thurmaston depot's route 127.
A few updates from what I saw on Monday 8th July:
I saw both Streetlite 3317 and E200 3110 on the 85 at around quarter to 6 in the evening. 3316 has returned to Thurmaston and seems to be a regular on the 53 again. 3315 and 3318 also remain at Wigston. 4204 has also scored a huge own goal, having an ad promoting availablecar.com applied to the entire rear. Optare Versa 2957 was also on the 5 despite being branded for the 58 and 58A along with 53-branded Pulsar 3811 on the 55. Finally when I was waiting to go home I saw a repainted 4425 which means all of the 64-plate E400s are in the new livery, 4422 being on the 49 that day as well.
I imagine it'll only be a matter of time before they start repainting the MMCs, 4501-4535. They should really do that to 4520 with that dark blue front face and number plate bumper.
Today marks 10 years since the Southgates depot closed.
Where are the majority of the DB250s? Somehow, despite 3 Pulsars and a Streetlite on the 104, a Versa on the 5/5A and another on the 127, somehow not one DB250 on the 29/29A at their usual times. What's going on?
Some are on Drayton Manor route & Twycross Zoo till next month
So it's unlikely the 29/29A will get one in the day again until then? Great...
Yesterday (17/07/19), 3717 made a rare appearance on the 5/A. How it didn't break down was beyond me. Also, knowing that the DB250s are on the DM and TZ routes is good, as I may go with Arriva to one or the other soon.
They can't be on the TZ1 route since it follows the 158 route to Nuneaton even if 4773 and 4523 have been photographed there.
4533 is the first MMC in the new livery.
4771 was on the 53, along with 3807
4747 was on the 58/A today as well.
An E200MMC made an appearance on the X84, with a B7TL on the X3.
Interesting, I wonder if Wigston plan on repainting their's anytime soon.
Thurmaston really need to sort out their priorities for where the DB250s that are on normal services are going. One 29 that did work really well with them was the 11:37 from SMBS as when I went in December it was fairly loaded throughout and on the run back to Leicester, got really packed at the end as it got to the County Hall as a lot of people were coming out.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on July 18, 2019, 11:23:15 AM
They can't be on the TZ1 route since it follows the 158 route to Nuneaton even if 4773 and 4523 have been photographed there.
And what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
Arriva have really messed allocations up today.
Adding on further to what I said about an hour or so before, there was some Solo on the 29, and 4531 was also on the 53.
Quote from: Dennis on July 18, 2019, 05:45:27 PM
And what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
Clearly not taking all the facts in. I just said that there are pics of 4523 and 4773 on Flickr at Twycross Zoo even though the TZ1 (Leicester-Twycross Zoo) is going via Nuneaton which means going under that low bridge.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on July 18, 2019, 06:02:39 PM
Arriva have really messed allocations up today.
Adding on further to what I said about an hour or so before, there was some Solo on the 29, and 4531 was also on the 53.
Wow, it's always the summertime isn't it?
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on July 18, 2019, 06:06:33 PM
Clearly not taking all the facts in. I just said that there are pics of 4523 and 4773 on Flickr at Twycross Zoo even though the TZ1 (Leicester-Twycross Zoo) is going via Nuneaton which means going under that low bridge.
Not necessarily
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on July 18, 2019, 06:02:39 PM
Arriva have really messed allocations up today.
Adding on further to what I said about an hour or so before, there was some Solo on the 29, and 4531 was also on the 53.
What is messed up about this? There are often Solos on some workings of the 29 at weekends and during school holidays. There is also nothing to prevent a double decker being allocated to 53 either. I think there are lots of unusual allocations across the area at the minute as buses are going away for repaint or to have Euro 6 upgrades.
Quote from: Dennis on July 18, 2019, 08:43:28 PM
What is messed up about this? There are often Solos on some workings of the 29 at weekends and during school holidays. There is also nothing to prevent a double decker being allocated to 53 either. I think there are lots of unusual allocations across the area at the minute as buses are going away for repaint or to have Euro 6 upgrades.
I agree with you there. I think that's why that Streetlite and E200 MMC were on the 85 last week, as the B9TLs are all having availablecar.com rear ads applied. A very severe own goal but there you go. As mentioned earlier, Thurmaston have started repainting their MMCs, but Leicester's fleet doesn't need to be Euro VI until 2021. I know that Commanders and a B7RLE are on loan to Derby from Tamworth for that reason while that's happening to their fleet.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on July 18, 2019, 08:58:14 PM
I agree with you there. I think that's why that Streetlite and E200 MMC were on the 85 last week, as the B9TLs are all having availablecar.com rear ads applied. A very severe own goal but there you go. As mentioned earlier, Thurmaston have started repainting their MMCs, but Leicester's fleet doesn't need to be Euro VI until 2021. I know that Commanders and a B7RLE are on loan to Derby from Tamworth for that reason while that's happening to their fleet.
It's 2020 isn't it?
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on July 19, 2019, 12:18:47 AM
It's 2020 isn't it?
https://airqualitynews.com/2018/03/02/leicester-charge-non-euro-vi-buses/
Oh yeah, it says by the end of 2020, charges for buses that don't meet this standard by then come into effect from January 2021.
Thurmaston allocated, 4533 has been repainted into light blue livery and so becomes the first of Leicester's E400MMCs to receive the scheme. For what it was worth, it previously carried route branding for the 5/5A, but is now unbranded.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on July 20, 2019, 12:34:19 AM
Thurmaston allocated, 4533 has been repainted into light blue livery and so becomes the first of Leicester's E400MMCs to receive the scheme. For what it was worth, it previously carried route branding for the 5/5A, but is now unbranded.
Already said that but sure.
Quote from: Dennis on July 18, 2019, 08:43:28 PM
What is messed up about this? There are often Solos on some workings of the 29 at weekends and during school holidays. There is also nothing to prevent a double decker being allocated to 53 either. I think there are lots of unusual allocations across the area at the minute as buses are going away for repaint or to have Euro 6 upgrades.
Forgot to mention that you're right about the double-deckers on the 53, that does happen sometimes, but the problem was that one has 5/5A branding.
4752 is dead.
The engine is completely done for according to a source from Thurmaston
No, not the Fox one. Seems the end has began. I haven't seen 4763 for a while and that gave a horrendous performance when I had it on the 16 last year. I wouldn't be surprised if that's had it as well.
Thurmaston, start getting some replacements, new or second-hand, ASAP.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on July 21, 2019, 03:24:38 PM
No, not the Fox one. Seems the end has began. I haven't seen 4763 for a while and that gave a horrendous performance when I had it on the 16 last year. I wouldn't be surprised if that's had it as well.
Thurmaston, start getting some replacements, new or second-hand, ASAP.
Those are only 13 years old, good few years left in them yet
2274 on the 49, 4519 on the 47 and 4546 on the 84 today.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on July 23, 2019, 04:39:33 PM
2274 on the 49, 4519 on the 47 and 4546 on the 84 today.
4546 wasn't just on the 84. Was on the 85 too
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on July 23, 2019, 07:05:09 PM
4546 wasn't just on the 84. Was on the 85 too
Well yeah, I just said what it was on when I saw it.
Some odd workings today:
3717 on the 127
3800 (158 Sapphire) on the 127 too
2957 (58/A branded) also on the 127
3808 or 9 was on the 5/A today.
3313 (I think) was on the 31/A.
On 26/07/2019, Wigston depot had bus 4200 working on routes 47A / 48A.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on July 27, 2019, 10:10:51 AM
On 26/07/2019, Wigston depot had bus 4200 working on routes 47A / 48A.
That's been with them for quite a few days now. Was on the 84/5 yesterday.
2731 has moved to Milton Keynes.
4752, the Midland Fox heritage DB250, is back on the road. It is on the 5/A today.
B7TLs 4009 and 4010 have got themselves in such bad condition recently that their exhausts give out black fumes now.
Notable sightings today:
2991 on the 127
3300 on the 29
14-branded 3765 on the 5/5A
4011-4013 and 4200 all on the 31/31A
4027 on the 84/85
Still no sign of 4763, mind you, I haven't seen 4777 for a while either.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 06, 2019, 02:22:40 PM
Notable sightings today:
2991 on the 127
3300 on the 29
14-branded 3765 on the 5/5A
4011-4013 and 4200 all on the 31/31A
4027 on the 84/85
Still no sign of 4763, mind you, I haven't seen 4777 for a while either.
Only allocation there i think would be notable would only be 3765 on the 5/A. All others aren't really that surprising or rare.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 06, 2019, 11:14:27 PM
Only allocation there i think would be notable would only be 3765 on the 5/A. All others aren't really that surprising or rare.
Not even the Versa on the 127? Things have got bad, and I had one of the refurbished Geminis originally intended for that route on the 5A yesterday.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 07, 2019, 05:53:13 PM
Not even the Versa on the 127? Things have got bad, and I had one of the refurbished Geminis originally intended for that route on the 5A yesterday.
There was one on the 127 a few days ago, and prior to that a week ago.
4752 was on the 53. DB250s aren't rare on the 53, but it's the Midland Fox one.
3717 made an appearance on the 29 today
4533 is on the 127 along with another branded MMC.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 18, 2019, 04:13:33 PM
3717 made an appearance on the 29 today
4533 is on the 127 along with another branded MMC.
That first one isn't much of a surprise, I saw it on Thursday. That day I also noted 2 of the Streetlites on the 158 and Sapphire 3808 on the 56, as well as 4 Pulsars on the 127 and 3 Versas and the Solo SR on the 104. Seems that a few DB250s are off the road to have those availablecar.com ads Wigston's B9TLs were given. I saw it on either 4755 or 4760 (I can't remember which).
I haven't seen 4201 since those ads were applied, maybe it's finally getting the Midland Fox livery.
Yesterday's odd workings:
2529 on the 5/5A.
2728 (Hinckleybus name now covered up on just a teal rectangle where the Arriva logo was) on the 44/44A/49 along with 4534.
3106 on the 31/31A.
53-branded 3811 on the 104, while the 53 had 2530 and 2991.
4004 on the 86/87.
They seem to have more non-Sapphire Volvos on the 31/31A while most Sapphires are on the 44/44A and a few on the 50/51 or 84/85.
3106 on the 31/A isn't exactly rare. I've had 3107 on it before, so MMCs on the route do happen.
The 53 branded pulsars are usually anywhere but the 53.
4004 isn't rare. B7TLs go on the 86/7 all the time, sapphire or not.
Well it's usually been Solos, the Cadet and the Dart on the 86/87 recently.
3774 was on the 16 today. I don't know what the plan will be at Coalville from next week when the kids are back at school and the Twycross Zoo/Drayton Manor services are finished.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 23, 2019, 05:56:04 PM
Well it's usually been Solos, the Cadet and the Dart on the 86/87 recently.
3774 was on the 16 today. I don't know what the plan will be at Coalville from next week when the kids are back at school and the Twycross Zoo/Drayton Manor services are finished.
Every time I've gone out I've seen a DD on it, along with usually the Dart.
Here's something you may or may not know: Former Arriva Midlands Alexander ALX400 bodied DAF DB250 4784 (S232 JUA) was running in Leicester the entire time without a valid M.O.T. It expired on January 14, 2012, just before it came up. One of the short-lived ones, it was withdrawn and probably scrapped by the end of the summer of 2014.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 24, 2019, 11:05:22 PM
Here's something you may or may not know: Former Arriva Midlands Alexander ALX400 bodied DAF DB250 4784 (S232 JUA) was running in Leicester the entire time without a valid M.O.T. It expired on January 14, 2012, just before it came up. One of the short-lived ones, it was withdrawn and probably scrapped by the end of the summer of 2014.
If you are taking that off on-line records many PSVs are not correct
4749 was noted on the 6 yesterday along with 4757 on the 53. A DB250 on the 53 has been happening a lot recently but it's just a pity that even with the DM and TZ services now finished, more effort wasn't made to get them on the 104 (which had 2401 yesterday) or the 127 (which had 2958, 3314 and 3802) or arguably the 29/29A in spite of Thurmaston losing 2 DB250s recently along with 2 MMCs to Wigston (meaning they always need to save one to two for the 5/5A). I'm surprised that despite the addition of 3 B9TLs since their arrival and 4001 returning to the road earlier this year they haven't thought to return them.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 28, 2019, 11:18:53 AM
4749 was noted on the 6 yesterday along with 4757 on the 53. A DB250 on the 53 has been happening a lot recently but it's just a pity that even with the DM and TZ services now finished, more effort wasn't made to get them on the 104 (which had 2401 yesterday) or the 127 (which had 2958, 3314 and 3802) or arguably the 29/29A in spite of Thurmaston losing 2 DB250s recently along with 2 MMCs to Wigston (meaning they always need to save one to two for the 5/5A). I'm surprised that despite the addition of 3 B9TLs since their arrival and 4001 returning to the road earlier this year they haven't thought to return them.
When did we lose 2 DB250s to Wigston?
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 28, 2019, 04:34:48 PM
When did we lose 2 DB250s to Wigston?
That isn't what I meant. I was just referring to the Thurmaston MMCs that moved to Wigston last year, 4534 and 4535. The DB250s I was talking about haven't moved depot, they've been withdrawn, and I'm referring to 4763 (presumed since I haven't it since the other two that were still in the old livery were repainted) and 4776.
The following DB250s did not make an appearance in Leicester today (or at least I didn't see them): 4750, 4751, 4754, 4763 (not been out for months), 4765, 4769, 4770, 4771, 4773, 4774, 4775, 4777 (I know any 2 of these would have been on the 16 but that is still a lot unaccounted for).
4772 turned up for the 15:17 29A having previously failed to turn up for the 12:57 29 but then for some reason it reversed out and 2530 took its place. The next 29 was 2523.
All Leicester and Derby vehicles apart from ones that haven't been out (such as accident damaged 4501 or mysteriously vanished 4201 and 4763) have been added to the Arriva Midlands North tracker on bustimes.org.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on September 05, 2019, 07:52:58 PM
All Leicester and Derby vehicles apart from ones that haven't been out (such as accident damaged 4501 or mysteriously vanished 4201 and 4763) have been added to the Arriva Midlands North tracker on bustimes.org.
2953, 3110, 3315, 3316, 3798, 4001, 4027, 4519, 4521, 4751, 4765, 4766, 4774, 4777, all 4/5 Citaro bendies, plus more I've not found are missing.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on September 05, 2019, 08:29:52 PM
2953, 3110, 3315, 3316, 3798, 4001, 4027, 4519, 4521, 4751, 4765, 4766, 4774, 4777, all 4/5 Citaro bendies, plus more I've not found are missing.
I'm sure most of these are just from not running today and I'm sure they will be up there soon, just apart from a few.
I guess this confirms that 2953 was the Versa seen in Birmingham recently. 3798's a Shires vehicle so that won't come up and the Bendies aren't on because the University services don't start up until later this month.
This will come in very handy in a fortnight when I'm passing through Derby on my way from Burton to Nottingham.
Buses are starting to be located on bustimes.org, still under Arriva Midlands North. 3 MMCs were on the 127, one of the 50/51 ones was on the 44/A, and 2/3 of the 158 Pulsars were on other routes.
If you click the route a Leicester bus is on, it directs you to the routes page on the Arriva Midlands area, but it doesn't show vehicles there.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on September 08, 2019, 07:14:08 PM
Buses are starting to be located on bustimes.org, still under Arriva Midlands North. 3 MMCs were on the 127, one of the 50/51 ones was on the 44/A, and 2/3 of the 158 Pulsars were on other routes.
If you click the route a Leicester bus is on, it directs you to the routes page on the Arriva Midlands area, but it doesn't show vehicles there.
MMCs on the 127 are normal on Sundays now (I'm not sure if Wigston have started allocating their spare ones on other routes), and spare 158 Pulsars usually go on the 55/104.
Some sad fleet changes from Wigston, 4027 has now been withdrawn leaving 4028 as the last VLW left and 4213 has returned to Derby. To make matters worse 2990 has returned from Wycombe.
A few other notable workings included 3109 and 4205 on the 87, 3110 on the X3, 4422 on the 85, 4504 on the 84, hardly any 84/85 branded MMCs on the 84 or 85 (4508, 4511 and 4513) all on the 50/51 and 4509 on the 31A and both 4754 and 4756 on the 14. 4505 was the MMC mentioned above, and 3809 was on the 53.
2274 is now withdrawn
Just 2 Darts left at Wigston & Hinckley 2209 2277
So all buses are now appearing on there. You can click a route page from the Arriva Midlands part and it'll show you the buses. However, to see the fleet list you'd still need to go to the AM North page.
Adding onto that it gives you a full stop list with the lateness/earlyness of the bus, just like on the Arriva bus website.
What is the normal allocation for the 29?
Quote from: markcf83 on September 10, 2019, 04:42:48 PM
What is the normal allocation for the 29?
Usually it should only really be Pulsars 3770-3778 (although only 3771-3773 appear to be doing it today) but Versas, Streetlites and sometimes even Solos can appear. It was supposed to have about 3 or 4 DDs starting from last November but they've thrown that out the window and it only gets 1 which doesn't even do the full route now.
3770 is listed but not tracking, it might just have ran since it was listed or it doesn't have a tracker on it yet. 3774 is on the 14, 3775 on the 56, 3776 on the 158, 3777 on the 127 and 3778 on the 55. Sapphires 3802 and 3804 are both on the 127 along with 14-branded 3764 and 5/5A branded 4524. Amazingly, 3765 isn't even running today having spent yesterday on the 53, leaving the other 14 to be 2991. Amazingly, 3800 is on the 6 with 2528 on the 158.
Today's other 29s include all 3 Streetlites, 2937, 2948, 2979, 3766 and 4770.
Streetlite 3305 is now at Wigston. It's working the short 49s. 2737 is also back and is on the 87 and 2570 is on the X84.
I don't believe the trackers work properly, at least not as efficiently as they do for First. Not all buses appear i don't believe. At 16:00, only 2 buses were on the 50 according to bustimes.
How about that? MIRA bus 2003 is on the 31 this afternoon, 2406 is on the 5A, neither of the 53 branded Pulsars are on the 53. 3810 is on the 158 while 3811 is on the 127. 3775 is on the 16A and 4211 has found itself on the 8 from Hinckley to Lutterworth.
StreetLite 3305 was noted working out of Wigston depot, on route 49, on 11/09/2019. Looks like it has had a fresh coat of light blue paint.
Is it correct that I've heard Leicester uni route with bendibuses is being withdrawn or contract not renewed ?
I don't think so. It's due to return to service next week as that's when the Uni starts.
Was 4521 in an accident a few weeks ago? It looked different when I had it yesterday.
I sadly believe that 3717 has departed us/been withdrawn. It's not been out in service in a number of weeks.
Working from Cannock depot isnt it?
3717 is at Cannock and 2748 at 1 of the Leicester depots
My guess is that 4028 has been withdrawn as it hasn't been out since the 12th, 4749 and 4774 have joined 4763 and 4776 from the withdrawn DB250s as they haven't been out for at least a month, and still aren't tracking on bustimes, and 4201 is having a major refurbishment or repaint as I haven't seen that for months. 3305 must have only been temporary as that hasn't been out since the 11th.
In terms of the vehicles that are running, I would avoid 4511 as the fans are all blocked so it rattles horrendously, 4217 has part of of its front blind not working, 4213 is still at Wigston despite what the fleet update said and 4501 is back from its accident but I'm yet to see if it's been altered in any way.
4523 is making an incredibly rare appearance on the 104, something very very rarely seen.
Seems that 4511 got stuck in the floods at Crow Mills today. If it needs repairing can they please unblock the fans while they're at it. It was getting to a point I was starting to avoid it like the plague. Either it was really bad despite all the works back in 2014 which saw the road closed for 6 weeks or MMCs just can't go through floods.
I remember being behind 4725 going through a flood there in 2012 and that managed it.
Despite not tracking, 4774 is fine. It was on the 6 at around 5:00.
3317 had a very unusual turn on the 84/85 yesterday. I tried to get it into town (for a video due to it being extremely rare) but they kept it in South Wigston and let 4513 and 4518 go first. This might have been caused by 4006 leaving 15 minutes late.
2991 is now at Wigston. It's been on the 86/87 today.
After about 5 months off the road, 4763 has returned to service. It's still in the old livery. I also noticed 2274 tracking on the 86/87. It wasn't running. It was 2402 and that might have been "4027" last Friday. It says 2402 hasn't ran since the 10th. Finally, 3307 is now at Thurmaston. It's been on the 14 today. I don't know what's happened to 3305, it seemed to only run for 3 days and then that was it and 4204 hasn't ran since September 10th either. I don't know what's up with that.
What an interesting day today. 4512 and 4517 are on the 44/44A/49 and 3109 and 4546 are on the 84/85. 4418 is on the 50/51. 3802 and 4532 both on the 127, 4749 on the 15 and 3300 is on the 5/5A along with 3318 on the 8 (Hinckley - Lutterworth).
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on October 28, 2019, 12:25:55 PM
What an interesting day today. 4512 and 4517 are on the 44/44A/49 and 3109 and 4546 are on the 84/85. 4418 is on the 50/51. 3802 and 4532 both on the 127, 4749 on the 15 and 3300 is on the 5/5A along with 3318 on the 8 (Hinckley - Lutterworth). My main concern now is 3106. It says it's not ran since the 24th (although I'm sure I saw it a few days later) where it did the 158. I know it's not AMD-SPWS as last week when I tracked it on the 47 it was 4001 even though it said that was on the 31.
One of the rules of the forum is don't quote of trackers.
Wrong vehicles are regularly shown. It can be something as simple as a ticket machine swap that causes the wrong fleetnumber to show on them
3807 was on the 16 earlier; swapped with 4761 in Loughborough - which was running the 127 towards Shepshed
so now 4761 is running the 16 and 3807 is on the 127
Former Leicester Lowlander 4708 burst into flames in Luton yesterday morning, completely gutting the back.
Thurmaston appear to have 4522 at the moment as it was spotted on the 127 yesterday. I don't know whether this is temporary or permanent.
I saw 5003 on the 127 yesterday afternoon
Quote from: Mayfield on November 16, 2019, 08:08:24 AM
I saw 5003 on the 127 yesterday afternoon
Did you actually physically see it on the 127, as I know bustimes has said it has been, but the journeys it's been shown as running don't seem right, like it's afternoon journey started at Quorndon fox, allegedly 24 hours late.
Also recent photos of it are shown in the back of Thurmaston with a notice saying it has no tax.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on November 16, 2019, 10:09:05 AM
Did you actually physically see it on the 127, as I know bustimes has said it has been, but the journeys it's been shown as running don't seem right, like it's afternoon journey started at Quorndon fox, allegedly 24 hours late.
Also recent photos of it are shown in the back of Thurmaston with a notice saying it has no tax.
It is taxed, DVSA shows it was retaxed from the 1st November
I actually travelled on it from Mountsorrel to Leicester about 16.00, i waited about 45 minutes for a 127 as I believe there was an issue in Loughborough, it only started to track about 10 minutes before it arrived and then did not track again so I was surprised when it actually turned up.
I see all the bendi's including East Midlands Airport ones except 5003 are SORN.
Quote from: Tony on November 16, 2019, 11:10:34 AM
It is taxed, DVSA shows it was retaxed from the 1st November
Huh, interesting. I wonder what for.
After 5 or 6 months off the road, 4201 is now back in service. It hasn't been put in the heritage livery like I was told when 4752 had just come back out but it does have the availablecar.com ad as seen on the other B9TLs. Also, does anyone know what's happened with 4213? I haven't seen it in Leicester for weeks but I don't think it's back at Derby either.
4748 being towed down Melton Road on back of Crouch Recovery vehicle towards Thurmaston depot I presume about 15.45
3106 on the 84 and 85 today while 84/85 branded 4507 has been on the X84. Yesterday I saw 4211 working for Thurmaston on the 5 and 5A.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on November 19, 2019, 03:22:56 PM
After 5 or 6 months off the road, 4201 is now back in service. It hasn't been put in the heritage livery like I was told when 4752 had just come back out but it does have the availablecar.com ad as seen on the other B9TLs. Also, does anyone know what's happened with 4213? I haven't seen it in Leicester for weeks but I don't think it's back at Derby either.
4213 is back in Derby - it was working on the 1/1A Alvaston sections on Thursday 21st November (it was my bus from the Railway Station to the Bus Station).
Quote from: xmj-signal on November 23, 2019, 09:19:25 PM
4213 is back in Derby - it was working on the 1/1A Alvaston sections on Thursday 21st November (it was my bus from the Railway Station to the Bus Station).
Alright, thanks.
Something very unusual today - 4757 on the 158 this morning. This was due to 3809 breaking down on the return in Hinckley so they sent 4757 to do the remainder of the journey. 3804 took over when it was done.
Quote from: Mayfield on November 16, 2019, 08:45:53 PM
I see all the bendi's including East Midlands Airport ones except 5003 are SORN.
Former 5005 has now passed into preservation, though appears to be on hire to TM Travel at the moment for the 218 service
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sheffield-transport-photography/49146389852/in/photostream/
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on November 30, 2019, 08:01:16 PM
Former 5005 has now passed into preservation, though appears to be on hire to TM Travel at the moment for the 218 service
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sheffield-transport-photography/49146389852/in/photostream/
It's half owned by BusDriverJonny, for those who know him off YouTube.
4763 in new livery on the 53 today
Ah, that's better. Hopefully they've done a bit of work on it as well so it's not so much of a heap.
Also, that's all Geminis repainted now.
3765 and 3810 have had their branding removed with 3764 (which has been on the 29 over the last few days) and 3811 expected to follow soon. This is so Arriva can max out the full-length single-deckers available for the 29 and 29A rather than a bunch of Optares. No doubt this'll mean more of them on the 14 and 53.
Anyone know which Cadet/Commander was on the 53 today?
Bustimes isn't showing it, but I definitely saw one of them out on it.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on December 07, 2019, 06:30:39 PM
Anyone know which Cadet/Commander was on the 53 today?
Bustimes isn't showing it, but I definitely saw one of them out on it.
I found a picture on Flickr. It was 2737.
3307 has now moved to Milton Keynes.
4516 now has a badly damaged nearside rear panel after I witnessed it being scraped on the kerb while being towed back to the depot. Elsewhere, they've found a logo to put on 4520 so that looks like its accident last summer never happened, and 2737 has now moved to Luton.
2991 also made the move to Luton with 2737, while 2990 has returned to Shrewsbury.
And for the most unusual allocation I've seen and you'll probably ever hear, MIRA branded 2000 on the 84/85.
2957 is the first of the newer Versas to be repainted into the new livery.
A bit of dual-door action on the Uppingham Road, in Leicester, on 23/01/2020, with 3103 - YX17 NLD noted in use on route 55.
On the 53 this afternoon
2447 2448 Both at Thurmaston with 2406 2407 at Cannock
Another 2 Solos have left Thurmaston 2408 2409 now moved to Cannock
4504 now has had its front offside corner panel replaced with a red one. Safe to say, it looks very tacky and cheap.
I had 4212 on the 85 the week it returned to service, and its absence from November was definitely worth it presumably while it had work done. If you like a good scream you should try it out. I'd never heard anything like it from a B9TL.
The low bridge in Nuneaton has finally come down. Today marked the start of the ability for DD's to go onto the 158, and 3 DB250's were on the route today, with 4754, 4760 and 4764 being the first ones to do the full route to Nuneaton.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on February 18, 2020, 10:53:27 PM
4504 now has had its front offside corner panel replaced with a red one. Safe to say, it looks very tacky and cheap.
4509 has had similar treatment on the nearside.
That's good business practice, convert a batch of buses to Sapphire spec then replace them with 13 year old DD's.
Why do they waste their time and money route branding, last Thursday 5/5a 4531 on the 58a and sapphire 158
On the 53.
About right for Arriva these days 😀
Sapphire dead in the water another promise broken
Quote from: Vulcan on February 25, 2020, 08:31:21 PM
About right for Arriva these days 😀
Sapphire dead in the water another promise broken
Try the routes 1 and 2 in Cannock, 64 plate Streets####s ( which were horrific to be honest) replaced with 18 year old Commanders that were branded for the service 13 years ago, oh and the odd14 year old example and 15 or 16 year old Dart, or if you're really lucky a Solo. Thats just the 1 lol
I see that 5006 & 5007 don't appear on the U.K. buses fleet list as of 19th February but they are currently parked at Thurmaston depot along with 2 other unidentified others
Quote from: Mayfield on February 29, 2020, 08:58:08 AM
I see that 5006 & 5007 don't appear on the U.K. buses fleet list as of 19th February but they are currently parked at Thurmaston depot along with 2 other unidentified others
5001 is also there, so I've been told - I think the other may be 5003?
Looks like Wigston's vehicle allocation policy has completely changed to drawing the buses out of a hat route by route with special effort being made for route branded buses to appear on any route other than the one they are branded for. The same diagram may be worked by a 2001 B7 one day, an Enviro 400 mmc the next and a solo or dart later in the week. It also appears that most of the Hinckley fleet is also in the hat with various Wigston buses taking their place on Hinckley routes.
Quote from: AlexS on March 12, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Looks like Wigston's vehicle allocation policy has completely changed to drawing the buses out of a hat route by route with special effort being made for route branded buses to appear on any route other than the one they are branded for. The same diagram may be worked by a 2001 B7 one day, an Enviro 400 mmc the next and a solo or dart later in the week. It also appears that most of the Hinckley fleet is also in the hat with various Wigston buses taking their place on Hinckley routes.
Sounds like Northern Rail fleet management have taken over down there.
Quote from: AlexS on March 12, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Looks like Wigston's vehicle allocation policy has completely changed to drawing the buses out of a hat route by route with special effort being made for route branded buses to appear on any route other than the one they are branded for. The same diagram may be worked by a 2001 B7 one day, an Enviro 400 mmc the next and a solo or dart later in the week. It also appears that most of the Hinckley fleet is also in the hat with various Wigston buses taking their place on Hinckley routes.
That sounds like the 44 and 49 alright, and yes, it's ridiculous. Since they were quick to shift the Lowlanders off, they've been an absolute joke.
Quote from: AlexS on March 12, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Looks like Wigston's vehicle allocation policy has completely changed to drawing the buses out of a hat route by route with special effort being made for route branded buses to appear on any route other than the one they are branded for. The same diagram may be worked by a 2001 B7 one day, an Enviro 400 mmc the next and a solo or dart later in the week. It also appears that most of the Hinckley fleet is also in the hat with various Wigston buses taking their place on Hinckley routes.
Vehicle allocation can be tricky at times, especially when vehicles are parked in the depot in the wrong order overnight in order for run out in the morning. Factors such as maintenance e.t.c needs to be taken into account which could cause this sequence to be broken, which is why you may end up with different vehicles on the route. Also, a depot may 'borrow' another vehicle from a neighbouring depot (that is surplus to their requirements) in order to meet their PVR. It happens at Telford sometimes where you may see a versa (all based at Shrewsbury) on a TF route.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on March 13, 2020, 07:10:49 PM
Vehicle allocation can be tricky at times, especially when vehicles are parked in the depot in the wrong order overnight in order for run out in the morning. Factors such as maintenance e.t.c needs to be taken into account which could cause this sequence to be broken, which is why you may end up with different vehicles on the route. Also, a depot may 'borrow' another vehicle from a neighbouring depot (that is surplus to their requirements) in order to meet their PVR. It happens at Telford sometimes where you may see a versa (all based at Shrewsbury) on a TF route.
There's a difference between sometimes and a daily re-occurance. Wigston are an utter joke. Thurmaston are better, except those 158 pulsars. Now the DB250's can go onto the 158, some of the 127/158 workings switch half way through the day, causing the Sapphire Pulsars to wonder about.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on March 13, 2020, 11:31:01 PM
There's a difference between sometimes and a daily re-occurance. Wigston are an utter joke. Thurmaston are better, except those 158 pulsars. Now the DB250's can go onto the 158, some of the 127/158 workings switch half way through the day, causing the Sapphire Pulsars to wonder about.
Wigston have been in a bad state on-off for many years. When 4765-4777 moved to Thurmaston in 2008, the 44 and 49 were just like they are now. Sometimes you got one of the usual DB250s, sometimes a Lowlander, but usually I kept seeing Commanders and Scania OmniCities, which also kept going on the 50 when it transferred the following summer. This went on for a year and a half until Wigston had the entire Lowlander fleet.
From 2016-2017 it was bad but still bearable, the only flaw being the ex-London Volvos running instead of the Lowlanders (although of course that's my personal preference). Some were OK I will admit. 4021 and 4025 are still good machines in Aylesbury and I had 4027 on the 49 just before it was withdrawn. Drove nice and smooth and I was kind of gutted when it was withdrawn. However, 4028 seems to be an awful bus that keeps breaking down. I remember going past it when it had done so in October 2018, and I thought they'd withdrawn it after that.
I'd say the downfall was caused by 2 things: Taking over Hinckley and the departure of 4536-4545, with the only replacements being 3105-3111. This was what's made the 44 and 49 back to how it was from 2008-2010. It should be (and I highly expect to get) a B7TL, a few B9TLs but of course, there's always an E200 to get in the way, but I think the 86 and 87 have got it worse as you can't predict that. Could be a Streetlite which are probably the most common, could be an Optare, could be a Volvo, could even be the Dennis Dart.
And as for Thurmaston, the only thing I'm going to point out is their failed promise to get more double-deckers on the 29 and 29A. In November and December they seem to manage about 4 or 5, sometimes 6 but throughout the remainder of the year, they only get 1.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on March 14, 2020, 09:44:26 AM
Wigston have been in a bad state on-off for many years. When 4765-4777 moved to Thurmaston in 2008, the 44 and 49 were just like they are now. Sometimes you got one of the usual DB250s, sometimes a Lowlander, but usually I kept seeing Commanders and Scania OmniCities, which also kept going on the 50 when it transferred the following summer. This went on for a year and a half until Wigston had the entire Lowlander fleet.
From 2016-2017 it was bad but still bearable, the only flaw being the ex-London Volvos running instead of the Lowlanders (although of course that's my personal preference). Some were OK I will admit. 4021 and 4025 are still good machines in Aylesbury and I had 4027 on the 49 just before it was withdrawn. Drove nice and smooth and I was kind of gutted when it was withdrawn. However, 4028 seems to be an awful bus that keeps breaking down. I remember going past it when it had done so in October 2018, and I thought they'd withdrawn it after that.
I'd say the downfall was caused by 2 things: Taking over Hinckley and the departure of 4536-4545, with the only replacements being 3105-3111. This was what's made the 44 and 49 back to how it was from 2008-2010. It should be (and I highly expect to get) a B7TL, a few B9TLs but of course, there's always an E200 to get in the way, but I think the 86 and 87 have got it worse as you can't predict that. Could be a Streetlite which are probably the most common, could be an Optare, could be a Volvo, could even be the Dennis Dart.
And as for Thurmaston, the only thing I'm going to point out is their failed promise to get more double-deckers on the 29 and 29A. In November and December they seem to manage about 4 or 5, sometimes 6 but throughout the remainder of the year, they only get 1.
Could be worse. Just ask the people who live in Cannock.
Quote from: Busboy105 on March 14, 2020, 11:26:58 AM
Could be worse. Just ask the people who live in Cannock.
Definetely
Why is there an update for 4752 on Bustimes. Anyone know whats happened to it?
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on March 14, 2020, 09:44:26 AM
Wigston have been in a bad state on-off for many years. When 4765-4777 moved to Thurmaston in 2008, the 44 and 49 were just like they are now. Sometimes you got one of the usual DB250s, sometimes a Lowlander, but usually I kept seeing Commanders and Scania OmniCities, which also kept going on the 50 when it transferred the following summer. This went on for a year and a half until Wigston had the entire Lowlander fleet.
From 2016-2017 it was bad but still bearable, the only flaw being the ex-London Volvos running instead of the Lowlanders (although of course that's my personal preference). Some were OK I will admit. 4021 and 4025 are still good machines in Aylesbury and I had 4027 on the 49 just before it was withdrawn. Drove nice and smooth and I was kind of gutted when it was withdrawn. However, 4028 seems to be an awful bus that keeps breaking down. I remember going past it when it had done so in October 2018, and I thought they'd withdrawn it after that.
I'd say the downfall was caused by 2 things: Taking over Hinckley and the departure of 4536-4545, with the only replacements being 3105-3111. This was what's made the 44 and 49 back to how it was from 2008-2010. It should be (and I highly expect to get) a B7TL, a few B9TLs but of course, there's always an E200 to get in the way, but I think the 86 and 87 have got it worse as you can't predict that. Could be a Streetlite which are probably the most common, could be an Optare, could be a Volvo, could even be the Dennis Dart.
And as for Thurmaston, the only thing I'm going to point out is their failed promise to get more double-deckers on the 29 and 29A. In November and December they seem to manage about 4 or 5, sometimes 6 but throughout the remainder of the year, they only get 1.
Last time I drove 4028, in February, it was absolutely amazing! Was breaking down because some drivers kept turning the retarder off causing all sorts of faults.
Quote from: bensweeney14 on April 14, 2020, 12:14:19 AM
Last time I drove 4028, in February, it was absolutely amazing! Was breaking down because some drivers kept turning the retarder off causing all sorts of faults.
The fact that drivers were repetitively purposely damaging buses at the depot is a sign of a major issue in itself. Its also hardly surprising that passengers would consider a bus which is constantly breaking down to be awful regardless of the cause (and it seems rather flawed that things that effect reliability could be routinely turned off by drivers in any case).
Former Airport E200 3101 has been repainted into the standard livery, been converted to single-door operation and had an emergency door removed to be used in normal service. 3102-3104 should follow soon.
The following vehicles are currently SORN due to the lockdown:
2209, 2402, 2403, 2447, 2448, 2450, 2491, 2508, 2524, 2525, 2526, 2527, 2529, 2538, 2570, 2571, 2937, 2938, 2939, 2940, 2942, 2949, 2956, 2990, 3107, 3108, 3110, 3300, 3313, 3314, 3315, 3316, 3318, 3764, 3774, 3776, 3809, 3810, 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004, 4005, 4006, 4007, 4008, 4009, 4010, 4011, 4012, 4013, 4014, 4028, 4200, 4201, 4202, 4203, 4204, 4205, 4206, 4207, 4208, 4209, 4210, 4211, 4212, 4217, 4503, 4505, 4507, 4512, 4515, 4746, 4748, 4749, 4751, 4752, 4753, 4754, 4755, 4756, 4757, 4758, 4759, 4760, 4761, 4762, 4763, 4764, 4765, 4766, 4767, 4768, 4769, 4770, 4771, 4772, 4773, 4774, 4775, 4777 and 5003.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on April 26, 2020, 11:18:24 AM
Former Airport E200 3101 has been repainted into the standard livery, been converted to single-door operation and had an emergency door removed to be used in normal service. 3102-3104 should follow soon.
Presumably you mean an emergency door fitted?
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on April 28, 2020, 02:13:00 PM
The following vehicles are currently SORN due to the lockdown:
2209, 2402, 2403, 2447, 2448, 2450, 2491, 2508, 2524, 2525, 2526, 2527, 2529, 2538, 2570, 2571, 2937, 2938, 2939, 2940, 2942, 2949, 2956, 2990, 3107, 3108, 3110, 3300, 3313, 3314, 3315, 3316, 3318, 3764, 3774, 3776, 3809, 3810, 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004, 4005, 4006, 4007, 4008, 4009, 4010, 4011, 4012, 4013, 4014, 4028, 4200, 4201, 4202, 4203, 4204, 4205, 4206, 4207, 4208, 4209, 4210, 4211, 4212, 4217, 4503, 4505, 4507, 4512, 4515, 4746, 4748, 4749, 4751, 4752, 4753, 4754, 4755, 4756, 4757, 4758, 4759, 4760, 4761, 4762, 4763, 4764, 4765, 4766, 4767, 4768, 4769, 4770, 4771, 4772, 4773, 4774, 4775, 4777 and 5003.
Few others too, 2410, 4201.
4503 and 4505 are back on the fleet.
Quote from: mikestone on April 28, 2020, 05:46:25 PM
Presumably you mean an emergency door fitted?
Indeed, I do.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on April 26, 2020, 11:18:24 AM
Former Airport E200 3101 has been repainted into the standard livery, been converted to single-door operation and had an emergency door removed to be used in normal service. 3102-3104 should follow soon.
Apparently one of 3102-4 is going back to EMA, so it'll only be 3 which will be converted. How true that is I don't know.
Will they replace anything at Leicester?
4516, 4517, 4518 and 4522 have transferred to Thurmaston while Wigston have 2952, 2957, 2958 and 2979.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on April 30, 2020, 11:38:16 AM
4516, 4517, 4518 and 4522 have transferred to Thurmaston while Wigston have 2952, 2957, 2958 and 2979.
Versa's on the X84 again. Just shows that they never learn from past events really considering 2990 rarely managed to last a whole day on there. Looking at bustimes.org it appears that 2952 failed yesterday afternoon and 2958 had failed by 07:30 this morning which really is embarrassing considering the amount of available stock at the minute.
4425 has gone to Milton Keynes. Others might have gone too, but I only am certain that 4425 has. Whether this is temporary or not I'm also not sure.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on May 06, 2020, 09:35:56 AM
4425 has gone to Milton Keynes. Others might have gone too, but I only am certain that 4425 has. Whether this is temporary or not I'm also not sure.
I was informed a few days ago that 4422-4425 have all gone to MK.
Quote from: AlexS on April 30, 2020, 01:40:25 PM
Versa's on the X84 again. Just shows that they never learn from past events really considering 2990 rarely managed to last a whole day on there. Looking at bustimes.org it appears that 2952 failed yesterday afternoon and 2958 had failed by 07:30 this morning which really is embarrassing considering the amount of available stock at the minute.
The Versas aren't made for a long route like the X84 at all and it is a pure stupid idea putting them on there, capacity wise also. Decent, reliable Volvo B9TLs such as 4210, 4207 etc should be on that route as it is a route they are made to do.
Is the 29 permanently curtailed to Swadlincote and no longer serving Burton??
Quote from: Bob on May 23, 2020, 02:53:20 AM
Is the 29 permanently curtailed to Swadlincote and no longer serving Burton??
Suspect it isn't permanent although they had reduced it to hourly from Swad to Burton a while ago, although don't really know until after Covid19.
According to a driver at Wigston and someone in Milton Keynes, all of Wigstons B9TLs (allegedly) are going to Milton Keynes. Apparently, no replacements, but how true that is I'm unsure.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on May 23, 2020, 11:50:51 PM
According to a driver at Wigston and someone in Milton Keynes, all of Wigstons B9TLs (allegedly) are going to Milton Keynes. Apparently, no replacements, but how true that is I'm unsure.
The Oxford & Chiltern Bus Page website lists the moves which apparently have already taken place with 4200-2/4/5/9/17 already having made the move to MK on loan from Wigston along with 4211 from Hinckley. B7RLE 3902 also there from Cannock. Doesn't list any transfers back to Wigston other than E400s 4422-25 coming back from loan.
Quote from: Cheese on May 24, 2020, 01:35:56 PM
The Oxford & Chiltern Bus Page website lists the moves which apparently have already taken place with 4200-2/4/5/9/17 already having made the move to MK on loan from Wigston along with 4211 from Hinckley. B7RLE 3902 also there from Cannock. Doesn't list any transfers back to Wigston other than E400s 4422-25 coming back from loan.
Presumably this was all planned before yesterday's announcement of government funding to increase public transport frequencies back to something closer to normal, and therefore was done on the basis of Wigston running on a lower PVR for the foreseeable. Unless they are permanently slashing services they simply don't have enough buses at Wigston for this to be permanent without something coming the other way.
It's also pointless to try and separate the 'Hinckley' fleet from the Wigston fleet as many buses basically rotate between the 2 with no real pattern and anything allocated to Hinckley could appear on a Wigston route seemingly at random (and to some extent the reverse is also true but it is extremely rare, but not unknown, for B7s or Enviro400s to be on Hinckley routes, current circumstances excluded).
Quote from: AlexS on May 24, 2020, 02:18:45 PM
Presumably this was all planned before yesterday's announcement of government funding to increase public transport frequencies back to something closer to normal, and therefore was done on the basis of Wigston running on a lower PVR for the foreseeable. Unless they are permanently slashing services they simply don't have enough buses at Wigston for this to be permanent without something coming the other way.
It's also pointless to try and separate the 'Hinckley' fleet from the Wigston fleet as many buses basically rotate between the 2 with no real pattern and anything allocated to Hinckley could appear on a Wigston route seemingly at random (and to some extent the reverse is also true but it is extremely rare, but not unknown, for B7s or Enviro400s to be on Hinckley routes, current circumstances excluded).
Wigston taking over Hinckley and the fleets combining is what went wrong in the first place. Yes the X84's benefitted quite a bit but then you've got the 44/44A/49 and 86/87 that have suffered quite a bit. When they first wanted to put double-deckers on it they should have just moved the X84 to Wigston and let that be the end of it, if you ask me. And if they are planning on permanently cutting services again, god help us.
Today has seen duplicate buses on many journeys (on the 50 at least, as I haven't seen any other routes), while passenger numbers seem to remain significantly below social distancing capacity on most routes according to the local paper. To enable this the B9s have returned from MK and 3300 is currently working out of Wigston.
As things begin to return to normal it is good to see Arriva have managed to work out a way of quietly increasing capacity before it was actually needed and without alerting passengers which will have rightfully kept those with an alternative away. Unfortunately the same article in the Mercury shows that a significant proportion of passengers are choosing to ignore the rules on face masks.
3300 is now at Wigston.
Arriva launched new destination blinds across its Leicestershire network last week presumably to go with the return of normality to most services. I'm curious to see what people's thoughts on them are.
4516 4517 4518 4519 4520 4521 4522 4534 They moving to Thurmaston going the other way to Wigston 3770 3771 3772 3773 3774 3775 3776 3777
8 in 8 out
That seems like a very stupid decision. Wigston are already short on double deckers, and SB200's are an alien type to Wigston.
Pulsars might be, but they did have some of the Centros and Commanders on the same chassis in the past. I think it's a brilliant idea because I've always found Thurmaston to be shorter. Last year's TZ and DM services didn't help particularly. And honestly, if it does prove to be the case, then bring it on, I'd love to have Pulsars a bit more local.
Travel De Courcey's X6 is transferring to Arriva from tomorrow, following Travel De Courcey going bankrupt.
It is due to be operated out of Thurmaston, with its allocation currently unknown.
Thurmaston operated with SB200 Pulsars. Loan drivers from Hinckley to start off.
3770, 3771, 3772, 3774 and 3776 have now moved to Wigston, with 4516-4521 now at Thurmaston.
Pleased to see day (£12) and weekly (£45) ticket available on x6 and Leicester plus area. Time for my contactless bankcard to have a day out.
Quote from: JoNi on August 25, 2020, 01:14:16 PM
Pleased to see day (£12) and weekly (£45) ticket available on x6 and Leicester plus area. Time for my contactless bankcard to have a day out.
180 pounds a month is extortionate! 61 quid for the whole nxwm area
Quote from: Bob on August 25, 2020, 02:53:29 PM
180 pounds a month is extortionate! 61 quid for the whole nxwm area
Thats easy bit have you every tried to use the Arriva website to find what the Leicester plus area actually covers. All I could find was a greyed in area which looked like a passing rain shower!
Quote from: JoNi on August 25, 2020, 05:25:03 PM
Thats easy bit have you every tried to use the Arriva website to find what the Leicester plus area actually covers. All I could find was a greyed in area which looked like a passing rain shower!
Actually the most recent map from the same page as the new X6 has a much better map
Quote from: Kevin on August 25, 2020, 06:00:23 PM
Actually the most recent map from the same page as the new X6 has a much better map
Thanks very much I found it by selecting location Leicester and have downloaded a file named 13953_107927649 rather than Leicester main routes!
According to bustimes.org, 4545 is back at Wigston.
Does anyone know whether this is actually correct or not?
The "good" maps are downloadable from the 'Bus Travel in Leicester' page:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/bus-travel-in-leicester
However, it's disappointing that the local map (zone 1/zone 2) is still the February 2019 version, showing U1, U2 and U3.
On the new Covid-19 page, there's only a service summary and there doesn't seem to be a link to download the simple timetables which were there (I'm glad I saved them the other day!) The timetables downloadable from the 'Bus Travel in Leicester' page seem to be the 'all stops' versions which are far too detailed as something to print out and carry and are anything but user-friendly.
Taking the timetable for the 86 as an example, the early morning buses (before about 0830) are at the end of the timetable, so at first sight it looks like the first bus from Eyres Monsell isn't until 0855. I think it's because, from 0855, Monday to Saturday times are the same so then the early times for Monday to Friday and Saturday are listed later.
Arriva - they don't disappoint do they? - you can always count on them to get it wrong!
Mike T.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 25, 2020, 07:33:42 PM
According to bustimes.org, 4545 is back at Wigston.
Does anyone know whether this is actually correct or not?
While I suppose a lot can happen in five days; I caught a photo of it in Burton only last Thursday!
https://flic.kr/p/2jzKesx
Are Arriva still running the 29 to Burton or is it still curtailed to Swad? Bustimes has it down as burton but ive not seen one there in ages
Quote from: Bob on August 25, 2020, 10:09:54 PM
Are Arriva still running the 29 to Burton or is it still curtailed to Swad? Bustimes has it down as burton but ive not seen one there in ages
Still curtailed. I honestly don't see why they can't just revert that back to normal like everything else is. The 84's back going to Lutterworth, and even the X84 went back to the full route to Rugby a while before the frequencies were back to normal.
And speaking of the 29, it seems they've finally secured a full double-deck network now they've acquired Wigston's spare MMCs. As for the Pulsars, they seem to be primarily allocated to the X3, with the rest on the 44/44A/49 circuit when they transfer. Personally, I think they need to get the remaining MMCs debranded and repainted as quickly as possible and have the Pulsars just running alongside them on their routes.
2947 2948 2956 2979 at Wigston
Quote from: xmj-signal on August 25, 2020, 08:32:08 PM
The "good" maps are downloadable from the 'Bus Travel in Leicester' page:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/bus-travel-in-leicester
However, it's disappointing that the local map (zone 1/zone 2) is still the February 2019 version, showing U1, U2 and U3.
On the new Covid-19 page, there's only a service summary and there doesn't seem to be a link to download the simple timetables which were there (I'm glad I saved them the other day!) The timetables downloadable from the 'Bus Travel in Leicester' page seem to be the 'all stops' versions which are far too detailed as something to print out and carry and are anything but user-friendly.
Taking the timetable for the 86 as an example, the early morning buses (before about 0830) are at the end of the timetable, so at first sight it looks like the first bus from Eyres Monsell isn't until 0855. I think it's because, from 0855, Monday to Saturday times are the same so then the early times for Monday to Friday and Saturday are listed later.
Arriva - they don't disappoint do they? - you can always count on them to get it wrong!
Mike T.
I'm seemingly not only person who has struggled with Arrivas new website having been placed under the discerning eye of busand trainuser.
https://busandtrainuser.com/2020/08/26/arrivas-new-website-a-brutal-review/
I'm sure he will be as disenchanted with the National Express Coventry website when he finds the new 9/A timetable actually links to the Keresley 16 if he requires times to ride on the new electric buses in the city next week!
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 25, 2020, 10:30:41 PM
Still curtailed. I honestly don't see why they can't just revert that back to normal like everything else is. The 84's back going to Lutterworth, and even the X84 went back to the full route to Rugby a while before the frequencies were back to normal.
And speaking of the 29, it seems they've finally secured a full double-deck network now they've acquired Wigston's spare MMCs. As for the Pulsars, they seem to be primarily allocated to the X3, with the rest on the 44/44A/49 circuit when they transfer. Personally, I think they need to get the remaining MMCs debranded and repainted as quickly as possible and have the Pulsars just running alongside them on their routes.
No point in debranding the MMCs on the 50/51 as the route needs Deckers on every board and would regularly be leaving people behind if it didn't have them, and the 84/85 has very few boards that can get away with single deck vehicles. Realistically unless Wigston return to a much greater number of deckers the X3 will have to remain operated by single floor vehicles as it and the 86/87 circuit are the only routes at the depot that can largely get away with them on all boards and the 44/44A/49 circuit and 31/31A circuit will also have to see smaller buses on the less used boards, even if this will mean small numbers having to wait for the following bus on the 31.
The X84 has been operated its full route for the whole of lockdown, largely because of its use by employees at Magna park who have worked throughout and will again see large increases in traffic in the next few days as schools and colleges begin to go back for most pupils (in both directions heading to Lutterworth as well as those travelling to city colleges) and will probably need to return to bigger bus operation than what is on it today.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 25, 2020, 07:33:42 PM
According to bustimes.org, 4545 is back at Wigston.
Does anyone know whether this is actually correct or not?
I have viewed 4545 working on routes 84/85 today so it is definitely back at Wigston.
Mike T.
Quote from: AlexS on August 26, 2020, 05:56:50 PM
... Realistically unless Wigston return to a much greater number of deckers the X3 will have to remain operated by single floor vehicles as it and the 86/87 circuit are the only routes at the depot that can largely get away with them on all boards and the 44/44A/49 circuit and 31/31A circuit will also have to see smaller buses on the less used boards, even if this will mean small numbers having to wait for the following bus on the 31. ...
I came home today on 2948 on 1420 87 to Eyres Monsell - this bus has a capacity of 17 people. We reached that 17 when someone boarded at the Prison so we left an elderly gentleman (and his shopping) standing at the bus stop at Morrisons. As we were following an 85, I think it's fair to assume he needed the Eyres Monsell estate, hopefully the 88 would suit him.
If the capacity limits remain, there's not a lot of space for an increase in passengers, even on routes like the 86 and 87.
Mike T.
Quote from: leepenfold30 on August 26, 2020, 07:43:45 AM
2947 2948 2956 2979 at Wigston
Yep, I saw 2956 working on 86/87, complete with route-branding for 58/58A.
It's a shame they didn't have any other Versas at Thurmaston, without route branding, which they could have transferred.
Oh, wait a minute...
Mike T.
Quote from: xmj-signal on August 26, 2020, 08:41:35 PM
I came home today on 2948 on 1420 87 to Eyres Monsell - this bus has a capacity of 17 people. We reached that 17 when someone boarded at the Prison so we left an elderly gentleman (and his shopping) standing at the bus stop at Morrisons. As we were following an 85, I think it's fair to assume he needed the Eyres Monsell estate, hopefully the 88 would suit him.
If the capacity limits remain, there's not a lot of space for an increase in passengers, even on routes like the 86 and 87.
Mike T.
The 86 and 87 have been diabolical in recent years, and if they'd have just transferred the rest of the Pulsars (3773, 3775, 3777 and 3778), they'd be perfect for them. Optares have been on the service for 2 years now and they still can't see that they don't work. Streetlites can just about get away with it, but the best singles for them that they had before the Pulsars arrived were the E200s. Oh wait, but they're always in Nuneaton, and if not that, they'll be on the 44/44A/49 or the X84.
It's a pity they had to get rid of the Cadets last year as they worked perfectly as well.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 27, 2020, 01:00:07 PM
The 86 and 87 have been diabolical in recent years, and if they'd have just transferred the rest of the Pulsars (3773, 3775, 3777 and 3778), they'd be perfect for them. Optares have been on the service for 2 years now and they still can't see that they don't work. Streetlites can just about get away with it, but the best singles for them that they had before the Pulsars arrived were the E200s. Oh wait, but they're always in Nuneaton, and if not that, they'll be on the 44/44A/49 or the X84.
It's a pity they had to get rid of the Cadets last year as they worked perfectly as well.
It's not as simple as saying what is the best bus for the route as they simply don't have enough buses to keep all of the smaller ones parked up for the foreseeable future. While Versa's are not ideal for the 86/87 in the current circumstances (although they were suitable pre March), the 86/87 remain the routes that they remain least unsuitable for and therefore it is those routes that they have to be allocated to. Given the situation that they have been given in terms of recent changes to the fleet Wigston (and Hinckley) are probably doing the best job in terms of allocations that they have in many a year.
3773 is now at Wigston.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 27, 2020, 10:52:22 PM
3773 is now at Wigston.
3775 and 3777 were working on X6 to Coventry when I was in Leicester last Wednesday - as my understanding is that the X6 is going to be operated as part of the HinckleyBus operation they would presumably be using Wigston vehicles?
Vehicles on the X6 have now started to track on Bustimes and both vehicles were also on X6 today (Saturday).
Mike T.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 27, 2020, 01:00:07 PM
The 86 and 87 have been diabolical in recent years ...
Not a lot of capacity today - I viewed 4 of the 5 vehicles working on 86/87 and they were 2491, 2503, 2570 and 2948. The Solo's will get to 'bus full' very quickly during the busy periods.
Presumably the larger vehicles are being used on the duplicate workings or S-routes for the schools.
Mike T.
Image on Leicestershire live of a packed single decker including a least 10 standing (looks like a Versa) on the X84, seems like a wonderful decision to swop buses between Wigston and Leicester has worked really well.
Quote from: Mayfield on September 08, 2020, 03:26:30 PM
Image on Leicestershire live of a packed single decker including a least 10 standing (looks like a Versa) on the X84, seems like a wonderful decision to swop buses between Wigston and Leicester has worked really well.
It's an E200MMC. Appalling job by Arriva. Doesn't seem to be the case with First, shows who cares about their passengers safety.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on September 08, 2020, 04:30:23 PM
It's an E200MMC. Appalling job by Arriva. Doesn't seem to be the case with First, shows who cares about their passengers safety.
This is on the duplicate SX84 which, as it is a school only service, can carry up to a full load as per Government guidelines. There is also a X84 that runs at the same time for members of the general public.
Quote from: Mayfield on September 08, 2020, 03:26:30 PM
Image on Leicestershire live of a packed single decker including a least 10 standing (looks like a Versa) on the X84, seems like a wonderful decision to swop buses between Wigston and Leicester has worked really well.
In a world of limited numbers of double deckers and only historic school patronage data to base planning decisions on in an unknown pandemic world, I would be amazed if anyone could get everything exactly correct first time.
Quote from: WilliamLeylandNational on September 08, 2020, 04:42:42 PM
This is on the duplicate SX84 which, as it is a school only service, can carry up to a full load as per Government guidelines. There is also a X84 that runs at the same time for members of the general public.
Looks like usual conclusion jumping
Have you read the report from the parent and Arriva's response. plenty of empty DD's trundling around Leicester.
Quote from: Mayfield on September 08, 2020, 05:01:55 PM
Have you read the report from the parent and Arriva's response. plenty of empty DD's trundling around Leicester.
Yes have read it all. Have also seen very full double deckers on the S31E, S127 and on the 47/48 and S47/S48 at school times and on the 29/29A at Amazon shift times. Where have you seen empty double deckers?
Quote from: Tony on September 08, 2020, 05:01:06 PM
Looks like usual conclusion jumping
Could be. As long as Arriva respond to this and adjust things I can't see what more they can do?
58/A
Quote from: Mayfield on September 08, 2020, 05:20:16 PM
58/A
There are double deckers on some routes which are quite empty during the day but which are on those workings because of the loadings at school times and peak hours - the 58 and 58A get much busier during these periods. Therefore, these double deckers wouldn't be available for other uses at those times as their capacity would be needed where they are.
I know that Arriva aren't great at getting the right bus on the right route, but they've only got a limited number of double deckers (and drivers who could work duplicates with single deckers) so I'm sure they're doing the best they can to meet demand while being restricted by the capacity limitations. If that bus was on the SX84, it should only be used by school children and can be full to capacity under the government guidelines.
Quote from: xmj-signal on September 08, 2020, 07:19:17 PM
There are double deckers on some routes which are quite empty during the day but which are on those workings because of the loadings at school times and peak hours - the 58 and 58A get much busier during these periods. Therefore, these double deckers wouldn't be available for other uses at those times as their capacity would be needed where they are.
I know that Arriva aren't great at getting the right bus on the right route, but they've only got a limited number of double deckers (and drivers who could work duplicates with single deckers) so I'm sure they're doing the best they can to meet demand while being restricted by the capacity limitations. If that bus was on the SX84, it should only be used by school children and can be full to capacity under the government guidelines.
Not only does that bus appear to be over capacity rather than at capacity (isn't the standing load on the 200 MMCs something like 3), but the X84 runs at speeds on some roads on which there really shouldn't be children standing whether or not there is a pandemic ongoing. Just because something is technically legal in terms of corona virus it isn't necessarily acceptable, especially when there are other equally obvious health and safety issues.
Quote from: AlexS on September 08, 2020, 09:16:37 PM
Not only is that bus likely to be over capacity let alone at capacity, but the X84 runs at speeds on some roads on which there really shouldn't be people standing whether or not there is a pandemic ongoing.
Why all this knocking Arrival for a perfectly legal operation. E200MMC have a capacity of well over 7 standing, so well in, and standing passengers are allowed on any service unless it uses a motorway
I see from a statement from Simon they have managed to magic up a DD to be used on this service from today.
Quote from: Mayfield on September 09, 2020, 01:38:29 PM
I see from a statement from Simon they have managed to magic up a DD to be used on this service from today.
magic up?
Apparently moved off the X55 due to lower school loadings on that route than expected
Quote from: Tony on September 08, 2020, 09:21:34 PM
Why all this knocking Arrival for a perfectly legal operation. E200MMC have a capacity of well over 7 standing, so well in, and standing passengers are allowed on any service unless it uses a motorway
How does that work with the 110 and Sutton lines then as the Distressway is legally a motorway?
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 09, 2020, 06:45:03 PM
How does that work with the 110 and Sutton lines then as the Distressway is legally a motorway?
It has a different legal status, urban motorway, or something like that, hence the 50mph speed limit
Are 4209-4212 and 4217 even going to come back? God knows they're needed now with the departure of 4516-4521. I also wonder if 3315-3318 are due to return soon. Also, what's happened to 3764? It's been off the road for 7 months.
Service X6 will be transferred to Hinckley next week.
3775 and 3777 are now at Wigston.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on September 23, 2020, 11:21:43 AM
Service X6 will be transferred to Hinckley next week.
I saw the X6 on its way to Leicester yesterday after going through Burbage. Quite a few people on there I felt for 2pm, a lot more than I had ever seen on a DeCourcey X6.
Quote from: ellspurs on September 26, 2020, 03:13:01 PM
I saw the X6 on its way to Leicester yesterday after going through Burbage. Quite a few people on there I felt for 2pm, a lot more than I had ever seen on a DeCourcey X6.
Could the fares be cheaper?
Didnt DeCourcey run it with coach seated deckers though and Arriva are sticking E200s on there?
Quote from: Bob on September 26, 2020, 11:49:27 PM
Didnt DeCourcey run it with coach seated deckers though and Arriva are sticking E200s on there?
I don't recall them using deckers that much on the route. May have just been a "when I actually saw them they were singles" kinda thing.
Quote from: ellspurs on September 27, 2020, 05:21:50 AM
I don't recall them using deckers that much on the route. May have just been a "when I actually saw them they were singles" kinda thing.
It was usually singles when Arriva had it before, although the Scanias and the Spectras usually swayed over from time to time. De Courcey started with coaches before receiving 2 brand new Scania N230UDs in 2010, but one was destroyed in a fire in 2015. The other one was still branded but they just stopped putting it on the route after that, and then it went down to singles after then, which then led to the Evolutions arriving in 2017. Still, Arriva's E200s look stupid on it and I honestly don't know what they think's so brilliant about them seeing as Luton were sending theirs onto the 758 from Hemel Hempstead into Victoria just before lockdown (not sure about now).
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on September 27, 2020, 09:35:15 AM
It was usually singles when Arriva had it before, although the Scanias and the Spectras usually swayed over from time to time. De Courcey started with coaches before receiving 2 brand new Scania N230UDs in 2010, but one was destroyed in a fire in 2015. The other one was still branded but they just stopped putting it on the route after that, and then it went down to singles after then, which then led to the Evolutions arriving in 2017. Still, Arriva's E200s look stupid on it and I honestly don't know what they think's so brilliant about them seeing as Luton were sending theirs onto the 758 from Hemel Hempstead into Victoria just before lockdown (not sure about now).
Isnt the 758 Green Line? Well or supposed to be?
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on September 27, 2020, 09:35:15 AM
It was usually singles when Arriva had it before, although the Scanias and the Spectras usually swayed over from time to time. De Courcey started with coaches before receiving 2 brand new Scania N230UDs in 2010, but one was destroyed in a fire in 2015. The other one was still branded but they just stopped putting it on the route after that, and then it went down to singles after then, which then led to the Evolutions arriving in 2017. Still, Arriva's E200s look stupid on it and I honestly don't know what they think's so brilliant about them seeing as Luton were sending theirs onto the 758 from Hemel Hempstead into Victoria just before lockdown (not sure about now).
Quote from: Bob on September 27, 2020, 11:32:48 AM
Isnt the 758 Green Line? Well or supposed to be?
Luton's services were putting Cannock to shame for a while during lockdown. A number of W-reg deckers doing the Luton-Dunstable routes, supplemented by Green Line 747 branded coaches!
Not seen the deckers down there in the last two weeks I've been going down.
Quote from: Bob on September 26, 2020, 11:49:27 PM
Didnt DeCourcey run it with coach seated deckers though and Arriva are sticking E200s on there?
yes they had deckers for X6 but had 2 new singles for X6. not long ago I think 1 of the deckers caught fire
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on September 27, 2020, 09:35:15 AM
It was usually singles when Arriva had it before, although the Scanias and the Spectras usually swayed over from time to time. De Courcey started with coaches before receiving 2 brand new Scania N230UDs in 2010, but one was destroyed in a fire in 2015. The other one was still branded but they just stopped putting it on the route after that, and then it went down to singles after then, which then led to the Evolutions arriving in 2017. Still, Arriva's E200s look stupid on it and I honestly don't know what they think's so brilliant about them seeing as Luton were sending theirs onto the 758 from Hemel Hempstead into Victoria just before lockdown (not sure about now).
So what would you put on there?
Considering what the other realistic options are, and the needs of other routes, I don't actually think that using the E200s is that bad an idea.
Its a pity companies dont really have dual purpose vehicles any more isnt it ( think Midland Red Marshall bodied Leopards/Timesaver Metrobuses etc)
Quote from: Bob on September 27, 2020, 02:26:50 PM
Its a pity companies dont really have dual purpose vehicles any more isnt it ( think Midland Red Marshall bodied Leopards/Timesaver Metrobuses etc)
Stagecoach gold had coach seats on the Scanias on X4 from Northampton to Corby I think. And the E400 MMC that replaced them.
First Kernow have dual purpose E400 Tridents branded for U1/U2 as well. I caught one on the A4 (St Ives to Newquay via Portreath) route 3 years ago, 33422.
Quote from: Bob on September 27, 2020, 02:26:50 PM
Its a pity companies dont really have dual purpose vehicles any more isnt it ( think Midland Red Marshall bodied Leopards/Timesaver Metrobuses etc)
They do, they have hundreds of them, more than ever.
Stagecoach gold, NX Platinum etc are better spec than most DP pf the 70s/80s
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2020, 03:25:48 PM
They do, they have hundreds of them, more than ever.
Stagecoach gold, NX Platinum etc are better spec than most DP pf the 70s/80s
Sorry Tony i meant coach seated etc. Think Stagecoach gold seats, or Timesaver seats. Platinums are excellent but seat wise im sure youd prob agree Timesavers would have been more comfy etc :)
Quote from: Bob on September 27, 2020, 04:44:42 PM
Sorry Tony i meant coach seated etc. Think Stagecoach gold seats, or Timesaver seats. Platinums are excellent but seat wise im sure youd prob agree Timesavers would have been more comfy etc :)
No, Platinums seats are the same as some coaches have now, Platinums are exactly the modern version of 'DP' a bus with coach seats, the same as stagecoach Gold are
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2020, 03:25:48 PM
They do, they have hundreds of them, more than ever.
Stagecoach gold, NX Platinum etc are better spec than most DP pf the 70s/80s
Also some of the original Sapphires in Wales. Which unlike the Poundland equivalents in Leicester actually offered coach style seating which was an obvious upgrade on what went before. I still can't work out what was going through the heads of the management who thought the attempts at Leicester would have had any impact on passenger numbers. If you're going to relaunch a service it obviously doesn't make sense to do so using the same buses that were already operating on the route without even changing the seats and claim it's some new premium experience, especially considering many buses in the fleet already had the upgraded model of the seat in question with headrests.
Quote from: AlexS on September 27, 2020, 05:16:17 PM
Also some of the original Sapphires in Wales. Which unlike the Poundland equivalents in Leicester actually offered coach style seating which was an obvious upgrade on what went before. I still can't work out what was going through the heads of the management who thought the attempts at Leicester would have had any impact on passenger numbers. If you're going to relaunch a service it obviously doesn't make sense to do so using the same buses that were already operating on the route without even changing the seats and claim it's some new premium experience, especially considering many buses in the fleet already had the upgraded model of the seat in question with headrests.
The Pulsars that were upgraded in Leicester were positively luxurious compared to the embarassment example Cannock had. Low back seats retrimmed in e leather no next stop announcements etc and a cheap looking paint job. It was then swiftly transferred out
Quote from: Bob on September 27, 2020, 05:49:01 PM
The Pulsars that were upgraded in Leicester were positively luxurious compared to the embarassment example Cannock had. Low back seats retrimmed in e leather no next stop announcements etc and a cheap looking paint job. It was then swiftly transferred out
By the time the Pulsars were done the Sapphire brand was already tarnished to the point of being no use in Leicester. The first batch of Sapphire B7s in Leicester also had well worn low backed seats retrimmed in e leather and the only other modifications were most (but far from all) of the graffiti on the backs of the seats cleaned off, a cheap vinyl being applied to the staircase, and plug sockets that never really worked installed.
Quote from: AlexS on September 27, 2020, 08:08:30 PM
By the time the Pulsars were done the Sapphire brand was already tarnished to the point of being no use in Leicester. The first batch of Sapphire B7s in Leicester also had well worn low backed seats retrimmed in e leather and the only other modifications were most (but far from all) of the graffiti on the backs of the seats cleaned off, a cheap vinyl being applied to the staircase, and plug sockets that never really worked installed.
Cannocks streetlites sockets never worked either. Theyre operating solos with adverts for usb charging on the side and the chargers have been taken out along with a pulsar where the chargers havent worked in months. It just looks poor
Quote from: AlexS on September 27, 2020, 02:00:47 PM
So what would you put on there?
Considering what the other realistic options are, and the needs of other routes, I don't actually think that using the E200s is that bad an idea.
To be honest, thinking to when it did have those Scanias (and I saw a former Dublin ALX400 a few times on it in late 2017), my first choice would have been the B7TLs, but if not, then I'd have stuck with the Pulsars.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on September 28, 2020, 01:50:21 PM
To be honest, thinking to when it did have those Scanias (and I saw a former Dublin ALX400 a few times on it in late 2017), my first choice would have been the B7TLs, but if not, then I'd have stuck with the Pulsars.
Somehow I don't think 14 year old deckers that have been hammered on city work since new would be a good choice for an express intercity route, especially considering they were removed from the X84 and are normally kept away from the X3 for reliability reasons, and that's before considering that the route doesn't need deckers and Wigston has a shortage of deckers for the routes that do. If the route did need deckers I would imagine that it would largely be 4545 and 4546 that were used. I also don't see any real difference in standards between the E200MMCs and the Pulsars so would personally think the 2 are just about interchangeable which means it probably makes more sense to use the E200s as they will be more familiar to those who deal with issues in the Hinckley and Coventry areas as they have regularly operated on Arriva's other services into Coventry for several months.
The 158 has moved to Haymarket Bus Station with the pedestrianising of Haymarket, with the 50, 51, 104, 152 and 153 starting and finishing on Savoy Street.
Arriva are closing their travel shop in St Margaret's from tomorrow, and moving everything online.
That's not the best of ideas even when your technology properly works, but in Arriva's case their technology doesn't work and is plagued by issues and poor reviews from customers.
Arriva really are going downhill...
From the Arriva website: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us (https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us)
"Travel Shops
Unfortunately, as of the end of October, we will be closing the majority of our Travel Shops. Our Luton Travel Shop will be remaining open and our Green Line service tickets will be available from our Green Line Travel Shop in Victoria Station. The Leicester St Margaret's Bus Station Travel Shop will be closing this Saturday 31st October 2020."
So it is not just Leicester, it is everywhere else as well, although they did not have many, I think that these were only ones that were open pre-COVID:
Chatham, Guildford, London Victoria, Luton, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Dewsbury, Wakefield, Middlesbrough & Newcastle
Quote from: Ian Hardy on October 31, 2020, 02:20:44 PM
From the Arriva website: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us (https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/contact-us)
"Travel Shops
Unfortunately, as of the end of October, we will be closing the majority of our Travel Shops. Our Luton Travel Shop will be remaining open and our Green Line service tickets will be available from our Green Line Travel Shop in Victoria Station. The Leicester St Margaret's Bus Station Travel Shop will be closing this Saturday 31st October 2020."
So it is not just Leicester, it is everywhere else as well, although they did not have many, I think that these were only ones that were open pre-COVID:
Chatham, Guildford, London Victoria, Luton, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Dewsbury, Wakefield, Middlesbrough & Newcastle
Telford as well; that has been closed permanently. To me that feels like a stupid decision as there are no timetables in their bus station apart from the electronic boards which only display the next hour or so.
Quote from: PointerDart on October 31, 2020, 07:54:23 PM
Telford as well; that has been closed permanently. To me that feels like a stupid decision as there are no timetables in their bus station apart from the electronic boards which only display the next hour or so.
Thanks, I forgot they had one at Telford as well:-)
They also had one at High Wycombe which has also closed.
2450 has returned to Milton Keynes in exchange for 4209.
Apparently, according to this, all of Southend's E400MMC's are coming to us. Does anyone know how true this is?
https://flic.kr/p/2k8FC69
I've heard that they're to replace 4001-4014 which are expected to depart to Maidstone (and hopefully finally send 4028 to the scrapyard). They're expected to replace the GN58 E400s which will replace the MMCs in Southend.
Seems to be 16 MMCs at Southend so if they are all transferring should be enough to displace 4001-4014, scrap 4028 and hopefully also 2209.
3102 is back from its long holiday in Derby - viewed in Leicester today (Tuesday 24/11/20) working on route 14.
3102 is still tracking (as of today) in Derby, Bus Times showing it working Derby P&R all day but it was definitely in the Haymarket Bus Station at around 1330 (with 3103 in a bay a short way away working on route 6).
Does anyone know what the situation is with 3101 - since its rebuild, it worked for a short while in Derby but now appears to have disappeared into thin air.
Mike T.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on November 22, 2020, 09:22:47 PM
Apparently, according to this, all of Southend's E400MMC's are coming to us. Does anyone know how true this is?
https://flic.kr/p/2k8FC69
According to talk elsewhere this now seems to be abandoned.
Quote from: AlexS on November 22, 2020, 11:46:09 PM
Seems to be 16 MMCs at Southend so if they are all transferring should be enough to displace 4001-4014, scrap 4028 and hopefully also 2209.
I could imagine 2209 coming to Cannock to join the rest of the junk
Quote from: AlexS on November 26, 2020, 02:48:34 AM
According to talk elsewhere this now seems to be abandoned.
Sounds like they were funded by Southend Council who have said they are not leaving
Quote from: xmj-signal on November 24, 2020, 10:46:22 PM
Does anyone know what the situation is with 3101 - since its rebuild, it worked for a short while in Derby but now appears to have disappeared into thin air.
3101 entered service at Thurmaston this week. It looks identical to Wigston's batch except it has newer logos and rather than change the seats to the standard leather seats like Wigston's, they've replaced the airport moquette with the standard Arriva one.
2524 has Joined 2523 2528 at Wigston/Hinckley
Notices posted in St Margaret's Bus Station saying it will close for redevelopment 7pm, Thursday 31st December.
Temporary replacement bus stops from 1st January 2021 are shown:
Kinch 2 and Skylink, Arriva 26, 27, 29, 29A, Roberts 125, Centrebus 154 - Gravel Street (between Church Gate and New Road)
Arriva 126, 127 - Abbey Street (south side stop BK between Belgrave Gate and Mansfield Street)
Arriva 84, 85, X84 - Charles Street (east side, normal stop CA opposite Primark)
Arriva X3, X6, X55 - Charles Street (west side, stop CJ between Halford Street and Lower Free Lane)
For the X3 and X6, the stop being used seems rather odd, being on the northbound side of the road.
https://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/St-Margarets-Closure-January-2021.pdf
Mike T.
I'm assuming that Hinckley/Nuneaton falls under this depot.
Due to the MIRA funding ending, there are changes to services 65/66/67 from the start of next year:
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/in-your-area/arriva-bus-service-changes-nuneaton-19433745
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/service-changes-in-hinckley-and-nuneaton
Looks like only the 65 will continue to go to MIRA, hourly.
66/67 are being replaced by a new 6/6A, and a revised 7.
Quote from: ellspurs on December 12, 2020, 09:49:58 PM
I'm assuming that Hinckley/Nuneaton falls under this depot.
65 is operated by Tamworth depot.
66/67 are operated from Barwell (effectively an outstation of Wigston) as will be the 6, 6A and 7.
Presumably Enviros 2000-2003 will lose the Mira branding if the Hinckley routes no longer serve the park?
Looks like 3770 and 3771 have returned to Thurmaston with 3119 from Milton Keynes replacing one of them at Wigston.
Quote from: AlexS on December 14, 2020, 09:31:08 PM
Looks like 3770 and 3771 have returned to Thurmaston with 3119 from Milton Keynes replacing one of them at Wigston.
It's a merry-go-round . . .
3770 and 3771 are back at Thurmaston from Wigston
2447 and 2448 have gone from Thurmaston to Milton Keynes
3119 and 3120 have come from Milton Keynes to Wigston.
Incidentally, 3120 is 'decorated' with Christmas images.
In from Arriva Southern Counties at Wigston are: E400 MMC 4547 YX17 NDZ (prev. 6517) and 4551 YX17 NFG (prev. 6529). In the opposite direction (subject to change) are: B9TL 4205 FJ08 LVR and 4209 FJ58 KXG. Another three E400 MMCs are expected from Southern Counties (will be numbered 4548 and 4550 in the Midlands Fleet).
Spotted in South Wigston this evening was Southern Counties E400 6466 (SN58 EOJ) (I didn't catch the number if it's been renumbered). Another new arrival comes in the form of Optare Olympus 4110 (YJ08 EEP) (previously 1810 in Yorkshire). This is part of a batch of 16 expected to replace the B7TLs and 2209, while I imagine the older ex-Sapphire E400s will see out the B9TLs. I imagine some Optares will have to go as well, seeing as 2990 is now believed to have moved south again and 2979 hasn't been out since October.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on December 17, 2020, 08:30:01 PM
Spotted in South Wigston this evening was Southern Counties E400 6466 (SN58 EOJ) (I didn't catch the number if it's been renumbered). Another new arrival comes in the form of Optare Olympus 4110 (YJ08 EEP) (previously 1810 in Yorkshire). This is part of a batch of 16 expected to replace the B7TLs and 2209, while I imagine the older ex-Sapphire E400s will see out the B9TLs. I imagine some Optares will have to go as well, seeing as 2990 is now believed to have moved south again and 2979 hasn't been out since October.
Honestly this reeks of desperation and is unlikely to be good for the future reliability at Wigston. The last thing that Wigston needs is more variety of buses considering the longstanding inability to allocate similar, or even suitable, buses to the same route. The current situation that sees multiple predictable breakdowns on a daily basis is just embarrassing for Arriva.
4205-4209 have transferred to Arriva Southern Counties as their 6201-6205.
Various fleet moves in and out of Leicester to be euro 6 compliant for January.
16 deckers from Yorkshire to Leicester. 5 deckers from Southern Counties and 4
single deckers as well.
2447, 2448, 2508 and 2538 all head south.
Volvo B7 deckers and some B9 from Leicester to ASC. E400 from Southern Counties to
Yorkshire via Leicester for an overnight stay!
Will also be some moves from Cannock on 9/10 January to a variety of depots
including Telford, MK, High Wycombe and Aylesbury
Am I correct in assuming the B7 & B9TL's are not euro 6 compliant.
Quote from: Mayfield on December 18, 2020, 06:40:20 PM
Am I correct in assuming the B7 & B9TL's are not euro 6 compliant.
Presumably some of them are compliant or other moves are pending as the current movements aren't sufficient to replace all of the B9s. Also unclear as to the position of the remaining solos (2402,2403,2491,2503, 2523-2530 and 2570), especially as many of them are random ones that were transferred in at random times rather than from the same batch.
Pretty sure
B7 will be Euro 4
B7TL will be Euro 5
B9 TlL be Euro 5
Quote from: Vulcan on December 18, 2020, 07:12:59 PM
Pretty sure
B7 will be Euro 4
B7TL will be Euro 5
B7 won't be Euro 4, they will be Euro 3, Volvo changed from the B7 to the B9 to move up from 3 to 4
The B9TL will be Euro 4, Euro 5 didn't start until around 2010
I thought 4001-10 had some sort of engine upgrade when they upgraded them to Sapphire
Quote from: Mayfield on December 18, 2020, 07:32:14 PM
I thought 4001-10 had some sort of engine upgrade when they upgraded them to Sapphire
I very much doubt they had anything other than another 7 litre engine put in which would again be Euro 3. You can only improve that with an exhaust system.
Quote from: Tony on December 18, 2020, 07:21:59 PM
B7 won't be Euro 4, they will be Euro 3, Volvo changed from the B7 to the B9 to move up from 3 to 4
The B9TL will be Euro 4, Euro 5 didn't start until around 2010
In which case the question remains what is replacing the rest of the B9s. It simply won't be sustainable to reduce the number of buses at Wigston by 5 (although considering the reliability of the Streetlights and Versas if it was those 7 being replaced maybe 2 buses would be sufficient) unless they are planning on cutting services, especially considering they'll also have less flexibility to use vehicles on Hinckley local services to cover breakdowns on the X55 and X6 or for them to do a random week on the 86/87 every month or so (as many of those vehicles will no longer be able to go into Leicester).
Quote from: AlexS on December 18, 2020, 10:21:56 PM
In which case the question remains what is replacing the rest of the B9s. It simply won't be sustainable to reduce the number of buses at Wigston by 5 (although considering the reliability of the Streetlights and Versas if it was those 7 being replaced maybe 2 buses would be sufficient) unless they are planning on cutting services, especially considering they'll also have less flexibility to use vehicles on Hinckley local services to cover breakdowns on the X55 and X6 or for them to do a random week on the 86/87 every month or so (as many of those vehicles will no longer be able to go into Leicester).
Further info just received from Arriva
Yorkshire B9TL's for Wigston have been retrofitted and are now Euro 6and therefore complaint for Leicester clean air zone there are only these 16 and 5 mmc's for Wigston 2 Solos 2508 & 2538 are being replaced at Thurmaston by 2 Southern Counties E200mm...
4007 and 4008 are both now at Maidstone.
3773 and 3777 have moved back to Thurmaston, replacing 2508 and 2538.
The X6 service to Coventry which doesn't have a Sunday service is unusually running today and with two E400MMC! but I garner it is loosely enacting as a rail replacement service on this Boxing Day.
Likewise the NXC service 20 is doing a similar role extending to Nuneaton.
I suppose it is commercial decisions and evaluations.
Quote from: JPC on December 26, 2020, 06:20:01 PM
The X6 service to Coventry which doesn't have a Sunday service is unusually running today and with two E400MMC! but I garner it is loosely enacting as a rail replacement service on this Boxing Day.
Likewise the NXC service 20 is doing a similar role extending to Nuneaton.
I suppose it is commercial decisions and evaluations.
As usual Stagecoach did not operate in Warwickshire on Boxing Day, and won't be on New Year's Day either. I wonder if this was a factor behind NXC's decision to operate the 20 to Nuneaton on these days.
X6 running again today with same two Enviro 400MMCs 4534 and Sapphire 4546 as Boxing Day.
And as expected we enter 2021 with Wigston continuing to use buses that seemingly do not meet the low emission standards. 4202,4203, and 4204 all out today (and that's with Saturday timetables and no school duplicates).
Quote from: AlexS on January 02, 2021, 11:37:21 PM
And as expected we enter 2021 with Wigston continuing to use buses that seemingly do not meet the low emission standards. 4202,4203, and 4204 all out today (and that's with Saturday timetables and no school duplicates).
Can I ask how you know these vehicles do not meet the standards?
4200– 7 new to Tamworth
They are Euro 4 spec never had any upgrades
Quote from: Vulcan on January 03, 2021, 12:52:12 PM
4200– 7 new to Tamworth
They are Euro 4 spec never had any upgrades
How do you know they have never had an upgrade?
This is a quote from an email I have received from a director at Arriva
"A few of the Wigston B9 fleet was upgraded to euro 6"
Quote from: Vulcan on January 03, 2021, 12:52:12 PM
4200– 7 new to Tamworth
They are Euro 4 spec never had any upgrades
Arriva have just confirmed the entire Wigston fleet is now Euro 6.
4202; 4203 & 4204 were retrofitted as long back as 2019
So you guessing that they have not had any upgrade is totally incorrect
Yes correct on that
4003 is still showing as working in Leicester on the Bustimes tracker so I decided to check whether that was the case.
On this evening's 1925 87 to Eyres Monsell (which showed as 4003 on the tracker), the actual vehicle was 3109, which hasn't tracked since 23rd December. So, a machine swap without changing the bus number.
Quote from: trixmax on January 03, 2021, 06:19:15 PM
Yes correct on that
4201 also confirmed as upgraded in 2019 without the armchair critics noticing as well
Reduced services on some (not all) routes around Leicester from Saturday 16th January 2021. There are timetables available to download from the special Coronavirus page of the Arriva website:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/coronavirus/coronavirus-timetable-information
Scroll down to Midlands, then click on the '+' next to Leicester, it opens a summary of services with links to download the revised timetables which are in a much better format than those from the journey planner part of the website - download 'em while they're available!
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-hinckley-nuneaton-and-coventry-services
Including revised X6 route and timetable via Hinckley
Quote from: WilliamLeylandNational on June 30, 2021, 11:15:51 AM
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-hinckley-nuneaton-and-coventry-services
Including revised X6 route and timetable via Hinckley
Thanks, was unaware this is happening, mixed feelings really, longer end to end journeys but some popular commuter journeys remain as current.
They are obviously aiming to generate new passengers on the Coventry - Hinckley and Leicester - Hinckley legs and/or swipe users off the chopped up stagecoach 48.
Sunday service, which DeCourcey dropped a few years back, is also reintroduced - 7:20am is a rather early though.
17 year old Bendibus 5003 has been reinstated at Thurmaston.
The 3 other survivors have also been reinstated at East Midlands Airport
Does anyone know why the 127 appears to be only be using single-deckers at the moment?
I think there's Road Closed on Loughborough route
Changes to Arriva services in Leicester/shire from 23rd August 2021:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-leicestershire-services
Some service improvements (55/56 both hourly, several routes have increased Sunday frequencies) but also some cut-backs: 14 daytime frequency cut from 20 to 30 mins, 126 daytime alternate journeys terminate in Loughborough at Pitsford Drive (only every 30 mins through to Shepshed), 87 daytime frequency cut from 30 mins to hourly (86 becomes 20/40 frequency so combined is cut from 15 to 20 mins).
The daytime 31E journeys are diverted via Launde Rd and Copse Close and renumbered 31 but still continue round the full 31E route via Coombe Rise - suspect the separate 31/31A services are effectively dead now.
It appears that Wigston will be no more from October, with the buses moving to Thurmaston.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4348151471937612&id=655981874487942
It is expected that the depot is being repurposed to form housing.
If this is true I'd like to see where 78 extra buses will fit into Thurmaston depot.
There is an item on Leicestershire live this morning with Arriva confirming depot will be sold later this year and services moving to Thurmaston.
Quote from: Mayfield on August 21, 2021, 08:24:28 AM
If this is true I'd like to see where 78 extra buses will fit into Thurmaston depot.
I'd imagine they'll open up a little outstation nearby, like what happened when Coalville shut.
The routes and vehicles are being split between Thurmaston and Hinckley.
After overhearing a conversation between two drivers during a changeover today, it sounds like many drivers are incredibly unhappy about the change, with many deciding to hand their notice in or even move to First. A major reason seems to be the added mileage to get to Thurmaston/Hinckley.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 21, 2021, 10:50:19 PM
The routes and vehicles are being split between Thurmaston and Hinckley.
After overhearing a conversation between two drivers during a changeover today, it sounds like many drivers are incredibly unhappy about the change, with many deciding to hand their notice in or even move to First. A major reason seems to be the added mileage to get to Thurmaston/Hinckley.
So Hinckley will regain full depot status for the services in that area? Interesting. Will some services currently at Wigston or Thurmaston transfer over there or will they all remain/move to Thurmaston?
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 21, 2021, 11:09:10 PM
So Hinckley will regain full depot status for the services in that area? Interesting. Will some services currently at Wigston or Thurmaston transfer over there or will they all remain/move to Thurmaston?
I understand the 158 will move to Hinckley from Thurmaston.
Quote from: WilliamLeylandNational on August 22, 2021, 10:13:10 PM
I understand the 158 will move to Hinckley from Thurmaston.
The 158 is certainly the obvious candidate for a move to Hinckley given the areas that it serves (and given the fact in usual times it has a relatively self contained fleet of vehicles similar to some of those already operating out of Hinckley). If anything else was to go to Hinckley I'd imagine the X3 and 50/51 would be the most likely candiates given the overlap with services already operating out of Hinckley (the 84 would also fit into this criteria but given the interworking with the 85 it makes sense to keep this grouped with the other Wigston area services (44/47/48/49).
The X3 doesn't overlap any Hinckley services, not since Arriva passed the 58 back to Centrebus.
I would imagine the 84/85 would go to Thurmaston, even if some might say they would (or the 84 would at least) be better off at Hinckley. Since Lutterworth's right by an M1 junction, it shouldn't be too difficult to get there to and from Thurmaston.
Personally, if anything else besides the 158 was to move to Hinckley, I would expect not just the 50/51, but also the 152/153.
Surely Barwell site will be restrictive as small not sure what amount of fleet could get in there ?
I noticed recently that 4003's still sitting withdrawn at Wigston depot. Anyone know what's happening with that when it closes?
Just seen 5001 being removed from Thurmaston depot on back of Crouch recovery truck, also unidentified E400 parked at bottom of depot looks like ex Arriva London.
Quote from: Mayfield on October 07, 2021, 03:58:24 PM
Just seen 5001 being removed from Thurmaston depot on back of Crouch recovery truck, also unidentified E400 parked at bottom of depot looks like ex Arriva London.
it probably the decker that think may have come London via Telford as 9549 YG52CMU has turned up at Telford
Just check on DVA website and 5001 is still taxed
Temsa Safari HDs 7102 and 7103 are now at Hinckley. They will be used on the X6 following the Wigston depot closure changes.
4508 has had its 84/85 branding removed. It's the 3rd MMC as far as I'm aware to be debranded, following 4525 and 4531, which were debranded earlier in the year.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on October 12, 2021, 10:21:54 AM
4508 has had its 84/85 branding removed. It's the 3rd MMC as far as I'm aware to be debranded, following 4525 and 4531, which were debranded earlier in the year.
4504 and 4512 have also been debranded.
Which Buses are heading for Hinckley with Wigston Closing today
4105 and 4423 were just heading along Abbey Lane, presumably to Thurmaston.
Arriva are due to receive 22 new electric double-deck vehicles by 2024, after the council successfully won a bid under the ZEBRA scheme.
https://news.leicester.gov.uk/news-articles/2021/october/leicester-s-electric-bus-fleet-to-top-100-within-three-years-thanks-to-new-funding/
The E400 is Arriva London training bus T22 LJ08CUV complete with London legal letter, logos and garage code EC Edmonton
DAF Lowlander 4706 (Y706 XJF) has been preserved.
Looks as though 4757 has been withdrawn. I guess the end of the DB250s has started.
4774 has also been withdrawn.
3127 - YX17 NPN was noted at work on route 44A on 01/03/2022.
2938 has been repainted and refurbished to leather seat spec.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on March 02, 2022, 08:40:21 AM
3127 - YX17 NPN was noted at work on route 44A on 01/03/2022.
I'm finding it difficult to hunt this one down - it's apparently now tracking on Bustimes so I went to intercept it and the bus tracking as 3127 is actually 3119 (as viewed on the 1017 Leicester to Swadlincote this morning)! Presumably, 3127 must be one of the several 'Thurmaston Spare' machines all tracking at the moment?
Mike T.
Yes, it was tracking as that when it drove past me in Fleckney the other day.
Not sure if already mentioned..
Last week noticed the Red Double decker London bus had been repainted into driver training livery. I saw it heading along the A50 in markfield (presumably heading back to depot).
Why paint a double decker into a driver trainer? To me seems a waste. Could easily do (like first) just put up a L on the front / rear display screens?
The following VDL DE02CSSSB200 Wrightbus Commander's have transferred from the North West fleet the Midlands they are to be refurbished at Derby for the East Midlands Airport
Reg Num Fleet no.
2583 CX06 BHP
2584 CX06 BHU
2597 CX06 BJZ
2598 CX06 BKA
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on March 16, 2022, 08:30:27 PM
Not sure if already mentioned..
Last week noticed the Red Double decker London bus had been repainted into driver training livery. I saw it heading along the A50 in markfield (presumably heading back to depot).
Why paint a double decker into a driver trainer? To me seems a waste. Could easily do (like first) just put up a L on the front / rear display screens?
A freshly repainted vehicle could be seen as more attractive to potential new recruits than a tatty looking bus still in london red.
3103 is now single door and in new livery
2938 & 2940 in new livery
3127 has returned to Milton Keynes.
4203 has moved to Derby. 3744 and 3746 have transferred in exchange. 4201 and 4202 are also expected to leave soon.
4748 and 4749 are rumoured to be moving to High Wycombe.
3102 is back from refurbishment and is now single door and in new livery
Wright Electroliner LY71 GJE is now with Thurmaston depot and is currently on the 47/48 route.
Quote from: SSmith2009 on May 31, 2022, 11:27:06 AMWright Electroliner LY71 GJE is now with Thurmaston depot and is currently on the 47/48 route.
It will be used on the 47/48 and 50/51. Those are the services Arriva plan to have electric in the next 2-3 years (the vehicles I imagine will replace the DB250s).
Everything I have heard from experienced engineers who have looked at the Wright Electroliner say it is an exceptionally good bus with an excellent design so the interior is of similar layout to a diesel and veery well put together
Yorkshire Pulsar II 1458 (YJ62 JNU) was spotted this morning on the 49.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on June 13, 2022, 10:07:36 AMYorkshire Pulsar II 1458 (YJ62 JNU) was spotted this morning on the 49.
It's one of five believed on loan.
St Margaret's Bus Station reopens from next Monday with most of the services that previously used the station moving back except services 158 and X3.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/leicester-city-centre-smbs-re-opens
According to the walkaround livestream those aren't all the services. More will move in a later time.
With the two stands following the 84 and 85 stands expected to be vacant, my prediction is that eventually the 47 and 48 will take those stands (like old times), and one of their Haymarket stands will go to the 50 and 51, and the other to the 104. Something tells me they plan to remove the bus stops from Savoy Street, hence the decision to move the 152 and 153 back into St. Margaret's.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on June 23, 2022, 06:26:57 PMAccording to the walkaround livestream those aren't all the services. More will move in a later time.
With the two stands following the 84 and 85 stands expected to be vacant, my prediction is that eventually the 47 and 48 will take those stands (like old times), and one of their Haymarket stands will go to the 50 and 51, and the other to the 104. Something tells me they plan to remove the bus stops from Savoy Street, hence the decision to move the 152 and 153 back into St. Margaret's.
Centrebus are juggling the stands for services 20, 83/83A, 162 and 747 at Haymarket from Monday.
the 158 would be better moving to St Margaret's to free up space at Haymarket then send it round to Savoy Street to pick up.
Doubt LCC would've spent money on creating Savoy Street to remove it all again.
Quote from: SSmith2009 on June 23, 2022, 07:42:32 PMthe 158 would be better moving to St Margaret's to free up space at Haymarket then send it round to Savoy Street to pick up.
St. Margaret's then Savoy Street wouldn't work, it would just feel like the buses are going round in a circle. I think that's they initially sent the 158 to Haymarket and moved the 152 and 153 to start on it in the first place.
According to the new bustimes timetable, the 152 and 153 won't be picking up on Savoy Street, so I guess they'll do a right onto Sandacre Street then a right onto Mansfield Street to get out that way. I've also had another look at the inside preview and it seems the stand next to the 152 and 153 is also to be vacant when it opens, so I think the 158 might take that back soon.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on June 25, 2022, 04:43:33 PMSt. Margaret's then Savoy Street wouldn't work, it would just feel like the buses are going round in a circle. I think that's they initially sent the 158 to Haymarket and moved the 152 and 153 to start on it in the first place.
According to the new bustimes timetable, the 152 and 153 won't be picking up on Savoy Street, so I guess they'll do a right onto Sandacre Street then a right onto Mansfield Street to get out that way. I've also had another look at the inside preview and it seems the stand next to the 152 and 153 is also to be vacant when it opens, so I think the 158 might take that back soon.
before Savoy Street was created all 3 went from St Margaret's then round to Belgrave Gate (think they had a stop outside the furniture shop) then down Church Gate.
As of this morning no notices up at the 153 stop on Savoy Street about it potentially not being served.
Don't forget that the 158 has competition in the form of Stagecoach 48L. If the 158 left Haymarket it would surely give the 48L a competitive advantage.
it would appear that from tomorrow the 152 and 153 will come from St Margaret's then round to St Peters Lane stand AA missing out Savoy Street.
Service 104 will now serve stand BB instead of BA
the Birstall P&R 303 now observes stand BA instead of Haymarket Bus Station.
3770-3778 are to transfer to Luton. They will be replaced by E200 MMCs from Harlow.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on June 27, 2022, 10:54:21 AM3770-3778 are to transfer to Luton. They will be replaced by E200 MMCs from Harlow.
At least four are already here as follows:
3137 - YX17 NGU
3138 - YX17 NGV
3139 - YX17 NGZ
3141 - YX17 NYG
Understood to have gone so far:
3770 - FL63 DXA
3772 - FL63 DXC
3774 - FL63 DXE
3376 - FL63 DXG
3377 - FL63 DXH
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on June 27, 2022, 10:54:21 AM3770-3778 are to transfer to Luton. They will be replaced by E200 MMCs from Harlow.
Correction: They've directly swapped, with 3776 being spotted on the 510 in Harlow today, now numbered 3798. The swap is due to the E200s being deemed unsuitable for the 3-hour long 724, with Pulsars being made the better choice after a test trial involving a Scania OmniLink (3556) and a Pulsar (3747).
This is why Derby had 4086 and 4113 on loan last month.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on June 28, 2022, 05:53:53 PMCorrection: They've directly swapped, with 3776 being spotted on the 510 in Harlow today, now numbered 3798. The swap is due to the E200s being deemed unsuitable for the 3-hour long 724, with Pulsars being made the better choice after a test trial involving a Scania OmniLink (3556) and a Pulsar (3747).
Are the Pulsars Euro 6 enabled?
Quote from: markcf83 on June 28, 2022, 08:17:38 PMAre the Pulsars Euro 6 enabled?
They wouldn't have still been running in Leicester if they weren't.
Quote from: markcf83 on June 28, 2022, 08:17:38 PMAre the Pulsars Euro 6 enabled?
Yeah the entire Leicester fleet is understood to be Euro6 - was done for a CAZ (clean air zone) which was scrapped in November 2021.
I've noticed a lot of vehicles on the 158 and X84 driving around with a new 'HK' sticker next to the front display lately. Does this mean the vehicles out there are permanently there now (as opposed to swapping around with Thurmaston)?
Also, what's happened with the Temsas? All week it's just been 3800 and 3804 on the X6.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on July 01, 2022, 12:36:14 AMAlso, what's happened with the Temsas? All week it's just been 3800 and 3804 on the X6.
Could possibly be an issue at St Margaret's with the bay it uses?
3771, 3773 and 3775 departed to Harlow this morning. It appears that 3778 has been spared.
With the strikes over, 1456, 1458, 1460, 1463 and 1464 have returned to Yorkshire.
Arriva Click is ending in Leicester at the end of the month it's being replaced with Novus Direct/Flex
Interesting that Thorpe Astley gains a direct bus service via Hinckley Road again
details here: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/arrivaclick/arrivaclick-leicester
Does anyone know what's happened to 4115 and 4202?
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on July 15, 2022, 11:47:47 PMDoes anyone know what's happened to 4115 and 4202?
4115 is, despite what bustimes says, back in service. Clearly, assigning the correct fleet number to a ticket machine is something else which Arriva place in the 'TOO DIFFICULT' pile, along with providing vehicles which are externally well presented.
Can't help re 4202. I regularly see 4201; stands out a mile with hefty adblue stains on the offside of its bodywork.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on July 30, 2022, 06:48:45 PM4115 is, despite what bustimes says, back in service. Clearly, assigning the correct fleet number to a ticket machine is something else which Arriva place in the 'TOO DIFFICULT' pile, along with providing vehicles which are externally well presented.
Can't help re 4202. I regularly see 4201; stands out a mile with hefty adblue stains on the offside of its bodywork.
all of the non sapphire 42** b9s look a mess sadly
Quote from: 47609FireFly on July 30, 2022, 06:48:45 PMClearly, assigning the correct fleet number to a ticket machine is something else which Arriva place in the 'TOO DIFFICULT' pile,
They always just shove duplicates on, and it causes problems when you just want to know where your bus is. I've had an 84 before fail to turn up with no certainty of where it was or if it had actually left Leicester and the uncertainty was caused by one simple reason:
The vehicle that was scheduled to do that working was also on the 49 AND the 127. I can't even remember what actually happened in the end.
At one point earlier in the year, at least 5 or 6 vehicles were using the 'Spare Ticket Machine,' which is frankly rather ridiculous.
Arriva can't even allocate the right sized buses onto the correct routes (deckers on 6/6a and singles on 50/51 comes to mind) so what hope do we have on them sorting ticket machines out?
the E200mmcs that came up recently don't even have toto readers 🙄
Quote from: SSmith2009 on July 31, 2022, 01:35:50 PMArriva can't even allocate the right sized buses onto the correct routes (deckers on 6/6a and singles on 50/51 comes to mind) so what hope do we have on them sorting ticket machines out?
the E200mmcs that came up recently don't even have toto readers 🙄
They can't even allocate buses of any size to many diagrams at the minute let alone ones of the correct size. Seemingly the only way to guarantee a diagram has a bus allocated to it is for their to be no driver available to drive it. Similarly the only way to guarantee a driver being available for a service is for their to be no bus available to run it.
4766 has now been withdrawn due to airbag problems.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 09, 2022, 05:59:32 PM4766 has now been withdrawn due to airbag problems.
4750 is now back in service with 4766's gearbox. I saw it on the 85 earlier. It was previously scheduled for withdrawal, having last ran in mid June.
Arriva are changing some Leicestershire services from next Saturday
https://twitter.com/arrivamidlandsE/status/1560673231018889222
Arriva Midlands have placed an order of 36 brand new ADL vehicles to arrive this autumn. 28 E400 MMCs, and 8 E200 MMCs.
Guess that's the end of the DB250s and more of the Pulsars if they go to Leicester.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 31, 2022, 01:51:23 PMArriva Midlands have placed an order of 36 brand new ADL vehicles to arrive this autumn. 28 E400 MMCs, and 8 E200 MMCs.
Guess that's the end of the DB250s and more of the Pulsars if they go to Leicester.
Understand they are all for Leicester
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 31, 2022, 01:51:23 PMArriva Midlands have placed an order of 36 brand new ADL vehicles to arrive this autumn. 28 E400 MMCs, and 8 E200 MMCs.
Guess that's the end of the DB250s and more of the Pulsars if they go to Leicester.
Source?
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on August 31, 2022, 01:51:23 PMArriva Midlands have placed an order of 36 brand new ADL vehicles to arrive this autumn. 28 E400 MMCs, and 8 E200 MMCs.
Guess that's the end of the DB250s and more of the Pulsars if they go to Leicester.
Are these electric?
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on September 01, 2022, 09:01:50 AMAre these electric?
I'd imagine not. Arriva's first electrics aren't due until next year.
This looks like the order for the North East that are in the process of been delivered to Ashington. So when did the Midlands get ordered for a Autumn delivery????
Quote from: trixmax on September 02, 2022, 05:51:55 PMThis looks like the order for the North East that are in the process of been delivered to Ashington. So when did the Midlands get ordered for a Autumn delivery????
I'm sure it was about early June when I heard about them
there has been rumours spreading around about the order for a months now
This order was reported on other groups some time ago.
Arriva - finally - appear to be investing again, with electric bus orders to come too in time (Leicester, Stevenage, Milton Keynes). Northumbria has now put 19 ADL E400 MMC in service, and the first of 14 ADL E200 MMC also (BLOTW records 14, the first five are already out).
Interestingly two more ADL E400 MMC in the same registration sequence to the Northumbria examples are recorded without an operator on BLOTW, but they are a different chassis designation which might suggest they aren't for Arriva.
4752, 4756 and 4773 have now all been withdrawn.
As of October 22, Arriva will no longer be running services 14 and 87.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on September 20, 2022, 06:13:18 PMAs of October 22, Arriva will no longer be running services 14 and 87.
Details of the 22nd October changes are now on the website
www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-services-in-leicestershire
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on September 12, 2022, 08:55:30 PM4752, 4756 and 4773 have now all been withdrawn.
4760 and 4767 as well.
Despite reports of 4760 and 4767 being withdrawn, both have been tracking on Bustimes over the last few days.
Knowing Thurmaston depot's inability to programme the ticket machines with the correct fleet number when they are transferred from bus to bus, I thought I would check to see what was actually happening when I was in town earlier today (Tuesday).
4760 - the bus that is tracking as 4760 is actually 4110 (working on 31 Oadby today).
4767 - the bus that is tracking as 4767 really is 4767 (working on 58 Hamilton today), so this vehicle is still in service.
Quote from: xmj-signal on October 05, 2022, 12:18:08 AMDespite reports of 4760 and 4767 being withdrawn, both have been tracking on Bustimes over the last few days.
Knowing Thurmaston depot's inability to programme the ticket machines with the correct fleet number when they are transferred from bus to bus, I thought I would check to see what was actually happening when I was in town earlier today (Tuesday).
4760 - the bus that is tracking as 4760 is actually 4110 (working on 31 Oadby today).
4767 - the bus that is tracking as 4767 really is 4767 (working on 58 Hamilton today), so this vehicle is still in service.
Another one is 3100 which is using the ETM from 4761
Quote from: SSmith2009 on October 05, 2022, 04:23:37 PMAnother one is 3100 which is using the ETM from 4761
That's interesting (and not too much of a surprise).
I don't recall 4761 being reported as withdrawn so it is actually out of service or is this a part of a long chain of incorrect machine identities?
Another one is 4763, which is tracking under 3142's ticket machine.
Quote from: xmj-signal on October 05, 2022, 07:21:38 PMThat's interesting (and not too much of a surprise).
I don't recall 4761 being reported as withdrawn so it is actually out of service or is this a part of a long chain of incorrect machine identities?
It's not. I saw it on the 85 last Thursday.
2949 has now been repainted. That's now all the Versas put into Journey Mark.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on October 11, 2022, 03:00:36 PM2949 has now been repainted. That's now all the Versas put into Journey Mark.
Just 3300, 3801, a couple of VolvoB9tls and E400mmcs 4501-4535 (excluding 4533) left to repaint to journey mark
4759 has transferred to Aylesbury.
1 Verso is definitely not in the new livery, I believe it to be 2979 YJ09MKV
Quote from: Mayfield on November 04, 2022, 05:03:07 PM1 Verso is definitely not in the new livery, I believe it to be 2979 YJ09MKV
It is.
4101 has moved to Derby. More Olympuses are expected to make this move when the MMCs arrive.
Honestly it's about time the traffic commissioner got involved. Whilst people may look sympathetically at the ongoing staff shortages it is simply completely unacceptable to continually reduce the number of buses at a depot that is already having major issues with vehicle availability to the extent that services would not be able to run to their full timetable even if they had an unlimited number of drivers available.
QuoteHonestly it's about time the traffic commissioner got involved. Whilst people may look sympathetically at the ongoing staff shortages it is simply completely unacceptable to continually reduce the number of buses at a depot that is already having major issues with vehicle availability to the extent that services would not be able to run to their full timetable even if they had an unlimited number of drivers available.
Thurmaston currently has 12.5% spare which is more than I have to allocate at NXWM.
Quote from: AlexS on November 08, 2022, 08:27:52 AMHonestly it's about time the traffic commissioner got involved. Whilst people may look sympathetically at the ongoing staff shortages it is simply completely unacceptable to continually reduce the number of buses at a depot that is already having major issues with vehicle availability to the extent that services would not be able to run to their full timetable even if they had an unlimited number of drivers available.
It's causing major problems, and I have the misfortune to be on one of the worst affected services by the situation, the 85.
On Tuesday morning, I went to get my normal run into Leicester, the 11:00, and the stop was unusually busy. These were people that had been there for over 40 minutes, due to the 10:30 failing to run. Then in the evening, I was late getting back due to the 6:00 not running. I'd been on the tracker and worked out that that journey was supposed to have been done by 4521.
4521 however went out of service at South Wigston on its previous run and went back to the depot. I think I even saw it drive past out of service. Nothing took its place.
That's just one side of problems I've had with the 85 in the last year. Other times I've had cases where the drivers get an overwhelming urge to put their foot down (usually on DB250s), and end up going past all the stops 5-10 minutes early. If it's a half an hour wait for the next one, then of course people are going to make alternative arrangements. When this happens, I myself usually jump on the next 47 and have a ride waiting at South Wigston.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on November 07, 2022, 10:34:53 PM4101 has moved to Derby. More Olympuses are expected to make this move when the MMCs arrive.
When are they due?
Quote from: markcf83 on November 17, 2022, 12:28:07 PMWhen are they due?
Later this month supposedly.
In addition to the Olympuses moving on, 4416-4425 are also expected to move to Yorkshire to replace the Lowlanders.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on November 17, 2022, 12:49:47 PMLater this month supposedly.
In addition to the Olympuses moving on, 4416-4425 are also expected to move to Yorkshire to replace the Lowlanders.
Thanks for the reply. Most helpful.
Will there be a Christmas bus this year?
Arriva have announced they will be adding 22 'Streetdeck Electroliner's to the Leicester fleet from October 2023
Details here: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/arriva-announces-leicester%E2%80%99s-first-ever-double-decker-electric-buses
The article also mentions that 36 diesel-powered buses that are also coming this christmas hopefully these will see off the ever dwindling number of VDL geminis
Quote from: SSmith2009 on November 29, 2022, 01:40:29 PMArriva have announced they will be adding 22 'Streetdeck Electroliner's to the Leicester fleet from October 2023
Details here: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/arriva-announces-leicester%E2%80%99s-first-ever-double-decker-electric-buses
The article also mentions that 36 diesel-powered buses that are also coming this christmas hopefully these will see off the ever dwindling number of VDL geminis
Wonder if any will be used on the x6 to coventry
Quote from: SSmith2009 on November 29, 2022, 01:40:29 PMThe article also mentions that 36 diesel-powered buses that are also coming this christmas hopefully these will see off the ever dwindling number of VDL geminis
28 deckers, plus 8 saloons, so I don't think so. I think the Olympuses are going first, then the 2014 E400s are off to Yorkshire.
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on November 29, 2022, 02:56:40 PMWonder if any will be used on the x6 to coventry
The first confirmed electric routes are the 47/48 and 50/51. That's why the demonstrator only did those ones.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on November 29, 2022, 07:36:47 PMThe first confirmed electric routes are the 47/48 and 50/51. That's why the demonstrator only did those ones.
Interesting to know. In light of this, I'll happily delay visiting Leicester by a few months.......
Further changes to services from 3rd January 2023 now shown on the Arrivabus website
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-services-in-leicestershire
The headline changes are: frequency reductions on Coalville 11/11A and 15 and Leicester 31, 49 (on Saturdays), 56 (which is reversed over the Thurnby/Scraptoft loop), 86 and 104 (on Saturdays); the 104 is also cut back to Leicester to Fosse Park only and the 152 is withdrawn.
There is also a slight re-routing in Oadby for one journey an hour on 31 (which will be 31A).
Mike T.
No bus to Leicester for Thorpe Astley now.
Honestly, why did they get rid of the 15 all those years ago? That worked fine, everything else has clearly proved to be a failure.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on December 08, 2022, 08:57:29 PMNo bus to Leicester for Thorpe Astley now.
Honestly, why did they get rid of the 15 all those years ago? That worked fine, everything else has clearly proved to be a failure.
They've still got the NOVUS Direct, right? Every 30 minutes throughout the day?
Quote from: ellspurs on December 08, 2022, 09:30:10 PMThey've still got the NOVUS Direct, right? Every 30 minutes throughout the day?
Yeah they have and it is much quicker into Leicester with earlier and later journeys every day
4105/9 haven't been out since the end of November, anyone know if they are VOR or are they moved on?
The first of the new E400 MMCs arrived at Thurmaston this morning in the form of 4552 (YX72 ODT). I've now been informed that they'll be replacing 4501-4528, while the E200s (3145-3152) will be replacing some of the Versas.
Some of the MMCs will be off to Yorkshire to replace the Lowlanders, as 4416-4425 were originally planned to. Others are expected to move to Kent to replace the ALX400s after they decided they didn't want any more B9TLs.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on December 16, 2022, 09:51:32 PMThe first of the new E400 MMCs arrived at Thurmaston this morning in the form of 4552 (YX72 ODT). I've now been informed that they'll be replacing 4501-4528, while the E200s (3145-3152) will be replacing some of the Versas.
Some of the MMCs will be off to Yorkshire to replace the Lowlanders, as 4416-4425 were originally planned to. Others are expected to move to Kent to replace the ALX400s after they decided they didn't want any more B9TLs.
4553 is also here, as shown in the picture (not mine) in the link below:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/av191/52573379376/
3146-3149 have now entered service. As a result, 2954-2958 have transferred to High Wycombe with 2951-2953 expected to follow.
4754 has now left for the scrapyard.
Quote4553 is also here, as shown in the picture (not mine) in the link below:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/av191/52573379376/
Full details of all the new buses are now on the Main site
Arriva Index (wmbusphotos.com) (http://wmbusphotos.com/Arriva/index.html)
along with the full list of Arriva Midlands & South fleet moves for Arriva's Period 12
Arriva Midlands Fleet changes (wmbusphotos.com) (http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/ArrivaMidlands.html)
Have any of 4501-28 been withdrawn yet?
Quote from: Fin W on January 12, 2023, 10:08:23 PMHave any of 4501-28 been withdrawn yet?
None yet according to bus times,but I'd expect that to change later this month or early next.....
4501-4504 have now left for Kent.
Following an RTC yesterday morning, 3808 will be getting repainted into the new livery, and the other Pulsars at Hinckley will subsequently follow.
3300 is also currently being repainted.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on December 16, 2022, 09:51:32 PMSome of the MMCs will be off to Yorkshire to replace the Lowlanders, as 4416-4425 were originally planned to. Others are expected to move to Kent to replace the ALX400s after they decided they didn't want any more B9TLs.
This post is a little strange as nothing has been planned to move to Yorkshire as part of these cascades, and the Volvo B9TLs were staying in Leicester all along.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on January 19, 2023, 11:29:40 PM3300 is also currently being repainted.
3300 returned on Friday, 4529 has gone for repaint in its place.
Given repaints won't be finishing anytime soon and today is yet another day with services not running due to a lack of serviceable vehicles despite there currently being 2 more buses allocated to Leicester compared to the ongoing plan some changes clearly and urgently need to be made to these plans so that service levels can be maintained.
New Enviro 400MMC 4570 has been out on my local route (84) today and I saw it earlier.
I was surprised to see that it carries the registration YX72 OEK but according to the list on the main webpages it should be YX72 OEO (and YX72 OEK should be carried by 4566). It would also make sense for it to be YX72 OEO if the registrations are being allocated fleet numbers in alphabetical order.
Initially, I thought I must have mis-read either the fleet number or registration plate so I went out to view the bus on its return journey but it turned out my eye-sight is fine and there is a discrepancy.
Has anyone seen 4566 to be able to confirm what registration it is carrying? Or, does anyone know why the fleet numbers/registration numbers may have been swapped round?
Quote from: xmj-signal on January 31, 2023, 10:27:34 PMHas anyone seen 4566 to be able to confirm what registration it is carrying? Or, does anyone know why the fleet numbers/registration numbers may have been swapped round?
Already crashed. Happened in Syston on Monday afternoon.
Looks like the x6 city express could be cancelled
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on February 03, 2023, 03:17:25 PMLooks like the x6 city express could be cancelled
afaik the only funded part of the X6 is the section between Three Pots and Hinckley which relates to the former service 5 that was merged into the X6.
A full list of the services under review are listed on the Leicester mercury website
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/bus-services-across-leicestershire-set-8105442
Quote from: xmj-signal on January 31, 2023, 10:27:34 PMHas anyone seen 4566 to be able to confirm what registration it is carrying?
To answer my own question:
4566 is working on the 84 route today - I have viewed it and can confirm it carries the registration
YX72 OEO. For some reason, it seems that
4566 and
4570 have been swapped round - or is it a mistake that will be rectified sometime?
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on February 03, 2023, 03:17:25 PMLooks like the x6 city express could be cancelled
the X6 is being increased up to every hour from 16th April
Quite a few services are changing in Leicester from this date: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-leicestershires-bus-services
Quote from: xmj-signal on February 10, 2023, 05:55:40 PMTo answer my own question:
4566 is working on the 84 route today - I have viewed it and can confirm it carries the registration YX72 OEO. For some reason, it seems that 4566 and 4570 have been swapped round - or is it a mistake that will be rectified sometime?
I have received a copy of the latest company fleetlist and it still lists them the opposite way around to what is actually carried. Need to find out if they have swapped identities due to being registered the other way around or Arriva have just put the fleetnumbers on the opposite way around. If anyone travels on either could they check either the VIN or body number on the plates by the doors.
Quote from: SSmith2009 on March 08, 2023, 04:41:01 PMthe X6 is being increased up to every hour from 16th April
Quite a few services are changing in Leicester from this date: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-leicestershires-bus-services
The timetables being joint on 37/38/38A in Leicester and also 148 (was 48L) & 158 will certainly be welcomed..
Nice, clear & easy to read timetables and no longer fighting in tandem!
Can anyone in Leicester confirm that all of 4501 to 4528 are heading out of the fleet,I assume to the South East?
Quote from: markcf83 on March 13, 2023, 10:55:26 AMCan anyone in Leicester confirm that all of 4501 to 4528 are heading out of the fleet,I assume to the South East?
4510, 4511, 4514, 4516, 4524 and 4527 are still in Leicester. They're either clinging on just while 4529-4535 are being repainted, or covering for fleet shortages due to withdrawals. The latest confirmations for those are 4100 and 4761.
4100's engine failed beyond repair, while 4761 has been withdrawn due to turbo problems.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on March 13, 2023, 08:36:31 PM4510, 4511, 4514, 4516, 4524 and 4527 are still in Leicester. They're either clinging on just while 4529-4535 are being repainted, or covering for fleet shortages due to withdrawals. The latest confirmations for those are 4100 and 4761.
4100's engine failed beyond repair, while 4761 has been withdrawn due to turbo problems.
I see. Thanks for that.
With the x6 being increased to every hour will it still be the same 2 coaches or will there be more chances of seeing service buses doing it
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on March 14, 2023, 09:41:43 AMWith the x6 being increased to every hour will it still be the same 2 coaches or will there be more chances of seeing service buses doing it
they have three coaches so I'd guess they'd be used alongside another bus unless another coach gets drafted in
The 158 changes should free up two additional buses too
Does anyone know what's happened to 2950 and 3119? Both are sat at the depot in a bad way.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on March 15, 2023, 09:56:02 PMDoes anyone know what's happened to 2950 and 3119? Both are sat at the depot in a bad way.
3119 looks like it might have been in a RTC
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on March 13, 2023, 08:36:31 PM....
4100's engine failed beyond repair, while 4761 has been withdrawn due to turbo problems.
News of the demise of
4761 (FJ06 ZSG) appears to have been premature.
I noticed that
4761 was tracking again last Friday (17th March), having not tracked since 23rd February. Of course, with Thurmaston depot's track record of putting ticket machines into different buses without reprogramming the vehicle number that didn't really prove anything.
Being in town this morning, with
4761 tracking on route 127, I though I would investigate - and
4761 duly turned up to work the 0919 From Leicester to Loughborough. I took a trip on it to Loughborough and can report that it is in fine fettle, with a good turn of speed so we were waiting time at each timing point. It appears that it has received some TLC (Thurmaston Loving Care).
In other news, the bus tracking as Thurmaston Spare is
3766.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on March 15, 2023, 09:56:02 PMDoes anyone know what's happened to 2950 and 3119? Both are sat at the depot in a bad way.
I can confirm that
2950 was viewed working on route 6 to Thurmaston this morning (as shown on the tracker), so whatever was wrong with it must have been attended to.
It appears 3 more of the 16 plate MMCs have travelled south. As a consequence Thurmaston was unable to source sufficient vehicles to run a full service this morning.
The fact that anybody who had bothered to look at fleet availability statistics would have been able to predict this would occur apparently wasn't enough to prevent the move happening (and this is on a Monday for which fleet availability is usually slightly higher due to fewer buses being in service on weekends).
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on January 19, 2023, 11:29:40 PMFollowing an RTC yesterday morning, 3808 will be getting repainted into the new livery, and the other Pulsars at Hinckley will subsequently follow.
3300 is also currently being repainted.
More duff information - 3808 has returned, currently sat in Leicester depot and still in Sapphire livery.
And yet again Thurmaston is short of serviceable vehicles leading to cancellations mostly in the AM peak but continuing throughout the day. If an independent were this shocking at being able to provide sufficient buses to run the advertised service they would have been up in front of a traffic commissioner long ago. In a piece of spectacularly intelligent allocation they also decided to run a service directly behind two consecutive cancellations with a versa vice the booked decker on a route that also left people behind yesterday evening using a streetlight.
Perhaps Leicester will get some buses from Oswestry (once it closes) to help with the shortage
Quote from: AlexS on April 18, 2023, 05:37:04 PMAnd yet again Thurmaston is short of serviceable vehicles leading to cancellations mostly in the AM peak but continuing throughout the day. If an independent were this shocking at being able to provide sufficient buses to run the advertised service they would have been up in front of a traffic commissioner long ago. In a piece of spectacularly intelligent allocation they also decided to run a service directly behind two consecutive cancellations with a versa vice the booked decker on a route that also left people behind yesterday evening using a streetlight.
Thurmaston currently has just under 13% spares against PVR which is probably above the national average.
Quote from: Tony on April 18, 2023, 06:06:33 PMThurmaston currently has just under 13% spares against PVR which is probably above the national average.
Which would either suggest they are absolutely awful at maintaining vehicles (either directly or indirectly by consistently allocating buses to routes they are unsuited to) or there is a non unsubstantial number of vehicles that are in need of urgent withdrawal.
Quote from: AlexS on April 18, 2023, 07:03:38 PMWhich would either suggest they are absolutely awful at maintaining vehicles (either directly or indirectly by consistently allocating buses to routes they are unsuited to) or there is a non unsubstantial number of vehicles that are in need of urgent withdrawal.
Or they are just having a bad time at the moment like all garages at all companies do occasionally
The major differences in this case are the length of time the issues have been going on and the fact that the depot has taken delivery of 36 new vehicles since the issues started and the arrival of the new vehicles has failed to lead to any real improvements in the situation despite the reliability of the new vehicles being as good if not better than could have been expected.
The combination of the above points moves this particular situation away from short term reliability issues that could have struck anywhere towards structural and ongoing failures by the management team both on a local and a national level to provide a reliable service due to a failure to understand the realities of the situation on the ground.
Quote from: AlexS on April 18, 2023, 08:25:37 PMThe major differences in this case are the length of time the issues have been going on and the fact that the depot has taken delivery of 36 new vehicles since the issues started and the arrival of the new vehicles has failed to lead to any real improvements in the situation despite the reliability of the new vehicles being as good if not better than could have been expected.
The combination of the above points moves this particular situation away from short term reliability issues that could have struck anywhere towards structural and ongoing failures by the management team both on a local and a national level to provide a reliable service due to a failure to understand the realities of the situation on the ground.
It's always people who don't work at bus companies that seem to know all the problems and how to run the company better than the managers doing it day in, day out. I have no idea what the problem is there and have no intention of putting 'theories' on the internet, but as an example the garage I am based at, NX Birmingham Central currently has 9 buses long term VoR (over 28 days). On a fleet of 200 buses that is nearly 5% of the fleet missing due to problems not quickly fixable, RTC damage, engine failures etc. When you then take out vehicles off for regular inspection, MoT preperation, exhaust system cleaning that soon eats into 10-15% spares which is the industry average
Quote from: AlexS on April 18, 2023, 07:03:38 PMWhich would either suggest they are absolutely awful at maintaining vehicles (either directly or indirectly by consistently allocating buses to routes they are unsuited to) or there is a non unsubstantial number of vehicles that are in need of urgent withdrawal.
The problem is that because the drivers prefer driving them over anything else, they're trying to keep the DB250s going for as long as possible until the electrics arrive. Currently they're at the point where the smallest fault is uneconomic to repair, and even the Olympuses aren't doing very well either. This is resulting in the shortages.
Quote from: AlexS on April 18, 2023, 05:37:04 PMAnd yet again Thurmaston is short of serviceable vehicles leading to cancellations mostly in the AM peak but continuing throughout the day. If an independent were this shocking at being able to provide sufficient buses to run the advertised service they would have been up in front of a traffic commissioner long ago. In a piece of spectacularly intelligent allocation they also decided to run a service directly behind two consecutive cancellations with a versa vice the booked decker on a route that also left people behind yesterday evening using a streetlight.
How do you know they are short of vehicles? Maybe they are short of staff?
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on April 19, 2023, 05:09:50 PMHow do you know they are short of vehicles? Maybe they are short of staff?
That's also a problem. Many Wigston drivers refused to transfer to Thurmaston when it closed, and sought employment elsewhere.
Quote from: AlexS on April 18, 2023, 05:37:04 PMAnd yet again Thurmaston is short of serviceable vehicles leading to cancellations mostly in the AM peak but continuing throughout the day. If an independent were this shocking at being able to provide sufficient buses to run the advertised service they would have been up in front of a traffic commissioner long ago. In a piece of spectacularly intelligent allocation they also decided to run a service directly behind two consecutive cancellations with a versa vice the booked decker on a route that also left people behind yesterday evening using a streetlight.
I was in Leicester on Tuesday morning. There didn't seem to be many cancelled Arriva services during the peak period itself but, from around 1000, I noticed a (small) number of vehicles arriving into the city centre then being parked up at either Haymarket Bus Station or St Margaret's Bus Station with the drivers leaving, presumably to go on breaks.
These buses would obviously be missing their next workings even though they were available for service. This would seem to support the suggestion that any cancellations are more likely to be as a result of a shortage of drivers than of actual buses.
2979 and 2982 have now gone to High Wycombe. 4755 and 4758 have been stripped and are awaiting disposal. It remains to be decided if 4746 will follow.
4746 is back in service
April fleet moves are now on the main site
Arriva Midlands Fleet changes (wmbusphotos.com) (http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/ArrivaMidlands.html)
Before anyone askes 4755 is marked for disposal on the company fleet list, but still allocated to Thurmaston, so not mentioned this month
4524 has now gone to Kent, meaning all the MMCs that were expected to do so have now left. It has been replaced by returnee 4106.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on May 09, 2023, 07:48:55 PM4524 has now gone to Kent, meaning all the MMCs that were expected to do so have now left. It has been replaced by returnee 4106.
Glad to hear 4106 is back
Is it true that 3807 and 3808 will be transferring to Kent soon?
doubt Thurmaston can afford to loose anymore buses currently
Quote from: STierBusEnthusiast on May 10, 2023, 08:57:29 PMIs it true that 3807 and 3808 will be transferring to Kent soon?
I've heard this too and with the recent changes to the 158 (the route they're branded for) it does seem possible.
Service 158 now only needs six buses instead of nine.
Quote from: SSmith2009 on May 10, 2023, 10:21:51 PMI've heard this too and with the recent changes to the 158 (the route they're branded for) it does seem possible.
Service 158 now only needs six buses instead of nine.
If it is true, I assume they'd have to be repainted and debranded from the 158. Also wonder what depot they would be heading for too.
Quote from: SSmith2009 on May 10, 2023, 10:21:51 PMI've heard this too and with the recent changes to the 158 (the route they're branded for) it does seem possible.
Service 158 now only needs six buses instead of nine.
Presumably why 3799 & 3808 show as being at Thurmaston on bustimes.org
3799 has become the first Sapphire Pulsar to be repainted. 3800 and 3804 are currently away receiving the same treatment.
Quote from: xmj-signal on February 10, 2023, 05:55:40 PMTo answer my own question:
4566 is working on the 84 route today - I have viewed it and can confirm it carries the registration YX72 OEO. For some reason, it seems that 4566 and 4570 have been swapped round - or is it a mistake that will be rectified sometime?
To reply to myself (again) . . . obviously a mistake that has now been rectified (and after only 3 months).
I have been keeping an eye on
4566 and
4570 whenever I could. In Leicester this afternoon, I viewed
4566 at Haymarket Bus Station and noticed that it now carries the registration which it was originally supposed to have -
YX72 OEK.
A quick check on bustimes allowed me to track down
4570 at St Margarets Bus Station and that now carries
YX72 OEO.
This change must have occurred within the last two weeks as I last viewed
4566 on 3rd May and the 'wrong' registration was still being carried then.
I don't know whether the vehicles have been renumbered or the registration plates have been swapped round although, from a close-ish look at the fleet numbers, it didn't look like they had been changed (there seemed to be no evidence of a sticky residue from where a number may have been removed, for example). It may have to remain a mystery.
Does anyone know what happened to 4102. Not tracked in nearly a month and it last did a 126 so I'm guessing the engine went bang or something
Quote from: Pscar05 on June 10, 2023, 09:44:43 AMDoes anyone know what happened to 4102. Not tracked in nearly a month and it last did a 126 so I'm guessing the engine went bang or something
It might have been the one that's spent the last few weeks tracking as 4501.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on June 10, 2023, 03:56:15 PMIt might have been the one that's spent the last few weeks tracking as 4501.
But 4501 is withdrawn as it transferred
The bus tracks from the ticket machine, so it likely got 4501's machine and no one has bothered to reprogrammed it.
4775 is now withdrawn with accident damage.
3142 appears to have been completely destroyed in a thermal incident today
Quote from: Tony on July 03, 2023, 09:23:23 PM3142 appears to have been completely destroyed in a thermal incident today
A video of the remains of 3142 from facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/730191328210324/permalink/948581503037971/
4765? Has recently caught fire. I'd imagine it's now the end of this bus? Seems to be quite a few issues showing recently with those vehicles. A shame.. but all old things come to end of life I guess?
Report and video on Leicestershire live, looks minor as a shop keeper came out with fire extinguisher before it really took hold
leicestermercury.co.U.K.
Quote from: Mayfield on July 13, 2023, 07:31:20 AMReport and video on Leicestershire live, looks minor as a shop keeper came out with fire extinguisher before it really took hold
leicestermercury.co.U.K.
Details of the incident Arriva Bus Fire Narborough Road (https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/bus-catches-fire-narborough-road-8594967)
So that's 3 more deckers gone in a month without replacement. It's a good job that tomorrow is the last day of term but they better get something sorted by the start of September as the current situation is completely unsustainable with consecutive single deckers running on routes that can leave people behind with such buses.
3791 has apparently transferred from Telford to replace them
Quote from: Fin W on July 15, 2023, 02:07:53 PM3791 has apparently transferred from Telford to replace them
Which is absolutely pointless given they already have an excess of saloons and a shortage of deckers.
Hinckley is currently down to one decker (with 3778 covering) which will work over the summer but as soon as the schools go back there are two boards on the X84 which need deckers and multiple Thurmaston services are regularly seeing saloons on diagrams which can see people left behind (and that's before considering the increasing unreliability of the remaining B7s and B9s meaning it is far from unusual to have journeys missed either side of the smaller bus).
At the very least they need to have a look at the allocation policy in operation so that boards either side of reduced capacity services are allocated the most reliable vehicles in the fleet and the less reliable vehicles are constrained to services where missing buses have less impact on passengers or where it is easier to source replacement vehicles.
Quote from: AlexS on July 15, 2023, 04:11:40 PMWhich is absolutely pointless given they already have an excess of saloons and a shortage of deckers.
Hinckley is currently down to one decker (with 3778 covering) which will work over the summer but as soon as the schools go back there are two boards on the X84 which need deckers and multiple Thurmaston services are regularly seeing saloons on diagrams which can see people left behind (and that's before considering the increasing unreliability of the remaining B7s and B9s meaning it is far from unusual to have journeys missed either side of the smaller bus).
At the very least they need to have a look at the allocation policy in operation so that boards either side of reduced capacity services are allocated the most reliable vehicles in the fleet and the less reliable vehicles are constrained to services where missing buses have less impact on passengers or where it is easier to source replacement vehicles.
Some of the London vehicles that are being withdrawn need to be transferred up here instead of being sold
Quote from: Fin W on July 15, 2023, 07:16:07 PMSome of the London vehicles that are being withdrawn need to be transferred up here instead of being sold
Depends whether they are owned and being sold, or just returned off lease to their owner
true
Are the service changes listed anywhere yet?
Can't find any info online, and even Leicester buses website doesn't mention any info about them .. just says the service that's changing but doesn't explain the changes..
I looked and cannot find any information on the charges which seems really unusual
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on August 07, 2023, 03:59:40 PMAre the service changes listed anywhere yet?
Can't find any info online, and even Leicester buses website doesn't mention any info about them .. just says the service that's changing but doesn't explain the changes..
New timetables can be found on the actual service page by scrolling down to the bottom
Looking at most its small adjustments but service 51 is losing most of the later evening buses to add a short 50 working to Fosse Park 😞
Hinckley changes are listed including the withdrawal of local services 1 & 2
Quote from: SSmith09 on August 07, 2023, 06:07:00 PMNew timetables can be found on the actual service page by scrolling down to the bottom
Looking at most its small adjustments but service 51 is losing most of the later evening buses to add a short 50 working to Fosse Park 😞
Hinckley changes are listed including the withdrawal of local services 1 & 2
Not sure those timetables are entirely accurate. Somehow I don't see that the actual plan is for the X84 to be running 2 journeys 5 minutes apart each hour.
Quote from: AlexS on August 08, 2023, 10:11:34 PMNot sure those timetables are entirely accurate. Somehow I don't see that the actual plan is for the X84 to be running 2 journeys 5 minutes apart each hour.
I thought that too.. 104 bus leaves fosse park in the evening before it's arrived at fosse park! (Unless they now plan to run 2 buses all night and have massive wait / layovers?).
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on August 08, 2023, 11:50:44 PMI thought that too.. 104 bus leaves fosse park in the evening before it's arrived at fosse park! (Unless they now plan to run 2 buses all night and have massive wait / layovers?).
Looks like the short 50 and 104 will interwork during the evenings with some layover between them 🙄
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on August 07, 2023, 03:59:40 PMAre the service changes listed anywhere yet?
Can't find any info online, and even Leicester buses website doesn't mention any info about them .. just says the service that's changing but doesn't explain the changes..
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on August 07, 2023, 04:05:09 PMI looked and cannot find any information on the charges which seems really unusual
Found the service updates:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-your-bus-services-in-leicester-aug23
All green Arriva electric D/D noted at Thurmaston this afternoon, think the fleet number is 8000, no registration plate visible.
Does anyone know if installation of the chargers has began yet?
I can only presume that's what happening by the amount of the car park that's currently dug up.
Quote from: Mayfield on August 31, 2023, 07:15:35 PMAll green Arriva electric D/D noted at Thurmaston this afternoon, think the fleet number is 8000, no registration plate visible.
Is there any photos of these StreetDecks in the depot?
https://twitter.com/gnikttam/status/1698770159631061147?s=20
Arriva's Network Manager posted this image of Electroliner 8000 in the depot earlier today.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on September 04, 2023, 11:29:16 PMhttps://twitter.com/gnikttam/status/1698770159631061147?s=20
Arriva's Network Manager posted this image of Electroliner 8000 in the depot earlier today.
I don't suppose those vehicles will be used on shuttles for Bon Jovi concerts in the near future...
Anyone know what's happening with 4105? Not ran since July and was wondering if its on the scrap line.
It was parked at the bottom of the yard across from the wash a couple of weeks ago
It's a bit disappointing if the rumours are correct about Arriva Leicester gaining some 58-reg E400s from Merseyside and giving up a mix of 64-reg and 16-reg vehicles from Leicester in return. Derby and Yorkshire are also touted to be giving up newer kit to Merseyside in return for older buses. All to satisfy Merseyside's maximum vehicle age limit of 15 years.
Y
Quote from: 47609FireFly on September 28, 2023, 11:14:37 AMIt's a bit disappointing if the rumours are correct about Arriva Leicester gaining some 58-reg E400s from Merseyside and giving up a mix of 64-reg and 16-reg vehicles from Leicester in return. Derby and Yorkshire are also touted to be giving up newer kit to Merseyside in return for older buses. All to satisfy Merseyside's maximum vehicle age limit of 15 years.
Yorkshire are swapping DAF single deckers with North West.
Probably all part of the big bus plan LOL
Quote from: 47609FireFly on September 28, 2023, 11:14:37 AMIt's a bit disappointing if the rumours are correct about Arriva Leicester gaining some 58-reg E400s from Merseyside and giving up a mix of 64-reg and 16-reg vehicles from Leicester in return. Derby and Yorkshire are also touted to be giving up newer kit to Merseyside in return for older buses. All to satisfy Merseyside's maximum vehicle age limit of 15 years.
Upgrade for us if you ask me
Did I see another electric decker in the depot today? I guess they are on their way now!
As for the comments about 58plates.. as long as they are Euro 6 then they are allowed. It was always my understanding these new electrics were going to replace the 2016/17 double deckers (moving to other depots) and the oldest Double decker pulsars in Leicester (scrapped).
Pretty sure but stand to be corrected, they don't need to be euro 6, as after First and Arriva swopped vehicles and did conversions Leicester did not implement the requirements
Quote from: Mayfield on September 29, 2023, 11:18:52 AMPretty sure but stand to be corrected, they don't need to be euro 6, as after First and Arriva swopped vehicles and did conversions Leicester did not implement the requirements
Euro 6 is a requirement of the Enhanced Partnership (EP).
The vehicles rumoured to be heading to Leicester from Merseyside do comply with Euro 6. If they arrive, I think it'd be a great shame to have age profile of the diesel fleet increased and giving up buses which have been at one operator from new. Arriva doesn't have the best track record when it comes to attention to detail or presentation. 3791's arrival in Leicester comes to mind with a full set of interior vinyls in English and Welsh, regularly telling folk to get in touch on social media at Arriva Midlands WEST.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on September 29, 2023, 12:28:48 PMEuro 6 is a requirement of the Enhanced Partnership (EP).
The vehicles rumoured to be heading to Leicester from Merseyside do comply with Euro 6. If they arrive, I think it'd be a great shame to have age profile of the diesel fleet increased and giving up buses which have been at one operator from new. Arriva doesn't have the best track record when it comes to attention to detail or presentation. 3791's arrival in Leicester comes to mind with a full set of interior vinyls in English and Welsh, regularly telling folk to get in touch on social media at Arriva Midlands WEST.
Some of the ex Yorkshire B9s still have Frequenta route branding inside
Quote from: Fin W on September 29, 2023, 12:49:38 PMSome of the ex Yorkshire B9s still have Frequenta route branding inside
Indeed - which sums up Arriva's attitudes to presentation perfectly.
Quote from: Mayfield on September 29, 2023, 11:18:52 AMPretty sure but stand to be corrected, they don't need to be euro 6, as after First and Arriva swopped vehicles and did conversions Leicester did not implement the requirements
That's correct.. Leicester city council decided in the end not to introduce the clean air zone after all. However like it's been mentioned, one of the enhanced bus partnership rules is buses are at least Euro 6!
Quote from: NiralVassantilal on August 31, 2023, 10:33:09 PMIs there any photos of these StreetDecks in the depot?
There is several photos of 8000/BK23 LUO on Flikr now
Yet another DB250 break down on the 50 today. It would probably be more worthy of comment if one of them managed an entire day on the 50/51 circuit without breaking down at this point.
Clearly there is something about the route that isn't agreeing with the buses so it's about time Arriva accepted reality as allocated them elsewhere until they finally manage to rid themselves of them.
Not only this but terrible allocation has seen the board behind the breakdown allocated a single passengers so not only are passengers delayed due to a bus not turning up but they are unable to board the subsequent service due to a lack of capacity. If Thurmaston have to allocate saloons to decker routes the least they could do is allocate reliable deckers (4552-4579 would appear to be the best option) to the boards either side to ensure passengers aren't being doubly inconvienienced.
When would it be best to visit Leicester next year? I ask as I intend to combine a trip to Birmingham with one here too and wouldn't mind seeing a few of the electric buses in their new homes. Any help in this regard will be gratefully acknowledged.
No sign of any electrics at Thurmaston today, but looking at the amount of infrastructure work going on I'd be surprised if there in service before the new year.
Quote from: Mayfield on October 05, 2023, 01:32:20 PMNo sign of any electrics at Thurmaston today, but looking at the amount of infrastructure work going on I'd be surprised if there in service before the new year.
8000 was about today on training duties seen it on Charles Street around 11ish
Quote from: Mayfield on October 05, 2023, 01:32:20 PMNo sign of any electrics at Thurmaston today, but looking at the amount of infrastructure work going on I'd be surprised if there in service before the new year.
I guess it's a case of playing the waiting game.
If Bustimes is correct 4105 is back in use today.
Quote from: Mayfield on October 07, 2023, 10:52:11 AMIf Bustimes is correct 4105 is back in use today.
Only lasted on the 51 until around 9am if bus times is to be believed 🙄
Quote from: AlexS on October 02, 2023, 05:29:35 PMYet another DB250 break down on the 50 today. It would probably be more worthy of comment if one of them managed an entire day on the 50/51 circuit without breaking down at this point.
Clearly there is something about the route that isn't agreeing with the buses so it's about time Arriva accepted reality as allocated them elsewhere until they finally manage to rid themselves of them.
Not only this but terrible allocation has seen the board behind the breakdown allocated a single passengers so not only are passengers delayed due to a bus not turning up but they are unable to board the subsequent service due to a lack of capacity. If Thurmaston have to allocate saloons to decker routes the least they could do is allocate reliable deckers (4552-4579 would appear to be the best option) to the boards either side to ensure passengers aren't being doubly inconvienienced.
Regarding the DB250s, they're life-expired. I can't imagine there's anything particular about the 50/51 which doesn't agree with them; they'll suffer failures no matter what. I have no problem with older vehicle stock per se, as long as maintenance regimes are dynamic enough to take into account an older vehicle which is still expected to do a full day's work.
The single-deck thing is becoming a problem in Leicester as a whole but for different reasons I think. With Arriva, I do get the general impression that a bus out on the road, allocated to a car line, is a tick in the box regardless of the type. It could also genuinely be that the person doing the allocating is up against it with what vehicle stock they have available at output time. Some of the bus workings don't help either though, which is an own goal. One such example is the double-decker which roams around for most of the day, on the 87, carrying penny numbers. It would be far better utilised elsewhere. The one reason it's on the 87 is that it commences the day on the 85.
Consolidating two depots into one hasn't helped their cause either with fewer staff managing the Leicester network as a whole. I was on Loughborough Road one day last week at around 1540. Between Checketts Road and Red Hill Circle, there were three inbound 127s, between 20 and 30 seconds apart. First up was a 72-plate E200MMC with passengers hanging out of the windows - it was heaving. Of course, this bus ought to be on the 58/58A. In second place came a 158 branded VDL SB200 with a good seated load. Finally, bringing up the rear and carrying fresh air was a 64-plate E400. It's alright bus companies taking an overly simplistic view that they're running all of their mileage but if the actual service delivery fails, by running clumps of vehicular resource together, meaning that the punctuality / reliability isn't there, people will soon get fed up and go elsewhere.
Looks like 4105 was back in service today for all of 4 minutes
Quote from: Mayfield on October 11, 2023, 10:32:49 AMLooks like 4105 was back in service today for all of 4 minutes
It didn't track but I did pass it on the 50 last night.
I photographed it three times today so way more than 4 minutes
Must be tracker malfunction
Of note is the first of the swaps between Arriva Merseyside & Leicester, 4416 YX64VOP is now 4734 in the Arriva Merseyside fleet (Bootle depot) and entered service on the 62 in Liverpool today. Unsure what's gone to Leicester in return as Arriva Merseyside 4411/19/20 (58 plate), 4423-4425, 4427-4434 (09 plate) are all said to be destined for Leicester....
HTH
Arriva Merseyside 2926 has arrived in Derby, I photographed it in service yesterday
Quote from: Tony on October 26, 2023, 06:37:16 PMArriva Merseyside 2926 has arrived in Derby, I photographed it in service yesterday
Midlands 3768/9 are now 3230/1 with Merseyside in exchange, at Bootle depot. There's quite a lot of swaps to get younger vehicles into the Merseyside fleet due to a 15 year rule, a fair amount of '62' plate Pulsars from Yorkshire are also getting swapped for older Merseyside examples....
Quote from: gka472l on October 26, 2023, 06:23:16 PMOf note is the first of the swaps between Arriva Merseyside & Leicester, 4416 YX64VOP is now 4734 in the Arriva Merseyside fleet (Bootle depot) and entered service on the 62 in Liverpool today. Unsure what's gone to Leicester in return as Arriva Merseyside 4411/19/20 (58 plate), 4423-4425, 4427-4434 (09 plate) are all said to be destined for Leicester....
HTH
I noted an 09 plate E400 yesterday morning travelling along the A6 St Margaret's Way in the old arriva livery, wasn't quick enough to get the full reg 🤦
Quote from: SSmith09 on October 26, 2023, 08:24:20 PMI noted an 09 plate E400 yesterday morning travelling along the A6 St Margaret's Way in the old arriva livery, wasn't quick enough to get the full reg 🤦
Must be one of MX09 LXE/K/N/S. Bus Times would suggest MX09 LXS
4417/9 have disappeared of Bustimes so presumably they've moved to Merseyside, but nothing seems to have replaced them on Bustimes
Quote from: Mayfield on November 01, 2023, 09:43:22 AM4417/9 have disappeared of Bustimes so presumably they've moved to Merseyside, but nothing seems to have replaced them on Bustimes
They are now 4735/7 respectively
Quote from: joieman on November 01, 2023, 07:40:44 PMThey are now 4735/7 respectively
Details of the October swaps are now on the main site
Arriva Midlands Fleet changes (wmbusphotos.com) (http://www.wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/ArrivaMidlands.html)
Drove past Thurmaston depot Monday, only 1 electric noted, wonder if the others on Tony's latest list are stored off site ?
Maybe at MRC at Derby Garage having decals etc
Quote from: Vulcan on November 02, 2023, 01:27:50 PMMaybe at MRC at Derby Garage having decals etc
Yes some are stored there at the moment due to lack of space within Thurmaston depot.
Very rare allocation for the 37 thurnby lodge today. Hinkleys 2003 tracking as SP TN on bustimes. Might have been at thurmaston for MOT or repairs.
Quote from: Pscar05 on November 13, 2023, 10:28:49 AMVery rare allocation for the 37 thurnby lodge today. Hinkleys 2003 tracking as SP TN on bustimes. Might have been at thurmaston for MOT or repairs.
One of the Hinckley E200s was on the 104 last week so quite possibly.
Quote from: SSmith09 on November 13, 2023, 12:39:17 PMOne of the Hinckley E200s was on the 104 last week so quite possibly.
Most likely the same bus. Unlikely it's moved to thurmaston but they are nice busses.
Rare, but not entirely unheard of. A couple of years ago I rode on 2001 on the 127:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53048219595_8b57e708f3_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oPFZvM)
T70 tracking as 104 and then 31/x31 anyone snap if it is the bus or a tracking error.
Quote from: Pscar05 on November 17, 2023, 08:09:06 PMT70 tracking as 104 and then 31/x31 anyone snap if it is the bus or a tracking error.
It's a tracking error - I saw it on the 31 and it was one of the Sapphire MMCs. Not sure which but presumably 4547
4433 looks like a dodgy swop, according to Bustimes hasn't earned a penny in a month
Quote from: Mayfield on November 27, 2023, 09:16:15 AM4433 looks like a dodgy swop, according to Bustimes hasn't earned a penny in a month
Didn't manage to ID it but there is a ex Merseyside e400 in journey mark livery on the 44a, definitely not 4432 as i have just seen that on 48, so that is probably 4433
Both 4433 and 4434 (and 4432 also went out of service for a couple of hours misroute although this could have been for cleaning or driver hours etc) appear to have broken down by mid morning today along with the normal helping of DB250 breakdowns and other boards being missing entirely. Quite honestly at this point an independent operator would be up in front of the traffic commissioner especially given they are in the process of replacing reliable midlife vehicles with life expired unreliable ones.
Clearly replacing any more of 4418-4425 or 4529-4535 which are typically relied upon to be in service 7 days a week every week and make up a substantial proportion of the fleet that can be relied upon with life expired wrecks from elsewhere that cannot last a day in service is not going to work and any future transfers need to be put on hold until a more suitable replacement vehicles can be found.
On a slightly different note it is also completely unacceptable that local councils have the authority to make decisions that boost services in their area whilst obliterating them elsewhere.
Quote from: AlexS on November 28, 2023, 07:21:11 PMBoth 4433 and 4434 (and 4432 also went out of service for a couple of hours misroute although this could have been for cleaning or driver hours etc) appear to have broken down by mid morning today along with the normal helping of DB250 breakdowns and other boards being missing entirely. Quite honestly at this point an independent operator would be up in front of the traffic commissioner especially given they are in the process of replacing reliable midlife vehicles with life expired unreliable ones.
Clearly replacing any more of 4418-4425 or 4529-4535 which are typically relied upon to be in service 7 days a week every week and make up a substantial proportion of the fleet that can be relied upon with life expired wrecks from elsewhere that cannot last a day in service is not going to work and any future transfers need to be put on hold until a more suitable replacement vehicles can be found.
On a slightly different note it is also completely unacceptable that local councils have the authority to make decisions that boost services in their area whilst obliterating them elsewhere.
Once the electrics enter service reliability will surely increase.
I keep seeing one either parked up at St Margaret's or doing training laps around the City Centre so hopefully they'll be out this side of christmas
I 100% understand where you are coming from AlexS, it isn't great to see newer buses shipped out to be replaced by older ones. Here's the thing. I don't think an 09 plated DD would be considered "life expired wrecks". Just look at almost any bus fleet and they will have plenty older. NX has many a bus that are over 5 years or more older than 4433 and 4434. I think 4432-34 etc probably have many years service left in them.
I'm pretty sure when the council(s) brought in that rule, they didn't envisage 15 year old buses being replaced by 7-11 year old hand me downs either.
Quote from: Budgie on November 28, 2023, 08:46:50 PMI 100% understand where you are coming from AlexS, it isn't great to see newer buses shipped out to be replaced by older ones. Here's the thing. I don't think an 09 plated DD would be considered "life expired wrecks". Just look at almost any bus fleet and they will have plenty older. NX has many a bus that are over 5 years or more older than 4433 and 4434. I think 4432-34 etc probably have many years service left in them.
I'm pretty sure when the council(s) brought in that rule, they didn't envisage 15 year old buses being replaced by 7-11 year old hand me downs either.
Yeah, if I remember correctly, NXWM still has a Y-plate ALX400, and Arriva Kent & Surrey have a 51-plate Eclipse Gemini.
Another day and another 2 breakdowns on the 50/51 by 07:30 in addition to 2 boards not even starting the day.
For 3 out of 9 buses (with the other breakdown following two consecutive cancellations being covered by a bus that would often end up leaving people behind even with a full service in operation and that has had to be nicked from another route causing cancellations elsewhere) to be missing from a route by 07:30 in the morning is absolutely unacceptable and quite frankly whoever is in charge of allocations needs to be fired as they are clearly not capable of allocating suitable buses to routes.
Quote from: Mayfield on November 27, 2023, 09:16:15 AM4433 looks like a dodgy swop, according to Bustimes hasn't earned a penny in a month
I think 4433 is getting an undeserved reputation for unreliability, maybe based on the tracking data on bustimes.org.
Yesterday (Wednesday 29th), the tracking data suggests that 4433 worked the 0750 route 48 from South Wigston to Leicester but it has not reported all the way to the city centre, just at a few stops in South Wigston. It then shows no other work for the day.
BUT - I travelled on 4433 yesterday on the 1012 route 48 from Leicester to South Wigston. This is part of the same timeboard as the 0750 from South Wigston and the remainder of this timeboard seems to be missing from Wednesday's tracking record, so it's probably that the tracking equipment is faulty rather than that the vehicle keeps breaking down.
The bus sounded in perfectly good fettle on the trip to South Wigston.
I had 4434 a few days ago, the doors had an issue, the cooling fan was on and the engine cut out at one point. The cooling fan was still on when i saw it today. The cooling fan wasn't on when it first entered service here!
Quote from: AlexS on November 30, 2023, 09:18:08 AMAnother day and another 2 breakdowns on the 50/51 by 07:30 in addition to 2 boards not even starting the day.
For 3 out of 9 buses (with the other breakdown following two consecutive cancellations being covered by a bus that would often end up leaving people behind even with a full service in operation and that has had to be nicked from another route causing cancellations elsewhere) to be missing from a route by 07:30 in the morning is absolutely unacceptable and quite frankly whoever is in charge of allocations needs to be fired as they are clearly not capable of allocating suitable buses to routes.
I have noticed bus times is being a little glitchy the past few days. Unless you've seen them in person broken down then chances are they actually haven't (even if it's stopped tracking on bus times!).
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on December 02, 2023, 08:38:49 AMI have noticed bus times is being a little glitchy the past few days. Unless you've seen them in person broken down then chances are they actually haven't (even if it's stopped tracking on bus times!).
In those particular cases the running boards were either taken over by different vehicles for subsequent journeys or periods of not in service running were recorded from the location of the breakdown several hours later following the breakdown so it's safe to say the vehicles were not still in service.
4418/20/21 all parked in a row by the wash today, wonder if there off up north or it's just a coincidence.
Also 2 UID electrics parked near the workshops
They have disappeared from Bustimes now so I guess my presumption was correct, let's see what they get in return.
Quote from: Mayfield on December 04, 2023, 12:45:52 PMThey have disappeared from Bustimes now so I guess my presumption was correct, let's see what they get in return.
Apparently 4411 and another 4419 (CX58 FZZ/GBV).
This numbering (or lack of it) is going to get weird.
And yet again the buses from Leicester go immediately into service on arrival whilst those from Merseyside are not fit for service.
At the very least the buses from Leicester should not be departing until after those that are replacing them are ready to enter service (as a much bigger operation Merseyside could manage with a few less vehicles for a couple of weeks much easier than Leicester).
Quote from: joieman on December 04, 2023, 07:02:13 PMApparently 4411 and another 4419 (CX58 FZZ/GBV).
This numbering (or lack of it) is going to get weird.
4411 was apparently still tracking in Liverpool today on Bustimes, but 4427-8 (MX09 LXJ/K) have also apparently been transferred to Leicester
4428 appears to be the first of the next batch from Liverpool to enter service. Seen earlier on the 47 with the front display stuck on reversing.
Question, 1008 is used as a staff bus and has not tracked since June does this mean it's still fitted with the ticket machine, if so seems a waste of equipment
Quote from: AlexS on December 12, 2023, 08:15:29 PM4428 appears to be the first of the next batch from Liverpool to enter service. Seen earlier on the 47 with the front display stuck on reversing.
Displays are working again now, still tracking as 4417
Quote from: Mayfield on December 14, 2023, 07:56:39 PMQuestion, 1008 is used as a staff bus and has not tracked since June does this mean it's still fitted with the ticket machine, if so seems a waste of equipment
Yes 1008 is fitted with a ticket machine
Former Arriva North-West 4419 (CX58 GBV) is now in service with Arriva Midlands at Thurmaston - it has been renumbered 4435 and was viewed on Saturday (23rd December) on route 48.
4427 (MX09 LXJ) is also now in service - ironically, in light of the previous comments about 4428, when viewed on Saturday morning (again on route 48) 4427's destination display was ... stuck on 'reversing'!
Does anyone know what happened to 2528 optare solo not ran since November.
It's dumped at the bottom of the yard near the wash, blocked in by 2-3 large liquid containers so I doubt if this will see service again, also there parked next to it is 4761.
8019 is also at Thurmaston
Anyone know what's happened to 3150 not used since September
Quote from: Mayfield on January 05, 2024, 08:47:26 PMAnyone know what's happened to 3150 not used since September
Shows as November on Bustimes https://bustimes.org/vehicles/amid-3150
I see that now I've clicked on history but a quick glance on bus times fleet says September, strange but still 2 months since being used.
4422 and 4423 have now gone to Liverpool.
NW 4420 and 4430 have transferred down in exchange, though 4430 broke down before it reached the M6.
Bet the Liverpudlians are have a right laugh sorting out which S**** to send south.
Quote from: Mayfield on January 13, 2024, 07:34:49 PMBet the Liverpudlians are have a right laugh sorting out which S**** to send south.
We can't complain. We did the same to Kent a few years ago. 4207 broke down before it reached the A14.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on January 13, 2024, 06:48:36 PM4422 and 4423 have now gone to Liverpool.
NW 4420 and 4430 have transferred down in exchange, though 4430 broke down before it reached the M6.
Facebook says 4430 went back to Bootle after the breakdown
Quote from: Fin W on January 13, 2024, 08:40:03 PMFacebook says 4430 went back to Bootle after the breakdown
Yeah it's coming tommorrow instead, bootle depot are fixing it overnight.
Quote from: Mayfield on December 14, 2023, 07:56:39 PMQuestion, 1008 is used as a staff bus and has not tracked since June does this mean it's still fitted with the ticket machine, if so seems a waste of equipment
1008 does have a ticket machine it is used mainly for staff shuttles
4751 is reportedly withdrawn due to an RTC
2528 has disappeared from Bustimes so I guess it's been withdrawn now.
Quote from: Mayfield on January 19, 2024, 08:01:14 PM2528 has disappeared from Bustimes so I guess it's been withdrawn now.
It's at the back of the depot blocked by large containers. Highly unlikely to see service again.
Quote from: Mayfield on January 19, 2024, 08:01:14 PM2528 has disappeared from Bustimes so I guess it's been withdrawn now.
I reported it as withdrawn due to the fact of its blocked in by large containers. They may need to sort it out though now apparently we are not able to have the electric busses due to planning problems with the ports (seen on Instagram the land owner isn't allowing the electric chargers to be installed)
If that's true then this is a major embarrassment to Arriva not to get all the ducks in a row, must have spend a fortune installing the port, sure it will get sorted once so wonger has changed bank accounts.
Quote from: Pscar05 on January 20, 2024, 01:43:01 PMI reported it as withdrawn due to the fact of its blocked in by large containers. They may need to sort it out though now apparently we are not able to have the electric busses due to planning problems with the ports (seen on Instagram the land owner isn't allowing the electric chargers to be installed)
You'd be perfect for a job at Arriva if you think reinstating one 15 year old solo would be adequate to cover for 24 brand new deckers no longer coming.
If there is any truth in the story they'd be having to look at getting a substantial batch of nearly new or at absolute worst case scenario midlife deckers transferred in from a depot that could accommodate the electrics rather than trying to fix a solitary end of life solo.
It's still yet to be confirmed on what's going on, 4760 is back on road and 4761 is to follow after repairs. Land owner wise, there's very little information so please don't assume anything will happen yet
Quote from: AlexS on January 20, 2024, 09:10:23 PMYou'd be perfect for a job at Arriva if you think reinstating one 15 year old solo would be adequate to cover for 24 brand new deckers no longer coming.
If there is any truth in the story they'd be having to look at getting a substantial batch of nearly new or at absolute worst case scenario midlife deckers transferred in from a depot that could accommodate the electrics rather than trying to fix a solitary end of life solo.
No need for the sarcastic comment. Yeah its 15 years old but having the extra bus might mean customers don't complain about them not showing up. The db250's are way past there end of life but yet they are all still going surprisingly. So don't be making sarcastic comments as there isn't any need.
Quote from: Pscar05 on January 20, 2024, 01:43:01 PMI reported it as withdrawn due to the fact of its blocked in by large containers. They may need to sort it out though now apparently we are not able to have the electric busses due to planning problems with the ports (seen on Instagram the land owner isn't allowing the electric chargers to be installed)
Speculation, or confirmed?
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on January 23, 2024, 11:50:03 PMSpeculation, or confirmed?
If your on about 2528 it was confirmed by another post on here. About the chargers it seems to be a gray area at the moment. Some people saying it's confirmed but have got no sources to back up the claim.
Quote from: Pscar05 on January 24, 2024, 05:30:44 PMIf your on about 2528 it was confirmed by another post on here. About the chargers it seems to be a gray area at the moment. Some people saying it's confirmed but have got no sources to back up the claim.
I meant about the electrics..
Like someone mentioned to me on Facebook.. they would have ordered buses if the charging structures weren't evaluated or able to be used / installed.
At the moment no word officially from council, Arriva or Leicester buses.
My guess it's Speculation!
Thurmaston depot's ticket machine numbering strikes again!
Bustimes has Arriva Merseyside 4426 (MX09 LXH, although the reg has now been removed) tracking on Midlands route 127 today. Having viewed one of the journeys, I can confirm that this is actually Midlands 4425 (YX64 VPF). Merseyside 4426 is not on the list of buses due to transfer to Midlands, possibly because it is in a special livery for a local children's hospice in Merseyside, and it has also been tracking on Merseyside today so clearly hasn't moved.
In addition, 4424 (YX64 VPE) is still active in Leicester although it doesn't seem to have tracked as itself since 19th January. It is actually one of two vehicles tracking as 4435 - 4435 is the one on route 127 while the 4435 which has been tracking today on routes 84 then 49 is actually 4424.
Quote from: Pscar05 on January 20, 2024, 01:43:01 PM... apparently we are not able to have the electric busses due to planning problems with the ports (seen on Instagram the land owner isn't allowing the electric chargers to be installed)
Serious thought -
According to the news item on the Leicester Buses website, the Arriva electric double-deck buses were (partly?) funded by a
joint bid to the Government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme by Arriva UK Bus and Leicester City Council.
These things normally require the money to be used only for the stated purpose (in this case, electric buses for Leicester) otherwise the grant has to be re-paid, so I am not sure that Arriva
can just send them elsewhere - or what Leicester City Council would do if they did try to do that.
Quote from: xmj-signal on February 01, 2024, 12:57:40 AMSerious thought -
According to the news item on the Leicester Buses website, the Arriva electric double-deck buses were (partly?) funded by a joint bid to the Government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme by Arriva UK Bus and Leicester City Council.
These things normally require the money to be used only for the stated purpose (in this case, electric buses for Leicester) otherwise the grant has to be re-paid, so I am not sure that Arriva can just send them elsewhere - or what Leicester City Council would do if they did try to do that
Can't LCC put a compulsory purchase order in for the land and force the owner to sell the land
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on February 01, 2024, 06:12:53 AMCan't LCC put a compulsory purchase order in for the land and force the owner to sell the land
As the depot is located within the Charnwood area I believe it would be county council who could start this.
Setting up a smaller electric only depot might be another idea (if only they hadn't got rid of Wigston)
There is a few chargers visible from the gates at Thurmaston
They've been working on the charging system for months
According to Bustimes 4761 was back in service today
2528 back on the road now.
Been replaced by 2526 at the bottom of the yard.
T23 in London red in use today
3 electrics still on site and it looks as if all the charging pods are in place and construction work finished.
2528 didn't last long, just seen it on the back of a Crouch recovery truck
Quote from: Mayfield on February 02, 2024, 03:03:50 PM2528 didn't last long, just seen it on the back of a Crouch recovery truck
So much for it lasting. I have feeling it will go back to the bottom of the yard again
Ha ha no room, there's a minibus, versa, db250, 2526 and a single decker training bus
Quote from: Mayfield on February 02, 2024, 03:37:58 PMHa ha no room, there's a minibus, versa, db250, 2526 and a single decker training
Jesus christ all the buses are falling apart. 3807 is going back to depot after a part of the front bumper came off on the 56.
Quick question. Does anyone have a rough idea when Arriva will launch their electric double deckers? I'm looking at a very long overdue visit to Leicester.......
Quote from: Mayfield on February 02, 2024, 01:26:39 PMT23 in London red in use today
3 electrics still on site and it looks as if all the charging pods are in place and construction work finished.
T23 seems to be used quite a lot recently. Have Arriva Leicester now only got Double decker trainers, or still have the single decker ones too? Are they expecting a surge in drivers?
Excellent to hear electric is here. I was told earlier in this group it wasn't possible at all due to the land owner. I guess just shows anything on this group needs taking with a pinch of salt.
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on February 03, 2024, 05:37:03 PMExcellent to hear electric is here. I was told earlier in this group it wasn't possible at all due to the land owner. I guess just shows anything on this group needs taking with a pinch of salt.
There were similar claims being made elsewhere about NX's Walsall garage not being able to have any more hydrogen buses due to some planning application being refused.
On checking Walsall Council's planning website, there has been no planning application made. You can't refuse an application if one hasn't been submitted! :laugh:
As I've mentioned in other topics here, there will always be people spreading 'rumours' and making claims, but if they don't provide any source, then such claims can be considered baseless.
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on February 03, 2024, 05:37:03 PMT23 seems to be used quite a lot recently. Have Arriva Leicester now only got Double decker trainers, or still have the single decker ones too? Are they expecting a surge in drivers?
I spotted a Cadet in Loughborough last week, so I think they still do have single decker driver training buses.
T23 could be to allow more new drivers to pass through driver training at any one time.
Could be that the electric power needed to charge the buses is not sufficient to the site and a sub station needs to be build at someone's cost.
Quote from: Mayfield on February 04, 2024, 01:26:43 PMCould be that the electric power needed to charge the buses is not sufficient to the site and a sub station needs to be build at someone's cost.
Centrebus have had this too issue - a look on google street view at their Leicester depot (37 Wenlock Way) shows that a substation is now in situ at the front of the depot.
That's been there since I believe they took the orbital and hopper services
Nice to see every 72 plate except 1 (not used for a couple of weeks) in service today
Quote from: Mayfield on February 04, 2024, 06:29:16 PMNice to see every 72 plate except 1 (not used for a couple of weeks) in service today
There was 1 vehicle not tracking when I saw it on the 44 today. (Interworks with 85, 47 on Sundays).. could this be the one that's not tracked on bus times?
Looks like 2528 is back out today, it's on the 6A passes close to the depot, let's see how long it lasts this time
Quote from: Mayfield on February 05, 2024, 09:05:53 AMLooks like 2528 is back out today, it's on the 6A passes close to the depot, let's see how long it lasts this time
Looks like engineer was with it about 5:15pm at St Margaret's bus station.
Nearly lasted the day then and everyone slags of Chaserider about breakdowns
8001 has started tracking on bustimes. Unsure if this is true or not.
Quote from: Pscar05 on February 08, 2024, 08:57:29 AM8001 has started tracking on bustimes. Unsure if this is true or not.
Bustimes mix-ups again, unfortunately - it's actually 4547.
Quote from: joieman on February 08, 2024, 10:46:31 AMBustimes mix-ups again, unfortunately - it's actually 4547.
I had a feeling it was to good to be true, 8013 has started tracking as well.
Quote from: Pscar05 on February 08, 2024, 01:51:08 PMI had a feeling it was to good to be true, 8013 has started tracking as well.
Could it be these ticket machines might move into the new vehicles?
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on February 08, 2024, 04:50:51 PMCould it be these ticket machines might move into the new vehicles?
4424 & 4425 were tracking as ex merseyside e400s in their last few days here so that seems likely
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on February 08, 2024, 04:50:51 PMCould it be these ticket machines might move into the new vehicles?
Would be a logical guess but why would the machine in 4547 be the one going into 8001 unless the plan is now for that batch to be leaving?
Quote from: AlexS on February 09, 2024, 10:27:32 AMWould be a logical guess but why would the machine in 4547 be the one going into 8001 unless the plan is now for that batch to be leaving?
Maybe the ticket machine in 4547 was having issues, so they decided to borrow the one from 8001 as a spare while it was being sorted, and they didn't bother updating the vehicle ref on the machine? I think 4547 was the one that tracked as T70 back in november, so it wouldn't be the first time it's tracked as an unusual vehicle.
According to Bus times, 4529 has been transferred to Bootle, with NW's 4411 coming to Leicester.
Olympus 4101 is tracking as its long-scrapped twin 4100 at the moment.
According to a comment on Facebook on a first enthusiasts page it looks like the land owner at thurmaston has now approved the chargers and should be getting finished soon. However this may not be true as its Facebook at the end of the day
8000 was parked up at St Margaret's Bus Station today
I understand the electric deckers are due to be launched into service on the 47/48 & 50/51 from early April
Quote from: SSmith09 on March 12, 2024, 06:58:20 PM8000 was parked up at St Margaret's Bus Station today
I understand the electric deckers are due to be launched into service on the 47/48 & 50/51 from early April
Interesting news.
Quote from: SSmith09 on March 12, 2024, 06:58:20 PM8000 was parked up at St Margaret's Bus Station today
I understand the electric deckers are due to be launched into service on the 47/48 & 50/51 from early April
Been saying "next month" since November!
Hopefully April is correct 👍
Leicestershire County Council have been awarded an £8.1m share of ZEBRA2 funding for 46 electric buses - 25 of these are double deckers for Arriva Leicester routes 5/5A and 127
Remaining 21 buses are set for Kinchbus routes 2/5/9/11/12
4 or 5 electrics at Thurmaston Friday so is the time approaching for them to enter service
Quote from: SSmith09 on March 23, 2024, 08:24:50 PMRemaining 21 buses are set for Kinchbus routes 2/5/9/11/12
I wonder if Kinchbus plan to put the frequencies of these services up. Presently the 5, 11 and 12 each have a PVR of 2, the 2 has a PVR of 1 and the 9 has a PVR of three, making a total of *ten* buses.
Quote from: joieman on March 24, 2024, 03:53:55 PMI wonder if Kinchbus plan to put the frequencies of these services up. Presently the 5, 11 and 12 each have a PVR of 2, the 2 has a PVR of 1 and the 9 has a PVR of three, making a total of fourteen buses.
They are also for the sprint/campus shuttle which currently has 7 solo's to make the 21.
Quote from: joieman on March 24, 2024, 03:53:55 PMI wonder if Kinchbus plan to put the frequencies of these services up. Presently the 5, 11 and 12 each have a PVR of 2, the 2 has a PVR of 1 and the 9 has a PVR of three, making a total of fourteen buses.
the 5, 9, 11 & 12 have had their pre-covid frequencies restored but rarely manage to run a full days timetable on them.
Quote from: Mayfield on March 24, 2024, 08:43:47 AM4 or 5 electrics at Thurmaston Friday so is the time approaching for them to enter service
🤞🤞
4750 has reportedly been withdrawn due to a collision, leaving only twelve Pulsar Geminis remaining.
Quote from: joieman on March 29, 2024, 07:49:46 AM4750 has reportedly been withdrawn due to a collision, leaving only twelve Pulsar Geminis remaining.
4750 is showing on bustimes.org, tracking currently on route 48 (departure from Leicester at 1135). It has not tracked for a couple of days but if it was just a minor 'bump' that would make sense.
Alternatively, the ticket machine may have been transferred into a different vehicle without the vehicle number being changed - so, has anyone viewed any of these journeys to be able to confirm which bus is actually working them?
4750 was definitely not on bus times at 8ish this morning but I can definitely see it now
Quote from: xmj-signal on March 29, 2024, 12:47:39 PM4750 is showing on bustimes.org, tracking currently on route 48 (departure from Leicester at 1135). It has not tracked for a couple of days but if it was just a minor 'bump' that would make sense.
Alternatively, the ticket machine may have been transferred into a different vehicle without the vehicle number being changed - so, has anyone viewed any of these journeys to be able to confirm which bus is actually working them?
Its 4104, saw it on the 48 this morning.
4753, 4762 and 4770 have all been marked as withdrawn on Bustimes due to MOT expiry.
Either the electrics are entering service in the next few days or we are entering a period of mass cancellations due to a shortage of buses.
After six months, 8001-6 have finally entered service.
Why have they removed the X6 livery from one of the coaches?
Are they replacing them, or is the coach due to be used on a different route?
Quote from: joieman on April 08, 2024, 08:57:32 AMAfter six months, 8001-6 have finally entered service.
They've kept that quiet haven't they, would have thought some publicity would have been a good idea.
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on April 08, 2024, 04:47:55 PMWhy have they removed the X6 livery from one of the coaches?
Are they replacing them, or is the coach due to be used on a different route?
Another coach is rumoured to be joining the trio at Barwell so possibly a rebranding is on the way?
Quote from: SSmith09 on April 08, 2024, 07:51:50 PMAnother coach is rumoured to be joining the trio at Barwell so possibly a rebranding is on the way?
7101 At Barwell Depot
I see only 8 Pulsars tracking now has another 1 bitten the dust.
Wonder if the are planning a last running day event LOL
Quote from: Mayfield on April 18, 2024, 04:29:27 PMI see only 8 Pulsars tracking now has another 1 bitten the dust.
Wonder if the are planning a last running day event LOL
4746 was apparently withdrawn due to poor performance.
For the first time, their registration numbers are in the correct order!
4103 has been sent to Luton; twelve of the Olympuses in total are to be sent down to Luton and MK, according to another forum. We'll be getting a pair of E400s in exchange... which seems like a pathetically unfair exchange.
Quote from: joieman on April 19, 2024, 10:11:08 PM4746 was apparently withdrawn due to poor performance.
For the first time, their registration numbers are in the correct order!
4103 has been sent to Luton; twelve of the Olympuses in total are to be sent down to Luton and MK, according to another forum. We'll be getting a pair of E400s in exchange... which seems like a pathetically unfair exchange.
Do we know which E400s these will be? If it's 2 of the YY14s then it doesn't seem like too bad of a swap, but my instinct is telling me it will be the SN58 "spares" in the max livery.
I presume that once all the electroliners are in service, all that will be left will be the 2 B9TL Geminis and all the Enviro400s, with all the DB250s getting withdrawn and the Olympuses transferring like you said. If my calculations are correct this will mean thurmaston will have 77 deckers - will that be enough for a day's service?
Quote from: Magikrabby on April 19, 2024, 11:26:11 PMDo we know which E400s these will be? If it's 2 of the YY14s then it doesn't seem like too bad of a swap, but my instinct is telling me it will be the SN58 "spares" in the max livery.
I presume that once all the electroliners are in service, all that will be left will be the 2 B9TL Geminis and all the Enviro400s, with all the DB250s getting withdrawn and the Olympuses transferring like you said. If my calculations are correct this will mean thurmaston will have 77 deckers - will that be enough for a day's service?
Probably not but insufficient deckers has been an ongoing problem for many years at this point. The bigger question is that with the 50/51 and 47/48 being the more regular routes to substitute with smaller buses whether the electroliners end up off route regularly or whether the impact of smaller vehicles is moved onto other routes.
Quote from: AlexS on April 20, 2024, 11:27:38 AMProbably not but insufficient deckers has been an ongoing problem for many years at this point. The bigger question is that with the 50/51 and 47/48 being the more regular routes to substitute with smaller buses whether the electroliners end up off route regularly or whether the impact of smaller vehicles is moved onto other routes.
Leicester seems to have overall lost buses in the past few years. Looking at Bustimes on the Wayback Machine, there were 174 buses at Arriva in Leicestershire in March 2023; today there are only 165. I think this is mainly due to the DB250s being progressively withdrawn without adequate replacements being brought in.
Quote from: joieman on April 20, 2024, 09:18:56 PMLeicester seems to have overall lost buses in the past few years. Looking at Bustimes on the Wayback Machine, there were 174 buses at Arriva in Leicestershire in March 2023; today there are only 165. I think this is mainly due to the DB250s being progressively withdrawn without adequate replacements being brought in.
Based on the current plans it is looking like the longer term idea is for Leicester to have 162/163 buses (I assume 162 as I don't see one solitary Olympus staying despite the rumours so far talking about 12 leaving) including 1008 which isn't used in public service and 4 coaches for the X6. Given Leicester has an approximate PVR of 150 at a quick count and a lot of the fleet will still be on the verge of life expired this seems like a disaster waiting to happen as it gives approximately a 7.5% maximum rate of unavailability before services have to be cancelled which gives very little room for any issues.
Quote from: AlexS on April 20, 2024, 11:13:04 PMBased on the current plans it is looking like the longer term idea is for Leicester to have 162/163 buses (I assume 162 as I don't see one solitary Olympus staying despite the rumours so far talking about 12 leaving) including 1008 which isn't used in public service and 4 coaches for the X6. Given Leicester has an approximate PVR of 150 at a quick count and a lot of the fleet will still be on the verge of life expired this seems like a disaster waiting to happen as it gives approximately a 7.5% maximum rate of unavailability before services have to be cancelled which gives very little room for any issues.
The information about the olympuses transferring came from who I believe is a network manager at Arriva, and was talking in relation to the beds and bucks region, with 6 being for Milton Keynes and 6 for Luton. If anyone wants the source the link is below. This leaves open the possiblity that the 3 remaining B9s can transfer to a different region - the others from the B9TL Gemini batch are currently in Kent so perhaps they will head there? Possibly even a swap with some of their E400s? It's also worth noting that elsewhere he said plans can and do change, so nothing with regards to fleets is ever set in stone and definite.
You are correct that their margin for error is quite low, but once all the electroliners are in service there should be a decrease in need for spare buses since over half the deckers will be less than 2 years old, meaning they're less likely to break down and less maintenance will be required. How regularly are journeys being cancelled with the current fleet?
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/arriva-beds-bucks-herts.259763/page-3#post-6724079
Quote from: AlexS on April 20, 2024, 11:13:04 PMBased on the current plans it is looking like the longer term idea is for Leicester to have 162/163 buses (I assume 162 as I don't see one solitary Olympus staying despite the rumours so far talking about 12 leaving) including 1008 which isn't used in public service and 4 coaches for the X6. Given Leicester has an approximate PVR of 150 at a quick count and a lot of the fleet will still be on the verge of life expired this seems like a disaster waiting to happen as it gives approximately a 7.5% maximum rate of unavailability before services have to be cancelled which gives very little room for any issues.
We don't thank Liverpool for their bus age limit, it just drives older buses elsewhere, as has happened here in Leicestershire, with a rather large chunk of the double decker fleet being built before 2010.
Perhaps the lone Olympus might stick around as the two remaining Eclipse Geminis, also Volvo B9TLs, don't seem to be going anywhere at the moment. Besides that pair of Eclipse Geminis, we also still have three random Streetlites, so not impossible that the last Olympus will stay!
Looks like 8000 has entered service today if Bustimes is correct
Quote from: Mayfield on April 22, 2024, 11:35:44 AMLooks like 8000 has entered service today if Bustimes is correct
Has been tracking on Bustimes since Saturday
Quote from: joieman on April 21, 2024, 07:51:23 AMWe don't thank Liverpool for their bus age limit, it just drives older buses elsewhere, as has happened here in Leicestershire, with a rather large chunk of the double decker fleet being built before 2010.
Perhaps the lone Olympus might stick around as the two remaining Eclipse Geminis, also Volvo B9TLs, don't seem to be going anywhere at the moment. Besides that pair of Eclipse Geminis, we also still have three random Streetlites, so not impossible that the last Olympus will stay!
Spotted Arriva Merseyside's 4473 being towed on M6 south past J11 - perhaps heading your way?
Quote from: Wumpty on April 22, 2024, 03:28:09 PMSpotted Arriva Merseyside's 4473 being towed on M6 south past J11 - perhaps heading your way?
Hopefully not, you would normally come off the M6 at 16/15 - A50 to the M1
Quote from: joieman on April 22, 2024, 03:12:12 PMHas been tracking on Bustimes since Saturday
Can someone advise me please, I'm pretty sure when I've looked 8000 did not show up on Bustimes Saturday/Sunday but I can clearly see on the history that it was in service is this possible or am not using Bustimes correctly
Quote from: Wumpty on April 22, 2024, 03:28:09 PMSpotted Arriva Merseyside's 4473 being towed on M6 south past J11 - perhaps heading your way?
doubt theyd send a DB300 down to leicester, probably heading further south to kent to replace ALX400s since they already have a fairly sizeable fleet of vdl geminis
Quote from: EK40 on April 22, 2024, 07:56:36 PMdoubt theyd send a DB300 down to leicester, probably heading further south to kent to replace ALX400s since they already have a fairly sizeable fleet of vdl geminis
What I do know is that 4532 has gone to Liverpool in exchange for 4412, which will be renumbered 4437 once it arrives in Leicester.
I've noticed that some of the X6 brands are loosing their branding, will new vehicles be branded up or is this the end of the X6 branding.