Does anyone have any experience with Travel Express?
I'd go into a huge rant about them but chances are someone who works there comes here :)
Round here they're known as the "carpet bus" (because the floors, ceilings, walls, and backs of seats are all grey carpet).
Really is a historic fleet, whether that's good or bad. http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Does mean the whole fleet will need replacing soon, bar the couple of dart SLFs.
I remember them from a few years back on the Bristol Road Routes. I often used to catch them-the ex Zak's and Rossendale and Hansons darts-my favourites. Not forgetting H802 OPT I know the buses were old but as someone who likes the carlyle dartline body I enjoyed catching them as they were unusual and fast and in good condition. There were a couple of sheds such as that J232 JJR dodge/renault or whatever it was which was horrible. I remember getting it in the summer and getting off feeling extremely ill as it was really hot, the bus was full and all the windows had been screwed up. Other than that, fine. I cant speak for the Irn Bru liveried buses!! or the low floors...I know people will disagree and argue that they are cowboys but compared to my experience of Thandi companies on the Bristol Road-well lets not go there shall we!!
I mean Thandi. Once there was vomit next to the driver's compartment, refusal to accept valid centro passes on services they are valid on, telling elderly people to hurry up when they clearly cant, refusal to stop, missing my stops several times, playing of loud music in the cab, smoking of cigarettes by drivers very regularly whilst in service. But I was always confused about what company it was. Because the buses were K5... ODY etc and J.... GCD so I dont know whether they were thandi or what they were. They werent travel express etc but these buses are now under the Evergreen Coaches name. Can anyone shed any light? But I was sure until a second ago that they were buses belonging to fleets associated with Thandi.
http://simplybusphotos.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=1643&pid=47144#top_display_media
This was one of the buses apparently A line but the same one as in coventry cos I thought it was a different company associated with thandi.
If you zoom into the picture this was the driver I was moaning about earlier. Without doubt, the worst bus driver I have ever had the misfortune of being driven by. I think he may have been foreign as he only ever used to shake his head and sometimes say noticke if the machine was broken-it usually was!!
I've jumped on their "Handyrider" Darts a couple of times on the old 501 in the morning due to NXWM's Spectra's being rammed full of college students/school children.
I think I paid 50p because I had a pass which was fine with me if it meant I could get to work on time, and actually be able to get on the bus there and then instead of the lottery that took place when a NXWM 501 pulled up.
For an older bus they were pretty damn nippy.
Made me smile when we overtook a fully-laden Spectra on the ring road ;D
Quote from: Peter123 on June 07, 2012, 04:31:25 PM
http://simplybusphotos.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=1643&pid=47144#top_display_media
This was one of the buses apparently A line but the same one as in coventry cos I thought it was a different company associated with thandi.
That A Line had nothing to do with the Coventry one. Please be careful when posting things like this that are incorrect.
Quote from: Badger on June 07, 2012, 04:17:10 PM
Does anyone have any experience with Travel Express?
I'd go into a huge rant about them but chances are someone who works there comes here :)
Round here they're known as the "carpet bus" (because the floors, ceilings, walls, and backs of seats are all grey carpet).
Really is a historic fleet, whether that's good or bad. http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Does mean the whole fleet will need replacing soon, bar the couple of dart SLFs.
I've not had any problems with Travel Express apart from a driver Of theirs assaulting me...reason being I took a picture of his ex ACL pointer. And the police did sod all!
Quote from: Tomjusttom on June 07, 2012, 08:49:20 PM
Quote from: Badger on June 07, 2012, 04:17:10 PM
Does anyone have any experience with Travel Express?
I'd go into a huge rant about them but chances are someone who works there comes here :)
Round here they're known as the "carpet bus" (because the floors, ceilings, walls, and backs of seats are all grey carpet).
Really is a historic fleet, whether that's good or bad. http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Does mean the whole fleet will need replacing soon, bar the couple of dart SLFs.
I've not had any problems with Travel Express apart from a driver Of theirs assaulting me...reason being I took a picture of his ex ACL pointer. And the police did sod all!
Why would you want to take a picture of their clapped out fleet?
Quote from: Tony on June 07, 2012, 06:48:04 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 07, 2012, 04:31:25 PM
http://simplybusphotos.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=1643&pid=47144#top_display_media
This was one of the buses apparently A line but the same one as in coventry cos I thought it was a different company associated with thandi.
That A Line had nothing to do with the Coventry one. Please be careful when posting things like this that are incorrect.
Believe me the mistake is not mine as on simply buses like the link I posted they were grouped together so therefore I made the logical assumption that photos of the same operator would be in the same group on simply buses. I assure you that I do not wish to offend operators unduly however if you looked at the simply buses page, I am sure you would see how easy the mistake is to make.
Can't say much for the buses but most the drivers are sound especially the drivers on the 1/501 whatever you want to call it these days . They had a great driver on the 11 once a youngish asian chap bald/shaven I think (he may work for Jog's 79E route now not sure) however there are a few individuals on the 11 who should not be on the road they are plain rude, unproffesional and dangerous. You can watch their drivers arguing with NX drivers and passengers even, regularly! Just go to Wolves station sit by stand J and watch. You could make a soap on it :D
i agree about the 11 drivers, theres 1 who is totally sound, but the rest play silly buggers etc, racing and cutting up to get the passengers. Its a shame as apart from the 1 chap, the 32/33 service regular drivers are brilliant. I see they have 2 low floor vehicles now, but this company could do with a uniform livery, and uniforming the drivers. Another problem is the use of foreign drivers, who don't speak english etc - how do they read running boards and road signs? Ive always wondered that one
Quote from: mranon on June 07, 2012, 10:05:18 PM
i agree about the 11 drivers, theres 1 who is totally sound, but the rest play silly buggers etc, racing and cutting up to get the passengers. Its a shame as apart from the 1 chap, the 32/33 service regular drivers are brilliant. I see they have 2 low floor vehicles now, but this company could do with a uniform livery, and uniforming the drivers. Another problem is the use of foreign drivers, who don't speak english etc - how do they read running boards and road signs? Ive always wondered that one
Obviosly they don't or dont need to. Make their own times up :P
I do agree a uniform livery would make such a difference and add a status, a statement or belonging! Even Bangas are all uniform and painted.....er...better than they used to be!
I like the 32/33 drivers, unfortunately I'm quite leggy so these buses aren't very good for me. I also (commiting heresy, I know) dislike the dartline shape, and the fact the buses are branded in other companies' liveries (my sister thought ACL Travel and Handyrider were west mids bus companies.) One even says it goes to Oldmixon on the side, and for a while the SLF said Widnes Station, 36 on the electronic display.
@4006, Banga are actually looking quite shiny these days, they keep them pretty clean, unlike they used to. It'd be interesting to see how Travel Express would clean up, especially seeing these: http://wmbusphotos.com/joestravel/m810gft.html
Funny you mention the TE drivers on the 11.
Last week one of them tried undertaking the NXWM Spectra I was on after leaving the lights at the ring road on the way to the Cannock Road junction.
The NXWM driver responded by flooring the Spectra thus beating the TE Dart to the junction ;D
Quote from: SMK on June 08, 2012, 03:16:14 AM
The NXWM driver responded by flooring the Spectra thus beating the TE Dart to the junction ;D
See how excellent the Spectra's are? Pretty impressive for a Double Decker bus to beat a far smaller, shorter, lighter, Single Decker Dart.
Quote from: wilmotm on June 08, 2012, 10:27:51 AM
Quote from: SMK on June 08, 2012, 03:16:14 AM
The NXWM driver responded by flooring the Spectra thus beating the TE Dart to the junction ;D
See how excellent the Spectra's are? Pretty impressive for a Double Decker bus to beat a far smaller, shorter, lighter, Single Decker Dart.
Lol I knew a Spectra fan would respond to that line.
TBF though the TE driver was kinda slow off the mark as lights changed unlike the NXWM driver.
Plus it hasn't changed my negative view of the Spectras ;D
Quote from: wilmotm on June 08, 2012, 10:27:51 AM
Quote from: SMK on June 08, 2012, 03:16:14 AM
The NXWM driver responded by flooring the Spectra thus beating the TE Dart to the junction ;D
See how excellent the Spectra's are? Pretty impressive for a Double Decker bus to beat a far smaller, shorter, lighter, Single Decker Dart.
Oh they forgot to mention the Spectra was hooked up to a Mansfield Tow Truck :) :D :D ;D
Quote from: 4006 on June 08, 2012, 08:50:43 PM
Quote from: wilmotm on June 08, 2012, 10:27:51 AM
Quote from: SMK on June 08, 2012, 03:16:14 AM
The NXWM driver responded by flooring the Spectra thus beating the TE Dart to the junction ;D
See how excellent the Spectra's are? Pretty impressive for a Double Decker bus to beat a far smaller, shorter, lighter, Single Decker Dart.
Oh they forgot to mention the Spectra was hooked up to a Mansfield Tow Truck :) :D :D ;D
Haha thats gr8 :))))
Personally, id take Travel Express off the road or put their drivers through english lessons and a proper driving test as well as replacing the whole fleet, uniforming and a proper livery. One of the drivers on the 11 is polish and even the locals describe him as ''dangerous'' and ''maniac'', proven when he nearly ploughed into my moms car on the cannock road, you can hear the rattles on the Carlles from miles off and some of the smells from the exhuast is enough to knock out a rhino, this isnt an exaggeration and anybody can disagree with me, to be honest, theyre only selling point is cheap fares but the whole lot is a shambles tbh, their passnegers deserve a better service
I agree. Tho those carlyle darts are amazing, particularly the ex hansons ones
yes, so amazing that one of them has been running around for days on the 11 with a panel missing exposing rotten framework! the polish driver has had a few bumps, especially when he tries to race in front of nxwm. how he keeps his licence let alone job god only knows. not all their drivers are bad. come on travel express management - get a grip!
Come on! Theyre over 20 years old! Some have had hard lives in London/Rossendale behind them and they are fast and good buses. yes, they could be better maintained. The thing is its strange in this day and age to see bus racing etc because most drivers simply do not care!!
Quote from: Peter123 on July 02, 2012, 07:59:55 PM
Come on! Theyre over 20 years old! Some have had hard lives in London/Rossendale behind them and they are fast and good buses. yes, they could be better maintained. The thing is its strange in this day and age to see bus racing etc because most drivers simply do not care!!
Noooo. Most drivers do care, that is why you don't see buses racing very often!
What I meant was that most drivers no longer really care if their company can outdo another one-eg in the past diamond drivers used to race but no longer. I didnt mean care about safety etc as I know most/all drivers do-tho catching travel express in the past on the bristol road was good when they went fast as they sped up my journey times!!!!! Good buses too and in my experience nice drivers
old buses or not, hard lives - there are other operators running vehicles which have been to the moon and back. they treat them to overhauls, and repair to good standards. there is no excuse for running vehicles in a shoddy state i.e. panels missing etc. it just shows they dont care.
It's about time the Traffic Commissioners had more bite to be able to do things about operators like Travel Express, they let down the whole industry.
Has anyone been down Tettenhall Wood recently? There were four travel express darts parked in a residential street which must be their terminus - with absolutely no care for neither the residents nor the NX:WM buses which had a load of trouble getting through.
I hate the company and the buses; yes they might have been alright in their day but with Travel Express they are well past it. The fact they have the cheek to run in other companies' liveries too. Handyrider, ACL Travel, BuVal, etc. Ok so they've put a TRAVEL EXPRESS logo in small type but they haven't removed the logos of the former operators.
its the same down underhill terminus at lunchtime. all 4 just park up where they like no regard for residents or other traffic. it shows the business sense, cos they could either have a part time driver, and cover the breaks and keep the wheels turning, or stagger the breaks, so that their passengers with the cheap return aint stranded.
Yeah true but there is only one fag shop at Underhill terminus and they can nip next door for a pork pie for lunch!!!!!! lol sorry :P
shame the bird in hand at tettenhall woods has closed, they miss their pint and cheese n onion bap lol
They will have to invest in bigger buses to fit carpets & Sofas in now :)
perhaps they could carpet over the missing panels
Ive seen that too, just park up in stupid places and have a nice natter with their colleagues over lunch, no regard for anybody else
I agree with what Badger was saying. Worse than using Go-North East's livery-they used Hansons-who are right on their doorstep giving an amazing company a bad image.
i know acl travel went under, but their buses were old but tidy from what i saw of them a few years ago. even today, theres 3 of them run by travel express. they still have names, and one still has route branding!!!! however, there is one of them, which is driven by the same asian man daily, K-NHC, which apart from a badly repainted repair on the back, still looks quite reasonable. the other 2 acl ones, are rough, and both have been bumped, and thrashed about by their regular drivers. you only have to see the repairs, and the differing shades of orange to see that. travel express must hve a big stock of paint colours lol. i dont know why they dont paint them all one colour, even orange, and give themselves an identity.
it was an ex hansons one with the missing panel
Oh right H847 NOC or H879 LOX?
cant remember which way round these 2 are, but they differ slightly by one having a mainly blue rear end - it wasnt that one. however, the other hansons dart replaced it today.
Travel Express are a decent company I guess have seen worser bus conditions tbh
Surprised they use the modern wayfarer machines unlike the older ones (such as Joe's Travel uses)
Mr Chumba who owns the company seems a nice enough chap when I've spoke to him. He does most of the mechanics himself to keep costs down, in this current climate money is better spent on the essentials rather than nice looking liveries! The man has a living to make and to keep his drivers in work! But at the same time I don't think buses should be allowed to operate in previous owners liveries and fleetnames!
As for spectras being fast!? When I worked at park lane they were just as slow as driving a metro bus!
Have travel express got a new garage on dudley road or has it always been there as I have only noticed it recently.
Yes, they now have the old former Midland Red Depot on Dudley street- they are also now offering cheap car parking while the buses are out on the road for extra income.
Great to see an old Midland Red depot returned to the use that it was designed for, especially after originally closing 41 years ago!
Its great to see Travel Express divers getting on with Banga Buses drivers........ NOT. Arguing in queen street earlier today, screaming and shouting because a banga merc was sticking out and the travel express bus couldn't get past.
makes a change, normally travel express hog the bus stops especially in lichfirld and stafford street!
Re they should have a livery I think they are the only bus firm with out a livery instaed of buying buses wouild of been better to buy some buses put them into livery them get some more .I think the only other firm is 1 solo with silverline that is not in livery
There is a solo with Walsall Community Transport and if you think about loads of NX vehichles are still in TWM livery
Quote from: Trident 4609 on February 16, 2013, 09:28:47 AM
There is a solo with Walsall Community Transport and if you think about loads of NX vehichles are still in TWM livery
WCT have two solos in Reading livery. There is all the Midland liveried vehicles at Wednesfield. If you are referring to vehicles in old livery as opposed to previous operator then there is 95% of First's fleet, about 40% of Arriva's fleet.
And something I saw yesterday I was not expecting to see in Normal service
http://wmbusphotos.com/StagecoachUC/16593.html
There is a huge difference between an operator running a vehicle for short time in previous operators colours before painting it in their own livery and continuing for a number of years to run all vehicles in previous operators livery including company names and route branding.
Forgot about Wallsall Commuity Transport what I was saying
Was Travel Express r still running round in
the livery brought in
Noticed that TX have a newly acquired X-reg Dart SLF, out on the 11 today.
who was this with & anmy photos of the new one they hasve
TX buses need painting into a livery more than anything else.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 05, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
Noticed that TX have a newly acquired X-reg Dart SLF, out on the 11 today.
yes i noticed it in the bus station today aswell
its a white and yellow one and is very similar to their y reg alx200. yes they need a livery, and to remove previous operators names! one thing to note is their mpd ex bu val hasn't been out for a few weeks
Its in the garage, u can see it when u go past on the number 1 that alx 200 had been in there for at least a week.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 05, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
Noticed that TX have a newly acquired X-reg Dart SLF, out on the 11 today.
X292ABU noted today in Wolverhampton. ...
Quote from: tphi12000 on March 06, 2013, 07:11:45 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 05, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
Noticed that TX have a newly acquired X-reg Dart SLF, out on the 11 today.
X292ABU noted today in Wolverhampton.
That's the one!
According to Bus Lists on the Web, it is a 19 seater Alexander bodied Dart SLF that was new to France Connexion, Crawley, December 2000.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 06, 2013, 09:25:33 PM
Quote from: tphi12000 on March 06, 2013, 07:11:45 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 05, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
Noticed that TX have a newly acquired X-reg Dart SLF, out on the 11 today.
X292ABU noted today in Wolverhampton.
That's the one!
According to Bus Lists on the Web, it is a 19 seater Alexander bodied Dart SLF that was new to France Connexion, Crawley, December 2000.
I have it as a 29 seater with its last operator - Edwards
Quote from: Tony on March 06, 2013, 09:29:34 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 06, 2013, 09:25:33 PM
Quote from: tphi12000 on March 06, 2013, 07:11:45 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 05, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
Noticed that TX have a newly acquired X-reg Dart SLF, out on the 11 today.
X292ABU noted today in Wolverhampton.
That's the one!
According to Bus Lists on the Web, it is a 19 seater Alexander bodied Dart SLF that was new to France Connexion, Crawley, December 2000.
I have it as a 29 seater with its last operator - Edwards
I knew that a 19 seater didn't seem right.
The site that I looked at only listed the first operator, so you'll be right on that too.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 06, 2013, 09:47:29 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 06, 2013, 09:29:34 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 06, 2013, 09:25:33 PM
Quote from: tphi12000 on March 06, 2013, 07:11:45 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 05, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
Noticed that TX have a newly acquired X-reg Dart SLF, out on the 11 today.
X292ABU noted today in Wolverhampton.
That's the one!
According to Bus Lists on the Web, it is a 19 seater Alexander bodied Dart SLF that was new to France Connexion, Crawley, December 2000.
I have it as a 29 seater with its last operator - Edwards
I knew that a 19 seater didn't seem right.
The site that I looked at only listed the first operator, so you'll be right on that too.
Just found it was rerseated when with Yorkshire coach & bus (dealer) in 2007
Full history is
France Connexion (as B19F)
Quantock Motor services
Yorkshire Bus & Coach (reseated)
Bodman & Heath, Worton
Edwards, Tiers Cross
Quote from: Trident 4609 on March 05, 2013, 10:06:54 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 05, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
Noticed that TX have a newly acquired X-reg Dart SLF, out on the 11 today.
yes i noticed it in the bus station today aswell
You can spot it a mile off its always about 2 foot in front of a NX bus!!!!!! :P :P :P
As I came into Wolverhampton today (Friday) about 3p.m. I passed by the Depot where I could see at least 10 or 12 of the regular buses parked up. There was no sign of them in and around Wolverhampton or in the Bus Station, I was there a good 20 / 30 minutes.
Does anybody know what has happened? I'd be very pleased if they had ceased operating - shame of the drivers who would be out of work however.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on March 29, 2013, 05:10:25 PM
As I came into Wolverhampton today (Friday) about 3p.m. I passed by the Depot where I could see at least 10 or 12 of the regular buses parked up. There was no sign of them in and around Wolverhampton or in the Bus Station, I was there a good 20 / 30 minutes.
Does anybody know what has happened? I'd be very pleased if they had ceased operating - shame of the drivers who would be out of work however.
Sure it isnt just reduced service requirements/not running due to the Easter Bank holiday
I remember not seeing them at all around Wolves during a bank holiday last year, so I'm guessing they don't run on these days.
I do see your point Peter 123 and SMK but as most operators are operating a Saturday service and as far as I am aware Travel Express run some Sunday services I assumed this would not be the case and that there must be another reason.
perhaps they thought it easier to give today a miss as he has to pay drivers bank holiday pay anyway, and it probably would be more difficult to cover every driver to give them a lieu day. also probably wouldnt cover his costs running today
I travelled on X292ABU recently and noticed that the seats on the lower level were all tip up. This could have something to do with the variations quoted for seating capacity. Unfortunately not knowing about this discussion I didn't count them.
Looks like travel express may be going into the coach business, they have a van hool coach parked up the back of their garage could have been two there couldn't see properly
Quote from: Andrew (a1991) on April 28, 2013, 07:00:24 PM
Looks like travel express may be going into the coach business, they have a van hool coach parked up the back of their garage could have been two there couldn't see properly
Wasn't there on Thursday, must be either a very new arrival or visitors to Wolverhampton parking in there
Could be visitors, forgot they use the garage as a car park
2 coaches were still parked up in the garage today with the garage doors half closed around 6:45 this evening.
Could I just ask which routes do they operate now as now I've finished school and exams I would like to go over to Wolves and ride on some of the old carlyle darts whose days must now be numbered. Cheers
1 Wolverhampton to Tettenhall Wood
2 Wolverhampton to Bushbury Hill
11 Wolverhampton to Underhill
32/33 Wolverhampton to Northwood Park
I'm sure I've forgotten one!
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on June 03, 2013, 07:16:00 PM
1 Wolverhampton to Tettenhall Wood
2 Wolverhampton to Bushbury Hill
11 Wolverhampton to Underhill
32/33 Wolverhampton to Northwood Park
I'm sure I've forgotten one!
No I think that's all
Cheers Matt and Spectra-is their 1 just a short version of the nat ex 1 or something different?
Quote from: Peter123 on June 03, 2013, 07:49:04 PM
Cheers Matt and Spectra-is their 1 just a short version of the nat ex 1 or something different?
Yes, the same route, just a short version. The same as the old 501.
Quote from: John on June 03, 2013, 07:49:41 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 03, 2013, 07:49:04 PM
Cheers Matt and Spectra-is their 1 just a short version of the nat ex 1 or something different?
Yes, the same route, just a short version. The same as the old 501.
Yes, I believe it follows the 1 from the city centre to Tettenhall Wood. It often shows 501 instead of 1
Brilliant. I'll go on that sometime this week and I take it it goes from the bus station like the normal 1s
Quote from: Peter123 on June 03, 2013, 07:56:20 PM
Brilliant. I'll go on that sometime this week and I take it it goes from the bus station like the normal 1s
No. they start from Lichfield Street. Neither NXWM or Travel Express number 1's go into the bus station
Quote from: Peter123 on June 03, 2013, 07:49:04 PM
Cheers Matt and Spectra-is their 1 just a short version of the nat ex 1 or something different?
They do Tettenhall Wood-Wolverhampton (Art Gallery). Can get busy on the School run but most people prefer a Electric Hybrid Bus than a Clapped out dart!
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 03, 2013, 08:05:14 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on June 03, 2013, 07:49:04 PM
Cheers Matt and Spectra-is their 1 just a short version of the nat ex 1 or something different?
They do Tettenhall Wood-Wolverhampton (Art Gallery). Can get busy on the School run but most people prefer a Electric Hybrid Bus than a Clapped out dart!
I'd take the Dart over a B5 ;)
Quote from: Peter123 on June 03, 2013, 07:56:20 PM
Brilliant. I'll go on that sometime this week and I take it it goes from the bus station like the normal 1s
The NX 1 doesn't go to the bus station either but runs past outside on Pipers Row
To be fair I'll bet Travel Express's darts do more MPG than these expensive hybrids that break down.
Replacing the 2 with 529s to Willenhall from August 12
The 2 coaches seem to have disappeared now and a red & blue dart has turned up.
Quote from: mikestone on July 04, 2013, 01:34:08 PM
Replacing the 2 with 529s to Willenhall from August 12
Don't think this will last that long. So the TX 2 is being withdrawn
Quote from: Andrew on July 09, 2013, 09:34:04 PM
The 2 coaches seem to have disappeared now and a red & blue dart has turned up.
Will there be a PVR increase or have they called time on an old wreck?
Quote from: Andrew on July 09, 2013, 09:34:04 PM
The 2 coaches seem to have disappeared now and a red & blue dart has turned up.
W143ULR
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/W143ULR.html
Looks like the dart at Coastal Liner (Both from Metroline in London)
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 10, 2013, 09:19:50 PM
Looks like the dart at Coastal Liner (Both from Metroline in London)
At least the Metroline one only has one previous owner (Metroline). This one has quite a history if you look at the top of the page including non-PSV work
Quote from: Tony on July 10, 2013, 09:25:13 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 10, 2013, 09:19:50 PM
Looks like the dart at Coastal Liner (Both from Metroline in London)
At least the Metroline one only has one previous owner (Metroline). This one has quite a history if you look at the top of the page including non-PSV work
Didn't read the history at first but just read it. As with all TX buses this will probably bwe kept in Metroline colours
Quote from: Tony on July 10, 2013, 09:25:13 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 10, 2013, 09:19:50 PM
Looks like the dart at Coastal Liner (Both from Metroline in London)
At least the Metroline one only has one previous owner (Metroline). This one has quite a history if you look at the top of the page including non-PSV work
They got depot on Dudley Road?
I looked at the depot on 33 xx road and it is proper small lol :)
Must pass it one day as i cant imagine buses fitting there
Quote from: vinh1000 on July 10, 2013, 09:40:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 10, 2013, 09:25:13 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 10, 2013, 09:19:50 PM
Looks like the dart at Coastal Liner (Both from Metroline in London)
At least the Metroline one only has one previous owner (Metroline). This one has quite a history if you look at the top of the page including non-PSV work
They got depot on Dudley Road?
I looked at the depot on 33 xx road and it is proper small lol :)
Must pass it one day as i cant imagine buses fitting there
It was built as a bus depot! One of Midland Red's finest
re the new bus wonder what bus its replacing & when it will see service
So Travel Express now On The 529
http://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/9503112290/
Wonder how long it will last!
Quote from: 4006 on August 13, 2013, 02:43:27 PM
So Travel Express now On The 529
http://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/9503112290/
Wonder how long it will last!
Looks very inviting as well traveling on a 23 year old step entry Dennis Dart, the presentation of the bus highlights the quality of the service/operator ;D
Yes saw one on the Willenhall Rd. Thry have withdrawn of f the 2. Seemed to have a few passengers on when i saw it.
Try comparing 23 year old clapped out darts with brand new Electric Hybrid buses on the 1!
saw some pensioners moaning at a centro guy about state of it earlier. think they thought it was something to do with nx. seriously, they offering cheaper fares yes, but i cant see them doing any good. also, why not do the whole route? me thinks tx hoping to make a quick buck when the j10 is rammed.
they have also increased their 32/33 service from 2 buses to 4. again, why waste resources on an already over served route. i cant understand why these operators dont think out of the box, and try to serve areas/places that are missed out by major routes. market them properly with clean reliable buses they might stand a chance.
Quote from: mranon on August 13, 2013, 05:57:42 PM
saw some pensioners moaning at a centro guy about state of it earlier. think they thought it was something to do with nx. seriously, they offering cheaper fares yes, but i cant see them doing any good. also, why not do the whole route? me thinks tx hoping to make a quick buck when the j10 is rammed.
they have also increased their 32/33 service from 2 buses to 4. again, why waste resources on an already over served route. i cant understand why these operators dont think out of the box, and try to serve areas/places that are missed out by major routes. market them properly with clean reliable buses they might stand a chance.
Because marketing costs money and it's cheaper/less riskier to cherry pick the cash paying passengers off the busier NX corridors.... if Travel Express can't be bothered to spend the money on repaints & presenting a better image, I'd be very surprised to see them introduce any new routes re-creating existing or new links that serve areas removed from the NX network
Quote from: Winston on August 13, 2013, 07:19:47 PM
Quote from: mranon on August 13, 2013, 05:57:42 PM
saw some pensioners moaning at a centro guy about state of it earlier. think they thought it was something to do with nx. seriously, they offering cheaper fares yes, but i cant see them doing any good. also, why not do the whole route? me thinks tx hoping to make a quick buck when the j10 is rammed.
they have also increased their 32/33 service from 2 buses to 4. again, why waste resources on an already over served route. i cant understand why these operators dont think out of the box, and try to serve areas/places that are missed out by major routes. market them properly with clean reliable buses they might stand a chance.
Because marketing costs money and it's cheaper/less riskier to cherry pick the cash paying passengers off the busier NX corridors.... if Travel Express can't be bothered to spend the money on repaints & presenting a better image, I'd be very surprised to see them introduce any new routes re-creating existing or new links that serve areas removed from the NX network
Its also easier for them to hide...sorry 'Blend In' on a busy route where they can cause as much disruption as possible unoticed :P
They don't really want to be noticed in any case. For example you look on the web for a TX 529 timetable, contact number, enquiry line e.t.c....good luck with that one! ;)
Surely the only place they would appear online, is Network WM's timetable site?
Another dart has appeared at the garage, this time with Munro's written on the front
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 06:45:21 PM
Another dart has appeared at the garage, this time with Munro's written on the front
They went bust didnt they? Was it an ALX200 by any chance?
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 06:53:26 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 06:45:21 PM
Another dart has appeared at the garage, this time with Munro's written on the front
They went bust didnt they? Was it an ALX200 by any chance?
No, it's a plaxton pointer
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 07:17:04 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 06:53:26 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 06:45:21 PM
Another dart has appeared at the garage, this time with Munro's written on the front
They went bust didnt they? Was it an ALX200 by any chance?
No, it's a plaxton pointer
Oh right-just knew munro's had a lot of alx200s but obviously some pointers as well-better in my opinion
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 07:20:10 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 07:17:04 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 06:53:26 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 06:45:21 PM
Another dart has appeared at the garage, this time with Munro's written on the front
They went bust didnt they? Was it an ALX200 by any chance?
No, it's a plaxton pointer
Oh right-just knew munro's had a lot of alx200s but obviously some pointers as well-better in my opinion
It's similar to this one http://www.flickr.com/photos/cessna152towser/5407615745/in/set-72157623343054993
The ex Metroline dual door dart now out in service (Obviously in Metroline colours!) on the 11 yesterday and today.
How much does it cost to get a bus repainted?
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 07:17:04 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 06:53:26 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 06:45:21 PM
Another dart has appeared at the garage, this time with Munro's written on the front
They went bust didnt they? Was it an ALX200 by any chance?
No, it's a plaxton pointer
They have purchased two ex Munro's Darts. SK51 AYD and W362 ABD
here are the said buses with travel express the 2 munro's http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/9761778931/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/9761793682/ & x metroline one http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/9380745858/
Repaint cost varys on everything really
Our inhouse commerical team here say on average around £3k - £4k but unsure
Quote from: vinh1000 on September 29, 2013, 07:33:21 PM
Repaint cost varys on everything really
Our inhouse commerical team here say on average around £3k - £4k but unsure
Your in-house commercial team need sacking! A decent respray is around £1k-£1.5k for singe decks, £1.5k-£2k for deckers depending on the operators paint scheme
Quote from: gac_uk on September 29, 2013, 07:44:59 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on September 29, 2013, 07:33:21 PM
Repaint cost varys on everything really
Our inhouse commerical team here say on average around £3k - £4k but unsure
Your in-house commercial team need sacking! A decent respray is around £1k-£1.5k for singe decks, £1.5k-£2k for deckers depending on the operators paint scheme
:P
agree :P well cant say that
IDK im not clued up on repaints lol and they are out there to make a large profit lol
I imagine the 2 darts from Munros will stay in the current livery ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 29, 2013, 08:33:45 PM
I imagine the 2 darts from Munros will stay in the current livery ?
One may further assume that they will retain the Munros fleetnames for a few years knowing this lot...
Quote from: gac_uk on September 29, 2013, 06:31:18 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 07:17:04 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 06:53:26 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 10, 2013, 06:45:21 PM
Another dart has appeared at the garage, this time with Munro's written on the front
They went bust didnt they? Was it an ALX200 by any chance?
No, it's a plaxton pointer
They have purchased two ex Munro's Darts. SK51 AYD and W362 ABD
Obviously going back a couple of years ago now, but Veolia Transport paid NXWM £800 to get a irizar pb painted into plain white, which keltruck said they would match if they went back to getting them painted by them. The paint job by nx was also a poor standard to keltrucks ones too! So to answer, not very much if you just want a very basic one colour job.
And to also say weldone to TX to giving the 529 I wonder if they will do any better than diamond did doing the other half of the route?
As always a campaigner for competition I think its good to give passengers choice, some passenger vote with the wallet others don't, but don't shoot a man for trying!!
Why does repainting a bus cost over £1000? Obviously a few tins of paint can't cost that much so where do the rest of the costs come from? I assume labour costs and transporting the bus to the paint shop?
A true, old fashioned, coach painter charged a mate of mine 3 and a half grand.
Hand painted. No brush strokes.
Worth every penny.
Remember Matt its an incredibly labourous job.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 29, 2013, 09:21:41 PM
Why does repainting a bus cost over £1000? Obviously a few tins of paint can't cost that much so where do the rest of the costs come from? I assume labour costs and transporting the bus to the paint shop?
You're forgetting all the prep work involved, which could included filling, re-paneling & rubbing down etc. Then the bus will also need masking before going in to the spray booth. So much of the costs will be labour rather than consumables
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 29, 2013, 09:21:41 PM
Why does repainting a bus cost over £1000? Obviously a few tins of paint can't cost that much so where do the rest of the costs come from? I assume labour costs and transporting the bus to the paint shop?
Are you being serious Matt?
You don't just get a few tins of paint and brush them on if you want a quality finish
This is what happens if you do!
http://wmbusphotos.com/GRS/l808_nnw.html
and that was one of the better ones. You have to clean and rub down the old paint to make sure the new paint actually sticks on.
Dents and knocks will usually have filler put in. The you apply the base colour, then there is any livery variations/different colours to apply which will involve time consuming masking.
Ring for a quote to have a car repainted and it won't be cheap, let alone a bus
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2013, 09:27:55 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 29, 2013, 09:21:41 PM
Why does repainting a bus cost over £1000? Obviously a few tins of paint can't cost that much so where do the rest of the costs come from? I assume labour costs and transporting the bus to the paint shop?
Are you being serious Matt?
You don't just get a few tins of paint and brush them on if you want a quality finish
This is what happens if you do!
http://wmbusphotos.com/GRS/l808_nnw.html
and that was one of the better ones. You have to clean and rub down the old paint to make sure the new paint actually sticks on.
Dents and knocks will usually have filler put in. The you apply the base colour, then there is any livery variations/different colours to apply which will involve time consuming masking.
Ring for a quote to have a car repainted and it won't be cheap, let alone a bus
Tony,
Don't NXWM for example also apply a coat of clear lacquer or varnish over the top of their paintwork?
Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:30:37 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2013, 09:27:55 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 29, 2013, 09:21:41 PM
Why does repainting a bus cost over £1000? Obviously a few tins of paint can't cost that much so where do the rest of the costs come from? I assume labour costs and transporting the bus to the paint shop?
Are you being serious Matt?
You don't just get a few tins of paint and brush them on if you want a quality finish
This is what happens if you do!
http://wmbusphotos.com/GRS/l808_nnw.html
and that was one of the better ones. You have to clean and rub down the old paint to make sure the new paint actually sticks on.
Dents and knocks will usually have filler put in. The you apply the base colour, then there is any livery variations/different colours to apply which will involve time consuming masking.
Ring for a quote to have a car repainted and it won't be cheap, let alone a bus
Tony,
Don't NXWM for example also apply a coat of clear lacquer or varnish over the top of their paintwork?
Walsall use two-pack paint now which doesn't need the varnish. WMPTE used to
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2013, 09:43:06 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:30:37 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2013, 09:27:55 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 29, 2013, 09:21:41 PM
Why does repainting a bus cost over £1000? Obviously a few tins of paint can't cost that much so where do the rest of the costs come from? I assume labour costs and transporting the bus to the paint shop?
Are you being serious Matt?
You don't just get a few tins of paint and brush them on if you want a quality finish
This is what happens if you do!
http://wmbusphotos.com/GRS/l808_nnw.html
and that was one of the better ones. You have to clean and rub down the old paint to make sure the new paint actually sticks on.
Dents and knocks will usually have filler put in. The you apply the base colour, then there is any livery variations/different colours to apply which will involve time consuming masking.
Ring for a quote to have a car repainted and it won't be cheap, let alone a bus
Tony,
Don't NXWM for example also apply a coat of clear lacquer or varnish over the top of their paintwork?
Walsall use two-pack paint now which doesn't need the varnish. WMPTE used to
Probably silly question Tony, but what is two pack paint?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 29, 2013, 09:45:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2013, 09:43:06 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:30:37 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2013, 09:27:55 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 29, 2013, 09:21:41 PM
Why does repainting a bus cost over £1000? Obviously a few tins of paint can't cost that much so where do the rest of the costs come from? I assume labour costs and transporting the bus to the paint shop?
Are you being serious Matt?
You don't just get a few tins of paint and brush them on if you want a quality finish
This is what happens if you do!
http://wmbusphotos.com/GRS/l808_nnw.html
and that was one of the better ones. You have to clean and rub down the old paint to make sure the new paint actually sticks on.
Dents and knocks will usually have filler put in. The you apply the base colour, then there is any livery variations/different colours to apply which will involve time consuming masking.
Ring for a quote to have a car repainted and it won't be cheap, let alone a bus
Tony,
Don't NXWM for example also apply a coat of clear lacquer or varnish over the top of their paintwork?
Walsall use two-pack paint now which doesn't need the varnish. WMPTE used to
Probably silly question Tony, but what is two pack paint?
It's basically a paint comprising of two parts i.e. paint & a hardener. Two-pack paint is much harder wearing once cured which is why the varnish has been dropped
Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:57:22 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 29, 2013, 09:45:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2013, 09:43:06 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:30:37 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2013, 09:27:55 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 29, 2013, 09:21:41 PM
Why does repainting a bus cost over £1000? Obviously a few tins of paint can't cost that much so where do the rest of the costs come from? I assume labour costs and transporting the bus to the paint shop?
Are you being serious Matt?
You don't just get a few tins of paint and brush them on if you want a quality finish
This is what happens if you do!
http://wmbusphotos.com/GRS/l808_nnw.html
and that was one of the better ones. You have to clean and rub down the old paint to make sure the new paint actually sticks on.
Dents and knocks will usually have filler put in. The you apply the base colour, then there is any livery variations/different colours to apply which will involve time consuming masking.
Ring for a quote to have a car repainted and it won't be cheap, let alone a bus
Tony,
Don't NXWM for example also apply a coat of clear lacquer or varnish over the top of their paintwork?
Walsall use two-pack paint now which doesn't need the varnish. WMPTE used to
Probably silly question Tony, but what is two pack paint?
It's basically a paint comprising of two parts i.e. paint & a hardener. Two-pack paint is much harder wearing once cured which is why the varnish can be dropped
Thanks Winston.
The youngest of recent time was an Enviro 200 South Wales Transport (MX13 BCY) that was stolen and burnt out when less than a week old.
South Wales Enviro 200s don't seem to have much luck as another YX12 DHV which was Newport 317 which was scrapped at about 6 months old
Think you posted that in the wrong section ;)
there are places that will do a "cheap job", ive known companies spend upto 5k on a paint job. however if te picked a single colour, i.e orange as an example, then just applied the name they could maybe do a vinyl stripe etc which would be cheaper. however it would do wonders for their image. just look at others, such as select. they look smart
The 529 didn't last long.....
PD0001936/13 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Wolverhampton Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 529 effective from 20-Nov-2013.
PD0001936/14 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Princes Street
Finish Point: Wolverhampton, Fordhouses
Via:
Service Number: 3
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 20-NOV-2013
Other Details: Daily.
that didn't last long
Can someone check my vehicle requirement calculations please? The 32 and 33 sound wrong.
1 - 3 buses
11 - 4 buses
32 - 4 buses
33 - 4 buses
529 - 2 buses
think they use 2 buses on 32 and 2 on 33. seen today another dart v plate slf on 11's. are these low floors replacing anything or additions. t480jtd is hardly out these days. the dual door ex london dart is on the 11s. id have thought they would have converted it.
Quote from: mranon on October 01, 2013, 05:18:45 PM
think they use 2 buses on 32 and 2 on 33. seen today another dart v plate slf on 11's. are these low floors replacing anything or additions. t480jtd is hardly out these days. the dual door ex london dart is on the 11s. id have thought they would have converted it.
If Travel Express can't stretch to giving their buses a coat of paint, I really can't see them forking out to covert a dual Dart to single door format
Quote from: Winston on October 01, 2013, 09:21:31 AM
The 529 didn't last long.....
PD0001936/13 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Wolverhampton Bus Station and Willenhall given service number 529 effective from 20-Nov-2013.
PD0001936/14 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Princes Street
Finish Point: Wolverhampton, Fordhouses
Via:
Service Number: 3
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 20-NOV-2013
Other Details: Daily.
Little advertising and offering a brand (that isn't even a brand) shabby looking buses with no identity it's no surprise this operation hasn't lasted long! and talk is going on about some of NX's buses still having 'Travel West Midlands' logo's on them (myself included probably) well don't look so bad really afterall ;D
To sumerise I would suggest Travel Express's 529 adventure - A good Idea....badly executed!!!
I may add the 'new' TE buses recently aquired appear to have more seating capacity......Why?????
Was they meant for the 529 with anticipation of passenger increases ;D ;D ;D
might be for the number 3 lol!
To me, if you are going to start operating on a route, you have to put your heart & soul into it, there is no point if you can't put out decent vehicles, nicely painted with destination blinds, clean interiors, smartly dressed drivers. Then advertise and promote your service.
You want people to say, "I want to try this new service", not, "i don't want to catch that service because of the state of the buses"!
That applies to any operator.
GRS are near enough the same as TX they carnt be bothered to repaint there buses, but aslong as you've got freindly drivers and what not then there shouldnt really be a problem :)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 01, 2013, 08:49:03 PM
GRS are near enough the same as TX they carnt be bothered to repaint there buses, but aslong as you've got freindly drivers and what not then there shouldnt really be a problem :)
At least GRS have took all old Logos off their buses. Surely there must be a law against vehicles running with old operators logos/branding on?
I know the legal lettering has to be changed between operators, but TX should still remove old operators logos off those orange Darts
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 01, 2013, 08:49:03 PM
GRS are near enough the same as TX they carnt be bothered to repaint there buses, but aslong as you've got freindly drivers and what not then there shouldnt really be a problem :)
It is also against the SQP covering Birmingham City Centre to be using vehicles still in a previous operators livery (as opposed to an old livery of the current operator)
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 01, 2013, 08:47:21 PM
To me, if you are going to start operating on a route, you have to put your heart & soul into it, there is no point if you can't put out decent vehicles, nicely painted with destination blinds, clean interiors, smartly dressed drivers. Then advertise and promote your service.
You want people to say, "I want to try this new service", not, "i don't want to catch that service because of the state of the buses"!
That applies to any operator.
I only saw the Travel Express 529 by chance a few weeks back.
I don't even recall seeing a timetable on the bus stops!
mm hope they may do better on the 3
Its like I saw a uno branded sunny travel 71e earlier barely as it was if it were at uno
mystery red dart v210erg on 11 underhill
Quote from: mranon on October 02, 2013, 05:36:22 PM
mystery red dart v210erg on 11 underhill
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60502549@N02/8411342814/
Guess Travel Express acquired it
Though looking at its colour i maybe could mistake it for a GRS bus :P
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 02, 2013, 10:15:40 PM
Quote from: mranon on October 02, 2013, 05:36:22 PM
mystery red dart v210erg on 11 underhill
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60502549@N02/8411342814/
Guess Travel Express acquired it
Though looking at its colour i maybe could mistake it for a GRS bus :P
Is it the angle of the photo or my eye sight or has the back end of it dropped?
Quote from: Winston on October 02, 2013, 10:17:31 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 02, 2013, 10:15:40 PM
Quote from: mranon on October 02, 2013, 05:36:22 PM
mystery red dart v210erg on 11 underhill
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60502549@N02/8411342814/
Guess Travel Express acquired it
Though looking at its colour i maybe could mistake it for a GRS bus :P
Is it the angle of the photo or my eye sight or has the back end of it dropped?
Yes its bent due to the extra weight of the new engine they put in from a B10 to give it some extra 'umpf' to enable their drivers to overtake and get in front of the competition easier!
Quote from: 4006 on October 05, 2013, 01:08:44 AM
Quote from: Winston on October 02, 2013, 10:17:31 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 02, 2013, 10:15:40 PM
Quote from: mranon on October 02, 2013, 05:36:22 PM
mystery red dart v210erg on 11 underhill
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60502549@N02/8411342814/
Guess Travel Express acquired it
Though looking at its colour i maybe could mistake it for a GRS bus :P
Is it the angle of the photo or my eye sight or has the back end of it dropped?
Yes its bent due to the extra weight of the new engine they put in from a B10 to give it some extra 'umpf' to enable their drivers to overtake and get in front of the competition easier!
That's one I want to try and ride then
Quote from: mranon on October 01, 2013, 08:30:22 PM
might be for the number 3 lol!
I bet that won't last as long as the 529! and which part of it will they run? Sorry but if they didn't do no good on the 529, they got no chance on the 3!
Quote from: 4006 on October 06, 2013, 02:19:49 AM
Quote from: mranon on October 01, 2013, 08:30:22 PM
might be for the number 3 lol!
I bet that won't last as long as the 529! and which part of it will they run? Sorry but if they didn't do no good on the 529, they got no chance on the 3!
They are running the Wolverhampton-Fordhouses section
does anyone know when the 2 ex munro darts will hit the streets? also which buses are these replacing?
Another dart has appeared in the garage
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/X703UKS.html
One of the ex Munro ones was receiving attention
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/W362ABD.html
Maybe the end is looming for the Carlyle bodied Darts being step entrance?
Quote from: DOC37V on October 31, 2013, 09:25:08 PM
Maybe the end is looming for the Carlyle bodied Darts being step entrance?
Looks inevitable unfortunately.
Hopefully one or two will be preserved?
Travel Express without the Carlyle Darts, unimaginable :(
not seen the longer one h802opt for a couple of weeks now. if thats gone they could use its recent new back lights on others lol
Anyone know what service the new White
dart travel Express has & which ones
have been withdrawn following the low floor darts
they have
w362abd seen on 33 with digiblind fitted. replaced faulty y184knb. w143ulr has also been fitted with digiblind - am suprised they never removed middle door on this
One of the ex Munro darts was out in service yesterday (Sunday) on the 11
Quote from: mranon on November 18, 2013, 08:05:27 PM
am suprised they never removed middle door on this
I'm not
Quote from: John on November 18, 2013, 10:08:36 PM
Quote from: mranon on November 18, 2013, 08:05:27 PM
am suprised they never removed middle door on this
I'm not
As I've said before..... if they're are not prepared to shell out cash for a new coat of paint, they certainly wont pay the costs to convert a dual door Dart to single door format
Ex Munro's Dart W362 ABD on 32 or 33 today also
y184 knb back out on 32/33 Ex Munro's Dart W362 ABD on no.3 fordhouses to wolves
Quote from: mranon on November 20, 2013, 11:43:35 PM
y184 knb back out on 32/33 Ex Munro's Dart W362 ABD on no.3 fordhouses to wolves
Chased this for ages for this poor photo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/10987000974/
Tried me best :P
Newest purchase, 'Y131 GBO' Dart/ALX200
http://www.flickr.com/photos/granradjd/11233723264/
anyone looking for the odd caryle dart H802OPT is is stored found this out while getting their latest bus http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/11256730806/
travel express had their 32/33 service completely low floor friday/saturday, with the usual 2 alx200 darts, and the two recently acquired w/51 reg ex munros darts. the latter looking tatty especially w reg. the 51 plate dart sounds like it has a different engine
Quote from: mranon on December 15, 2013, 01:22:53 PM
travel express had their 32/33 service completely low floor friday/saturday, with the usual 2 alx200 darts, and the two recently acquired w/51 reg ex munros darts. the latter looking tatty especially w reg. the 51 plate dart sounds like it has a different engine
Yes the 51 plate has a Euro 3 engine with the W Reg having a Euro 2 engine
Stupid as this may sound BUT are any of there vehicles actually legal?
Standing in Wolverhampton bus station on Tuesday night, I saw to my horror vehicles varying in age from around 23/24 to 21/22 years of age (H - J reg) now forgive me for acting daft but surely they are not legal and also shouldn't be in service now surely they should of all been withdrawn years ago and they can't be DDA compliant which means by law Travel Express could be prosecuted for keeping vehicles in service that are non compliant right? I don't know perhaps I'm wrong
Quote from: Will on January 03, 2014, 12:19:45 PM
Stupid as this may sound BUT are any of there vehicles actually legal?
Standing in Wolverhampton bus station on Tuesday night, I saw to my horror vehicles varying in age from around 23/24 to 21/22 years of age (H - J reg) now forgive me for acting daft but surely they are not legal and also shouldn't be in service now surely they should of all been withdrawn years ago and they can't be DDA compliant which means by law Travel Express could be prosecuted for keeping vehicles in service that are non compliant right? I don't know perhaps I'm wrong
Still legal, yes, thank goodness. DDA compliant vehicles are not mandatory until 2017 so providing Travel Express's vehicles are well-maintained then they are absolutely fine.
i wonder how many of their low floors meet the 2017 dda requirements? i reckon they will miss the older buses as to be fair to them, although they look scruffy, they are out there every day. i personally wish he would gain an identity such as choice/midland did, and select. saying that though, id want to remain anonymous with 2 drivers he has on the same route everyday. they even cut themselves up!!!
Quote from: mranon on January 03, 2014, 01:08:08 PM
i wonder how many of their low floors meet the 2017 dda requirements? i reckon they will miss the older buses as to be fair to them, although they look scruffy, they are out there every day. i personally wish he would gain an identity such as choice/midland did, and select. saying that though, id want to remain anonymous with 2 drivers he has on the same route everyday. they even cut themselves up!!!
Does a competing operator NEED an identity? I would broadly agree with what you have written above but having used Bristol Road services for many years, we have seen several companies with no real identity-to be fair travel express buses say so-but the BR has seen East West Travel ltd-who were they, bull ring travel, a line, thandi and many just had a red livery. My point is: if a bus arrives at the stop where a cash payer is waiting, stops and has 63 written on the front, the cash payer will more than likely get on. They would not stand there and worry whether it was a diamond bus or NXWM unless they had a pass. Indeed, many of the companies I mentioned seemed to do ok on the BR and keep many people in employment. Shame it all disappeared and I am looking forward to DTS arriving on the route. After all, they will be providing new jobs for drivers, competition etc etc. Good luck, I say.
well, if only you looked more carefully - apart from legal writing - to which its missing on 2 low floors they have, the buses are all in their former operators livery. some passengers think they are catching handyrider, jpt travel, or acl travel, which is on 3 buses (orange ones which acl was a weston super mare based op). yes the ticket out of etm may say travel express, but its amazing how many people comment on them in wolverhampton, and say they waiting for the acl bus etc.
coastal liner have the majority of their vehicles in some kind of livery, new operator select have theirs all liveried up. when you consider that travel express runs twice the services of them, it dont look good. look at banga, yes older vehicles but they have had a clear identity since the word go. this reply is merely reflecting on your original observation of travel express, and is not a dig. i like smaller ops, as they tend to not be bogged down by politics so can do as they please to some extent. they may keep same driver on same bus, on same route which regular passengers then get to know. i used to use the old green bus service a lot instead of travel wm. those old buses were hellfire. they were always smart and clean, and can honestly say the only time one ever missed a trip that i know of, is when another vehicle crashed into it. very rare to see one broken down, and if there was a problem, driver would ring up, and a change bus would be bought out.
Mr Anon. Its the same as Midland Rider. Excellent punctuality and excellent brand image. -Its as if Travel Express just don't care. (Well, a lot of one man band ones are breaking the rules now!)
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 03, 2014, 02:37:37 PM
Quote from: mranon on January 03, 2014, 01:08:08 PM
i wonder how many of their low floors meet the 2017 dda requirements? i reckon they will miss the older buses as to be fair to them, although they look scruffy, they are out there every day. i personally wish he would gain an identity such as choice/midland did, and select. saying that though, id want to remain anonymous with 2 drivers he has on the same route everyday. they even cut themselves up!!!
Does a competing operator NEED an identity? I would broadly agree with what you have written above but having used Bristol Road services for many years, we have seen several companies with no real identity-to be fair travel express buses say so-but the BR has seen East West Travel ltd-who were they, bull ring travel, a line, thandi and many just had a red livery. My point is: if a bus arrives at the stop where a cash payer is waiting, stops and has 63 written on the front, the cash payer will more than likely get on. They would not stand there and worry whether it was a diamond bus or NXWM unless they had a pass. Indeed, many of the companies I mentioned seemed to do ok on the BR and keep many people in employment. Shame it all disappeared and I am looking forward to DTS arriving on the route. After all, they will be providing new jobs for drivers, competition etc etc. Good luck, I say.
Yes, they all worked really well, that is why they are still there, oh they're not!
Apart from Travel Express, I think every operator you mention had there license revoked, yes that is working well! How many of those passengers you mention realised they were getting on a badly maintained vehicle with drivers not always adhering to driving hours rules.
I am not against competition, I just think it should be of a quality that doesn't attract the attention of VOSA
i agree, travel express really need to sort themselves out. they need to train there drivers, get an image, and look at gaps in services. a good example is they could link up say an 11 and 32 serving bushbury crem etc, a place where during the daytime is a long walk from any frequent bus service. one bus an hour could work. all they interested in is running on existing routes trying any which way they can to get in front of other services, with no regard to passenger/road users/ other buses safety. today they were even carving one another up on the same route!!!!
Acquired from Ensign during Dec
Darts Y244 / 252FJN : T ravel Express, Wolverhampton.
I expect it won't be long now before the 'H' reg Buses will be withdrawn unfortunately. Unless they plan to increase vehicle requirement by increasing frequency on an existing route or registering a new one.
Quote from: mranon on January 05, 2014, 12:02:24 AM
i agree, travel express really need to sort themselves out. they need to train there drivers, get an image, and look at gaps in services. a good example is they could link up say an 11 and 32 serving bushbury crem etc, a place where during the daytime is a long walk from any frequent bus service. one bus an hour could work. all they interested in is running on existing routes trying any which way they can to get in front of other services, with no regard to passenger/road users/ other buses safety. today they were even carving one another up on the same route!!!!
To be fair I can't see them picking up many passengers at Bushbury Crem! They cut and shove to get to the bus station early and sit there for 10 mins while the 10 people waiting don't get on cause they are waiting for an NX bus in any case lol. Leave them to it I say eventually they will be their own downfall!
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 07, 2014, 10:36:52 PM
I expect it won't be long now before the 'H' reg Buses will be withdrawn unfortunately. Unless they plan to increase vehicle requirement by increasing frequency on an existing route or registering a new one.
isnt it 2015 all single deck service buses need to be low floor dda spec? think for deckers its 2017
Quote from: mranon on January 08, 2014, 02:25:28 AM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 07, 2014, 10:36:52 PM
I expect it won't be long now before the 'H' reg Buses will be withdrawn unfortunately. Unless they plan to increase vehicle requirement by increasing frequency on an existing route or registering a new one.
isnt it 2015 all single deck service buses need to be low floor dda spec? think for deckers its 2017
Yes, so a little longer in service could still be possible.
Quote from: Winston on January 07, 2014, 10:04:34 PM
Acquired from Ensign during Dec
Darts Y244 / 252FJN : T ravel Express, Wolverhampton.
Winston,
Where do you get Ross' info from?
Regards
bn, not sure if winston is the same, but im on this uk-bus-fleetnews@yahoogroups.com . ross newman puts a list usually monthly of ensign's vehicle movements starting off with vehicles in, vehicles out, and their own fleetnews. by joining that group, you get all sorts of news emailed through. hope this helps.
Quote from: BN on January 08, 2014, 05:40:21 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 07, 2014, 10:04:34 PM
Acquired from Ensign during Dec
Darts Y244 / 252FJN : T ravel Express, Wolverhampton.
Winston,
Where do you get Ross' info from?
Regards
BN,
The UK bus fleetnews Yahoo group
as the link on the post above, I did reply/post the link the last time you asked,
Try this link instead:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/uk-bus-fleetnews/conversations/messages
here are the 2 latest ones with travel express http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/11843500946/ & http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/11842981953/
Quote from: Tony on January 03, 2014, 09:02:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 03, 2014, 02:37:37 PM
Quote from: mranon on January 03, 2014, 01:08:08 PM
i wonder how many of their low floors meet the 2017 dda requirements? i reckon they will miss the older buses as to be fair to them, although they look scruffy, they are out there every day. i personally wish he would gain an identity such as choice/midland did, and select. saying that though, id want to remain anonymous with 2 drivers he has on the same route everyday. they even cut themselves up!!!
Does a competing operator NEED an identity? I would broadly agree with what you have written above but having used Bristol Road services for many years, we have seen several companies with no real identity-to be fair travel express buses say so-but the BR has seen East West Travel ltd-who were they, bull ring travel, a line, thandi and many just had a red livery. My point is: if a bus arrives at the stop where a cash payer is waiting, stops and has 63 written on the front, the cash payer will more than likely get on. They would not stand there and worry whether it was a diamond bus or NXWM unless they had a pass. Indeed, many of the companies I mentioned seemed to do ok on the BR and keep many people in employment. Shame it all disappeared and I am looking forward to DTS arriving on the route. After all, they will be providing new jobs for drivers, competition etc etc. Good luck, I say.
Yes, they all worked really well, that is why they are still there, oh they're not!
Apart from Travel Express, I think every operator you mention had there license revoked, yes that is working well! How many of those passengers you mention realised they were getting on a badly maintained vehicle with drivers not always adhering to driving hours rules.
I am not against competition, I just think it should be of a quality that doesn't attract the attention of VOSA
Missed the point there really. My point is clearly that buses need to be well maintained but having no image did not hold them back from picking up passengers.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 10, 2014, 12:22:08 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 03, 2014, 09:02:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 03, 2014, 02:37:37 PM
Quote from: mranon on January 03, 2014, 01:08:08 PM
i wonder how many of their low floors meet the 2017 dda requirements? i reckon they will miss the older buses as to be fair to them, although they look scruffy, they are out there every day. i personally wish he would gain an identity such as choice/midland did, and select. saying that though, id want to remain anonymous with 2 drivers he has on the same route everyday. they even cut themselves up!!!
Does a competing operator NEED an identity? I would broadly agree with what you have written above but having used Bristol Road services for many years, we have seen several companies with no real identity-to be fair travel express buses say so-but the BR has seen East West Travel ltd-who were they, bull ring travel, a line, thandi and many just had a red livery. My point is: if a bus arrives at the stop where a cash payer is waiting, stops and has 63 written on the front, the cash payer will more than likely get on. They would not stand there and worry whether it was a diamond bus or NXWM unless they had a pass. Indeed, many of the companies I mentioned seemed to do ok on the BR and keep many people in employment. Shame it all disappeared and I am looking forward to DTS arriving on the route. After all, they will be providing new jobs for drivers, competition etc etc. Good luck, I say.
Yes, they all worked really well, that is why they are still there, oh they're not!
Apart from Travel Express, I think every operator you mention had there license revoked, yes that is working well! How many of those passengers you mention realised they were getting on a badly maintained vehicle with drivers not always adhering to driving hours rules.
I am not against competition, I just think it should be of a quality that doesn't attract the attention of VOSA
Missed the point there really. My point is clearly that buses need to be well maintained but having no image did not hold them back from picking up passengers.
The Travel Express Lynx that used to run on the Bristol Road was well maintained. I believe it met legal requirements, but was the only bus I can ever remember being used in service with so much rot that you could actually see through a rust hole in the side panels straight into the passenger area
Quote from: Tony on January 10, 2014, 07:57:29 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 10, 2014, 12:22:08 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 03, 2014, 09:02:12 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 03, 2014, 02:37:37 PM
Quote from: mranon on January 03, 2014, 01:08:08 PM
i wonder how many of their low floors meet the 2017 dda requirements? i reckon they will miss the older buses as to be fair to them, although they look scruffy, they are out there every day. i personally wish he would gain an identity such as choice/midland did, and select. saying that though, id want to remain anonymous with 2 drivers he has on the same route everyday. they even cut themselves up!!!
Does a competing operator NEED an identity? I would broadly agree with what you have written above but having used Bristol Road services for many years, we have seen several companies with no real identity-to be fair travel express buses say so-but the BR has seen East West Travel ltd-who were they, bull ring travel, a line, thandi and many just had a red livery. My point is: if a bus arrives at the stop where a cash payer is waiting, stops and has 63 written on the front, the cash payer will more than likely get on. They would not stand there and worry whether it was a diamond bus or NXWM unless they had a pass. Indeed, many of the companies I mentioned seemed to do ok on the BR and keep many people in employment. Shame it all disappeared and I am looking forward to DTS arriving on the route. After all, they will be providing new jobs for drivers, competition etc etc. Good luck, I say.
Yes, they all worked really well, that is why they are still there, oh they're not!
Apart from Travel Express, I think every operator you mention had there license revoked, yes that is working well! How many of those passengers you mention realised they were getting on a badly maintained vehicle with drivers not always adhering to driving hours rules.
I am not against competition, I just think it should be of a quality that doesn't attract the attention of VOSA
Missed the point there really. My point is clearly that buses need to be well maintained but having no image did not hold them back from picking up passengers.
The Travel Express Lynx that used to run on the Bristol Road was well maintained. I believe it met legal requirements, but was the only bus I can ever remember being used in service with so much rot that you could actually see through a rust hole in the side panels straight into the passenger area
Never got to go on the ex black prince lynx and it did certainly look a mess but the national and renault dodge j--jjr looked worse. The dodge in particular was horrendous!!
Y252 FJN now in service. Saw it departing Wolverhampton on the 11 at about 15:25
y244fjn in white/blue skirt was in service this morning on 32/33 weird we have not yet seen y131gbo/x703uks out yet, and the 51 reg munro dart has only managed a day or so yet
Quote from: mranon on January 20, 2014, 05:30:23 PM
y244fjn in white/blue skirt was in service this morning on 32/33 weird we have not yet seen y131gbo/x703uks out yet, and the 51 reg munro dart has only managed a day or so yet
Yes I saw that also Mr Anon. Maybe we should give Diamond a break and call TE the 'Rainbow' firm :o
;D @ 4006 lmao. they really should smarten themselves up, and train a couple of their drivers at least lol
Quote from: mranon on January 21, 2014, 09:08:13 PM
;D @ 4006 lmao. they really should smarten themselves up, and train a couple of their drivers at least lol
The amount of times people who know I like buses ask me who the hell "ACL Travel are"!
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 09:17:44 PM
Quote from: mranon on January 21, 2014, 09:08:13 PM
;D @ 4006 lmao. they really should smarten themselves up, and train a couple of their drivers at least lol
The amount of times people who know I like buses ask me who the hell "ACL Travel are"!
I don't think Travel Express would be half as bad if they removed previous operator's logos (and route branding) and put their own logos on all buses.
They used to put their logos in Green Lettering on the front panel under the windscreen on vehicles but at least if they had a simple livery which they could paint their buses into would look alot smarter straight away and would give them an identity :)
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 09:31:07 PM
They used to put their logos in Green Letters on vehicles but at least if they have a simple livery which they could paint there buses into would look smarter straight away and would give them an identity :)
You've hit the nail on the head.
Or you've hit the Travel Express bus on the carpet.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 21, 2014, 09:33:38 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 09:31:07 PM
They used to put their logos in Green Letters on vehicles but at least if they have a simple livery which they could paint there buses into would look smarter straight away and would give them an identity :)
You've hit the nail on the head.
Or you've hit the Travel Express bus on the carpet.
I hate the seats on those Carlyle Darts. Although Bench seats are some of my favourite seats (Like on TWM Metrobuses) the seats on those darts are so uncomfortable!
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 21, 2014, 09:25:41 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 09:17:44 PM
Quote from: mranon on January 21, 2014, 09:08:13 PM
;D @ 4006 lmao. they really should smarten themselves up, and train a couple of their drivers at least lol
The amount of times people who know I like buses ask me who the hell "ACL Travel are"!
I don't think Travel Express would be half as bad if they removed previous operator's logos (and route branding) and put their own logos on all buses.
Even if the livery was painted with pictures of the Queen all over them it would make no difference the buses & drivers will still be S*** ;D
While i agree about there lack of identity and poor drivers one thing that struck me as i drove in to Wolverhampton in my nice warm Van Hool T917 was that travel exprees buses all had bright lights inside and clear windows. NXWM buses all had frozen or misted windows and looked as welcoming as a cold bath.....
Talking of poor drivers, a TX bus pulled out of us from nowhere meaning our 59 had to slam on the breaks!
Y244 FJN now out on the 1 today. Saw on Lichfield Street,Wolverhampton about 16:10
H802 OPT has been on 32/3's today. Haven't seen this out in service for some time
h802opt out again in place of the white/yellow alx200 dart. thought that had been withdrawn. have not seen the 2 ex hansons darts out, or k565nhc for a few weeks
Quote from: mranon on February 10, 2014, 09:39:16 PM
h802opt out again in place of the white/yellow alx200 dart. thought that had been withdrawn. have not seen the 2 ex hansons darts out, or k565nhc for a few weeks
The ex hansons darts I saw parked up in the TX garage yesterday as I went past on a 126 :)
PD0001936/15 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Stafford St, Wolverhampton
Finish Point: Fallings Park, Bushbury Hill, Wolverhampton
Via: Pipers Row, Cannock Rd, Showel Circus, Old Fallings Hill
Service Number: 2
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-APR-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday (also Sunday service stops/times varied). (excluding public/bank holidays)Saturday service during 29/12/14 to 02/01/2015
PD0001936/14 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Wolverhampton, Princes Street and Wolverhampton, Fordhouses given service number 3 effective from 04-Apr-2014.
didnt think it would be any good on no.3's.
Quote from: mranon on February 13, 2014, 03:16:37 PM
didnt think it would be any good on no.3's.
They chose the wrong end!
Quote from: 4006 on February 15, 2014, 12:57:35 AM
Quote from: mranon on February 13, 2014, 03:16:37 PM
didnt think it would be any good on no.3's.
They chose the wrong end!
Tbh the Castlecroft end is even quieter during the day
Quote from: Nathan on February 08, 2014, 05:22:35 PM
H802 OPT has been on 32/3's today. Haven't seen this out in service for some time
here is the said bus http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/12724123383/
W362 ABD seen displaying 3 WOLVERHAMPTON CITY CENTRE in Lye High Street this afternoon at 15:40 approx.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 05, 2014, 08:29:03 PM
W362 ABD seen displaying 3 WOLVERHAMPTON CITY CENTRE in Lye High Street this afternoon at 15:40 approx.
How it made it that far withour breaking down? ;D
It appears Travel Express have acquired an allover yellow 51 plate MPD (NK51 MKE or something similar). Seen working 11's this afternoon. I can say it was ex Go North East
Quote from: Nathan on March 17, 2014, 06:16:27 PM
It appears Travel Express have acquired an allover yellow 51 plate MPD (NK51 MKE or something similar). Seen working 11's this afternoon
No doubt ex Go North East then off the East Durham Shuttle or another route. Still a fair few of them actually up here though spds and mpds to say they appear to be being sold at quite a rate
Here is NK51 MKE whilst with Go Ahead North East:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalarkey/9232590704/
Also Ensign,Purfleet (I presume this is where TX aquired it from) loaned it to The Big Lemon, Brighton for a short period back in January:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94467101@N02/11986749073/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94467101@N02/11986456585/in/photostream/
Saw it again on 11's today in Wolverhampton. Will try and get a photo this week :)
Purchased back in October and out on 11's for the first time today is MPD X703UKS
Are any of the older darts withdrawn with the recent low floor darts aquired?
No they just keep appearing at random
Quote from: Ashley on March 20, 2014, 10:42:21 AM
No they just keep appearing at random
Same with Sunny Travel on the 71E they send any of them out at random. :)
Y248FJN is another purchase. That should mean there is now a fully low floor PVR of 13
y131gbo also purchased last year out on 33 today
Quote from: Ashley on March 20, 2014, 02:09:33 PM
Y248FJN is another purchase. That should mean there is now a fully low floor PVR of 13
Via Ensign along with another Go North East MPD
Darts Y248FJN NK51MKE : Travel Express, Wolverhampton.
Quote from: Winston on April 01, 2014, 09:38:36 PM
Quote from: Ashley on March 20, 2014, 02:09:33 PM
Y248FJN is another purchase. That should mean there is now a fully low floor PVR of 13
Via Ensign along with another Go North East MPD
Darts Y248FJN NK51MKE : Travel Express, Wolverhampton.
NK51 MKE was the Ex Go Ahead MPD I reported a few weeks back in this thread :)
So you did, I didn't look far enough back up the thread, Winston
Here is the x go ahead with travel express https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13603196543/
Quote from: Ashley on March 20, 2014, 02:09:33 PM
Y248FJN is another purchase. That should mean there is now a fully low floor PVR of 13
here is that said bus https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13648404583/
Quote from: mranon on March 20, 2014, 05:39:35 PM
y131gbo also purchased last year out on 33 today
Y131 GBO was on the 2 today alongside one of the Carlyle Darts (Handy rider).
Quote from: Nathan on April 13, 2014, 09:35:48 PM
Quote from: mranon on March 20, 2014, 05:39:35 PM
y131gbo also purchased last year out on 33 today
Y131 GBO was on the 2 today alongside one of the Carlyle Darts (Handy rider).
Do you know which of the Carlyle Darts it was?
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on April 13, 2014, 09:50:54 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 13, 2014, 09:35:48 PM
Quote from: mranon on March 20, 2014, 05:39:35 PM
y131gbo also purchased last year out on 33 today
Y131 GBO was on the 2 today alongside one of the Carlyle Darts (Handy rider).
Do you know which of the Carlyle Darts it was?
Can't remember the numberplate sorry. It was one of the Handyrider ones though
The usual allocations to make life easier are
1 - Y244FJN, Y248FJN, T580JTD
2 - A handyrider and X703UKS
11 - NK51NKE, K565NHC, W143ULR, fourth bus is normally V210ERG
32/33 - Y252FJN, Y131GBO, SK51AYD, W362ABD
Most of that never changes
Quote from: Ashley on April 13, 2014, 09:56:57 PM
The usual allocations to make life easier are
1 - Y244FJN, Y248FJN, T580JTD
2 - A handyrider and X703UKS
11 - NK51NKE, K565NHC, W143ULR, fourth bus is normally V210ERG
32/33 - Y252FJN, Y131GBO, SK51AYD, W362ABD
Most of that never changes
Y131 GBO was on the 2 and T580 UTD on the 11 today so usually varies on Sundays
I wasn't talking about sundays but i did read and do kniw the sunday allocations as well as monday to saturday so I'm not a total halfwit
j517gcd is normally on the 11s, with k565nhc, w143ulr, and looks like nk51mke is out in place of v210erg (which hasnt been seen for a few weeks)
33/32s is normall sk51ayd y184knb y252fjn and y131gbo (latter been used in place of x292abu which also hasnt been out for weeks)
1 is y244/248fjn, and t580jtd
w638abd floats around, but isnt out daily on a set route.
im assuming the buses used on service 3 are on the 2 now. this has been x703uks, and the only carlyle dart handyrider h112mob.
all the other carlyle darts (h802opt came back out to play briefly suprisingly) and k118srh together with low floors x292abu and v210erg have not been seen for a few weeks. if this is the case, i wonder how long k565nhc/j517gcd/h112mob have left before travel express is completely low floor
Quote from: Ashley on April 14, 2014, 11:02:51 AM
I wasn't talking about sundays but i did read and do kniw the sunday allocations as well as monday to saturday so I'm not a total halfwit
No I didn't mean anything bad Ashley :( You are not a halfwit whatsoever :). I noticed a H-MOB Carlyle Dart out yesterday. Really couldn't they use just Low Floor Vehicles on a Sunday?
Do Travel Express not run on the 2, 11 and 32/33 on Good Fridays?
I didn't see them on any of these routes, earlier today, despite the fact the NWM timetables state they are supposed to be operating.
Quote from: SMK on April 18, 2014, 04:15:57 PM
Do Travel Express not run on the 2, 11 and 32/33 on Good Fridays?
I didn't see them on any of these routes, earlier today, despite the fact the NWM timetables state they are supposed to be operating.
I saw a load of them (Mainly MPD's) parked up in the garage just off Dudley Road this afternoon
As I left town, I saw one of their ex-Munro's darts on Market Street.
Couldn't make out the route number though.
no te buses seen in service today - a suprise really, especially with the fair/big match today
Quote from: mranon on April 18, 2014, 07:42:16 PM
no te buses seen in service today - a suprise really, especially with the fair/big match today
I was thinking the same thing.
With them being AWOL, there was none of that usual drama on the 11 and 32/33 stands in the bus station 8)
Travel Express have acquired another Dart (Y854 TGH) in a two tone green livery out on 11's today
Here it is with a previous operator (VR travel based in Merthyr Tydfil)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48626211@N03/9202005452/
Quote from: Nathan on April 23, 2014, 04:37:53 PM
Travel Express have acquired another Dart (Y854 TGH I think) in a two tone green livery out on 11's today
This livery Nathan?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rob37430/6117509814/
it was out yesterday, and caused chaos when it dumped oil in bus station!
Quote from: John on April 23, 2014, 04:39:34 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 23, 2014, 04:37:53 PM
Travel Express have acquired another Dart (Y854 TGH I think) in a two tone green livery out on 11's today
This livery Nathan?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rob37430/6117509814/
That's the one John :) I have already posted a link to a photo of the bus with a previous operator though ;). Come to think of it I do remember seeing this vehicle parked in the garage when I went past at the weekend
Quote from: Nathan on April 23, 2014, 04:37:53 PM
Travel Express have acquired another Dart (Y854 TGH) in a two tone green livery out on 11's today
I had a ride on this back to Wolves from Fallings Park (I was waiting for a NXWM 11, because I had a scratchcard daysaver, but the driver beckoned me to come on board anyway :D ).
Quite nippy but the bell/stopping display didn't work.
Plus the driver skipped the stop on Stafford St. in the city centre and went straight to the bus station, via the ring road, instead. :)
here is the latest bus with travel express green single on 11 service https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13995541082/
NK51 MKE on 1's today covering for T580 JTD
Quote from: Ashley on April 29, 2014, 11:59:33 PM
NK51 MKE on 1's today covering for T580 JTD
On the 1's again today
Quote from: Nathan on May 03, 2014, 12:31:44 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 29, 2014, 11:59:33 PM
NK51 MKE on 1's today covering for T580 JTD
On the 1's again today
Stayed on the 1's all week with W362ABD in place of a Y-FJN Dart on friday
Also, H547NOC is being cannabalised
Okay so I know this had been said before by myself but should any of there pre-1995 vehicles be in service now? I was stood in Wolverhampton bus station this afternoon and I saw that Orange "Easyrider" vehicle of there's doing a service and I did a DVLA enq on it and to my horror I discovered that it is the same age as me (22) now Arriva/Diamond/Whittle (to name a few) wouldn't use vehicles of that age so why on earth do Travel Express think they can? is it possibly because they're owned by an Asian fella? now I'm not racist in anyway shape or form but it's quite obvious to me that Indian laws obviously allow really old vehicles to be used as buses/taxis etc but once a bus reaches a certain age they should be removed from use which is what Rotala & Arriva do with they're vehicles although obviously Travel Express can't seem to grasp this concept!!!
Quote from: Will on May 08, 2014, 10:06:27 PM
Okay so I know this had been said before by myself but should any of there pre-1995 vehicles be in service now? I was stood in Wolverhampton bus station this afternoon and I saw that Orange "Easyrider" vehicle of there's doing a service and I did a DVLA enq on it and to my horror I discovered that it is the same age as me (22) now Arriva/Diamond/Whittle (to name a few) wouldn't use vehicles of that age so why on earth do Travel Express think they can? is it possibly because they're owned by an Asian fella? now I'm not racist in anyway shape or form but it's quite obvious to me that Indian laws obviously allow really old vehicles to be used as buses/taxis etc but once a bus reaches a certain age they should be removed from use which is what Rotala & Arriva do with they're vehicles although obviously Travel Express can't seem to grasp this concept!!!
I'm sorry but I find this post a little harsh, if they are maintained well what has age got to do with whether a bus should be on the road! (Not saying they are or aren't by the way)
And dressing your remark up with I'm not racist doesn't really then allow you to make what I feel is a derogatory remark
i think from recent spottings, travel express has bought several low floor darts, although some have been off the road with problems. havent they got until end of this year before they need to be dda. i didnt think there was an age limit on buses, but the dda regs come into force.
Quote from: Will on May 08, 2014, 10:06:27 PM
Okay so I know this had been said before by myself but should any of there pre-1995 vehicles be in service now? I was stood in Wolverhampton bus station this afternoon and I saw that Orange "Easyrider" vehicle of there's doing a service and I did a DVLA enq on it and to my horror I discovered that it is the same age as me (22) now Arriva/Diamond/Whittle (to name a few) wouldn't use vehicles of that age so why on earth do Travel Express think they can? is it possibly because they're owned by an Asian fella? now I'm not racist in anyway shape or form but it's quite obvious to me that Indian laws obviously allow really old vehicles to be used as buses/taxis etc but once a bus reaches a certain age they should be removed from use which is what Rotala & Arriva do with they're vehicles although obviously Travel Express can't seem to grasp this concept!!!
I don't know what this 'Indian law' is you are referring to, We work under English law here which at the moment makes operating these buses legal (obviously or Vosa would have stopped them) As for large operators and 22 year olde vehicles WMPTE was known to operate 27 year old buses. 'National Express West Midlands' operated Metrobuses older than 22 years. Stagecoach still have an Olympian in service in Bedford older than this (part of the historic fleet, but regularly used (14000)) First has only just taken two older Olympians off the road in Stoke, and how old are the Routemasters still in use in London?
Quote from: Will on May 08, 2014, 10:06:27 PM
Okay so I know this had been said before by myself but should any of there pre-1995 vehicles be in service now? I was stood in Wolverhampton bus station this afternoon and I saw that Orange "Easyrider" vehicle of there's doing a service and I did a DVLA enq on it and to my horror I discovered that it is the same age as me (22) now Arriva/Diamond/Whittle (to name a few) wouldn't use vehicles of that age so why on earth do Travel Express think they can? is it possibly because they're owned by an Asian fella? now I'm not racist in anyway shape or form but it's quite obvious to me that Indian laws obviously allow really old vehicles to be used as buses/taxis etc but once a bus reaches a certain age they should be removed from use which is what Rotala & Arriva do with they're vehicles although obviously Travel Express can't seem to grasp this concept!!!
There is currently no restriction on a vehicle of that age being used as long as is well maintained/road worthy. By 31st Dec 2015 it will need to have been removed from service as it is not wheelchair accessible/DDA complaint. Arriva / Rotala & Whittle choose to operate a more modern fleet & low floor.
As for your comment about the owner being Asian, for all you know he was probably born in this country, so that comment about Indian law allowing elderly buses is a complete load of b*llox and bears no significance.
Quote from: Tony on May 08, 2014, 10:18:16 PM
Quote from: Will on May 08, 2014, 10:06:27 PM
Okay so I know this had been said before by myself but should any of there pre-1995 vehicles be in service now? I was stood in Wolverhampton bus station this afternoon and I saw that Orange "Easyrider" vehicle of there's doing a service and I did a DVLA enq on it and to my horror I discovered that it is the same age as me (22) now Arriva/Diamond/Whittle (to name a few) wouldn't use vehicles of that age so why on earth do Travel Express think they can? is it possibly because they're owned by an Asian fella? now I'm not racist in anyway shape or form but it's quite obvious to me that Indian laws obviously allow really old vehicles to be used as buses/taxis etc but once a bus reaches a certain age they should be removed from use which is what Rotala & Arriva do with they're vehicles although obviously Travel Express can't seem to grasp this concept!!!
I don't know what this 'Indian law' is you are referring to, We work under English law here which at the moment makes operating these buses legal (obviously or Vosa would have stopped them) As for large operators and 22 year olde vehicles WMPTE was known to operate 27 year old buses. 'National Express West Midlands' operated Metrobuses older than 22 years. Stagecoach still have an Olympian in service in Bedford older than this (part of the historic fleet, but regularly used (14000)) First has only just taken two older Olympians off the road in Stoke, and how old are the Routemasters still in use in London?
Not to mention all the leyland olympians still in passenger service...
Exactly Tony! Our family car is 19 years old! Does that make it unsafe or past it? and should be scrapped immediately? In actual fact no, there is no real like for like replacement available on sale of a similar size and it still drives absolutely beautifully, much better than the modern rubbish, designed to last just 7 years in order to force customers to buy a new one so I say good on Travel Express, have you ever travelled on them Will?
Yes, their buses do look a little scruffy, but they are making an effort recently, noticed the Munro dart had lost its Munro fleet names and the drivers, if perhaps sometimes bordering on slightly too fast all seem friendly and relaxed to me and personally seem to enjoy their job more than some driving for larger National operators mentioning no names
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on May 08, 2014, 10:28:03 PM
Exactly Tony! Our family car is 19 years old! Does that make it unsafe or past it? and should be scrapped immediately? In actual fact no, there is no real like for like replacement available on sale of a similar size and it still drives absolutely beautifully, much better than the modern rubbish, designed to last just 7 years in order to force customers to buy a new one so I say good on Travel Express, have you ever travelled on them Will?
Yes, their buses do look a little scruffy, but they are making an effort recently, noticed the Munro dart had lost its Munro fleet names and the drivers, if perhaps sometimes bordering on slightly too fast all seem friendly and relaxed to me and personally seem to enjoy their job more than some driving for larger National operators mentioning no names
Okay I retract what I said because I just realised what First Midland Red used to operate in Kiddy as recent as 7 years ago! (http://wmbusphotos.com/FirstMidlandRed/62714.html) so actually TE's vehicles really aren't that bad and as I think about it growing up in Kidderminster I remember old Mercs and Lances being used!
Quote from: Nathan on May 03, 2014, 12:31:44 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 29, 2014, 11:59:33 PM
NK51 MKE on 1's today covering for T580 JTD
On the 1's again today
Was on here today also. Appeas to be one of the regulars on the 1 at the moment. Still covering for T580 JTD i imagine?
W362ABD, NK51MKE and one of the Y-FJN's are the norm on the 1 at the moment. Same with all the routes, things change at random I'm guessing just to make use of all active fleetmembers unless some are having repairs. For example I haven't seen the SPD for a good month or two now
the spd v210erg hasnt been in use for a while, but it was back on the 11's today with its usual asian driver. the y-tgh hes been using was on the 1's with the chap who has used t580jtd/nk51.
nk51 was on the 32/33 today.
h112 mob is still soldering on being the only carlyle dart still in regular use. please te, give it a bath its black!!!
i am suprised travel express have not made the 11's completely low floor, but with y748fjn, x292abu, and t580jtd out of use, if these were all back on the road, its nearly there. i wonder how many of these recent purchases completely comply with the dda requirements. i personally wish this operator would deal with a couple of rogue drivers, and smarten his image. even if he painted them all one colour to match.
Quote from: mranon on May 09, 2014, 06:08:23 PM
the spd v210erg hasnt been in use for a while, but it was back on the 11's today with its usual asian driver. the y-tgh hes been using was on the 1's with the chap who has used t580jtd/nk51.
nk51 was on the 32/33 today.
h112 mob is still soldering on being the only carlyle dart still in regular use. please te, give it a bath its black!!!
i am suprised travel express have not made the 11's completely low floor, but with y748fjn, x292abu, and t580jtd out of use, if these were all back on the road, its nearly there. i wonder how many of these recent purchases completely comply with the dda requirements. i personally wish this operator would deal with a couple of rogue drivers, and smarten his image. even if he painted them all one colour to match.
Is that the drivers or the buses? ;D
LOL Tony ;D
Anyway, Saw V210 ERG earlier on Broad St earlier. How long has it been out of action as i haven't seen it in a while either?
Quote from: Tony on May 09, 2014, 06:30:25 PM
Quote from: mranon on May 09, 2014, 06:08:23 PM
the spd v210erg hasnt been in use for a while, but it was back on the 11's today with its usual asian driver. the y-tgh hes been using was on the 1's with the chap who has used t580jtd/nk51.
nk51 was on the 32/33 today.
h112 mob is still soldering on being the only carlyle dart still in regular use. please te, give it a bath its black!!!
i am suprised travel express have not made the 11's completely low floor, but with y748fjn, x292abu, and t580jtd out of use, if these were all back on the road, its nearly there. i wonder how many of these recent purchases completely comply with the dda requirements. i personally wish this operator would deal with a couple of rogue drivers, and smarten his image. even if he painted them all one colour to match.
Is that the drivers or the buses? ;D
lol tony, the buses i meant, although the drivers having some kind of uniform wouldn't go amiss. when you look at other smaller operators past and present, such as banga, select, the old green bus (before they let things slide!), even choice when they first started, they all mainly have an identity, buses get washed and you know who's pulling up at the stop.
They've now got enough low floor buses to get rid of step entrance Darts entirely but then three low floors vanish for ages however I think some have now been withdrawn/cannibalised and or sold for scrap but yo couldn't guess which in case it re appeared on monday
Y248 FJN on the 33 this afternoon. Seen at the Elephant And Castle Junction at Stafford St/Cannock Rd at 16:35
Also NK51 MKE on 2's yesterday and today with a working dot matrix display
Y248FJN has been on 32/33 for a few weeks now, Y244 has disappeared with Y252 on 1's
Quote from: Ashley on June 05, 2014, 05:32:20 PM
Y248FJN has been on 32/33 for a few weeks now, Y244 has disappeared with Y252 on 1's
Cheers for that Ashley :) Is NK51 MKE a regular on the 2 now ?
Not sure about NK51 MKE, possibly a one off on the 2. Think the regulars at the moment are Y131GBO and a Handyrider Carlyle
Quote from: Ashley on June 05, 2014, 06:03:50 PM
Not sure about NK51 MKE, possibly a one off on the 2. Think the regulars at the moment are Y131GBO and a Handyrider Carlyle
I think the only Handyrider Carlyle Dart that hasn't yet been declared SORN is H112 MOB.
I'm not located in Wolverhampton as much in the day now so I'm going on what I do see. I believe the rest of the Carlyles have finally gone
Is the caravan in the garage being used as an office or are they offering caravan holidays now ?
Meh, I'd prefer to push a H-reg shed then to be either a passenger or to drive a 62 plate E200.
Not positive but i think Travel Express have gained another green dart
X312 *** all over green dart spotted in Kent Street, Upper Gornal with number 11 on the blind
Travel express have been out buying along with the x reg they have another one here its is https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14577719071/in/photostream/
Quote from: Solo1 on July 05, 2014, 07:45:58 PM
Travel express have been out buying along with the x reg they have another one here its is https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14577719071/in/photostream/
Ex K&H Doyle.
with not seeing h112mob out lately, would these two buses just purchased remove the 2 ex acl darts from service making te low floor completely? i wonder whether they have disposed of the withdrawn buses yet.
Both J517 GCD and K565 NHC were on the 11 today.
all carlye darts are still in the depot at the mo
see travel express have been out to ensign again, although i wonder if they will take the centre door out of this one?
Dart RX51FNU : Travel Express, Wolverhampton. taken from ensigns monthly news.
still no sign of the last 2 darts that tony mentioned
V210 ERG is on the 32 today
here is travel express's latest bus via ensign https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14865216566/
travel express y864tgh is now in use - although sounding rough and emitting a fair bit of black smoke on the no.2.
sk51ayd broken down in bus station around 15:30, and y244 fjn was broken down right on chapel ash island.
they don't seem to be having much luck with these low floor darts! the two ex acl darts are hanging on their daily plod to underhill (with all the recent purchases i thought these would be surplus to requirements now).
The DVLA site says the date of liability for K565 NHC has passed. I would expect they're being slow updating the website but it's now 18th September.
QuoteDate of Liability 01 09 2014
Date of First Registration 24 09 1992
Year of Manufacture 1992
Cylinder Capacity (cc) Not Available
CO₂ Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type HEAVY OIL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Licence Due to Expire
Vehicle Colour ORANGE
Vehicle Type Approval Not Available
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on September 18, 2014, 09:39:34 PM
The DVLA site says the date of liability for K565 NHC has passed. I would expect they're being slow updating the website but it's now 18th September.
QuoteDate of Liability 01 09 2014
Date of First Registration 24 09 1992
Year of Manufacture 1992
Cylinder Capacity (cc) Not Available
CO₂ Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type HEAVY OIL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Licence Due to Expire
Vehicle Colour ORANGE
Vehicle Type Approval Not Available
Could well of been VOR'd and they haven't bothered SORN-ing it or possibly written off or extemely possibly (and most favourablely) Scrapped no idea..
Quote from: Will on September 18, 2014, 10:25:59 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on September 18, 2014, 09:39:34 PM
The DVLA site says the date of liability for K565 NHC has passed. I would expect they're being slow updating the website but it's now 18th September.
QuoteDate of Liability 01 09 2014
Date of First Registration 24 09 1992
Year of Manufacture 1992
Cylinder Capacity (cc) Not Available
CO₂ Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type HEAVY OIL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Licence Due to Expire
Vehicle Colour ORANGE
Vehicle Type Approval Not Available
Could well of been VOR'd and they haven't bothered SORN-ing it or possibly written off or extemely possibly (and most favourablely) Scrapped no idea..
Although mranon says there's still 2 ACL Darts in service and of the three, the other K-reg has been declared SORN and the J-reg has now been taxed until the start of next September.
the plaxton bodied one k118 srh hasnt been out for months
the 2 alexander bodied ones k565nhc and j517 gcd are both still on service 11 to underhill as they have been for years. in fact i travelled on k565nhc myself yesterday
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on September 18, 2014, 11:29:42 PM
Quote from: Will on September 18, 2014, 10:25:59 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on September 18, 2014, 09:39:34 PM
The DVLA site says the date of liability for K565 NHC has passed. I would expect they're being slow updating the website but it's now 18th September.
QuoteDate of Liability 01 09 2014
Date of First Registration 24 09 1992
Year of Manufacture 1992
Cylinder Capacity (cc) Not Available
CO₂ Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type HEAVY OIL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Licence Due to Expire
Vehicle Colour ORANGE
Vehicle Type Approval Not Available
Could well of been VOR'd and they haven't bothered SORN-ing it or possibly written off or extemely possibly (and most favourablely) Scrapped no idea..
Although mranon says there's still 2 ACL Darts in service and of the three, the other K-reg has been declared SORN and the J-reg has now been taxed until the start of next September.
j517gcd not been out for last 2/3 days k565nhc still out on 11, tax status as above. i went to get on it, but noticed the tax disc corresponded with the above so waited for nx11
k565nhc still out with out of date disc in windows
Quote from: mranon on September 24, 2014, 08:35:52 PM
k565nhc still out with out of date disc in windows
Well then Travel Express need to be reported to VOSA & DVLA....
Quote from: Will on September 24, 2014, 08:45:50 PM
Quote from: mranon on September 24, 2014, 08:35:52 PM
k565nhc still out with out of date disc in windows
Well then Travel Express need to be reported to VOSA & DVLA....
DVLA now quoting K565 NHC as taxed until 1/10/15, so it does appear to have run for the whole of September without having any Road Fund license.
Quote from: Tony on October 04, 2014, 07:29:49 PM
Quote from: Will on September 24, 2014, 08:45:50 PM
Quote from: mranon on September 24, 2014, 08:35:52 PM
k565nhc still out with out of date disc in windows
Well then Travel Express need to be reported to VOSA & DVLA....
DVLA now quoting K565 NHC as taxed until 1/10/15, so it does appear to have run for the whole of September without having any Road Fund license.
:O :O
it still had tax disc in window thursday!!!!!!! dvla show the other one j517gcd as taxed for a year til 1/09/15. however there has only been k565nhc out. wonder if they taxed the wrong one in error? even so with their recent low floor purchases im suprised these 2 are still out and about.
however i bet these older ones are more reliable than the low floors. until this year id not seen many travel express buses being attended to let alone towed in
The slf darts are more problematic than the step entry darts in general. It's mainly down to the electrics the aladdin as it's called. Stafford bus centre have rebuilt 2 slf darts retro fitting them with the electrics & mechanics of 2 step entry darts he was scrapping. Martin assures me he does not intend to ever sell them as he has 2 reliable slf darts.
I know one of the darts had broken down about 2ish Thursday. Not sure which one or where though but that's what I've heard!
y864 tgh was on no.1 sat at bird in hand tettenhall wood with rear bonnet up thursday afternoon hazards on - im guessing broken down that was around 3 i saw it
i know the step entrance ones had springs instead of airbags, and had less overheating probs as their fans were viscous driven by belts instead of the hydraulic setup. i know also low floor darts suffer with compressor problems too.
Quote from: Steveminor on October 04, 2014, 09:32:26 PM
The slf darts are more problematic than the step entry darts in general. It's mainly down to the electrics the aladdin as it's called. Stafford bus centre have rebuilt 2 slf darts retro fitting them with the electrics & mechanics of 2 step entry darts he was scrapping. Martin assures me he does not intend to ever sell them as he has 2 reliable slf darts.
Are Travel Express ever likely to introduce a livery for the fleet?
Quote
Are Travel Express ever likely to introduce a livery for the fleet?
Good question!
Quote from: Will on October 05, 2014, 01:04:08 PM
Quote
Are Travel Express ever likely to introduce a livery for the fleet?
at least new operator social travel has a livery
Good question!
what livery would u like to see them in can we start a poll going
I vote for any.
As people know I do get defensive over the the smaller guys when they get a unfair ribbing on here, buy this time it is totally justified. Chambers has the resources to at least start painting one or two buses into something else even if it's just plain white. It seems he just doesn't want to. I think "prepared to be corrected" every other operator that have existed in the wm have had at least one bus painted.
chumber cant even be bothered to remove previous owners names or adverts. there is no excuse really. some of his vehicles are tidy enough for even a cheap blow over. it must be more effective to have a livery rather than multi tins of paint for repairs. banga,select,choice,chase all had a livery quite quickly applied. just one colour and name would suffice.
an example when he bought those three acl orange darts, they were all in excellent condition. id have got the transfers off and put name on. maybe used orange as fleet colour then.
Quote from: Steveminor on October 06, 2014, 06:54:44 AM
I vote for any.
As people know I do get defensive over the the smaller guys when they get a unfair ribbing on here, buy this time it is totally justified. Chambers has the resources to at least start painting one or two buses into something else even if it's just plain white. It seems he just doesn't want to. I think "prepared to be corrected" every other operator that have existed in the wm have had at least one bus painted.
Steve, Travel Express is now the size where a coat of paint for each bus shouldn't break the bank, people would have a higher opinion of the business if they could be bothered to paint the fleet even if it was one colour as suggested, rather than running around with a multi-coloured fleet carrying their previous operators colours.
If they can't be bothered to spend money on a coat of paint, it makes you wonder what else they can't be bothered to spend on.....
Quote from: Winston on October 06, 2014, 09:46:49 AM
If they can't be bothered to spend money on a coat of paint, it makes you wonder what else they can't be bothered to spend on.....
Yeah for example road tax I seriously cannot believe they obviously without realising let one of there vehicles drive round with passengers for a whole month while unlicensed!!!
Quote from: mranon on October 06, 2014, 09:44:44 AM
chumber cant even be bothered to remove previous owners names or adverts. there is no excuse really. some of his vehicles are tidy enough for even a cheap blow over. it must be more effective to have a livery rather than multi tins of paint for repairs. banga,select,choice,chase all had a livery quite quickly applied. just one colour and name would suffice.
an example when he bought those three acl orange darts, they were all in excellent condition. id have got the transfers off and put name on. maybe used orange as fleet colour then.
Choice & Chase both managed at least a front and back paint with fleet names on sides - this way, passengers can see the right bus whether it's coming or they've missed it!
Clearly, Chunber isn't interested in his image, just buying low cost buses and operating a lost cost business with no further layout than is absolutely necessary.
On the flip side, in the bad old days of the 90s, even TWM were sending buses out in all liveries and even with untreated panels following repair just to operate a service.
In this day and age their is no reason why any operator should not have a livery if even one colour. I'm surprised the TC doesn't stipulate this.
Quote from: Steveminor on October 06, 2014, 06:54:44 AM
I vote for any.
As people know I do get defensive over the the smaller guys when they get a unfair ribbing on here, buy this time it is totally justified. Chambers has the resources to at least start painting one or two buses into something else even if it's just plain white. It seems he just doesn't want to. I think "prepared to be corrected" every other operator that have existed in the wm have had at least one bus painted.
Hi-Ride doesn't, on ALX Dart in Stagecoach livery.
Knew someone would correct me :D
Quote from: Steveminor on October 06, 2014, 06:41:17 PM
Knew someone would correct me :D
But he has route branded a bus!
http://wmbusphotos.com/Hi-Ride/hiride_h678ygo.html
Quote from: Tony on October 06, 2014, 07:33:00 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on October 06, 2014, 06:41:17 PM
Knew someone would correct me :D
But he has route branded a bus!
http://wmbusphotos.com/Hi-Ride/hiride_h678ygo.html
And removed the Stagecoach fleetnames at least! And its hardly a fair comparison, as Hi-Ride is just a one man band, Travel Express have seemingly a sprawling fleet
Public Inquiry (49707) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 01 December 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2213)
)
PD0001936 SI
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
DIRECTOR(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.
30 COTON ROAD, PENN , WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
For some reason the previous PI is also mentioned on the previous page of today's N&P
;
Public Inquiry (49206) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 15 September 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2213)
)
PD0001936 SI
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
DIRECTOR(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.
30 COTON ROAD, PENN , WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
what happed at the PI that Travel Express went to a while back
http://www.route-one.net/legal/travel-express-facing-licence-cuts/
'
Of 16 vehicles examined at the roadside or at fleet inspections since October 2013 none had been defect-free.
'
;
In the same edition there is a piece about a bloke who had his O-licence revoked has subsequently been operating a business arranging rail replacement buses but appears to have decamped to France without paying the drivers. Why Abelio, who have their own buses anyway feel a need to involve such people escapes me too.
;
Perhaps a good question might be why vosa, or whatever they call themselves now, doesn't take action more quickly or decisively?
Quote from: mikestone on January 15, 2015, 03:58:44 PM
http://www.route-one.net/legal/travel-express-facing-licence-cuts/
'
Of 16 vehicles examined at the roadside or at fleet inspections since October 2013 none had been defect-free.
'
So.... Travel Express can't be bother to spend money painting their vehicles, neither can they be bothered to spend money maintaining them.... :o
Quote from: Winston on January 16, 2015, 11:09:53 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 15, 2015, 03:58:44 PM
http://www.route-one.net/legal/travel-express-facing-licence-cuts/
'
Of 16 vehicles examined at the roadside or at fleet inspections since October 2013 none had been defect-free.
'
So.... Travel Express can't be bother to spend money painting their vehicles, neither can they be bothered to spend money maintaining them.... :o
You missed something out
@Winston.... They can't be bothered to tax them either!!
Quote from: Winston on January 16, 2015, 11:09:53 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 15, 2015, 03:58:44 PM
http://www.route-one.net/legal/travel-express-facing-licence-cuts/
'
Of 16 vehicles examined at the roadside or at fleet inspections since October 2013 none had been defect-free.
'
So.... Travel Express can't be bother to spend money painting their vehicles, neither can they be bothered to spend money maintaining them.... :o
Shame as in the last report, the TC said that they had decent standards... Pity things have declined-hopefully they're able to turn things around as I was always very impressed with them on the 63.
travel express had a good day today not. vosa were at wolverhampton station and it seems they sent every bus they checked back to base. if the recent enquiry outcome wasnt a kick up the rear enough, you would have thought the owners maintenance regime would have gone through the buses to ensure no more trouble.
Quote from: mranon on January 19, 2015, 08:14:23 PM
travel express had a good day today not. vosa were at wolverhampton station and it seems they sent every bus they checked back to base. if the recent enquiry outcome wasnt a kick up the rear enough, you would have thought the owners maintenance regime would have gone through the buses to ensure no more trouble.
How many buses were checked? There were still quite a few out this afternoon. I couldn't see any gaps in service, but they probably weren't running to time like usual.
Quote from: mranon on January 19, 2015, 08:14:23 PM
travel express had a good day today not. vosa were at wolverhampton station and it seems they sent every bus they checked back to base. if the recent enquiry outcome wasnt a kick up the rear enough, you would have thought the owners maintenance regime would have gone through the buses to ensure no more trouble.
I'd only post info like this if you know precisely what happened. Whatever you think of an operator, it's wrong to guess/hint at things when they can't reply, especially if they are currently being investigated and could damage their repute based on supposition/personal observation as opposed to facts.
http://www.route-one.net/legal/travel-express-facing-licence-cuts/
after seeing this, i hope you can grasp my point. i feel for the drivers. i support independents, as they often fill gaps, and have a varied an interesting fleet. travel express could be a promising little firm, but after reading this, and then vosa being out today, the mind boggles. 6 were checked iirc.
The Evening Mail's take on the Travel Express story
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/wolverhampton-bus-company-fined-after-8487751#ICID=sharebar_facebook
Quote from: Tony on January 21, 2015, 08:22:42 PM
The Evening Mail's take on the Travel Express story
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/wolverhampton-bus-company-fined-after-8487751#ICID=sharebar_facebook
Thanks for posting
@Tony I wonder which 2 routes they're planning on withdrawing? I'm glad to hear they're relatively profitable though and hopefully they can turn things around. £6500 isn't an excessive fine and shouldn't cripple them. I'd just like to see them get a proper livery and sort out the quality of the operation so as they're more on a par with Banga etc.
Would it be possible for them to withdraw the 33 and run it as a 32A or similar?
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 21, 2015, 08:37:00 PM
Would it be possible for them to withdraw the 33 and run it as a 32A or similar?
I would imagine they have been told which routes to withdraw, the ones VOSA caught them misbehaving on, and losing 5 vehicles will not give them much scope for introducing a replacement. Incidently just changing a number will not fool the DVSA
if this isnt a kick up the bum for them to sort themselves out nothing is. i reckon they will come off the 2, possibly 1 bus off each other route to make up the 5 o-licences lost. i feel sorry for some of their drivers.
Quote from: mranon on January 21, 2015, 10:29:06 PM
if this isnt a kick up the bum for them to sort themselves out nothing is. i reckon they will come off the 2, possibly 1 bus off each other route to make up the 5 o-licences lost. i feel sorry for some of their drivers.
As the article says
they have got to come off two routes!
Quote from: Tony on January 21, 2015, 10:31:11 PM
Quote from: mranon on January 21, 2015, 10:29:06 PM
if this isnt a kick up the bum for them to sort themselves out nothing is. i reckon they will come off the 2, possibly 1 bus off each other route to make up the 5 o-licences lost. i feel sorry for some of their drivers.
As the article says they have got to come off two routes!
Think they've got a PVR one lower than current authorisation so may be just 4 buses loss of actual work but still significant.
They also cannot register any more routes until March so that stops them just registering a slight alternative to what they're doing presently
Quote from: Steveminor on January 22, 2015, 06:01:22 AM
They also cannot register any more routes until March so that stops them just registering a slight alternative to what they're doing presently
March 2016 Steve!
It is now confirmed it is the 1 and 2 that are the routes he has to cancel
im really suprised at the no.1 as the no.11 has the worse offending drivers for cutting up/dragging their feet delaying nxwm/arriva on that corridor along cannock road
Apparently the 1 & 2 are the lowest earning routes.
Quote from: Steveminor on January 22, 2015, 06:55:38 PM
Apparently the 1 & 2 are the lowest earning routes.
That's good-hopefully they can then focus on quality of service delivery and pick themselves back up from there.
i meant i wonder if the tc decided which routes they were to come off. i agree the 2 no good, but no.1 on college days they seem to have good loadings. the 11s dont seem to be that busy really
Full text from Notices and Proceedings
QuotePublic Inquiry (49206) held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL on 15 September 2014 at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2218)
)PD0001936 SI
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
DIRECTOR(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.
30 COTON ROAD, PENN , WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
1. Adverse findings are made under Section 17 (3) (a); Section 17 (3) (aa); and, Section 17 (3) (c) of the Act.
2. The licence holder continues to meet the requirement in respect of an effective and stable establishment; it also continues to have the appropriate financial standing; furthermore, it continues to retain repute, albeit repute is severely tarnished.
3. The operator no longer satisfies the requirement under Section 17 (1) (a) and Section 14ZA (2) (d) to be professionally competent.
4. A period of grace of 3 months from the date of publication of this decision is granted for the appointment of a new transport manager.
5. Kishan Singh Chumber no longer satisfies the requirement of Section 14ZA (3) (a) and (b) of the 1981 Act to be of good repute and professionally competent in accordance with Schedule 3 of the same Act and he is unfit to manage the transport activities of an undertaking. Kishan Singh Chumber is disqualified from acting as a transport manager for this licence or any other licence in any other member state until he passes fresh CPC transport manager examinations.
6. The operator has failed to operate a local service registered under Section 6 of the Transport Act 1985.
7. The operator has failed to comply with the requirement of regulations made under Section 6 (9) (i), (j), (k) of the Transport Act 1985.
8. Licence authorisation is curtailed from 13 vehicles to 8 vehicles with effect from 15 March 2015.
9. An order is made under Section 155 of the Transport Act 2000 that the operator pay a penalty of £500 multiplied by the total number of vehicles licensed to use, namely 13; the total fine is therefore £6,500 and is to be paid within 28 days of publication of this decision to the Secretary of State otherwise it will be a matter that will be regarded as potentially affecting the good repute of the operator.
10. An order is made under Section 26 of the Transport Act 1985 restricting the service registrations of the operator. Registrations for Service Number 1 and for Service Number 2 as set out in the call up papers are cancelled with effect from 15 March 2015 although the operator is advised that if it seeks short notice application to cease operating those services before that date I will consider it sympathetically. A further order is made under Section 26 of the Transport Act 1985, that no new services can be registered by the operator until 15 March 2016.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 21, 2015, 08:32:06 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 21, 2015, 08:22:42 PM
The Evening Mail's take on the Travel Express story
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/wolverhampton-bus-company-fined-after-8487751#ICID=sharebar_facebook
Thanks for posting @Tony I wonder which 2 routes they're planning on withdrawing? I'm glad to hear they're relatively profitable though and hopefully they can turn things around. £6500 isn't an excessive fine and shouldn't cripple them.
What's the proffit of travel express
Perhaps this may help http://www.bizdb.co.uk/company/travel-express-limited-04292944/
Its version of English doesn't inspire confidence.
Travel Express making out to be the victim in the Express and Star
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/01/24/under-fire-wolverhampton-bus-firm-boss-weve-been-made-out-as-villains/
Quote from: the trainbasher on January 24, 2015, 11:33:11 AM
Travel Express making out to be the victim in the Express and Star
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/01/24/under-fire-wolverhampton-bus-firm-boss-weve-been-made-out-as-villains/
its says he started in 2000 yet he hasn't bothered to paint 1 bus like it says in the article more inytresewd in getting a bus on the road yet social travel discount travel who r the latest bus firms all are in livery so wonder now if he will buy a fleet of new buses & have them all in a fleet livery
it would be great if they had a livery, learned how to clean vehicles etc. however you can't polish a turd!!!!!! ive never seen many of their buses break down etc, until the influx of low floor vehicles. although their darts, which have served him well, these latest ones look like they have had hard lives, so need some tlc. i like how the express and star chose to photo one of their smarter ones though!
Quote from: mranon on January 25, 2015, 09:13:37 AM
it would be great if they had a livery, learned how to clean vehicles etc. however you can't polish a turd!!!!!! ive never seen many of their buses break down etc, until the influx of low floor vehicles. although their darts, which have served him well, these latest ones look like they have had hard lives, so need some tlc. i like how the express and star chose to photo one of their smarter ones though!
I can't believe they were allowed on the road. There buses are really old, especially the ex hansons ones. And talk about having every colour of the spectrum on there buses. Surprised they lasted this long without vosa noticing. They don't even have proper blinds fitted on most of them. Is the manager bankrupt or something?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 25, 2015, 09:31:38 AM
Quote from: mranon on January 25, 2015, 09:13:37 AM
it would be great if they had a livery, learned how to clean vehicles etc. however you can't polish a turd!!!!!! ive never seen many of their buses break down etc, until the influx of low floor vehicles. although their darts, which have served him well, these latest ones look like they have had hard lives, so need some tlc. i like how the express and star chose to photo one of their smarter ones though!
I can't believe they were allowed on the road. There buses are really old, especially the ex hansons ones. And talk about having every colour of the spectrum on there buses. Surprised they lasted this long without vosa noticing. They don't even have proper blinds fitted on most of them. Is the manager bankrupt or something?
Read the report. It clearly states Mr Chumber still meets the 'financial standing' part have having an operators license even if he has 'lost his repute'
a small independent such as te, banga, select etc have to obviously have an amount of finance to obtain and keep the o-licence. however, i know that they have to wait for money to come in from authority for consessionary travel etc. If travel express were short of money, how would they albeit cheaply changed their fleet to low floor in a short space of time?
it can be done, but chumba wouldnt be the first to slide out of sorts - not meaning that in a harsh way either - but sometimes things go wrong, and you keep getting more and more. anyone remember graham martins fleet? once very respected running old but reliable interesting vehicles, and until the late nineties early 00's never saw a bus not in livery
Must admit I never heard anything bad about Choice Travel until they acquired A2Z's operations & became Midland.
Despite repainting from both the yellow & green & blue & white into the all over red, to me they didn't seem the same company!
(In fact did Choice become Midland before the A2Z situation, because I only became aware of Midland when they introduced the short lived 549 route?)
choice were bought out by d&g from stoke, hence the blue/cream livery. then when a2z went under they expanded (not sure if someone else bought it or bought a share) it became midland before selling out to arriva.
I was in Wolverhampton today and Travel Express seemed to be running the 1, 11. 32 and 33 to schedule but I did not see any route 2's. Have they left this route already?
Quote from: Eric Shaw on February 19, 2015, 07:34:10 PM
I was in Wolverhampton today and Travel Express seemed to be running the 1, 11. 32 and 33 to schedule but I did not see any route 2's. Have they left this route already?
try the parking bays on Market Street and Tower Street
not seen any number 2's this week myself, and usual drivers on there are on either the no.1 or 11.
Travelled on the number 2 today i had my reservations but i found that the driver was very nice and we chatted the whole way there and back the bus it self was not in the best of state but it was not in the worst. Talking to him i realised how much passion he had in the job and the owner as well according to him the owner is there from dawn to dusk making sure that the buses are fit to go out and if they are not fixing them. Things like this make me think of what a good company this would be if they put a bit more effort it.
Quote from: samgeorge965 on April 17, 2015, 05:06:16 PM
Travelled on the number 2 today i had my reservations but i found that the driver was very nice and we chatted the whole way there and back the bus it self was not in the best of state but it was not in the worst. Talking to him i realised how much passion he had in the job and the owner as well according to him the owner is there from dawn to dusk making sure that the buses are fit to go out and if they are not fixing them. Things like this make me think of what a good company this would be if they put a bit more effort it.
Ah, so a driver talking to passengers while the bus is in motion, good job DVSA weren't watching!
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 06:43:35 PM
Ah, so a driver talking to passengers while the bus is in motion, good job DVSA weren't watching!
Your so critical!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 17, 2015, 08:21:44 PM
Your so critical!
Thing is DVSA could suspend the driver's license for something as simple as that, and if an accident occured the police would probably prosecute for driving without due care and attention.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 17, 2015, 08:21:44 PM
Your so critical!
@Trident 4194 It is not about being critical, it is about the driver doing the job he is supposed to do.
Notices says that a driver should not be distracted whilst the bus is in motion and it is not a stupid rule, however over the last few days i have seen other companies drivers doing exactly the same and one of them was on an NE bus!
I think what sam is trying to highlight is that travel express aren't just messing about but are actually trying. Ok so they're not getting things right but from the sound of it its not for the want of trying
Surely only the Traffic Commissoner can suspend or revoke just the vocational part of a driving licence. A DVSA officer could only report the matter.
James
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 06:43:35 PM
Ah, so a driver talking to passengers while the bus is in motion, good job DVSA weren't watching!
Perhaps drivers that pick up other drivers outside Walsall Garage should read your post too Tony lol!
Quote from: Wumpty on April 19, 2015, 07:28:42 PM
Perhaps drivers that pick up other drivers outside Walsall Garage should read your post too Tony lol!
And several have been in the office for that. Not very often you see one talking to the driver now, I know it does happen occasionally.
I see nothing wrong with chatting to customers!.. Better customer service!.. As long as eyes are on the road...
Not being funny but sometimes this forum comes accross as a 'lets slag n criticise other operators but praise up natex'..... WhY?
Y864TGH back in use on the 2
PD0001936/2 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between WOLVERHAMPTON and TETTENHALL WOOD given service number 1 effective from 06-Jul-2015.
PD0001936/15 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Stafford St, Wolverhampton and Fallings Park, Bushbury Hill, Wolverhampton given service number 2 effective from 06-Jul-2015.
i take it that means they lost their appeal
Quote from: mranon on July 10, 2015, 08:00:30 PM
i take it that means they lost their appeal
If they were supposed to stop operating the 1 & 2 on Monday, how come i saw the Yellow NK51 Dart working a 1 earlier? Or was it just a typo, and they meant later on in the summer?
the 2 other buses where the y-fjn white blue alx200's today on the 1. not sure if they ran service 2. maybe they have til end of week
Quote from: mranon on July 10, 2015, 08:33:11 PM
the 2 other buses where the y-fjn white blue alx200's today on the 1. not sure if they ran service 2. maybe they have til end of week
Odd as when I was over there last week I saw no sign of Travel Express anywhere at all...
out again on 1 today
Amused to see today that Y854TGY is still carrying its "88D" steam locomotive shedplate (Merthyr shed).
You can see it quite clearly on Tony's photo:
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/Y854TGH.html
Nk51MKE and X703UKS operating the 1 today.
I was in Wolverhampton for about an hour today and did not see any TE buses on the 1 or 2. The 11, 32 and 33 were running normally. I have not seen any of their step entrance buses on my last few visits to the city.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on July 22, 2015, 07:26:15 PM
I was in Wolverhampton for about an hour today and did not see any TE buses on the 1 or 2. The 11, 32 and 33 were running normally. I have not seen any of their step entrance buses on my last few visits to the city.
1 and 2 are withdrawn along with all step entrance Darts.
Thanks Ashley,
Network WM still have TE on the 1 on their website and on the timetable on the stop in the City Centre. If I remember correctly that one was dated 19th July 2015.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on July 23, 2015, 08:01:23 PM
Thanks Ashley,
Network WM still have TE on the 1 on their website and on the timetable on the stop in the City Centre. If I remember correctly that one was dated 19th July 2015.
Sounds about right.
Today's Notices and Proceedings
QuotePublic Inquiry (51176) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 11 August 2015 commencing at 10:30 (Previous Publication:(2231))
PD0001936 SI
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTDDIRECTOR(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.30 COTON ROAD, PENN , WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
Travel express are off the road roll further Notice there us a sign in
Wolverhampton bisStation I have seen anyone got any more info
on this like what happened at the PI 11 Aug
It'll be sad if it's the end
THANK GOODNESS!
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 19, 2015, 03:34:45 PM
It'll be sad if it's the end
Why is it sad if they are breaking the law? Surely it is good news for all passengers and road users?
will all they fleet of darts be sold to other operators?
who would want them!! i doubt whether their darts are fully dda and fit for use after end of year.
I liked them, if they have gone then Wolverhampton will be a sadder place, I used to love seeing there darts around the town they might have been old but I liked to see the different liveries, the ex London dial doors. can'nt understand why people thing that NXWM are the only ones:who have a right to operate bus services. On the 32 & 33 they buses always seemed to carry more people than NX, on the 11 they had a loyal customer base there 11 even had its own stand at Wolverhampton Bus station.
Quote from: woody38 on August 20, 2015, 02:13:55 AM
can'nt understand why people thing that NXWM are the only ones:who have a right to operate bus services.
That's not the case at all, just think that only people who make an attempt to operate legal vehicles as close to the timetable as traffic allows, have the right to operate bus services
Considering travel express haven't run since end of service Tuesday gone, have they officially been ordered to cease of has Mr chumber thrown in the towel.
Travel Express in the Express & Star:
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/08/24/wolverhampton-buses-stopped-as-licence-revoked-over-grave-concerns-about-road-safety/
Notice how the Traffic Commissioner seems to go all in like a bull in a China shop for the smaller companies as opposed to calm and linient for the likes of Diamond or NXWM
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 24, 2015, 12:07:28 PM
Notice how the Traffic Commissioner seems to go all in like a bull in a China shop for the smaller companies as opposed to calm and linient for the likes of Diamond or NXWM
Hansons are quite small and they been doing ok, modern vechicles run on time etc. Im sorry but the TC is right over Travel Express. I travelled the once on a 529E operated by them back in the day and i will never use them again. The driver drove like a mad man, cut up 2 529s to beat them to the stops and oh yeah drove over a red light?. National Express is not immune if they were doing something legal or wrong im sure the TC would be at their throats about it.
Judging by the article they have had chance after chance to get it right and have chosen no to act on it.
I do like the independent companies that operate here. They seem to be doing a better job than Travel Express. And the multi coloured fleet and no travel express livery didn't help them stand out.
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 24, 2015, 12:07:28 PM
Notice how the Traffic Commissioner seems to go all in like a bull in a China shop for the smaller companies
Remind me, how long have Travel Distress been 'operating'? Whereas they should have been kicked into touch from day one.
Hardly what I'd call 'Bull in a China shop', but it's an interesting analogy. A porcelain proprietor playing host to ten gross of beefburgers would STILL present a tidier & SAFER business than the one you tediously defend.
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 24, 2015, 12:07:28 PM
Notice how the Traffic Commissioner seems to go all in like a bull in a China shop for the smaller companies as opposed to calm and linient for the likes of Diamond or NXWM
Interesting that Travel Express have appealed against the TC decision, yet GRS didn't!!
That's because ram didn't really have the will to continue that showed a while ago
Quote from: Steveminor on August 25, 2015, 09:32:52 PM
That's because ram didn't really have the will to continue that showed a while ago
Yes, but isn't that just admitting guilt!!
thought te had appealed over the tc decision before, but obviously it hasn't sunk in the owners head that he needed to get his motors and drivers behaviour upto scratch mega quickly. 2 particular drivers on the 11 upto their old tricks, then buses being checked in bus station by vosa and being sent back to garage with faults not good.
i think they rushed into these low floors too quick, buying other peoples tat, and seeing as te usually keep the drivers on the same bus, the amount of bus changes going on suggests they having lots of problems. te's older step entrance darts - cant remember seeing one towed in. the low floors seen several!
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 24, 2015, 12:07:28 PM
Notice how the Traffic Commissioner seems to go all in like a bull in a China shop for the smaller companies as opposed to calm and linient for the likes of Diamond or NXWM
.
Did you see the state of some of their vehicles?
Quote from: Bob on August 27, 2015, 10:24:07 PM
.
Did you see the state of some of their vehicles?
Some could have made decent vehicles with proper maintenance.
Quote from: Tony on August 20, 2015, 08:48:42 AM
That's not the case at all, just think that only people who make an attempt to operate legal vehicles as close to the timetable as traffic allows, have the right to operate bus services
Well said.
Quote from: Section 2.8 – Licences Revoked Without a Public InquiryPD0001936 SI(2234)TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
DIRECTOR(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.30 COTON ROAD, PENN , WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
Registered Bus Services running under this licence have also been revoked with immediate effect.
Quote from: Section 5.2 – Decisions Taken at Public InquiriesPublic Inquiry (51176) held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL on 11 August 2015 at 10:30
(Previous Publication:(2234))
PD0001936 SI
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
DIRECTOR(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.30 COTON ROAD, PENN , WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
Adjourned part heard until 18 August 2015.
The operator no longer satisfies the requirement to be professionally competent under Section 17 (1) (a) and 14ZA (2) (d) of the Act.2.
The operator's licence held by Travel Express Ltd is revoked from 23:59 hours tonight.
Will the drivers get any redundancy pay as they no longer have a job
Quote from: Solo1 on September 04, 2015, 02:39:35 AM
Will the drivers get any redundancy pay as they no longer have a job
Some appear to have gone to Diamond....
Quote from: Nathan on September 04, 2015, 07:39:45 AM
Some appear to have gone to Diamond....
I hope. Not diamond have high standards
Quote from: Nathan on September 04, 2015, 07:39:45 AM
Some appear to have gone to Diamond....
I just saw one of the ex TE drivers on 302, driving KX57 MTE.
Seems before the plug was pulled, they had lost there appeal anyway
http://www.route-one.net/legal/travel-express-loses-appeal/
There's a former chamber driver working for Thandi now
Under new application in the notices and proceedings
PD1140735 SI
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Director(s): NIRMAL NIRMALA CHUMBER, KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.
30 COTON ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
Operating Centre: 49 DUDLEY ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV2 3BP
Authorisation:20 Vehicle(s).
Operating Centre: 33 CHETWYND ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV2 4NZ
Authorisation:5 Vehicle(s).
Transport Manager(s): TERENCE RAYMOND JOHNSON
He can't run 25 buses I don't think there's that many different liveries in the country.
Thought they were closed down can't se them coming back
Quote from: countryliner on September 22, 2015, 03:30:54 PM
Does anyone know what has happened to all of the Travel Express fleet. Have they been sold to bus dealers and other bus opetators or are they still owned by Travel Express.
When i went past rhe other day theyre still on the depot
Quote from: countryliner on September 22, 2015, 03:30:54 PM
Does anyone know what has happened to all of the Travel Express fleet. Have they been sold to bus dealers and other bus opetators or are they still owned by Travel Express.
I said this previously but some TE vehicles could have been decent but at the same time they were ruined and couldn't even be sold in Poundland to another operator.
Quote from: countryliner on September 22, 2015, 08:16:17 PM
Thanks. Yes travel express did have a modern fleet of low floor wheelchair accessible dennis darts. I know that some people say they could have have done a better job if they had there own livery and repainted there vehicles and kept there vehicles in better condition. But it is tough for small independent operators nowadays. I have certainly seen far worst bus operators.
It is a shame that they got there license revoked as from my experience i did not think that they were that bad. They had nice freindly drivers and as i said earlier they had low floor modern vehicles. Whenever i was in the area i always chose to go on travel express rather than national express.
Now the reality, they had badly maintained vehicles that were regularly given PG9s with drivers who just used to race other buses
travel express in my opinion had a few good drivers, but the rest messed around racing about cutting up other bus drivers EVEN THEIR OWN!! image is important, so is maintainance. i think the point made earlier about wheelchair accessible blah blah blah doesn't count out the fact that travel express upgrades were for the most part non dda compliant. i think they rushed to go low floor buying vehicles which had basically worked their lives. when travel express ran their step entrance buses, i hardly ever saw one break down, let alone be towed. these low floor ones have tested them for sure.
Most people that have operated both low floor and step entrance darts will agree I'm sure that the step entry darts were far far more reliable than their low floor counterparts. Sunny travel kept them going & going the low floors, well we've scrapped 2 already & more getting ready for withdrawal & scrapping.
look at joes their step entry darts were fine but as soon as they started going low floor mechanical problems set in.
In my opinion the step entry darts were made strong to compete against several other manufacturers but when the low floors came in & with less competition dennis paid slightly less attention to detail.
Quote from: countryliner on September 22, 2015, 08:29:05 PM
Yes i have heard about that. It is certainly not good. But at least they tried and used low floor wheelchair accesible vehicles and from my experience they had freindly drivers. I think it is very hard for small independents to make money nowadays which is why they would race other buses. They were certainly not the best operator and they did not have best top quality service and vehicles but they certainly were not the worst either.
Their vehicles were the worst! They had PG9s for defective brakes and other serious defects, so what if the were only about 15 years old, several small operators are still running buses much older than that, but they are maintained to a good standard, look at Select's Olympian for an example
Wolverhampton-based Travel Express has had its licence revoked after failing to employ a new qualified Transport Manager (TM) within the period of grace.
More info on:
http://www.route-one.net/legal/licence-lost-after-grace-period-expires/
Quote from: countryliner on November 29, 2015, 04:36:17 AM
Does anyone think that there is any chance that Travel Express will start to run bus services again. I am just wondering because as far as i am aware Travel Express still have their entire fleet of low floor buses at their depot. Has anyone been to the Travel Express depot recently to see if they are still there.
You can see through the windows of the building from the roadside they are still there. But I doubt/hope they don't come back.
Quote from: countryliner on November 29, 2015, 03:35:02 PM
@Ashley 60171 - Thanks for the info. Is it possible to take photos of their buses at their depot or are all of the buses kept inside. Personally i would quite like to see Travel Express come back and operate bus services again. I know that they were not popular with some people (although they were very interesting for bus enthusiasts) but i think that they could do well. When Travel Express used to operate i believe that they charged much cheaper fares than NXWM which i am sure would have made them popular with the passengers. And i dont think that they were as bad as many people thought - they had some nice drivers and a fleet of low floor buses.
How is a fleet of nothing but darts that interesting, as for being popular with passengers, buses the don't run to any timetables generally tend to not be that popular. And I am sure DVSA lied in their report on to how bad they were
Quote from: countryliner on November 29, 2015, 05:27:13 PM
So i dont actually think that they were that bad.
You don't live in Wolverhampton, I do. I have seen numerous things Travel Express have done and they were not good things. NX drivers complained about them on the route 11. So no, Travel Express was not a good operator.
Quote from: countryliner on November 29, 2015, 03:35:02 PM
@Ashley 60171 - Thanks for the info. Is it possible to take photos of their buses at their depot or are all of the buses kept inside. Personally i would quite like to see Travel Express come back and operate bus services again. I know that they were not popular with some people (although they were very interesting for bus enthusiasts) but i think that they could do well. When Travel Express used to operate i believe that they charged much cheaper fares than NXWM which i am sure would have made them popular with the passengers. And i dont think that they were as bad as many people thought - they had some nice drivers and a fleet of low floor buses.
They charged cheaper fares compared to NXWM but that didn't make them any good. Because they weren't any good really. Driving standards and vehicle maintenance would sum it up. Some of the Darts could have been pretty decent if they'd been properly looked after. I also said this previously, fair play to Mr Chumba for being pretty self sufficient but the flaws outweighed any positives.
@countryliner if you do want to photograph the fleet then car parking is available in the depot which was the companies secondary but now only source of income and they should be pretty easy to see.
Quote from: Tony on November 29, 2015, 04:48:20 PM
How is a fleet of nothing but darts that interesting, as for being popular with passengers, buses the don't run to any timetables generally tend to not be that popular. And I am sure DVSA lied in their report on to how bad they were
Darts are there to just make the haulage look good on a rainy day lol.
@countryliner, Travel Express weren't a good operator. They didn't give change. ;)
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on November 29, 2015, 05:53:47 PM
@countryliner, Travel Express weren't a good operator. They didn't give change. ;)
And there onboard timetables were in 12hr format.
Quote from: countryliner on November 29, 2015, 05:27:13 PM
@Tony - Well i do quite like darts so i found the fleet interesting - and not all of the darts were the same - they had different types with different bodies and different lengths. I did use Travel Express quite a few times when i was in the West Midlands area and i always found them to be quite a good bus operator. As i mentioned before they had nice drivers / low floor buses / cheap bus fares / etc. So i dont actually think that they were that bad.
I thought you avoided operators using exact fare policy
Quote from: Dom on November 29, 2015, 06:06:59 PM
And there onboard timetables were in 12hr format.
What timetables? :P Than ran on their own times!
There's poor maintenance and then there's dangerously poor maintenance where you start putting people's lives at risk. If you don't have the money to maintain vehicles then you shouldn't be running them, that's why the tc has such strict rules on financial standing.
Quote from: countryliner on November 29, 2015, 07:04:14 PM
Also it can be quite hard for all small independent bus operators to maintain their vehicles as well as larger operators as some may not be able to afford all the maintainence equipment and facilities that larger operators can afford. I do think that Travel Express did try their best though.
Do you really mean what you have said there.
ALL buses should be maintained to the same standard
Quote from: countryliner on November 29, 2015, 09:08:06 PM
Yes i do indeed mean what i said. Whilst all buses should indeed be maintained to the highest possible standard - i am just pointing out that some small independent operators may not be able to maintain vehicles to the same standard as some larger operators can as they do not have as much money to spend on maintainence equipment and facilities. This is not the case with all small independent operators but just some of them simply dont have the money for the same standard of maintainence as other operators.
To put it bluntly, if they can't maintain there buses correctly, then they should sell up and leave it there.
We, as customers, deserve and are entitled to ride on vehicles that have been maintained to the highest standards, the tc doesn't take away licences for the fun of it, he has a duty to the general public.
Wheel nuts missing brake calipers broken brake pads completely worn our wheel bearings that had or were about to fail & you can't see how these things could put people's lives at risk.
Brakes, without them you can't stop & are probably going to crash. Wheel nuts without them wheels tend to fall off & you tend to crash.
Enough said.
Quote from: countryliner on November 30, 2015, 12:26:05 AM
@Steveminor @Stuharris 6360 - I do see what you mean. Yes maybe the maintainence at Travel Express was not as good as it could have been. But at least the customer service at Travel Express appeared to be quite good (in my opinion). When i used their services - i was always happy with it - i never had any complaints. As i mentioned with the examples in my previous posts the drivers were very good and would often go out of their way to help you. I have certainly seen far worst bus operators.
You need to get out more ???
But those drivers will have jobs with other companies now & most probably won't change their attitude to customers so in the grander scheme of things passengers haven't really lost out.
But if I had to choose between a safe bus & one being driver by a friendly driver I know which one I would choose.
Quote from: countryliner on November 30, 2015, 02:44:28 AM
@Steveminor - Yes i see what you mean. However the maintainence issues might not have all been entirely Travel Express's fault as some of the vehicles might have come to Travel Express in a poor condition anyway. Also i am guessing that most of their drivers probably have new jobs now with other small independent bus operators (has anyone seen any ex Travel Express drivers with other bus operators).
I am sorry it was their fault, they should not have bought vehicles that were in poor condition!
Or if you do buy a vehicle in poor condition you don't put it on the road until it's been made safe for service
It's up to individual taste, I wouldn't have touched them with a barge pole.
I suppose though, if the brake pads have worn out and you can't stop, at least there is a chance the wheel will drop off and help to stop the bus!! :D :D
Or the engine mounts will brake the engine falls out. That should slow you down.
Seriously though if he has the financial standing to re apply for 25 licences he would certainly have had the money to fix the buses, so why didn't he.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 30, 2015, 01:31:14 PM
Or the engine mounts will brake the engine falls out. That should slow you down.
Seriously though if he has the financial standing to re apply for 25 licences he would certainly have had the money to fix the buses, so why didn't he.
That's a very good point!
Quote from: Steveminor on November 30, 2015, 01:31:14 PM
Or the engine mounts will brake the engine falls out. That should slow you down.
Seriously though if he has the financial standing to re apply for 25 licences he would certainly have had the money to fix the buses, so why didn't he.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 30, 2015, 01:19:15 PM
It's up to individual taste, I wouldn't have touched them with a barge pole.
I suppose though, if the brake pads have worn out and you can't stop, at least there is a chance the wheel will drop off and help to stop the bus!! :D :D
My thoughts entirely. Not a company I would have liked to travel upon. Safety comes first, not customer service as one person mentioned as appearing to be more than important to all the TC concerns.
Quote from: countryliner on November 30, 2015, 02:48:13 PM
I found some articles about Travel Express buses. Here are the links for anyone who has not seen these yet.
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/01/24/under-fire-wolverhampton-bus-firm-boss-weve-been-made-out-as-villains/
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/08/24/wolverhampton-buses-stopped-as-licence-revoked-over-grave-concerns-about-road-safety/
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-news/2015/01/22/amateurish-firm-ran-unsafe-buses-in-wolverhampton/
In the first article Kishan Chumber (the owner) talks about his company and the decisions that the tc made. I must say that i completely agree with everything that he (Kishan Chumber) has said in this article. Kishan Chumber has run the Travel Express business for over 15 (almost 16) years and i think that he has a lot more experience than what some people have said. He seems like a good person who knows what he is doing. I do think that the decisions that the tc has made are quite unfair (although i know that some people will disagree with me).
@countryliner Travel Express appealed against the verdict of the TC and lost, how do you explain that then?
Quote from: countryliner on November 30, 2015, 02:48:13 PM
I found some articles about Travel Express buses. Here are the links for anyone who has not seen these yet.
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/01/24/under-fire-wolverhampton-bus-firm-boss-weve-been-made-out-as-villains/
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/08/24/wolverhampton-buses-stopped-as-licence-revoked-over-grave-concerns-about-road-safety/
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-news/2015/01/22/amateurish-firm-ran-unsafe-buses-in-wolverhampton/
In the first article Kishan Chumber (the owner) talks about his company and the decisions that the tc made. I must say that i completely agree with everything that he (Kishan Chumber) has said in this article. Kishan Chumber has run the Travel Express business for over 15 (almost 16) years and i think that he has a lot more experience than what some people have said. He seems like a good person who knows what he is doing. I do think that the decisions that the tc has made are quite unfair (although i know that some people will disagree with me).
Experience counts for nothing unless safety for passengers comes first. One of the articles you included 'Findings including 36 defects on nine buses, including corroded brakes' This is not acceptable to any passenger.
As for what you think is acceptable for passenger transport, I sincerely disagree.
well at the end of the appeal, the head of the Tribunal said
"This was a bad case. The bus industry was highly competitive, and it was essential that bus operators were reassured that TCs would use their full range of powers to discourage operators from cutting corners, from gaining an unfair competitive advantage through non-compliance, or from taking risks with public safety."
Think that says it all really!
You have to remember that the tc really does not want to put companies out of business unless he absolutely has to. So he will normally give an operator another chance in which time he would expect things to improve at least a little but in travel express case things actually got worse. So what else can he do but put them off the road if he didn't & there was a serious accident who would have ultimately been a countable for letting it continue.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 30, 2015, 01:01:39 AM
But those drivers will have jobs with other companies now & most probably won't change their attitude to customers so in the grander scheme of things passengers haven't really lost out.
But if I had to choose between a safe bus & one being driver by a friendly driver I know which one I would choose.
I would imagine that a company like Travel Express fails to set out any expectations in terms of driver appearance, standards or effective customer service skills. A reason for many drivers who display poor standards in these areas doing so is that they have never been set clear expectations and are unlikely to be called to account for performance. If Travel Express drivers have now got jobs with say Arriva or Diamond then training will have been given and expectations set and they will hopefully have been motivated to raise their game.
I would add to your comment Steve, if I had to choose between a bus been driven safely and being driven by a friendly driver I think I would make your choice. A safe bus is essential and so too is a bus being driven safely, it takes both to make a bus safe. I know of two ex- Pete's drivers who were employed by Travel Express, one directly and one via another company, who should never have had another job in the bus industry. They both used to drive buses that were safe in a very unsafe way.
Can anyone on this forum tell me a list of all of the routes that Travel Express operated. I can remember some of the routes that they operated but not all of them. Thank you.
Quote from: countryliner on January 03, 2016, 02:44:37 AM
Can anyone on this forum tell me a list of all of the routes that Travel Express operated. I can remember some of the routes that they operated but not all of them. Thank you.
1 Tettenhall Wood - Wolverhampton
11 Wolverhampton - Underhill
32 Wolverhampton - Northwood Park Circular
33 Wolverhampton - Northwood Park Circular
2 Wolverhampton - Bushbury Hill
A few years ago they used to be on the Bristol Road services
@2206 - Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.
Quote from: 2206 on January 03, 2016, 02:51:51 AM
1 Tettenhall Wood - Wolverhampton
11 Wolverhampton - Underhill
32 Wolverhampton - Northwood Park Circular
33 Wolverhampton - Northwood Park Circular
2 Wolverhampton - Bushbury Hill
A few years ago they used to be on the Bristol Road services
Pretty sure at some point they ran the 126, pretty sure I had that National of theirs from Birmingham to Wolves, around 2000 maybe.
Other short lived ones include
529 Wolverhampton to Willenhall
6 Wolverhampton to Pendeford
3 Wolverhampton to Fordhouses
I believe they did try the 126 in the early 2000's as well as the 63.
They also ran journeys on 126 but I think these were only placement journeys to / from Birmingham for Bristol Road service 63.
Quote from: 2206 on January 03, 2016, 02:51:51 AM
1 Tettenhall Wood - Wolverhampton
11 Wolverhampton - Underhill
32 Wolverhampton - Northwood Park Circular
33 Wolverhampton - Northwood Park Circular
2 Wolverhampton - Bushbury Hill
A few years ago they used to be on the Bristol Road services
They ran the 63 for quite a number of years if I remember, I reckon 2003 until at least 2009. I used to catch them most days. It usually used to be H802OPT, H847NOC, H879LOX and a couple of Handyrider MOB darts. Happy days, those Carlyle darts could go when they wanted to! I remember once having to catch J232JJR which was a pretty horrible ride, absolutely roasting hot during the summer and the windows didn't seem to open. Never caught D603ACW on there but saw it a fair few times. Another one that made an appearance back in 2003 was RKA869T that always looked a bit worse for wear!
I think they had a go on the 9 as well at some stage, I remember catching one of the 'Handyrider' H-MOB darts into Halesowen once. Must have been around 2005/6.
@Niall @DiamondDart @fleetline6477 @Ashley 60171 @Cheese - Thank you very much for the info. Much appreciated.
So it appears that Travel Express have operated the following routes.
Route 1 (Wolverhampton - Tettenhall Wood)
Route 2 (Wolverhampton - Bushbury Hill)
Route 3 (Wolverhampton - Fordhouses)
Route 6 (Wolverhampton - Pendeford)
Route 9 (Birmingham - Stourbridge)
Route 11 (Wolverhampton - Underhill)
Route 32 (Wolverhampton - Northwood Park)
Route 33 (Wolverhampton - Northwood Park)
Route 63 (Birmingham - Frankley)
Route 126 (Birmingham - Wolverhampton)
Route 529 (Wolverhampton - Willenhall)
Did they operate any other routes as well or is that all of them. Thank you.
Quote from: countryliner on January 03, 2016, 04:49:52 PM
@Niall @DiamondDart @fleetline6477 @Ashley 60171 @Cheese - Thank you very much for the info. Much appreciated.
So it appears that Travel Express have operated the following routes.
Route 1 (Wolverhampton - Tettenhall Wood)
Route 2 (Wolverhampton - Bushbury Hill)
Route 3 (Wolverhampton - Fordhouses)
Route 6 (Wolverhampton - Pendeford)
Route 9 (Birmingham - Stourbridge)
Route 11 (Wolverhampton - Underhill)
Route 32 (Wolverhampton - Northwood Park)
Route 33 (Wolverhampton - Northwood Park)
Route 63 (Birmingham - Frankley)
Route 126 (Birmingham - Wolverhampton)
Route 529 (Wolverhampton - Willenhall)
Did they operate any other routes as well or is that all of them. Thank you.
That's all of them.
Did they not do shorts on the 126 from Birmingham to dudley??
Quote from: 900 on January 03, 2016, 05:12:24 PM
Did they not do shorts on the 126 from Birmingham to dudley??
No they did the full route. They always missed out bus stations.
63 was Birmingham to Rubery when they did it!
@DiamondDart @WN @900 @Ashley 60171 - Thanks for the info. So Travel Express operated quite a few routes over the years.
They also operated the 50 for a short time in conjunction with red arrow express bharat & petes
Quote from: Nathan on January 03, 2016, 06:23:03 PM
They operated the 125 Dudley shorts aswell.
http://wmbusphotos.com/CoastalLiner/uwy73x.html
http://wmbusphotos.com/CoastalLiner/a118epa.html
That's Coastal Liner
Quote from: Nathan on January 03, 2016, 06:43:50 PM
Silly me! What am i thinking ::) Of course, yeah.
Yeah sorry, It was the post that i read further up that confused me.
That's it, Travel Express did the 126, Coastal Liner did the 125.
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/d603acw.html
As Mr Chumber, he had one registration which was Wolverhampton to Rubery via Bimringham!
PD0001757/1 KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER Wolverhampton, Bus Station Birmingham, Rubery, Great Park 126
The limited company, Travel Express, had the following registrations
PD0001936/1 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Birmingham Corporation Street Wolverhampton 126 Revoked
PD0001936/2 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD WOLVERHAMPTON TETTENHALL WOOD 1 Revoked
PD0001936/3 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD WOLVERHAMPTON BIRMINGHAM 126 Revoked
PD0001936/4 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD BIRMINGHAM HALESOWEN 9 Revoked
PD0001936/5 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Birmingham Hamstead 16 Revoked
PD0001936/6 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Wolverhampton Underhill 11 Revoked
PD0001936/7 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Wolverhampton Perton 510 Revoked
PD0001936/8 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Wolverhampton Rubery 126(63) Revoked
PD0001936/9 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Stafford Street, Wolverhampton Bushbury Hill 598 Revoked
PD0001936/10 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Stafford Street, Wolverhampton Northwood Park 32(33) Revoked
PD0001936/11 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Wolverhampton Pendeford 6 Revoked
PD0001936/12 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Wolverhampton Bushbury Hill 2 Revoked
PD0001936/13 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Wolverhampton Bus Station Willenhall 529 Revoked
PD0001936/14 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Wolverhampton, Princes Street Wolverhampton, Fordhouses 3 Revoked
PD0001936/15 TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Stafford St, Wolverhampton Fallings Park, Bushbury Hill, Wolverhampton 2 Revoked
@Niall You were correct. Travel Express did do the 9. See here:
Don't recall them on the 510 though?
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/j232jjr.html
Never remember them on the 16 though!
Quote from: Nathan on January 03, 2016, 06:49:55 PM
@Niall You were correct. Travel Express did do the 9. See here:
Don't recall the on the 510 though?
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/j232jjr.html
I have a feeling the 510 might never have actually operated, I do remember seeing the registration document but not sure they actually ever operated it.
Quote from: Cheese on January 03, 2016, 10:01:44 PM
I have a feeling the 510 might never have actually operated, I do remember seeing the registration document but not sure they actually ever operated it.
They never operated the 510. Given the various D&G step entrance Darts that Choice used on the 510 in the mid to late noughties, somebody may have mistaken the identities but no.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 03, 2016, 10:24:25 PM
They never operated the 510. Given the various D&G step entrance Darts that Choice used on the 510 in the mid to late noughties, somebody may have mistaken the identities but no.
Their 510 registration was for a 20 min service Mon-Sat with a start date of 1st Sept 2009 but it never happened. Not sure why, whether it was because they didn't have enough vehicles or something, no idea.
@Steveminor - That is interesting to hear. So were these operators competing against each other on the route 50 service or was it a joint service with all of the bus operators working together.
@646 @Nathan @Adam 404 - Yes i think it was Coastal Liner on the route 125 service and Travel Express on the route 126 service.
@Tony - Thanks for the list of registrations. That really helps. Much appreciated.
@Nathan @DiamondDart @Cheese @Ashley 60171 - That is interesting to hear about the route 510 service. It seems strange though that they would register the service but then not operate it. It would be interesting to find out why this service never operated.
Quote from: countryliner on January 04, 2016, 04:36:59 PM
@Steveminor - That is interesting to hear. So were these operators competing against each other on the route 50 service or was it a joint service with all of the bus operators working together.
@646 @Nathan @Adam 404 - Yes i think it was Coastal Liner on the route 125 service and Travel Express on the route 126 service.
@Tony - Thanks for the list of registrations. That really helps. Much appreciated.
@Nathan @DiamondDart @Cheese @Ashley 60171 - That is interesting to hear about the route 510 service. It seems strange though that they would register the service but then not operate it. It would be interesting to find out why this service never operated.
The answer to the top question was briefly mentioned in the Pete's Travel Thread...
Quote from: Steveminor on August 29, 2015, 10:57:12 PM
He also founded the United movement which saw several small operators get together to match wmt on the 50 bus for bus (no mean feat on a 4 min frequency) . He was the forerunner to how to compete with wmt in my opinion & was I believe the most successful operator the west midlands had & has seen.
@Adam 404 - Thank you. That is interesting to hear.
Advert in the trade press this week for a TM at Travel Express. "We are a small family company that is looking to run buses in Wolverhampton", it says.
Quote from: barry619 on January 27, 2016, 12:22:51 PM
Advert in the trade press this week for a TM at Travel Express. "We are a small family company that is looking to run buses in Wolverhampton", it says.
Glad to hear they're coming back, that presumably explains why the fleet wasn't sold. I assume plan will be to target existing routes they seemed to do ok on.
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 27, 2016, 02:03:08 PM
Glad to hear they're coming back, that presumably explains why the fleet wasn't sold. I assume plan will be to target existing routes they seemed to do ok on.
Well if that is the case and they are back in business let's hope that this time the company is run properly and also they don't let buses run in service which are unlicensed as was noted previously and also lets hope they don't use buses which aren't DDA compliant Chumber did have an orange bus that was in service which I did a vehicle check on it and it turned out it was the same age as me (23)!!
Quote from: DiamondDart on January 27, 2016, 02:03:08 PM
Glad to hear they're coming back, that presumably explains why the fleet wasn't sold. I assume plan will be to target existing routes they seemed to do ok on.
That depends on whether they can find this TM they are advertising for.
TC has quite strict rules now about TM's actually being in charge of the company, not just paid nominal figures in the background, and they won't get an op license until one is appointed
if travel express do com back are all the darts dda & will he repaint all the buses into a fleet livery its not like he cant afford it
Quote from: Tony on January 27, 2016, 02:28:17 PM
That depends on whether they can find this TM they are advertising for.
TC has quite strict rules now about TM's actually being in charge of the company, not just paid nominal figures in the background, and they won't get an op license until one is appointed
Not seen the advert for a TM, where can I find it ?
I cant see the owner standing back and letting someone run his company. I would have though most of his buses were not fully dda. think they rushed into buying lowfloors. I personally think if they were to reappear as they were, it would be a bad thing, especially with these strategic partnerships etc trying to improve services.
That is fantastic news that Travel Express might be coming back again. Hopefully they will manage to find a TM for the company so that they can start operating again. I will look forward to using there buses again in the Wolverhampton area. I am sure that they will be successful when the restart their bus services.
With the buses i think that many of them are probably already DDA compliant.
NK51 MKE - probably already DDA compliant
RX51 FNU - probably already DDA compliant
SK51 AYD - probably already DDA compliant
Y131 GBO - probably already DDA compliant
Y184 KNB - probably already DDA compliant
Y244 FJN - probably already DDA compliant
Y248 FJN - probably already DDA compliant
Y252 FJN - probably already DDA compliant
Y854 TGH - probably already DDA compliant
Y864 TGH - probably already DDA compliant
X292 ABU - not sure if it is DDA compliant
X312 KRX - not sure if it is DDA compliant
X703 UKS - not sure if it is DDA compliant
W143 ULR - not sure if it is DDA compliant
W362 ABD - not sure if it is DDA compliant
V210 ERG - not sure if it is DDA compliant
T580 JTD - not sure if it is DDA compliant
So i think that most of their buses are probably already DDA compliant and i am sure that the buses that might not be DDA compliant can be converted fairly easily.
Quote from: countryliner on January 27, 2016, 06:26:42 PM
That is fantastic news that Travel Express might be coming back again. Hopefully they will manage to find a TM for the company so that they can start operating again. I will look forward to using there buses again in the Wolverhampton area. I am sure that they will be successful when the restart their bus services.
With the buses i think that many of them are probably already DDA compliant.
NK51 MKE - probably already DDA compliant
RX51 FNU - probably already DDA compliant
SK51 AYD - probably already DDA compliant
Y131 GBO - probably already DDA compliant
Y184 KNB - probably already DDA compliant
Y244 FJN - probably already DDA compliant
Y248 FJN - probably already DDA compliant
Y252 FJN - probably already DDA compliant
Y854 TGH - probably already DDA compliant
Y864 TGH - probably already DDA compliant
X292 ABU - not sure if it is DDA compliant
X312 KRX - not sure if it is DDA compliant
X703 UKS - not sure if it is DDA compliant
W143 ULR - not sure if it is DDA compliant
W362 ABD - not sure if it is DDA compliant
V210 ERG - not sure if it is DDA compliant
T580 JTD - not sure if it is DDA compliant
So i think that most of their buses are probably already DDA compliant and i am sure that the buses that might not be DDA compliant can be converted fairly easily.
But will they give change???
@MW - No unfortunately Travel Express use an exact fare policy and do not give change on their services which is a real shame. However when i have used them in the past a few times the driver gave me change out of his own money which is something that National Express certainly would not do. So it shows that their bus drivers give really good customer service.
Quote from: countryliner on January 27, 2016, 07:32:00 PM
@MW - No unfortunately Travel Express use an exact fare policy and do not give change on their services which is a real shame. However when i have used them in the past a few times the driver gave me change out of his own money which is something that National Express certainly would not do. So it shows that their bus drivers give really good customer service.
Sorry, I don't agree. If the company has an exact fair policy then that is the company's policy. For drivers to give change does not, in my opinion, represent good customer service it demonstrates drivers are willing to break company policy. What other company policies will they break. If as you experienced one driver gave change this actually puts all other drivers in a difficult position.
@fleetline6477 - Yes i realise that this is one of their policies but the driver is not doing anything wrong by giving change from his own money - he is just being more helpful - this is likely to increase the customer satisfaction.
Oh please don't start the endless arguments/discussion about change-giving and DDA compliance again, I hoped that had all been put to rest! :-[
Quote from: Stu on January 27, 2016, 08:00:59 PM
Oh please don't start the endless arguments/discussion about change-giving and DDA compliance again, I hoped that had all been put to rest! :-[
Lmao I sparked it off. My original post was a joke but looks like they've begun debating.
@Stu @MW - I was just replying to a question about the exact fare policy. With the DDA compliance i was just stating which vehicles are likely to be DDA compliant. I am not trying to start debates or arguments.
Quote from: countryliner on January 27, 2016, 07:56:46 PM
@fleetline6477 - Yes i realise that this is one of their policies but the driver is not doing anything wrong by giving change from his own money - he is just being more helpful - this is likely to increase the customer satisfaction.
Then when a passenger gets on another TX bus with a driver not prepared to give change from his own money passengers will think they are being less helpful - this is likely to decrease customer satisfaction. Exact fair policy is company policy and company policy should always be followed by drivers.
If TX wanted to increase customer satisfaction they could try basics like drivers in uniform, buses in a fleet livery and not carrying former operators fleet names and route branding (ACL - Weston-Super-Mare) many years after acquiring the vehicles, keeping vehicles maintained to a safe standard....
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 27, 2016, 08:07:57 PM
Then when a passenger gets on another TX bus with a driver not prepared to give change from his own money passengers will think they are being less helpful - this is likely to decrease customer satisfaction. Exact fair policy is company policy and company policy should always be followed by drivers.
If TX wanted to increase customer satisfaction they could try basics like drivers in uniform, buses in a fleet livery and not carrying former operators fleet names and route branding (ACL - Weston-Super-Mare) many years after acquiring the vehicles, keeping vehicles maintained to a safe standard....
And of course running to timetables which is one of the biggest things that gives passenger satisfaction
@fleetline6477 @Tony - I know that some people have other opinions but i was always happy with the service whenever i used Travel Express in the past.
Quote from: countryliner on January 27, 2016, 08:43:33 PM
@fleetline6477 @Tony - I know that some people have other opinions but i was always happy with the service whenever i used Travel Express in the past.
Yes we know you are always happy with any crap service offered as long as it is by a small operator giving change (oh hang on they don't as a company, oooops). DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner who actually employ professional people to check the standards of operation thought otherwise
The time they ran the 529, i rode it from willenhall to wolves and the driver drove dangerously and loved to cut up nx 529 to gain passenger and would move from the dale stop in Willenhall with the NX529 behind waiting to pull into the stop and blocking the island behind. I like independent bus companies i.e. Hansons, they have competition from NX on there 250/251/228 services between stourbridge and Merry Hill. To be fair those buses are long established with regular customers and you don't see them cutting up nx on those routes and driving without due care and attention.
Travel Express needs a company image, livery, uniform, better buses and better maintence, stick to a route and they could pick themself up. Then maybe i will change my opinion on them. One 529 Travel Express Journey was enough.
@Tony - Well i have certainly seen far worse bus operators including one certain bus operator (outside of the West Midlands) who are still using at least six non DDA compliant single decker buses in service every day. So i do not think that Travel Express were really that bad (at least in my experience of using them).
@Chris - That is interesting to hear. I never experienced any of that when i used them (but i was not a regular passenger on them). I do not think that a driver uniform is really necessary for them to have. Most small independent bus operators do not have uniforms.
Quote from: countryliner on January 27, 2016, 08:43:33 PM
@fleetline6477 @Tony - I know that some people have other opinions but i was always happy with the service whenever i used Travel Express in the past.
You may have felt happy at the time you travelled. However, in light of the serious failures found by the TC in basic maintenance and service reliability would you still be happy to travel on buses found to be in the state the TC's enquiry found?
Unfortunately, it looks as though Travel Express may be back soon. They are advertising for a transport manager in this weeks R1
Countyliner, I would happily catch Diamond, Hansons who provide a decent service, but there are certain operators who I wouldn't go near, I would rather walk.
Being a small operator, giving change etc don't all add together to make a good bus company, you have to have trust as well. Considering how much publicity Travel Express have received from there dealings with the TC and the amount of stuff which has been made public, I can't see many people putting there trust back in Travel Express.
I can't see people putting trust in a random liveried dart that turns up at a seemingly random time.
BUT
I can see people trusting a smart (ish) bus in a company livery (no matter how simple that livery is) that turns up at the time the timetable says it should, ie a customer can rely on them.
There is potential. There always is. If Travel Express do start up again then those are the sort of things they need to do.
IMHO, if Travel Express are to return they need to make a fresh start and behave like normal bus companies behave.
A smart new livery, buses maintained correctly, running to a proper timetable, drivers with uniforms, letting the Transport manager carry out his job without interference, the list goes on!!
I don't think any of you guys should feed the troll.
Countryliner will not read/understand/accept the truth.
Regardless of whether Travel Express has any buses that comply with the accessibility regulations, the biggest task that it is going to face is actually securing an O-Licence. The contact details for the TM's job advertised this week are for a Kishan Chumber. When Travel Express's O-Licence was revoked last year, Nick Jones (the West Midland TC) said:
Quote...this was a bad case and a new TM was clearly not the complete answer, especially where the new person would probably be appointed by Mr Chumber and would then be employed by a company that had Mr Chumber as controlling mind.
Will Nick Jones grant Travel Express a new O-Licence? I think I know the answer to that when the above quote from Mr Jones is taken into account. The whole sorry story about Travel Express's demise is at the following link - and it should be required reading for the usual poster who believes that a small operator is automatically a good operator:
http://www.route-one.net/legal/licence-lost-after-grace-period-expires/ (http://www.route-one.net/legal/licence-lost-after-grace-period-expires/)
It is an insult to the industry's reputable, well-run businesses that outfits like this (and others that also feature in this sub-forum) are permitted to compete with them.
@barry619 - You are entitled to your own opinion but i really do not believe in my opinion that Travel Express were as bad as many people say. Even if a bus operator make mistakes all companies should be given a second chance. There are some much worse bus operators out there. It is not an insult to the industry at all. Also i do not think that all independent operators are good. I have had some bad experiences with some of the independent bus operators in the West Midlands. I remember a few years ago a Hansons driver shouted "F**K off you sad C**T" out of the drivers window because he did like the fact that i was taking a photo of his bus also a few years ago a Claribels driver stuck his middle finger up at me also for taking a photo of his bus. I am not saying that all Hansons and Claribels drivers are bad as i have seen some good ones as well. I will also add that i met Kishan Chumber just recently and i had a look their buses at their depot and he certainly seems like a good owner who knows what he is doing and the buses were all in good condition.
@Stuharris 6360 @Kevin - I think that many people will be happy to use Travel Express if they start running again especially as they charge cheap good value fares.
@fleetline6477 - Well i did travel on their buses sometimes and i could never see anything wrong with the vehicle conditions.
@MW - I am not a troll. I am stating my opinions and experiences. Just because you do not agree it does not make me a troll.
Well i cetainly hope that Travel Express are able to start running their services again.
If anyone is interested this is what the TM advertisment that
@Winston mentioned says.
I have copied and pasted it so the format might not be good.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Travel Express Ltd – Transport Manager 0
BY DAN ROBERTS ON JANUARY 27, 2016 MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS
Travel Express Ltd are looking to recruitment a Transport Manager to be based in Wolverhampton.
Job Title: Transport Manager
Company: Travel Express Ltd
Job Description:
Transport Manager wanted for local service bus operation.
Travel Express Ltd are seeking to recruit a Transport Manager. We are a small family company that is looking to run buses on local services in Wolverhampton.
Knowledge of all DVSA requirements is essential and a PCV license is desirable. This position would suite a person who is self motivated and able to drive the business to future expansion. This is a full time position.
Salary is negotiable depending on experience.
Please apply to kishan.chumber@sky.com or phone 01902 256436, mobile 07545164579
This Job At a Glance:
Information
Company Name Travel Express Ltd
Job Location
Wolverhampton
Job Location Postcode –
Salary Band Minimum Salary is negotiable depending on experience
Salary Band Maximum Salary is negotiable depending on experience
Application Contact Kishan Chumber
Application Email kishan.chumber@sky.com
Application Phone Number 01902 256436 or 07545164579
Closing Date –
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Here is the link to the advertisement page - www.route-one.net/jobs/management/travel-express-ltd-transport-manager/
I certainly wish Kishan Chumber the best of luck and look forward to using Travel Express again.
Quote from: countryliner on January 28, 2016, 06:44:27 PM
@barry619 - You are entitled to your own opinion but i really do not believe in my opinion that Travel Express were as bad as many people say. Even if a bus operator make mistakes all companies should be given a second chance.
FFS man, read the link to the report of Travel Express's Public Inquiry. It had already been given a second chance!!
@barry619 - I have read the link that you provided.
Quote from: countryliner on January 28, 2016, 06:59:49 PM
@barry619 - I have read the link that you provided.
So you are calling Mr Jones and his team liars then? You say they are not that bad I presume you must be.
@Tony - No i am not saying that they are liars. But i do not believe everything. The TC seem to like to pick on all of these small independent bus operators while they let the large big group bus operators get away with a lot more.
Quote from: countryliner on January 28, 2016, 06:44:27 PM
@barry619 - .............................. I will also add that i met Kishan Chumber just recently and i had a look their buses at their depot and he certainly seems like a good owner who knows what he is doing and the buses were all in good condition.
@Stuharris 6360 @Kevin - I think that many people will be happy to use Travel Express if they start running again especially as they charge cheap good value fares.
@fleetline6477 - Well i did travel on their buses sometimes and i could never see anything wrong with the vehicle conditions.
@MW - I am not a troll. I am stating my opinions and experiences. Just because you do not agree it does not make me a troll.
Well i cetainly hope that Travel Express are able to start running their services again.
............................................................
Countryliner, what planet are you on???
The TC thought that neither the owner knew how to run the company or that the vehicles were in good condition, hence the reason it is not operating buses now.
As for travelling on the vehicles and not seeing anything wrong with them, did you look underneath the bodies at the state of the mechanical components? Also would passengers travel on a vehicle because of the cheap fares if they knew the vehicle was dangerous?
Regarding posting the advert for the TM on this forum, you have even excelled yourself this time on the stupidity scale!!!
Personally, and to quote you 'I am stating my opinions', I hope Travel Express does not get a new O-Licence as Mr Chumber does not deserve one.
As for your comments, haven't you yet worked out your opinions often appear to be in a minority of one compared to other contributors to the forum.
@countryliner if a big company i.e. nx, stagecoach, first and arriva were doing something wrong they would get the TC on their case. Why do you think they have drivers check the buses before they leave the garage? If faults are found another bus is given and faults fixed
Quote from: countryliner on January 28, 2016, 07:18:44 PM
@Tony - No i am not saying that they are liars. But i do not believe everything.
The TC seem to like to pick on all of these small independent bus operators while they let the large big group bus operators get away with a lot more.
You do not believe everything - so you say they lied!
Large Operators get away with a lot more? - Travel West Midlands had to do an extra MoT on every vehicle in their fleet once in the 1990s
I have never been inside a TE bus but from the outside they looked like tips
Quote from: Chris on January 28, 2016, 07:23:14 PM
@countryliner if a big company i.e. nx, stagecoach, first and arriva were doing something wrong they would get the TC on their case. Why do you think they have drivers check the buses before they leave the garage? If faults are found another bus is given and faults fixed
I agree, the big companies have all fallen foul of the TC at some stage or other in their histories and had restrictions or conditions imposed.
Quote from: Bryan on January 28, 2016, 07:33:49 PM
I agree, the big companies have all fallen foul of the TC at some stage or other in their histories and had restrictions or conditions imposed.
http://www.itv.com/news/central/update/2013-02-21/arriva-ordered-to-offer-free-bus-service-in-derby/
Quote from: Bryan on January 28, 2016, 07:33:49 PM
I agree, the big companies have all fallen foul of the TC at some stage or other in their histories and had restrictions or conditions imposed.
@countryliner heres evidence that the big companies are not immune from tc's
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/756888/stagecoach-bus-numbers-capped-in-the-highlands-after-safety/
Quote from: 2206 on January 28, 2016, 07:36:57 PM
http://www.itv.com/news/central/update/2013-02-21/arriva-ordered-to-offer-free-bus-service-in-derby/
Quote from: Chris on January 28, 2016, 07:40:08 PM
@countryliner heres evidence that the big companies are not immune from tc's
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/756888/stagecoach-bus-numbers-capped-in-the-highlands-after-safety/
Thanks for posting these links. Perhaps countryliner may now realise that a TC does not differentiate between a large and small operator (although I'm not holding my breath!).
Quote from: countryliner on January 28, 2016, 07:18:44 PMThe TC seem to like to pick on all of these small independent bus operators while they let the large big group bus operators get away with a lot more.
A Public Inquiry is much akin to a court hearing. It deals in facts supported by evidence provided by DVSA Vehicle Inspectors/Examiners, the bus monitoring people (if necessary) and others in an official capacity before the TC makes his or her decision. There is no element of 'picking on' operators and there is the option of an appeal to the Upper Tribunal should the firm in question feel hard done to/wronged.
All decisions are made based on evidence. The fact that Travel Express's licence was revoked and the TC issued a very stern public rebuke tells me all I need to know. TCs do not revoke licences on a whim, instead reserving such a penalty for the worst cases.
As for your comment that smaller operators are picked on, Stagecoach's northern Scotland operation received a substantial penalty for maintenance issues recently, Arriva suffered the ignominy of being ordered to run some mileage in Derby without charging fares and First was routinely and quite rightly hammered by various TCs during the 2000s for all kinds of indiscretions, with at least one of these occasions seeing it in the very real situation of looking at having an O-Licence revoked.
if I can stick my opinion on here....... at least 3 times in 12 months I saw vosa/dvsa turn up unannounced in Wolverhampton. as I was out spotting, I stuck around for the full duration 2 of them.
banga was pulled in and checked, buses then went back out into service.
arriva several vehicles checked, all going back into service
nxwm this was interesting - they picked mainly spectras and the odd b7 and trident. all were put back into service
all 3 ops had representatives on the scene quickly, and judging by the looks on their faces, they were not concerned about being checked.
travel express. on one occasion (during the appeal period!!! of the tc's decision) 6 buses were checked. all 6 were sent back to garage. the owner turned up, but there were obvious things such as a broken exhaust tail pipe, bent centre doors, loose seats, oil leaks etc etc. if you were in trouble, then you would surely make sure everything was on the ball, everything was as near to 100% as possible.
I think towards the end, the buses they bought had seen better days, and they were no where near reliable as their old step entrance buses.
I felt sorry for the drivers that lost their jobs (well most of them)
Quote from: mranon on January 28, 2016, 09:43:21 PM
if I can stick my opinion on here....... at least 3 times in 12 months I saw vosa/dvsa turn up unannounced in Wolverhampton. as I was out spotting, I stuck around for the full duration 2 of them.
banga was pulled in and checked, buses then went back out into service.
arriva several vehicles checked, all going back into service
nxwm this was interesting - they picked mainly spectras and the odd b7 and trident. all were put back into service
all 3 ops had representatives on the scene quickly, and judging by the looks on their faces, they were not concerned about being checked.
travel express. on one occasion (during the appeal period!!! of the tc's decision) 6 buses were checked. all 6 were sent back to garage. the owner turned up, but there were obvious things such as a broken exhaust tail pipe, bent centre doors, loose seats, oil leaks etc etc. if you were in trouble, then you would surely make sure everything was on the ball, everything was as near to 100% as possible.
I think towards the end, the buses they bought had seen better days, and they were no where near reliable as their old step entrance buses.
I felt sorry for the drivers that lost their jobs (well most of them)
I remember the one day Mr C turned up and he asked the DVSA VI's why they were picking on him!
Oh great! The cowboy builders of bus company's are returning
Quote from: countryliner on January 28, 2016, 06:44:27 PM
@Stuharris 6360 @Kevin - I think that many people will be happy to use Travel Express if they start running again especially as they charge cheap good value fares.
@countryliner How are you certain that Travel Express will still offer cheap good value fares?
I totally disagree with you on trust, considering the amount of publicity regarding Travel Express and the problems with maintenance etc, I can't see many people trusting them, when a person boards a bus, they want to be 99.999 % certain that the bus is roadworthy and they are going to get off in one piece at the other end.
Just because Travel Express have advertised for a Transport Manager does not automatically mean that they will be able to operate services, the TC will want to be 100% confident that the Transport Manager will be free to do his job without interference from anyone.
Yes i realise that the TC does deal with larger bus operators as well but the large operators always get let off with much smaller restrictions and fines. The large operators never get their licenses revoked where as the smaller operators do. For example i remember one time when Stagecoach (in Hastings) were running a bus all over East Sussex for at least eight days with completely different registration numbers at the front and back of the bus and they got away with it. Also these large operators (in particular mainly Go Ahead) always get away with running buses early / running buses late / skipping out parts of the route where as if the small independent operators do that they are far less likely to get away with it. I think that many members of the public would be more than happy to use Travel Express again - the condition of the vehicles was really not that bad - i think that lots of passengers were probably quite happy with Travel Express. A lot of the stuff that people read in the papers about them was untrue and over exaggerated. We also have to remember that Kishan Chumber has operated Travel Express successfully for over fifteen years so he and his team certainly have experience in the industry and know what they are doing. I personally think that people should be more positive about Travel Express as they are definetly not as bad as many people seem to think.
Quote from: countryliner on January 29, 2016, 05:43:16 AM
Yes i realise that the TC does deal with larger bus operators as well but the large operators always get let off with much smaller restrictions and fines. The large operators never get their licenses revoked where as the smaller operators do. For example i remember one time when Stagecoach (in Hastings) were running a bus all over East Sussex for at least eight days with completely different registration numbers at the front and back of the bus and they got away with it. Also these large operators (in particular mainly Go Ahead) always get away with running buses early / running buses late / skipping out parts of the route where as if the small independent operators do that they are far less likely to get away with it. I think that many members of the public would be more than happy to use Travel Express again - the condition of the vehicles was really not that bad - i think that lots of passengers were probably quite happy with Travel Express. A lot of the stuff that people read in the papers about them was untrue and over exaggerated. We also have to remember that Kishan Chumber has operated Travel Express successfully for over fifteen years so he and his team certainly have experience in the industry and know what they are doing. I personally think that people should be more positive about Travel Express as they are definetly not as bad as many people seem to think.
No, they do not pick on small operators, I'll tell you the difference between large and small
DVSA has a traffic light coding system for operators, those that have been caught misbehaving are red, those that when checked very little is wrong are green, and those in-between are amber.
When DVSA turn up at locations they will concentrate mostly on the 'red' operators and check fewer 'amber' and even fewer 'green', size bears no relation to these codings, and operators can move up and down the codings depending on what is found at checks.
If an operator is found to be breaching DVSA's guidelines either on engineering or operating to registered timetables they will be called to a PI. It is extremely rare for a license to be revoked at the first PI an operator is called to unless they have done something extremely bad.
Now here is the difference between large and small operators. All the large operators, and good small operators, when called to a PI accept the TC's recommendations and change their ways.
For instance when WMT had a PI for poor maintenance they introduced the driver's VCR sheet for recording faults as recommended by the TC. This has worked so well the TC has even told other operators to introduce identical VCRs at subsequent PIs.
Claribels when at a PI for poor timetabling showed the TC a new supervision system they would introduce
First and Stagecoach also followed respective TC's advice at PI's and have not been called again at the same companies, so have not had revocations.
Now your Mr Chumber and the like get called to more than one PI, because they don't follow TC's advice and get caught with poor maintenance and or timekeeping time after time.
As for Mr Chumber operating successfully for 15 years if you call running a Lynx (D240ACW) so poorly maintained that you could actually see inside through holes in the in side panels, or Carlyle darts with such rotten interior floors you could watch the tarmec underneath passing by when travelling on it, getting called to regular PIs and receiving fines and warnings successful then your idea of success is different to mine, but...I already knew that anyway
@ bn think I was there then, and that was just as an examiner found something wrong worthy of a pg9 lol!
@ countryliner. If mr chumber knew what he was doing, and has all of this experience, then why isn't he operating today! as tony commented about rotten vehicles etc, ive seen myself a Carlyle dart running around with the bottom skirt panel missing for weeks! then there was the x-uks dart running around with a bungee cord half heartedly holding the engine panel down for months. not forgetting a tax issue well commented on the internet. even his long standing staff had enough before the final nail on the coffin, and jumped ship. I don't dislike mr c personally, but could he really hand over full control? cant see it. however you never know, raj banga has certainly done well turning the former banga travel around. not perfect but they always have an identity.
Quote from: mranon on January 29, 2016, 06:11:28 PM
@ bn think I was there then, and that was just as an examiner found something wrong worthy of a pg9 lol!
@ countryliner. If mr chumber knew what he was doing, and has all of this experience, then why isn't he operating today! as tony commented about rotten vehicles etc, ive seen myself a Carlyle dart running around with the bottom skirt panel missing for weeks! then there was the x-uks dart running around with a bungee cord half heartedly holding the engine panel down for months. not forgetting a tax issue well commented on the internet. even his long standing staff had enough before the final nail on the coffin, and jumped ship. I don't dislike mr c personally, but could he really hand over full control? cant see it. however you never know, raj banga has certainly done well turning the former banga travel around. not perfect but they always have an identity.
Mr Chumber could do with Mary Portas explaining how to run things properly! I could just imagine the programme now... But I doubt he will want help as he probably doesn't want his "company" coming back into the headlines...
Quote from: countryliner on January 29, 2016, 05:43:16 AM
Yes i realise that the TC does deal with larger bus operators as well but the large operators always get let off with much smaller restrictions and fines. The large operators never get their licenses revoked where as the smaller operators do. For example i remember one time when Stagecoach (in Hastings) were running a bus all over East Sussex for at least eight days with completely different registration numbers at the front and back of the bus and they got away with it. Also these large operators (in particular mainly Go Ahead) always get away with running buses early / running buses late / skipping out parts of the route where as if the small independent operators do that they are far less likely to get away with it. I think that many members of the public would be more than happy to use Travel Express again - the condition of the vehicles was really not that bad - i think that lots of passengers were probably quite happy with Travel Express. A lot of the stuff that people read in the papers about them was untrue and over exaggerated. We also have to remember that Kishan Chumber has operated Travel Express successfully for over fifteen years so he and his team certainly have experience in the industry and know what they are doing. I personally think that people should be more positive about Travel Express as they are definetly not as bad as many people seem to think.
I cannot believe that you can claim 'the condition of the vehicles was not that bad.' Travel Express could not even be bothered to remove previous operator names and route branding on buses they owned for a number of years (e.g. former ACL Travel Darts K 118 SRH and K 565 NHC, several Carlyle Darts ran around with Rossendale livery and Handyrider logos, MUI 1346 ran around with Travel Express on the front and JPT Travel on the sides). Even when updating the fleet Dart SK 51 AYD retained Munros fleet names and Y 131 GBO Wave. All-over yellow Dart NK 51 NKE looks smart but will confuse passengers because the Wolverhampton CC fleet is all-over yellow. Sunny Travel and Banga adopted previous operators liveries as their livery. The fleet looked a shambles about 20 vehicles in a dozen or more liveries and no consistency with removing previous operator names and adding TX in a consistent way.
You claim a lot of the stuff in the papers was untrue and over exaggerated, from what I read the journalists had done their homework and were directly quoting what the TC report stated. The reports draw attention to mechanical issues and faults found on the vehicles, things which cannot be seen by passengers using the vehicles and are dangerous and potentially life threatening for drivers, passengers and members of the public.
You are right Mr Chumba has been running buses for 15 years. He began by running buses in previous liveries and is still doing so 15 years on. This is plenty of time to sort out the basics of a standardised fleet livery and fleet names. There are many issues that the TC's report highlighted that are 'hidden' because they cannot be seen and it is for those reasons that his recommendations and decision was made. The TC does not make findings of this magnitude without hard evidence. I recognize been a small independent is tough but can never be an excuse for running a bus company in the shambolic way the TC's report highlights. When there is concern about a new Transport Manager not being allowed to do their job without interference this seems to suggest that Mr. Chumba completely fails to understand the implications of the report and the serious failings it lays at his door.
I must agree with your final comment that TX are definitely not as bad as many people seem to think, they are considerably worse than many people seem to think.
Quote from: countryliner on January 29, 2016, 05:43:16 AM
Yes i realise that the TC does deal with larger bus operators as well but the large operators always get let off with much smaller restrictions and fines. The large operators never get their licenses revoked where as the smaller operators do. For example i remember one time when Stagecoach (in Hastings) were running a bus all over East Sussex for at least eight days with completely different registration numbers at the front and back of the bus and they got away with it. Also these large operators (in particular mainly Go Ahead) always get away with running buses early / running buses late / skipping out parts of the route where as if the small independent operators do that they are far less likely to get away with it. I think that many members of the public would be more than happy to use Travel Express again - the condition of the vehicles was really not that bad - i think that lots of passengers were probably quite happy with Travel Express. A lot of the stuff that people read in the papers about them was untrue and over exaggerated. We also have to remember that Kishan Chumber has operated Travel Express successfully for over fifteen years so he and his team certainly have experience in the industry and know what they are doing. I personally think that people should be more positive about Travel Express as they are definetly not as bad as many people seem to think.
OK, I give up with you. You have no comprehension of the severity of some of the things that got Travel Express into the situation that led to its O-Licence being revoked in the first place, and nor do you understand how the bus industry is regulated and what standards operators are legally obliged to uphold when they are granted an O-Licence.
Be gone with you.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 29, 2016, 08:56:38 PMYou claim a lot of the stuff in the papers was untrue and over exaggerated, from what I read the journalists had done their homework and were directly quoting what the TC report stated.
Certainly, and I believe that the journalist quoted in the trade press article linked to earlier will have been present at the Public Inquiry.
I must say that Travel Express has constantly been improving over the years. They recently replaced their entire step entrance fleet with a fleet of 100% low floor buses. Travel Express have been operating low floor buses on all of their routes where as at the same time many of the large big group operators (including Arriva / First / Go Ahead / Stagecoach) were still operating very large amounts of step entrance buses in their fleet. As for the livery and fleetnames - i really do not think that not having a livery or fleetnames on the bus or running buses in the previous operators fleet names is a problem - there are far more important things for bus operators to focus on. The majority of normal bus passengers will not mind about the liveries or fleetnames. They will just want to get to and from their destination and get cheap good value fares. There are lots of much better things for bus operators to concentrate on and spend their money on.
Quote from: countryliner on January 30, 2016, 07:57:05 PM
I must say that Travel Express has constantly been improving over the years. They recently replaced their entire step entrance fleet with a fleet of 100% low floor buses. Travel Express have been operating low floor buses on all of their routes where as at the same time many of the large big group operators (including Arriva / First / Go Ahead / Stagecoach) were still operating very large amounts of step entrance buses in their fleet. As for the livery and fleetnames - i really do not think that not having a livery or fleetnames on the bus or running buses in the previous operators fleet names is a problem - there are far more important things for bus operators to focus on. The majority of normal bus passengers will not mind about the liveries or fleetnames. They will just want to get to and from their destination and get cheap good value fares. There are lots of much better things for bus operators to concentrate on and spend their money on.
Like Maintenance!
Shame Travel Express didn't!
@Tony - I do agree that it is much better to spend money on maintainance than on liveries and fleetnames.
onre of the drivres from travel express now with banga
He didn't spend money on either
Public Inquiry (52070) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 02 March 2016 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2245)
)
PD1140735 SI
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Director(s): NIRMAL NIRMALA CHUMBER, KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.
30 COTON ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
PSV - S14 - Considerat
Obviously he's found a TM
Quote from: Steveminor on February 05, 2016, 06:30:46 PM
Obviously he's found a TM
@Steveminor i have been told from a reliable source face to face he has but will only be limited to 4 vehicles and 2 routes
Quote from: RS on February 05, 2016, 06:32:23 PM
@Steveminor i have been told from a reliable source face to face he has but will only be limited to 4 vehicles and 2 routes
Yes, I've been given a name as well, someone with history in the West Midlands
TJ?
Quote from: Tony on February 05, 2016, 06:49:17 PM
Yes, I've been given a name as well, someone with history in the West Midlands
Good history or the same kind of legacy as Travel Express currently have?
That is great to hear that Travel Express have found a TM. I really look forward to seeing and using their buses around Wolverhampton again. If that is true that Travel Express will be limited to four vehicles and two routes then i wonder what routes they will choose (and i wonder what they will do with their buses as they currently have 17 vehicles in their fleet). I am guessing thay they will probably go back on to some of their previous bus routes.
Wonder if they do come back will have a livery as he will have 4 buses no excuse look at select the 3 t he started with were in livery
@Solo1 - It will be interesting to see. Although i think that there is far more important things for them to focus on other than a livery and fleetnames.
He didn't have a livery when he only had 2 buses so 4!!!
@Steveminor - Do you know what his first vehicles were.
Quote from: countryliner on February 06, 2016, 05:17:58 PM
@Steveminor - Do you know what his first vehicles were.
I think these may have been some of the first:
Leyland National:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/5373456933
Leyland Lynx:
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/d603acw.html
The national was his 1st bus then he bought a dodge minibus the lynx was his 3rd purchase
Quote from: Steveminor on February 06, 2016, 05:34:05 PM
The national was his 1st bus then he bought a dodge minibus the lynx was his 3rd purchase
The Dodge Minibus was horrible to travel on! Roasting during the summer and some of the windows permanently screwed shut. Got it one July on a rammed 63 after TWM had a gap in service, very unpleasant!!
I think the same could be said of all dodges lol
Quote from: Solo1 on February 06, 2016, 02:14:59 AM
who is tj
We're probably not allowed to know.
Bus people & all that!
Tj wouldn't have been a former company owner would he?
Quote from: Steveminor on February 06, 2016, 05:34:05 PM
The national was his 1st bus then he bought a dodge minibus the lynx was his 3rd purchase
@Steveminor this one?
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/j232jjr.html
Quote from: Steveminor on February 06, 2016, 05:43:43 PM
Tj wouldn't have been a former company owner would he?
I know a MJ as a former company owner
Think blue and white. And Marshall Minibus.
Quote from: 646 on February 06, 2016, 06:10:27 PM
Think blue and white. And Marshall Minibus.
They had promise when they started as well!
I know who it is then. Oh God things aren't going to get any better for travel express then.
Ran In tamworth
I believe that the new TM at Travel Express is Terence Raymond Johnson.
Thought as much
Quote from: countryliner on February 06, 2016, 07:21:52 PM
I believe that the new TM at Travel Express is Terence Raymond Johnson.
he is from Birmingham motor traction
@Steveminor @Solo1 - It seems like he has previously worked for both Tamworth Bus And Coach and for Birmingham Motor Traction in the past.
& central connect & zaks
@Steveminor - So it seems like he has worked for quite a few different bus operators in the West Midlands in the past.
I believe Travel Express may have had their new application granted today at a PI, but have a whole list of conditions applied. I haven't seen the conditions yet
Quote from: countryliner on February 06, 2016, 01:27:06 AM
I really look forward to seeing and using their buses around Wolverhampton again.
I'll look forward to the resulting p.i. (s)......
I wonder how long it will be before normal service is resumed.
Quote from: mranon on March 02, 2016, 07:11:14 PM
I wonder how long it will be before normal service is resumed.
You mean buses not running to timetable, badly maintained etc??
Wonder if they will be in fleet livery or like last time that if the last op
The main condition of the granting of the new license appears to be that Kish Chumber has nothing to do with the operation or the maintenance of the vehicles.
The TC actually suggested he could drive a bus but not repair it. He has a TM but now needs a mechanic and is advertising at £10-£12 per hour for 50 hours per week.
So the first £600 per week in takings goes on the mechanic, then he has to pay his new TM, presumably more than the mech, before he even starts on direct running costs, fuel, drivers wages, other maintenance costs etc, so even if he has all 8 buses he has been granted out in service he has got to find routes with a fairly decent level of takings to make the new operation viable.
Quote from: Tony on March 04, 2016, 02:20:13 PM
The main condition of the granting of the new license appears to be that Kish Chumber has nothing to do with the operation or the maintenance of the vehicles.
The TC actually suggested he could drive a bus but not repair it. He has a TM but now needs a mechanic and is advertising at £10-£12 per hour for 50 hours per week.
So the first £600 per week in takings goes on the mechanic, then he has to pay his new TM, presumably more than the mech, before he even starts on direct running costs, fuel, drivers wages, other maintenance costs etc, so even if he has all 8 buses he has been granted out in service he has got to find routes with a fairly decent level of takings to make the new operation viable.
That would save him some money If he drove a bus himself.
Will be interesting to see what happens especially as the TC is likely to be keeping a very watchful eye on the firm.
An update on Travel Express notified today by the TC and of interest are the last four lines on services that may be registered (Please note some of the text appears to be duplicated by the TC but it is just as copied from their site):
PD1140735 SN
(2248)
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Director(s): NIRMAL NIRMALA CHUMBER, KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER.
30 COTON ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
Operating Centre: 49 DUDLEY ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV2 3BP
Authorisation:20 Vehicle(s).
Operating Centre: 33 CHETWYND ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV2 4NZ
Authorisation:5 Vehicle(s).
Transport Manager(s): TERENCE RAYMOND JOHNSON
New Undertaking: ,,«that Mr Kishan Chumber will have no role in transport
management, even in an advisory role. For this purpose, this includes:
,,XA transport manager role generally;
,,XTimetable scheduling;
,,XDiscipline and control of drivers; and,
,,XAll aspects of maintenance of vehicles.
. Attached to Licence.
New Undertaking: ,,«that Mr Kishan Chumber will have no role in transport
management, even in an advisory role. For this purpose, this includes:
,,XA transport manager role generally;
..XTimetable scheduling;
,,XDiscipline and control of drivers; and,
,,XAll aspects of maintenance of vehicles.
. Attached to Licence.
New Undertaking: ,,«The operator will arrange for an audit of maintenance systems
and documentation undertaken by the FTA every 6 months, with the findings
copied to the OTC Birmingham and the local DVSA.. Attached to Licence.
New Undertaking: ,,«The operator will not commence operations until Transport
Manager Terence Johnson has written to the Traffic Commissioner (copied to the
local DVSA) that he is personally satisfied that staff are in place and vehicles are of
the required standard.. Attached to Licence.
Mr Chumber is fortunate to have been granted the license but he'll no doubt get around the restrictions somehow. Would you honestly think he'd have a license where his role would just be to provide the money, keep the assets and maybe drive a bus whilst everything else is left to the mechanic and Transport Manager?
this has graham martin and green bus/warstones motors/white wings travel all over it. cannot see how anyone who had money invested could sit back. cant help see the tm as the face, whilst reality says normal service
Quote from: justlookingaround on March 19, 2016, 05:25:44 PM
Mr Chumber is fortunate to have been granted the license but he'll no doubt get around the restrictions somehow. Would you honestly think he'd have a license where his role would just be to provide the money, keep the assets and maybe drive a bus whilst everything else is left to the mechanic and Transport Manager?
The whole thing is very odd and I am amazed that a licence has been granted in view of past problems, even with the number of conditions (quite rightly) attached. Specifying an FTA audit every six months is unusual. The FTA is very thorough in these and it will soon pick up any issues, should they occur. There is no way to fool the Freight Transport Association so things will need to be done properly if yet another appearance in front of Nick Jones is to be avoided.
http://www.route-one.net/legal/travel-express-wins-new-licence/
QuoteKishan Singh Chumber's Travel Express has won a new eight-vehicle national licence, on the condition that Mr Chumber employs a full-time Transport Manager (TM), a full-time skilled mechanic, and has nothing to do with vehicle maintenance.
The company, of Coton Road, Wolverhampton, was seeking a licence authorising 20 vehicles before Traffic Commissioner (TC) Nick Jones at a Birmingham Public Inquiry.
In January 2015 the TC cut the company's licence from 13 vehicles to eight, ordered it to pay a financial penalty of £6,500, cancelled the registrations of two of its four local services, banned it from registering any new services until 15 March 2016, and held that Mr Chumber was unfit to act as TM until he had passed a further CPC exam, giving the company three months in which to appoint a new TM.
In that decision, the TC said that whether Mr Chumber was able to defer to someone else running his business was likely to be an ongoing concern.
The TC's decision was upheld by the Upper Tribunal on appeal, who said that this was a bad case and a new TM was clearly not the complete answer, especially where the new person would probably be appointed by Mr Chumber.
In September the TC revoked the company's licence after it failed to employ a new TM within the period of grace.
At the outset, the TC said that he was surprised that the application was for 20 vehicles, considering the previous history.
Questioned by the TC, the proposed TM Terence Johnson said that he was currently a driver with Central Buses. He had previously been TM for Acorn Bus & Coach and Vals Coaches.
After the TC had commented that those operators had had a very unhappy history, with high levels of non-compliance, Mr Johnson said that he had put systems in to make them compliant, but due to financial circumstances it had not happened.
He had had his own bus company with 18 vehicles. He had been Operations Manager for Rotala Blue Diamond with a staff of 200 and a licence for 160 vehicles. He believed he could make Travel Express compliant, despite Mr Chumber.
The TC said that there was a need for a highly competent, mentally strong individual who was robust and able to deal with Mr Chumber.
Mr Johnson said that he did not want Mr Chumber to inspect vehicles, no matter how qualified. A break from the past was needed. He would be employed full-time. He would prefer to keep the maintenance in-house to keep a strict eye on it.
Mr Chumber said that the main reason he wanted 20 vehicles was to take advantage of the opportunities in the Wolverhampton area to build the business. He had previously applied for 20 vehicles after buying a garage capable of holding 36 vehicles, and he wanted to be able to use those facilities. The role of Director and TM would be totally separated.
After Mr Chumber had said he would still do the physical maintenance of the vehicles, the TC said that was not what he would want him to be doing. He added: "Wielding a spanner was the problem in the past as your standards were not up to scratch. Your maintenance history was very poor."
Mr Chumber said that he was giving up the TM's role and would gradually give up the maintenance role as they obtained more maintenance staff as the business grew.
The TC said that if he granted a licence, Mr Chumber would not be involved with the maintenance of the vehicles or with supervising the mechanics. Asked whether he could cope with that, Mr Chumber replied: "I will have to, won't I."
Mr Chumber said that he had 10 PSVAR-compliant vehicles ready to go if the licence was granted and he was looking to get PSVAR certificates for another seven vehicles. He would work hand in glove with the TM, who would be responsible for all operational matters.
Mr Chumber gave undertakings that he would have no role in transport management even in an advisory capacity including all aspects of vehicle maintenance; that there would be six monthly audits of the maintenance systems by the FTA; and not to start operation until the TM had notified the TC in writing that he was personally satisfied skilled staff were in place and the vehicles were of the required standard.
Granting an eight-vehicle licence, the TC said that if things went well he would be prepared to gradually increase the authorisation.
I think that the TC has been more than fair to Mr Chumber, given the previous problems to ask for a 20 vehicle licence was stupid, but with 8 vehicles, it will give Mr Chumber a chance to show that he can be trusted and the business run properly.
Suppose now we have to watch this space!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 23, 2016, 01:49:59 PM
I think that the TC has been more than fair to Mr Chumber, given the previous problems to ask for a 20 vehicle licence was stupid, but with 8 vehicles, it will give Mr Chumber a chance to show that he can be trusted and the business run properly.
Suppose now we have to watch this space!
A case of trying to run again before he can walk!
maybe a tactic to get as many as he could, but if chumber had of asked for 8, he may of only got 4 discs etc
The line of 'needs a mentally strong individual who can deal with Mr Chumber' gives a very strong idea of what the problem at that business has been. From reading the report, he has been incredibly fortunate to have been granted a licence at all. On past form he would have not been able to complain had his application been thrown out, which I suspect it would have been very quickly had he been in the North West and Beverley Bell was making the decision.
Let's see how he goes on...
PD1140735/1 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton Bus Station
Finish Point: Underhill, Wolverhampton
Via: Fallings Park
Service Number: 11
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-JUN-2016
Other Details: Sunday to Saturday
Oh brilliant!
Now there are coming back on one of his old routes wonder if the old fleet will be used or will he be buying newer
buses &the big question will the fleet be in a livery or a mixed one
Quote from: Solo1 on April 08, 2016, 02:26:06 PM
Now there are coming back on one of his old routes wonder if the old fleet will be used or will he be buying newer
buses &the big question will the fleet be in a livery or a mixed one
Well firstly Mark most of the buses Chumber owns aren't DDA compliant so it's very very unlikely that any will be used VOSA will be watching him like a hawk so he cannot slip up and use none compliant buses in service otherwise the will just re-revoke his license I could be wrong but either way they will be watching him
From that public inquiry report:
QuoteMr Chumber said that he had 10 PSVAR-compliant vehicles ready to go if the licence was granted and he was looking to get PSVAR certificates for another seven vehicles.
PSVAR certificates = DDA compliant.
Just need to see what happens.
Which of the 10 darts are dda compliant
Was trying to look at tonys photos on the main site to see his old fleet list but it's not up there. I know he had at least 3 or 4 dda buses.
Quote from: Steveminor on April 08, 2016, 08:39:27 PM
Was trying to look at tonys photos on the main site to see his old fleet list but it's not up there. I know he had at least 3 or 4 dda buses.
It's there, not sure why the link isn't working, I will try and correct that
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2016, 08:43:19 PM
It's there, not sure why the link isn't working, I will try and correct that
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Looking at Tony's fleetlist, the ten bottom Darts (Y/51 reg) are the PSVAR compliant vehicles, which makes sense as these would have been built to the required spec meaning that none of his other have been modded.
think maybe the x reg plaxton may be dda and possibly the spd
The spd definitely isn't & I don't think the x regs are either although not much would need to be done to the x reg to make them compliant
i might be wrong, but the spd was on ebay when chumber bought it. im sure it said it was dda in the listing. think the 2 xreg pointers are dda the white x-uks one, and the x-krx (that one has the electric ramp and various other bits that make it look dda)
Quote from: Steveminor on April 09, 2016, 01:37:57 PM
The spd definitely isn't & I don't think the x regs are either although not much would need to be done to the x reg to make them compliant
X703UKS just needs a new door and a bonnet that closes and that would be ready to roll. Plus anything I never noticed.
PD1140735/1
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD, 30 COTON ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV4 5AT
From: Wolverhampton Bus Station
To: Underhill, Wolverhampton
Via: Fallings Park
Name or No: 11
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-Jun-2016
Other Details: Sunday to Saturday
The 11 will be Every 10 mins Monday to Saturday and Every 20 mins on Sunday.
Page 14 of 18 in the Centro Attachment below
Quote from: Adam 404 on April 25, 2016, 05:26:02 PM
The 11 will be Every 10 mins Monday to Saturday and Every 20 mins on Sunday.
Page 14 of 18 in the Centro Attachment below
Interesting that the TC gives an 'Effective Date: 02-Jun-2016' whilst Centro give a 'Date of implementation: 29/05/2016'.
another new service but note the name PD1140735/2 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD T/A Let's Go, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton
Finish Point: Northwood Park
Via: Dunstall
Service Number: 32
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Quote from: Solo1 on May 11, 2016, 03:59:35 PM
another new service but note the name PD1140735/2 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD T/A Let's Go, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton
Finish Point: Northwood Park
Via: Dunstall
Service Number: 32
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 05-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
I wonder if Travel Express plan on put the name "Lets Go" on there buses and I am also curious to see if they end up in a uniform livery... Rather than various blast from the past paint job from the buses previous owners...
It sounds a possibility if they plan to distance themselves from the past a bit. Let's Go is a decent name, so is Travel Express tbh though
Quote from: Adam 404 on May 11, 2016, 04:07:23 PM
I wonder if Travel Express plan on put the name "Lets Go" on there buses and I am also curious to see if they end up in a uniform livery... Rather than various blast from the past paint job from the buses previous owners...
Chumber was driving through Sedgley last week in the dark green X reg dart. Looked like he was coming back from MOT.
He can use a new trading name all he wants but if he won't bother painting the buses in a uniform livery then it'll still be business as usual in some aspects.
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 11, 2016, 06:30:58 PM
Let's Go is a decent name
'Let (it) go (past)' might be more appropriate.....
Chumber are back.
X312 KRX appears to of been repainted into a colour similar to Crimson, no fleetnames though.
Quote from: Dom on June 02, 2016, 11:09:30 AM
Chumber are back.
X312 KRX appears to of been repainted into a colour similar to Crimson, no fleetnames though.
All over red. NK51 MKE was also out painted in all over red minus any fleetnames.
Nk51mke and x312 krx spotted on 11s badly painted in red. The wheels have a better shine!
Also in use is double doored rx51fnu which was acquired but never put to use before they finished. The driver of rx51 is upto his old tricks again.
Quote from: mranon on June 03, 2016, 02:02:41 PM
Nk51mke and x312 krx spotted on 11s badly painted in red. The wheels have a better shine!
Also in use is double doored rx51fnu which was acquired but never put to use before they finished. The driver of rx51 is upto his old tricks again.
Me and a mate have said hes just used a tin of gloss red paint from b&q :D
Just spent 45 minutes photographing all of the vehicles on the 11. I must say I'm impressed with the new livery (even if it's plain red). At least it's easier to recognise Travel Express now instead of seeing a wide range of liveries. However if they do decide to put their company name on the vehicle, I hope they don't do something similar to Hi-Ride and just stick individual letters on their vehicles.
Think more like the poundshops finest dom lol. Y131gbo also red in use.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 03, 2016, 05:03:24 PM
Just spent 45 minutes photographing all of the vehicles on the 11. I must say I'm impressed with the new livery (even if it's plain red). At least it's easier to recognise Travel Express now instead of seeing a wide range of liveries. However if they do decide to put their company name on the vehicle, I hope they don't do something similar to Hi-Ride and just stick individual letters on their vehicles.
Impressed? Really?!
Quote from: Dom on June 03, 2016, 06:14:46 PM
Impressed? Really?!
What I meant was I was impressed how much they've changed.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 03, 2016, 06:51:18 PM
What I meant was I was impressed how much they've changed.
Not a lot, having caught a journey on the 11 earlier, they're as big a cowboys as they were before. Deliberately wait at traffic lights until they are about to change when they have a NX11 behind, no timetable considerations except for what time NX leave and really the exterior may have changed but the interior is still awful. A leopard cant change its spots
Quote from: Dom on June 03, 2016, 07:07:19 PM
Not a lot, having caught a journey on the 11 earlier, they're as big a cowboys as they were before. Deliberately wait at traffic lights until they are about to change when they have a NX11 behind, no timetable considerations except for what time NX leave and really the exterior may have changed but the interior is still awful. A leopard cant change its spots
Well I'm going back to Wolverhampton tomorrow to photograph some more and have a ride so I will see if they are the cowboys you say they are.
Well at least the buses are getting painted. Clearly an effort is being made in some aspects.
After all, going around with buses still in old fleet names with those companies' contact numbers still on them really isn't something that should be happening.
Quote from: justlookingaround on June 04, 2016, 05:30:25 AM
Well at least the buses are getting painted. Clearly an effort is being made in some aspects.
After all, going around with buses still in old fleet names with those companies' contact numbers still on them really isn't something that should be happening.
That is what I meant. They've actually made an effort. I honestly think it looks good and you can actually now clearly recognise their vehicles.
You cant polish a turd!!!
Chumber attending broken down y252 fjn in stafford st earlier
I'm going to retract my previous comments, they're still up to tricks. I finally now understand their red livery. I honestly think it's to save repainting the ex London vehicles so it saves the company money.
Quote from: mranon on June 04, 2016, 04:32:57 PM
You cant polish a turd!!!
Chumber attending broken down y252 fjn in stafford st earlier
My understanding from the TC's report was that Mr. Chumber was to have nothing to do with the running of the company of maintenance of the vehicles. Am I correct, and if so why is he attending a broken down vehicle?
from what ive seen, its a case of old tricks. thought mr chumber could drive, but not have anything to do with maintainance or running of the company. the one broken down is in the same state it was b4. I do ask myself if the maintainance ruling was to do with the planned preventative side etc. would attending a breakdown count in the ruling?
I found some photos of the new operation on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/26850933584/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/27460224525/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/26852809423/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/27360894132/in/dateposted/
So as much as the buses have been painted red and destination equipment put in, note how the screenwash, wheelchair and emergency exit signs were carefully made not to be painted over? Is it that expensive to make new signage for stuff like that? I think not.
I can't see him lasting very long tbh. If the business was in trouble before then this relaunch was the perfect opportunity to do things differently to make the business more profitable. But he's kept some of the troublesome buses & staff. He's also gone back onto his old unprofitable routes why?.
As for the all over red livery does look a little like d&g/midland. Maybe he's hoping passengers will think the same
travel express have 6 red ones for service 4 for 11 2 for the new service wonder which other ones will be repainted into red
Proberbly the SPD and the w reg as they ate already red lol
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 05, 2016, 06:58:57 PM
Proberbly the SPD and the w reg as they ate already red lol
The fleetlist on the main site shows the only 5 currently showing as taxed
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Do any of the 'not in use' meet DDA regulations?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 05, 2016, 08:35:36 PM
Do any of the 'not in use' meet DDA regulations?
Anything W-reg and up should be easy to get certified for DDA.
Quote from: Steveminor on June 05, 2016, 02:23:10 PM
I can't see him lasting very long tbh. If the business was in trouble before then this relaunch was the perfect opportunity to do things differently to make the business more profitable. But he's kept some of the troublesome buses & staff. He's also gone back onto his old unprofitable routes why?.
Well what routes should he have went on?
I do agree that this doesn't seem like it's going to last, especially if Chumber has been caught doing things that will put his new license in jeopardy. There's been plenty of time to get the buses repaired and any issues fixed but the most seems to have been dodgy repaints?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 05, 2016, 08:35:36 PM
Do any of the 'not in use' meet DDA regulations?
The Y-reg and the 51-plate definitely do as they were built to spec.
But do they give change ?????
Quote from: MW on June 06, 2016, 01:47:21 PM
But do they give change ?????
Nope recent pictures still suggest the buses have vaults in them
Quote from: MW on June 06, 2016, 01:47:21 PM
But do they give change ?????
This is getting boring now. It was a good chuckle at first but now, just annoying.
Quote from: Dom on June 06, 2016, 02:36:56 PM
This is getting boring now. It was a good chuckle at first but now, just annoying.
Lol so is your bitc*ing with Michael Bevan, but you don't see me complaining bro
PD1140735/3 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD T/A Let's Go, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Lichfield Street
Finish Point: Tattenhall Wood
Via: Tattenhall
Service Number: 1
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Notice the typo in the finish point, 'Tattenhall Wood via Tattenhall'
Quote from: Nathan on June 07, 2016, 11:09:05 AM
Notice the typo in the finish point, 'Tattenhall Wood via Tatenhall'
I've never heard of "Tattenhall Wood" I've heard of Tettenhall Wood but never the other lmao 😂
Quote from: Nathan on June 07, 2016, 11:09:05 AM
PD1140735/3 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD T/A Let's Go, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Lichfield Street
Finish Point: Tattenhall Wood
Via: Tattenhall
Service Number: 1
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Notice the typo in the finish point, 'Tattenhall Wood via Tattenhall'
Jesus Wolverhampton to Chester for £2. That ay bad
Quote from: Nathan on June 07, 2016, 11:09:05 AM
PD1140735/3 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD T/A Let's Go, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Lichfield Street
Finish Point: Tattenhall Wood
Via: Tattenhall
Service Number: 1
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Notice the typo in the finish point, 'Tattenhall Wood via Tattenhall'
going back on his old services then how many of discs is he allowed
Quote from: Nathan on June 07, 2016, 11:09:05 AM
PD1140735/3 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD T/A Let's Go, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Lichfield Street
Finish Point: Tattenhall Wood
Via: Tattenhall
Service Number: 1
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Notice the typo in the finish point, 'Tattenhall Wood via Tattenhall'
SURPRISE SURPRISE!! ??? ??? ???
He's currently allowed to run 8 vehicles.
Quote from: Nathan on June 07, 2016, 11:09:05 AM
PD1140735/3 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD T/A Let's Go, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Lichfield Street
Finish Point: Tattenhall Wood
Via: Tattenhall
Service Number: 1
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-JUL-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Notice the typo in the finish point, 'Tattenhall Wood via Tattenhall'
'Tatt' matches the standard of buses operated
I laughed, Winston.
But yeah, seems like it's same old Travel Express. Anyone expecting significant changes are going to be very disappointed, it's all the same except he's actually painting buses now.
Quote from: justlookingaround on June 07, 2016, 03:32:21 PM
I laughed, Winston.
But yeah, seems like it's same old Travel Express. Anyone expecting significant changes are going to be very disappointed, it's all the same except he's actually painting buses now.
Yes but surely he doesn't expect that the TC is going to give him an easy ride, he has to show that he is going to improve and let the new Traffic Manager do his job without interference.
But if there's any problems this time it won't be him that gets into trouble but his new transport manager. So will he really care?
have they or have they not registered the 32/33 also? maybe they going to put 2 buses on the 1, and 1 on both 32/33. even so, I bet they haven't even covered the fuel let alone wages so far
Just seen on of Travel Express' vehicles leave Wolverhampton Bus Station with "Let's Go!" on the front in yellow vinyl.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 14, 2016, 09:13:27 AM
Just seen on of Travel Express' vehicles leave Wolverhampton Bus Station with "Let's Go!" on the front in yellow vinyl.
Call me cynical, but for how long will they 'Go' this time around?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 14, 2016, 09:13:27 AM
Just seen on of Travel Express' vehicles leave Wolverhampton Bus Station with "Let's Go!" on the front in yellow vinyl.
They have been running with the new fleetnames for a few days now.
it amazes me how many people think that with a coat of paint on 3/5 vehicles in use, and the name lets go! that travel express have purchased new vehicles. all were previously owned, and bar the rx51fnu, in use before coming off the road.
'Let's Go' ..... on someone else's bus!
Quote from: Westy on June 14, 2016, 10:23:06 PM
'Let's Go' ..... on someone else's bus!
Lmao! #accurate
"Let's go" .....back to the TCs office.
with the new service 32 running what are the other buses now in use I know of 5 using 4 on 11 & 2 on 32
Quote from: Solo1 on July 06, 2016, 04:10:14 PM
with the new service 32 running what are other buses now in use I know of 5 using 4 on 11 & 2 on 32
You need to look at that and proof read it
@Solo1 .
The buses in use at the moment are Y131GBO, Y252FJN, NK51MKE, RX51, X312 and either Y858 or Y864TGH.
PD1140735/1 - TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD T/A Let's Go, 30 COTON ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wolverhampton Bus Station and Underhill, Wolverhampton given service number 11 effective from 31-Aug-2016. To amend Timetable.
See my flicr site for a full set of the travel express ta let's go on stanjack
Travel express bus at merry hill heading towards the thorns about dinnertime
Quote from: karl724223 on July 12, 2016, 06:37:30 PM
Travel express bus at merry hill heading towards the thorns about dinnertime
lost wonder where it was going &which one of the fleet it was
Quote from: Solo1 on July 12, 2016, 08:16:16 PM
lost wonder where it was going &which one of the fleet it was
Probably to the garage on The Hayes , either for repair or MOT.
Let's go nearly into the side of 6767 in Wolverhampton bus station... they may of changed their name but still drive like idiots...
All Travel Express services have stopped again.
The notice seen today at Wolverhampton Bus Station reads:
"Unfortunately there will be no Travel Express/ Let's Go services until further notice."
Wonder what they have done this time wrong
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on December 14, 2016, 04:39:30 PM
All Travel Express services have stopped again.
The notice seen today at Wolverhampton Bus Station reads:
"Unfortunately there will be no Travel Express/ Let's Go services until further notice."
"Un?"fortunately?! :P
Here we go again
As they are not running & with bills still to be paid & Christmas round the corner will the drivers
& the engineer get paid
Could always be an insurance issue.
Who knows, at the end of the day all they did when they came back was go on the exact same services with the same buses just with a coat of red paint and a new name.
Quote from: justlookingaround on December 15, 2016, 05:38:53 PM
Could always be an insurance issue.
Who knows, at the end of the day all they did when they came back was go on the exact same services with the same buses just with a coat of red paint and a new name.
His Transport Manager has walked out, and you cannot operate without one.
DVSA will sometimes give operators a few months grace, but as Mr Chumba is not allowed to have any involvement with the day to day running of the buses they aren't going to do that for him
Quote from: Tony on December 15, 2016, 06:13:09 PM
His Transport Manager has walked out, and you cannot operate without one.
DVSA will sometimes give operators a few months grace, but as Mr Chumba is not allowed to have any involvement with the day to day running of the buses they aren't going to do that for him
Would be interesting to know why his transport manager has walked out?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 15, 2016, 07:12:16 PM
Would be interesting to know why his transport manager has walked out?
Doesn't really surprise me ha! But I was told that Terry Johnson doesn't stay at places very long how true that is I've no idea
Quote from: Will on December 15, 2016, 08:05:09 PM
Doesn't really surprise me ha! But I was told that Terry Johnson doesn't stay at places very long how true that is I've no idea
Chumber has been bending the rules anyway by being involved with daily running of the operation.
Quote from: BN on December 15, 2016, 08:17:59 PM
Chumber has been bending the rules anyway by being involved with daily running of the operation.
if this is true then he should be closed down & have nothing to with running a bus company how he got.a second chance I'll.never know
He'll be lucky if he can even find another Transport Manager the way things are.
This period of inactivity will no doubt trigger a Public Inquiry though among the other issues found.
How do you apply 😂😂😂
Quote from: Ck on December 16, 2016, 06:18:49 AM
How do you apply 😂😂😂
i heard Michael bevan and trident 4194 were going to share the job
@Dom @pndriver
Quote from: karl724223 on December 16, 2016, 11:37:08 AM
i heard Michael bevan and trident 4194 were going to share the job @Dom @pndriver
I'm a man of many talents😉. I think I would do a better job than the current one.
What does the job of a transport manager do
Saw y854 tgh on the Cannock road around 13:40 today heading towards under hill with 11 on the display
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 16, 2016, 01:17:20 PM
I'm a man of many talents😉. I think I would do a better job than the current one.
Would you register on the 244 and run on time ::)
Quote from: pndriver on December 16, 2016, 10:02:42 PM
Would you register on the 244 and run on time ::)
Would the fleet be DDA compliant and would they give change? :P its been a while
@Dom @pndriver @karl724223
All services appeard to be running today
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 17, 2016, 06:50:27 PM
All services appeard to be running today
wonder if the terry came back.or he's got a new transport manager
y584tgh on service 11 broken down on broad street earlier. as for the tm, surely it isn't just a case of employ a new tm, then get buses out. do you not have to get approval by the traffic commissioner?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 17, 2016, 06:50:27 PM
All services appeard to be running today
B interesting to see if they operate on Monday?
The buses I saw out was
Y252FJN on service 32
RX51*** on service 32
The 2 other Y/FJN darts om the 1
And there was Y131/NK51/X312/Y854 ON 11
the boss was driving rx51 himself until y854 broke down, then he must have fetched sk51ayd, as he was driving that later
O dear running a bus after he was told to have nothing to do with running of travel express/ let's go
Quote from: Solo1 on December 18, 2016, 06:30:01 PM
O dear running a bus after he was told to have nothing to do with running of travel express/ let's go
He can drive the bus... Just can't do anything else.
Quote from: Tony on March 04, 2016, 02:20:13 PM
The TC actually suggested he could drive a bus but not repair it. He has a TM but now needs a mechanic and is advertising at £10-£12 per hour for 50 hours per week.
I thought he had a mechanic
Quote from: Solo1 on December 18, 2016, 08:40:42 PM
I thought he had a mechanic
The quote above is from March
Gone quiet
Travel Express were operating the following yesterday;
SK51AYD
Y864TGH
Y131CBO
X312KRX
RX51FNU
Y854TGH
Y244FJN
Y248FJN
When I saw them late morning 7 of the 8 were running on time.
This may sound a bit odd but can someone show me a picture of a travel express bus with mr chumber driving it please
Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 15, 2018, 08:37:28 PM
This may sound a bit odd but can someone show me a picture of a travel express bus with mr chumber driving it please
That does sound odd, why would you want that?
not very often he does drive, just think he does if they are short staffed, or doing a bus change etc. however you dont see that happening much either
I agree my previous comment did sound odd but the only reason why I wanted a picture is so I know what he looks like because I have been a bit curious
Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 16, 2018, 04:29:42 PM
I agree my previous comment did sound odd but the only reason why I wanted a picture is so I know what he looks like because I have been a bit curious
But why would you want to know what he looks like?
Just out of curiosity
Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 16, 2018, 04:29:42 PM
I agree my previous comment did sound odd but the only reason why I wanted a picture is so I know what he looks like because I have been a bit curious
A bit curious about what?
Why does it matter what he looks like?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 15, 2018, 08:37:28 PM
This may sound a bit odd but can someone show me a picture of a travel express bus with mr chumber driving it please
He's usually wearing a shiny pair of boots, blue jeans, a hat and a western style shirt....
Any one got info on their latest bus 03 reg bus
Christ are these still going?
Surprisingly yes they are
new dart with Travel Express/ lets go see photo link for pic
No photo on link regarding latest dart but seen it myself on route 11 cx03ebj
Quote from: Solo1 on June 11, 2018, 01:58:12 PM
new dart with Travel Express/ lets go see photo link page for pic
License has been increased from eight according to latest N&P. He was wanting 20 to begin with a few years ago!
QuotePD1140735 SN TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Director(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER
30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
Increase at existing operating centre: 49 DUDLEY ROAD, WOLVERHAMPTON,
WV2 3BP
New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 20 vehicle(s)
#
Also this happened in January but wasn't posted, we all must have forgot!
http://www.route-one.net/articles/Restoration_of_repute_as_TM_withdrawn
QuoteRestoration of repute as TM withdrawn
A bid by Kishan Singh Chumber, a Director of Wolverhampton-based Travel Express, for the restoration of his repute as a Transport Manager (TM) was withdrawn at the last minute when he appeared before Deputy Traffic Commissioner (DTC) Jim Astle at a Birmingham Public Inquiry.
In January 2015 Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones said that Mr Chumber had lost his repute as a TM and disqualified him from acting as such until he had passed a further CPC exam when he cut the company's licence from 13 vehicles to eight because of maintenance problems. He also ordered the firm to pay a penalty of £6,500 for local service timetable issues [routeone/Court Report/4 February 2015].
The licence was subsequently revoked after the company failed to appoint a new TM during the period of grace [routeone/Court Report/23 September 2015]. It was granted a fresh eight vehicle licence on condition that Mr Chumber employed a full-time TM, a full-time skilled mechanic, and had nothing to do with vehicle maintenance [routeone/Court Report/23 March 2016].
The DTC said that attached to the company's eight-vehicle national licence was an undertaking that Mr Chumber would have no role in the transport management of the business. There had been a number of developments since that did not assist Mr Chumber's application and he had a significant hurdle to overcome.
For Mr Chumber, Simon Newman said that he was seeking to withdraw the application. Following his advice, Mr Chumber had reflected and decided that now was not the time to proceed with it and he had drawn back from wanting to be appointed as TM on the company's licence at this point in time. The current TM, Nimrod Astbury, was still in place and would continue.
Mr Astbury said that he had been in position for about 11 months. He devoted at least 35 hours with Travel Express, and he was involved with the maintenance as there was not a lot for a TM to do to keep eight buses on the road. He had his own commercial garage and he devoted about 25 hours a week to that. Mr Chumber was also involved with the maintenance since that part of the undertaking was removed in January. Two fitters were also employed.
Apart from the eight vehicles, other vehicles were being rebuilt as replacements. If that application was granted he would stay on as a second TM, working about 10 hours a week. He would stay on for the foreseeable future if the application was withdrawn or refused.
After the DTC had said that an audit by Lloyd Morgan in February had recommended significant improvements, Mr Astbury that they had all been dealt with.
Following a short adjournment, the DTC indicated that he was prepared to accept the withdrawal of the application.
How the heck is he staying in business?
good question westy. can't believe they been granted 20 licences
One of the FJN darts that are regular on the 1s made a rare appearance on the 32 today
looks like y252fjn, sk51ayd and latest bus cx03ebj are spares as they don't seem to be in use that much. I wonder what happened to their other vehicles, you can see some painted red but never been put back into use
I heard he might be getting more services but I don't know which ones
Y252FJN was today on the 1, SK51 was on the 1 earlier this week
travel express is now called lets go according to the NWM website
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on August 11, 2018, 12:02:06 AM
Travel Express is now called 'Lets Go' according to the NWM website
Yes they are but most people on here know them as Travel Express.
Quote from: Dom on August 11, 2018, 07:57:06 AM
Yes they are but most people on here know them as Travel Express.
And how rubbish they are!
You say Their rubbish
@Westy but they must be making money because most of the time they have a full bus of passengers compared to NX having next to nothing.
Which service is the full one & they run just in front nx bus yet when I see them they are empty so what time is the bus busy
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 11, 2018, 03:53:23 PM
You say Their rubbish @Westy but they must be making money because most of the time they have a full bus of passengers compared to NX having next to nothing.
I thought that was the general opinion of the forum!
@Westy before chumber got suspended back 2015 they were terrible but now he seems to have changed. He puts regular drivers on and his buses are cheaper to ride thus more passengers on his buses than NX. The 32s are busy all day aswell as the 11s
@Solo1 but I'm not too sure about the 1s
chumber had same drivers on the same buses on the routes most days before!! in fact he mainly has his old staff back, some good, some not so! still upto the same old antics.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 11, 2018, 07:43:38 PM
@Westy before chumber got suspended back 2015 they were terrible but now he seems to have changed. He puts regular drivers on and his buses are cheaper to ride thus more passengers on his buses than NX. The 32s are busy all day aswell as the 11s @Solo1 but I'm not too sure about the 1s
less overheads think the driver sweeps the bus fuels it & parks it up for the night as well as driving the bus
Has chumber still got V210 ERG
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 11, 2018, 03:53:23 PM
You say Their rubbish @Westy but they must be making money because most of the time they have a full bus of passengers compared to NX having next to nothing.
what times are the buses full as I see only a hand few on travel express
Quote from: Solo1 on August 12, 2018, 07:43:40 AM
what times are the buses full as I see only a hand few on travel express
See many a standing load on the 1 and 11 in the afternoons and at twirly time.
does anyone have any bad experiences with travel express that they want to share
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 13, 2018, 03:18:21 PM
does anyone have any bad experiences with travel express that they want to share
I've used them once and that's the last ride I'm having with them. The driver was driving aggressively, ran red lights to beat the NX bus to a stop. The bus itself wasn't in good condition, it cut out at a bus stop but the driver got it working. Easily tell these guys are cowboys.
I have never traveled on them but i'm planning to do so just to see what everyone is on about
PD1140735/4 Registered
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Route: County Bridge to Bilston Bus Station
Service number: 303
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Oct 2018
Quote from: metrocity on September 12, 2018, 08:46:12 AM
PD1140735/4 Registered
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Route: County Bridge to Bilston Bus Station
Service number: 303
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Oct 2018
TfWM must be desperate.
It will be interesting to see if this has been awarded for a Euro 6 Bus, I presume not...
Quote from: Straightlines on September 12, 2018, 09:52:12 AM
TfWM must be desperate.
It will be interesting to see if this has been awarded for a Euro 6 Bus, I presume not...
You presume wrong, it is understood to have been awarded on the basis of Euro 6 as per all other new TfWM contracts
Quote from: Winston on September 12, 2018, 10:24:12 AM
You presume wrong, it is understood to have been awarded on the basis of Euro 6 as per all other new TfWM contracts
I actually understand not every single tender on this round have been awarded as Euro 6. I'm not sure where you get your information from.
Quote from: Straightlines on September 12, 2018, 10:43:46 AM
I actually understand not every single tender on this round have been awarded as Euro 6. I'm not sure where you get your information from.
It's always possible that things could of changed since my info, TfWM are struggling to attract bidders for some routes, so may have relaxed their requirements. It doesn't matter where I get my info from....
As operators are now starting to register tender service changes, I'm assuming final awards / specs aren't far off being finalised.
Quote from: Winston on September 12, 2018, 11:11:29 AM
It's always possible that things could of changed since my info, TfWM are struggling to attract bidders for some routes, so may have relaxed their requirements. It doesn't matter where I get my info from....
As operators are now starting to register tender service changes, I'm assuming final awards / specs aren't far off being finalised.
Do you know which other routes were up for tender this October?
Wonder if the 03 reg will be used unless they are buying some
More buses to replace the fleet
Quote from: metrocity on September 12, 2018, 08:46:12 AM
PD1140735/4 Registered
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Route: County Bridge to Bilston Bus Station
Service number: 303
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Oct 2018
How the heck did that happen?
Quote from: Westy on September 12, 2018, 09:24:16 PM
How the heck did that happen?
I'm surprised diamond gave up the route or is it joint
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on September 12, 2018, 09:29:16 PM
I'm surprised diamond gave up the route or is it joint
It's tendered, Travel Express won it by tendering at a lower price
Quote from: Westy on September 12, 2018, 09:24:16 PM
How the heck did that happen?
Er, Travel Express bid less than Diamond?
Quote from: Winston on September 12, 2018, 09:31:13 PM
It's tendered, Travel Express won it by tendering at a lower price
Ok thanks for that
Wonder if they have won any more tenders
Yeah, but Travel Express though.
Even Igo have more credability than TE surely?
Do you think he will ever try in staffordshire
Quote from: BusMan Greg on September 13, 2018, 06:10:23 PM
Do you think he will ever try in staffordshire
Why would he do that?!
Quote from: Westy on September 13, 2018, 05:10:02 PM
Yeah, but Travel Express though.
Even Igo have more credability than TE surely?
Sorry but what does credibility have to do with it?
New 303 timetable seems to be on traveline now:
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=44303&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA03_25916368&lineVer=2&itdLPxx_spTr=2&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=TEX
Quote from: Winston on September 12, 2018, 10:24:12 AM
You presume wrong, it is understood to have been awarded on the basis of Euro 6 as per all other new TfWM contracts
TfWM ask for three prices on bids
Euro 6 (after 6 months)
Euro 5
Other
The 28 has been awarded to NXWM on the Euro 6 price, but don't expect Euro 6 vehicles on it initially, but traps will be fitted to them before April.
It is possible the 303 has been awarded on the 'other' price
I would think quality would not have come into any decision made on awarding this contract. However you need to give the man a chance as whatever the quality of service provision may be you can be assured he met all the criteria set out by TfWM
well folks the answer to the conundrum is on flickr, lets go have all white pn07krz https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/43764176160/in/feed
and streetlight sn64cuo https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/31708576348/in/photostream/ so now they have a compliant bus for 303
Quote from: mranon on October 27, 2018, 04:08:53 PM
well folks the answer to the conundrum is on flickr, lets go have all white pn07krz https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/43764176160/in/feed
and streetlight sn64cuo https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/31708576348/in/photostream/ so now they have a compliant bus for 303
Isn't there a requirement that tendered routes are operated by vehicles in fleet livery displaying fleetnames? Never seen a fleetname as a windscreen sticker like on the Streetlite!
Quote from: fleetline6477 on October 27, 2018, 08:52:45 PM
Isn't there a requirement that tendered routes are operated by vehicles in fleet livery displaying fleetnames? Never seen a fleetname as a windscreen sticker like on the Streetlite!
Diamond have their front logos as stickers like that on some of their Streetlites, but they do also have logos elsewhere unlike the Travel Express example.
I believe the 303 requires one bus a day. Wonder what the other new bus will appear on when it's not needed on the 303
They have a white one but it's not ready for service yet so when this is ready I believe this will act as a spare one .I don't know if they can use the 03 reg as a emergency if the street lite of the rd
Quote from: Solo1 on October 28, 2018, 07:07:34 PM
They have a white one but it's not ready for service yet so when this is ready I believe this will act as a spare one .I don't know if they can use the 03 reg as a emergency if the street lite of the rd
I'm sure the first time it moves you'll be there with a picture.
Have to give them credit for getting something newer, it means they are taking this very seriously.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on October 27, 2018, 08:52:45 PM
Isn't there a requirement that tendered routes are operated by vehicles in fleet livery displaying fleetnames? Never seen a fleetname as a windscreen sticker like on the Streetlite!
They're certainly not the only one:
Claribels don't use buses in fleet livery on their tendered 604 and 424, they use 17 reg E200 in plain white.
They've been doing that for the past 2 years now.
X292ABU appears to be back in service, noted on the 32 today
Quote from: 2206 on October 28, 2018, 10:18:22 PM
They're certainly not the only one:
Claribels don't use buses in fleet livery on their tendered 604 and 424, they use 17 reg E200 in plain white.
They've been doing that for the past 2 years now.
The Claribels vehicles had fleetnames applied some time ago
Quote from: metrocity on November 01, 2018, 01:58:54 PM
The Claribels vehicles had fleetnames applied some time ago
I clearly said fleet livery, not fleet names.
The E200 are in plain white.
They do have a front fleetname on the E200, but so does that Streetlite.
Pitty the step entrance darts couldn't return
well, already the streetlite is being covered on the 303 by normal dart y864tgh with hand scribbled destination on paper in the windscreen.
Quote from: mranon on November 06, 2018, 02:34:41 PM
well, already the streetlite is being covered on the 303 by normal dart y864tgh with hand scribbled destination on paper in the windscreen.
Still on there for the last journey of the day, driver was telling everyone at the stand that it was the 303 too though. Kinda annoyed since I came out to try their new Streetlite.
Quote from: mranon on November 06, 2018, 02:34:41 PM
well, already the streetlite is being covered on the 303 by normal dart y864tgh with hand scribbled destination on paper in the windscreen.
wonder what happened to the streetlite as it's only been on there a few weeks
Quote from: Solo1 on November 06, 2018, 08:35:56 PM
wonder what happened to the streetlite as it's only been on there a few weeks
Driver said it had broken down and it's being fixed, and that it should be back in a few days. I didn't press for any more info as I was getting off the bus at the time, sorry!
Probably teething troubles and if it's been stood a bit until travel express bought it, who knows what issues may crop up in use.
Travel express y184knb back out on 32 today ..... Sounds hellfire too with its blowing exhaust
Seems to be reinstating some of the older darts.... More work for them?
X703 UKS might be the next one to be put back on the road
sk51ayd is now sorn, and cx03ebj is hardly ever out. you would have thought those 2 having newer isbe engine would be in use as they are newer and lower on emissions. wonder what happened to their spd v210erg that didn't stay on the road for long
SK51/CX03/RX51 Appear to act as 'spare' when the older darts are off but like you said, it would make more sense to run the 'newer' buses and keep the old ones as spare
X703 UKS is coming back on the road. Photo on flicker courtesy of solo1
now tested I was told too, so that's 3 of the old buses making a comeback, I wonder if any more will see daylight too
Well there's only the V/W reg left isn't there? We're they even DDA compliant?
I do remember reading in a previous public inquiry article that he had upgraded a good number to DDA compliance, so maybe so, maybe not.
Considering the age I'm surprised he wouldn't just get newer Darts altogether, the prices are going down nowadays, they would probably be better in the long run too.
there was a v210erg a spd, w reg twin door ex London, w362abd and the first low floor t580jtd. if they can convert them to be psvar or dda compliant for less than buying replacements why wouldn't they put them back on the road. yes I get the age, but as they are already owned sometimes it might be better the devil you know, and run them until they have to replace them.
Let's go/travel express first low floor mpd t580jtd has seen a return to service today on service 11.
Quote from: mranon on February 11, 2019, 08:36:32 PM
Let's go/travel express first low floor mpd t580jtd has seen a return to service today on service 11.
The Streetlite (SN64 CUO) was on the 11 as well this afternoon. First time i've seen it used anywhere other than it's usual 303 runs.
Looks like Travel Express (Let's Go) are starting on the WN 2 now:
PD1140735/5 Registered
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Route: Wolverhampton Bus Station to Bushbury Hill Moreton School via Park Village
Service number: 2 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Mar 2019
PD1140735/1 Registered
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Route: Wolverhampton Bus Station to Underhill, Wolverhampton via Fallings Park
Service number: 11 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Mar 2019
PD1140735/2 Registered
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Route: Wolverhampton to Northwood Park via Dunstall
Service number: 32 ()
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 24 Mar 2019
Wonder how often the 2 will be take it the changes will be 11 & 32 reduced
Do they still run with competition with NX in the 1
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on February 13, 2019, 09:56:47 PM
Do they still run with competition with NX in the 1
Yes daytimes Monday to Saturday.
The service 2 timetable is now available and can be found here
services/2-bushbury-wolverhampton-via-first-avenue
seen in this weeks n&p
PD1140735 SN TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Director(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT Transport Manager(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER
Undertaking to be removed: ,,«that Mr Kishan Chumber will have no role in transport management, even in an advisory role. For this purpose, this includes: ,,
XA transport manager role generally; ,,
XTimetable scheduling; ,,
XDiscipline and control of drivers; and,. Attached to licence
Undertaking to be removed: ,,«that Mr Kishan Chumber will have no role in transport management, even in an advisory role. For this purpose, this includes: ,,
XA transport manager role generally; ,,
XTimetable scheduling; ,,XDiscipline and control of drivers; and, ,,
XAll aspects of maintenance of vehicles.. Attached to licence
Quote from: mranon on March 10, 2019, 11:33:08 AM
seen in this weeks n&p
PD1140735 SN TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD Director(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER 30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT Transport Manager(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER
Undertaking to be removed: ,,«that Mr Kishan Chumber will have no role in transport management, even in an advisory role. For this purpose, this includes: ,,
XA transport manager role generally; ,,
XTimetable scheduling; ,,
XDiscipline and control of drivers; and,. Attached to licence
Undertaking to be removed: ,,«that Mr Kishan Chumber will have no role in transport management, even in an advisory role. For this purpose, this includes: ,,
XA transport manager role generally; ,,
XTimetable scheduling; ,,XDiscipline and control of drivers; and, ,,
XAll aspects of maintenance of vehicles.. Attached to licence
So in a nutshell, he's to have no involvement at all ?
Thought it had been 'too quiet' regarding this company!
Quote from: Westy on March 10, 2019, 02:11:49 PM
So in a nutshell, he's to have no involvement at all ?
Thought it had been 'too quiet' regarding this company!
No, this is the lifting of the restriction if you read it
X703UKS was working the 11 today
Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 09, 2019, 09:47:26 PM
The service 2 timetable is now available and can be found here
services/2-bushbury-wolverhampton-via-first-avenue
Would be useful if the link was copied and pasted properly.
Quote from: Busman Jamie on March 11, 2019, 08:29:33 PM
X703UKS was working the 11 today
Nice to hear this one's come back to life.
SK51### & CX03### both back out in service today, 1 on service 32 the other on 11
I thought it was a bit strange how SK51 AYD was V.O.R when the likes of T580 JTD & X703 UKS which are older dart's being out every day
I wonder if travel express will go contactless
CX03 EBJ sat in Chapel Ash just before the ring road presumably broken down.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on April 25, 2019, 04:43:40 PM
CX03 EBJ sat in Chapel Ash just before the ring road presumably broken down.
It isn't often travel express breaks down
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 25, 2019, 08:23:57 PM
It isn't often travel express breaks down
I sure hope that's sarcasm? ;D
:)
Quote from: StourValley98 on April 26, 2019, 05:52:31 PM
I sure hope that's sarcasm? ;D
I heard Mr chamber is a good mechanic so I doubt they break down regular. If I'm honest travel Express provide a frequent and reliable service
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 26, 2019, 06:36:18 PM
:)I heard Mr chamber is a good mechanic so I doubt they break down regular. If I'm honest travel Express provide a frequent and reliable service
The bus I had on the 11 the other day sounded terrible!
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on April 26, 2019, 06:53:31 PM
The bus I had on the 11 the other day sounded terrible!
Which dart was it?
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on April 26, 2019, 07:07:04 PM
Y131 GBO
Considering it's a Y reg you shouldn't expect a perfectly smooth bus. Also what has happened to the two TGH darts they have?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 26, 2019, 07:49:44 PM
Considering it's a Y reg you shouldn't expect a perfectly smooth bus. Also what has happened to the two TGH darts they have?
Banga have some V reg and a Y reg solos and they run pretty smoothly. Don't know about the TGH darts unless they're on the 32 which I haven't seen any Travel Express buses on lately.
y131gbo was knocking badly few weeks ago, I heard it so wonder if they relplaced engine etc. it was alright once moving, it was just when the poor chap driving comes to a stop and its idling in gear. once he takes it out its fine. think the tickover might want tweaking.
Quote from: mranon on April 27, 2019, 07:06:27 AM
y131gbo was knocking badly few weeks ago, I heard it so wonder if they relplaced engine etc. it was alright once moving, it was just when the poor chap driving comes to a stop and its idling in gear. once he takes it out its fine. think the tickover might want tweaking.
It was the same last Saturday.
Do you think anymore buses will return (V210 ERG, W362 ABD & W143 ULR) I imagine these are DDA compliant
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 27, 2019, 04:53:08 PM
Do you think anymore buses will return (V210 ERG, W362 ABD & W143 ULR) I imagine these are DDA compliant
They'd probably be out in service if they were DDA compliant.
I don't think they were dda or psvar compliant. think they have had to convert the recently reinstated darts to that status
Quote from: mranon on April 27, 2019, 07:40:06 PM
I don't think they were dda or psvar compliant. think they have had to convert the recently reinstated darts to that status
Why don't they just scrap the non compliant buses? They aren't doing much good sat in the depot unable to be used in service.
Probably was cheaper to convert than buy new. Even though you can now get DDA compliant Darts on eBay for around £5,000 or less...
Does anyone have a list of what they have in service and which is still owned but withdrawn from service?
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 27, 2019, 08:41:38 PM
Does anyone have a list of what they have in service and which is still owned but withdrawn from service?
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Quote from: Solo1 on April 27, 2019, 08:54:39 PM
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
I presume that list is outdated as I wouldn't have thought they would still have the Carlyle darts sitting in the depot?
Quote from: justlookingaround on April 27, 2019, 08:36:45 PM
Probably was cheaper to convert than buy new. Even though you can now get DDA compliant Darts on eBay for around £5,000 or less...
You can get a bus on Ebay now?
Wonders will never cease!
Quote from: Westy on April 27, 2019, 10:03:34 PM
You can get a bus on Ebay now?
Wonders will never cease!
Yeah, they've been avaliable to buy on there for years!
Few examples for you
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1999-Dennis-Dart-SLF/163626292645?hash=item2618e315a5:g:J28AAOSwpMZcoQP-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-DENNIS-DART-SLF-EAST-LANCS-MYLLENIUM-Ex-Geurnsey-Low-miles-IDEAL-EXPORT/283452882592?hash=item41ff1bbea0:g:69wAAOSweedcp5tM
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DENNIS-MINI-POINTER-2004-EURO-3/123515941195?hash=item1cc21fb14b:g:pUcAAOSw7thb~n3a
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Dennis-Dart-SLF/333170172910?hash=item4d927d63ee:g:KSkAAOSwtYRcwYAX
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dennis-Dart-MPD-SLF-2005-05plate/283392224815?hash=item41fb7e2e2f:g:DmIAAOSwNNVbAa7u
Mr James of Tamworth Bus and Coach fame used ebay to flog half of his fleet at times
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on April 27, 2019, 09:17:39 PM
I presume that list is outdated as I wouldn't have thought they would still have the Carlyle darts sitting in the depot?
yes the caryle darts have long gone
Quote from: Solo1 on April 27, 2019, 10:46:12 PM
yes the caryle darts have long gone
I thought so as there would be no point in keeping them as they weren't DDA compliant.
they probably cannibalised them for spares then scrapped them. things like engines gearboxes etc
How are Travel Express doing on the 2?
I believe the TGH darts are back out now
Both TGH darts have both been out a while, Y854TGH appears on the 11 with Y854TGH appearing on the 2 but displaying 'Travel Express' on the blind
Not seen X292ABU, X703UKS, Y244FJN for a while though
Quote from: Busman Jamie on July 04, 2019, 08:55:58 PM
Both TGH darts have both been out a while, Y854TGH appears on the 11 with Y854TGH appearing on the 2 but displaying 'Travel Express' on the blind
Not seen X292ABU, X703UKS, Y244FJN for a while though
Y244FJN is on the 1 today
busman Jamie, x703uks, and x292abu were involved in rtcs and sustained front end damage, so would presume that's game over for them. I wonder if the spd v210erg, and other darts w143wlr, and w362abd will re appear. if reports were true also, im surprised the 07 reg east lancs dart has not seen the road yet
Quote from: mranon on July 05, 2019, 05:30:11 PM
busman Jamie, x703uks, and x292abu were involved in rtcs and sustained front end damage, so would presume that's game over for them. I wonder if the spd v210erg, and other darts w143wlr, and w362abd will re appear. if reports were true also, im surprised the 07 reg east lancs dart has not seen the road yet
I don't think that the V & W reg darts are DDA compliant, so would need to be converted in order to be used in service. I haven't seen the 07 dart out either.
Can't see travel express lasting much longer at all with these euro 3 laws being put into action across the region.
think they converted the older darts recently put back in service to dda. such as x703uks,x292abu,y184knb and t580jtd
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 05, 2019, 07:23:39 PM
Can't see travel express lasting much longer at all with these euro 3 laws being put into action across the region.
They'd have to acquire some buses that comply with the regulations.
Quote from: mranon on July 05, 2019, 08:00:36 PM
think they converted the older darts recently put back in service to dda. such as x703uks,x292abu,y184knb and t580jtd
These were already compliant.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on July 05, 2019, 09:38:56 PM
They'd have to acquire some buses that comply with the regulations.These were already compliant.
No they weren't.
Quote from: Tony on July 05, 2019, 10:17:42 PM
No they weren't.
@Tony I meant to say that the buses were DDA not euro compliant.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on July 06, 2019, 07:56:12 AM
@Tony I meant to say that the buses were DDA not euro compliant.
They weren't DDA compliant either and had to be modified. Virtually nothing pre 2001 was
Quote from: Tony on July 06, 2019, 05:40:58 PM
They weren't DDA compliant either and had to be modified. Virtually nothing pre 2001 was
You say that Tony but our Y705 TGH at select was DDA compliant from day 1.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 06, 2019, 08:02:55 PM
You say that Tony but our Y705 TGH at select was DDA compliant from day 1.
"Pre 2001". Y reg is 2001.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 06, 2019, 08:02:55 PM
You say that Tony but our Y705 TGH at select was DDA compliant from day 1.
Yes, some buses were. Some of Travel Express' buses were already DDA compliant when they were acquired by them.
NK51 MKE is making a rare appearance on the 32 today
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 11, 2019, 01:05:14 PM
NK51 MKE is making a rare appearance on the 32 today
It was on last Friday as well
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on July 05, 2019, 09:38:56 PM
They'd have to acquire some buses that comply with the regulations.These were already compliant.
If that was the case would they have not put them I to use sooner perhaps? As for selects y705tgh were there not a lot of upgrades carried out by previous operators through refurbs etc
Nk51mke has been on the 32 the past couple of weeks if not longer,
SK51 AYD has made a return and is working the 32's today.
Service 303 was in the hands of one of the Alex darts today
Never knew chumber was naming his old darts now
Quote from: Solo1 on July 12, 2019, 01:07:55 PM
Service 303 was in the hands of one of the Alex darts today
Y184KNB was working it last Friday so I wonder if the streetlite is in maintenance?
T580 JTD has been in use on the 1 for a while now but is still listed as not in use on the index
X292ABU X703UKS are both now sorn
They need to make their mind up on what buses see the road.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 23, 2019, 06:17:10 PM
They need to make their mind up on what buses see the road.
@BusMan Greg It's not a case of 'making their mind up'. You need to take into account factors such as maintenance or damage which is why a vehicle is off the road.
the two above sorned were made psvar compliant, but saw service only a few weeks before both sustaining rtc damage
ah right thanx for that i was just trying to do a fleet list lol
Quote from: cris 99 on July 24, 2019, 12:03:51 PM
ah right thanx for that i was just trying to do a fleet list lol
I wouldn't be surprised if both buses return to the road. You can never be sure with TEX.
How many enviros do TEX have?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 27, 2019, 11:46:45 AM
How many enviros do TEX have?
4 at the moment. There will be another 5 ? So 9 in total according to a post elsewhere.
The current ones parked up are
YX10 FEK (ex Abellio 8533 and more recently, The Big Lemon)
YX10 FEG (ex Abellio 8530 and The Big Lemon)
EU08 FHD (ex Yellow Buses and Selwyns)
LJ08 RHY (ex Quality Line)
Quote from: Nathan on August 27, 2019, 11:57:02 AM
4 at the moment. There will be another 5 ? So 9 in total according to a post elsewhere.
The current ones parked up are
YX10 FEK (ex Abellio 8533 and more recently, The Big Lemon)
YX10 FEG (ex Abellio 8530 and The Big Lemon)
EU08 FHD (ex Yellow Buses and Selwyns)
LJ08 RHY (ex Quality Line)
I guess this means that some of the darts will be withdrawn?
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on August 27, 2019, 02:45:13 PM
I guess this means that some of the darts will be withdrawn?
Maybe not, Mr Chumber may have a new route planed
I believe it may be more due to wolverhamptons low emission zone which comes into force next year.
I'll actually be quite sad to see the darts go, much prefer them to E200s
Quote from: nathanielrwi on August 28, 2019, 10:38:36 PM
I'll actually be quite sad to see the darts go, much prefer them to E200s
I like the darts, will be a shame to see them go. E200's are alright - I absolutely hate the early model's!
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on August 29, 2019, 12:09:49 AM
I like the darts, will be a shame to see them go. E200's are alright - I absolutely hate the early model's!
I agree, I often travel with Travel Express and always find their staff to be friendly, especially on the 1,and the darts are always comfortable.
I'm glad to see travel express are following banga and getting their vehicles prepped for next year
Does anyone know when the new enviro's will be out in service?
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on August 30, 2019, 10:24:54 AM
Does anyone know when the new enviro's will be out in service?
far as I know need to be upgraded first
lets go had v210erg out on the 11 Friday afternoon, the first time ive spotted it in service since travel express stopped operating
Let's go finally have white East lancs pn07krz in use today on the 1
Public Inquiry (80525) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room (Birmingham), B15 1PL, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 20 November 2019 commencing at 14:00
PD1140735 SN
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Director(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER
30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
What's he done again?
Thought it was too quiet!
Quote from: Westy on October 25, 2019, 12:44:18 PM
What's he done again?
Thought it was too quiet!
I'm unsure of the fineries, though it would seem that the spotlight is back on them.
Does anyone know of the outcome please?
Does anyone know where the streetlite is? I thought it was supposed to be for the 303 but I haven't seen it on there for a while. PN07KRZ was on it yesterday.
Streetlite is away for repair as fault with it it will be coming back soon
Looks like buying whatever E200s come up on eBay won't help him if he's back to the same tricks. And on that matter, why is he waiting for January/February? He could put them in service for the time being until there is availability to fit the exhaust mods.
QuoteTravel Express waits for TC's written decision
Wolverhampton-based Travel Express, trading as Let's Go and with a 20-vehicle O-Licence, has to wait to see what action Traffic Commissioner (TC) Nick Denton will take following a Birmingham Public Inquiry called because of concerns over vehicle maintenance and local service reliability.
In January 2015, TC Nick Jones disqualified Director Kishan Singh Chumber from acting as a Transport Manager (TM) until he passed a further CPC exam.
The company's O-Licence was subsequently revoked. It was granted a fresh licence on the condition that Mr Chumber had nothing to do with vehicle maintenance, and that he employed a full-time TM and a skilled mechanic.
Travel Express sees 'similar problems' to before
The TC said that Mr Chumber had appeared before him in January. His repute was restored, and he became TM. The issues today were like the ones that resulted in the company's O-Licence being revoked.
"I feel a bit like you have played me for a fool as I thought you would have learned your lesson after being disqualified as a TM and had your licence revoked," Mr Denton added.
Seven prohibitions had been issued to the company's vehicles in 2019. Three were given prohibitions in Wolverhampton bus station on 9 April. Two were for recut tyres exposing the cords and one was for a loss of air in an offside brake chamber.
Two further prohibitions were issued when three vehicles were inspected during a maintenance investigation in May.
Two of the company's vehicles had been extensively damaged when they were involved in accidents in the same month, which were not immediately reported to DVSA. There was a very high annual test failure rate of 35%.
Mr Chumber said that brake diaphragms could fail at any time. There had been adequate rubber when the tyres were recut, but during service the rubber had split, exposing the cords in places. He accepted that the tyres had been cut too deeply.
The accidents had not been initially reported to DVSA because nobody had been injured.
Old tyres found to be in use
Mr Denton said that one of the vehicles was given a prohibition for a track rod defect that was not due to accident damage. Both vehicles were given advisory notices for tyres over 10 years old. It was a very old fleet without adequate brake testing.
Mr Chumber said that there were no tyres in the garage over 10 years old. He was replacing the entire fleet. He had bought 14 vehicles within the last six months with two more to come.
The newer vehicles were having their exhausts upgraded to meet Euro VI standards. He had been told that they would be able to come into service in January and February.
Traffic Examiner (TE) Austin Jones said that during a six-week period in June and July, he monitored 184 journeys. Overall 51% of them either did not operate or ran more than one minute early or five minutes late.
Driver issues experienced
There were a lot of driver behaviour issues resulting in early running. Three routes were also served by National Express West Midlands (NXWM) on a frequent basis.
Mr Jones agreed an improvement plan with Travel Express on 17 June. He barely saw any progress when he went back in September. There were also similar driver issues. One driver told him that he was instructed to run two minutes in front of NXWM.
Mr Chumber said it was totally false that he had instructed drivers to run ahead of National Express. He did not think that drivers were deliberately ignoring the timetable but were trying not to get in the way of NXWM.
At the moment he had not been able to find a solution to the problem. Several journeys were missed when three drivers were suddenly unavailable for various reasons. There had been no complaints from passengers.
Indicating that he would issue a written decision at a later date, the TC said that there either needed to be a massive improvement, or it was time "to pack it in."
https://www.route-one.net/legal/travel-express-waits-for-tcs-written-decision/
What routes do Travel Express operate?
In Wolverhampton 1 ,2,11,32 303 in Bilston
Quote from: Solo1 on December 12, 2019, 09:29:53 AM
In Wolverhampton 1 ,2,11,32 303 in Bilston
They also do the 33 on Saturday's.
So according to the driver of RX51 FNU I have to pay a pound to use nbus on let's go routes. Is this true?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on January 03, 2020, 07:14:10 PM
So according to the driver of RX51 FNU I have to pay a pound to use nbus on let's go routes. Is this true?
Incorrect. Nbus is sold and accepted on all Travel Express services.
Quote from: Nathan on January 03, 2020, 07:17:51 PM
Incorrect. Nbus is sold and accepted on all Travel Express services.
what do you think I should do?
Report the issue to network west midlands who co-ordinate the nbus scheme. What operator was the nbus ticket issues by, if it was issued by NXWM or Diamond the driver could have mistaken it for one of their day tickets, can't imagine a lot of nbus tickets get used on Travel Express routes .
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 03, 2020, 07:27:57 PM
Report the issue to network west midlands who co-ordinate the nbus scheme. What operator was the nbus ticket issues by, if it was issued by NXWM or Diamond the driver could have mistaken it for one of their day tickets, can't imagine a lot of nbus tickets get used on Travel Express routes .
I told him it was an nbus ticket
Quote from: BusMan Greg on January 03, 2020, 07:41:37 PM
I told him it was an nbus ticket
I have used nbus on TEX with no trouble. I have had a problem before with diamond who didn't recognise the ticket as an nbus (as it was issued by Banga who have a different ticket style to diamond/NX).
Has X703 UKS been out recently?
X703UKS is now sorn along with a few other darts Y252FJN AND Y864TGH
I thought X703UKS was wrote off some time back?
Quote from: cris 99 on January 09, 2020, 10:57:26 AM
X703UKS is now sorn along with a few other darts Y252FJN AND Y864TGH
Weren't it involved in an RTA along with X292?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on January 09, 2020, 03:07:34 PM
Weren't it involved in an RTA along with X292?
X292 is still out in service.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on January 09, 2020, 03:37:37 PM
X292 is still out in service.
I believe Chumber fixed the damage
E200 LJ56LDC was working the 11 yesterday.
same e200 out working the 11 today. x292abu looked fixable to be fair, x703uks not so much. I wonder what happened to w362abd and the w143wlr do they still exist or were they used for spares
Quote from: mranon on January 10, 2020, 03:38:45 PM
same e200 out working the 11 today. x292abu looked fixable to be fair, x703uks not so much. I wonder what happened to w362abd and the w143wlr do they still exist or were they used for spares
I may have sighted W143 ULR the other day. I seen an SLF going into Wolves BS which seemed to have been ex dual door. It can't have been RX51 as that followed 5 mins after, the only other 'longer' dart chumber has is V210 which was in front of the bus I was on.
only v210 and rx51 out w143ulr not been out for years
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 09, 2020, 06:06:38 PM
E200 LJ56LDC was working the 11 yesterday.
From the picture I saw on Flickr, no working destinations, no paint or stickers.
TC outcome is out as per N&P (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/855911/np-2429_3-january-2020.pdf..pdf):
QuotePublic Inquiry (80525) held at The Public Inquiry Room (Birmingham), B15 1PL, 38 George
Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 20 November 2019 commenced at 14:00 (Previous
Publication:(2419))
PD1140735 SN
TRAVEL EXPRESS LTD
Director(s): KISHAN SINGH CHUMBER
30 COTON ROAD, PENN, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV4 5AT
1. The standard national PSV licence held by Travel Express Ltd is varied under
Section 17(2)(d) of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 ("the 1981 Act") so that the
maximum number of vehicles which may at any one time be used under the licence is
reduced from 20 to 15. The variation takes immediate effect and is for an indefinite
period of time.
2. To avoid loss of repute as transport manager, Kishan Chumber must by 29
February 2020:
i) cease maintaining vehicles himself and appoint at least one IRTEC accredited
mechanic with overall responsibility for maintenance (or contract maintenance out
entirely); and
ii) appoint an additional transport manager with lead responsibility for timetable
planning and monitoring and management and disciplining of drivers.
3. The good repute of previous transport manager Nimrod Asbury is retained.
4. Under Section 155 of the Transport Act 2000 ("the 2000 Act"), the operator is
fined a total of £6,000 for failure to operate according to the timetable registered with
the traffic commissioner.
5. The following undertakings have been added to the licence:
i) vehicles will be given roller brake tests at least every 12 weeks;
ii) vehicles will be given regular safety inspections at least every 5 weeks;
What was the point in removing Chumber's restrictions to begin with, now that they have been put back on?
Quote from: cris 99 on January 09, 2020, 10:57:26 AM
X703UKS Y252FJN AND Y864TGH W362ABD W143ULR all gone
are there any darts stored at the depot now ?
https://www.route-one.net/legal/licence-cut-and-6k-fine-for-travel-express/
Quote from: metrocity on January 29, 2020, 08:46:43 PM
https://www.route-one.net/legal/licence-cut-and-6k-fine-for-travel-express/
So does that mean that Travel Express is no more?
Quote from: Busboy105 on January 29, 2020, 09:11:55 PM
So does that mean that Travel Express is no more?
Why don't you read it?
Just so people don't have to register to see it, it was in this week's issue too.
https://www.route-one.net/legal/licence-cut-and-6k-fine-for-travel-express/
QuoteTC rules that responsibility for maintaining vehicles and timetable planning should no longer be current TM's
The O-Licence held by Wolverhampton-based Travel Express, trading as Let's Go, has been cut from 20 vehicles to 15 and the company ordered to pay a £6,000 penalty for failing to operate to registered timetables by Traffic Commissioner (TC) Nick Denton.
The TC also directed that to avoid loss of repute as Transport Manager (TM), Director Kishan Chumber must, by the end of February, cease maintaining vehicles himself and appoint at least one IRTEC accredited mechanic with overall responsibility for maintenance, or contract maintenance out entirely; and appoint an additional TM with lead responsibility for timetable planning and monitoring and management and disciplining of drivers.
He imposed undertakings on the O-Licence that roller brake tests would be carried out every 12 weeks and that vehicles would be inspected every six weeks.
In January 2015 TC Nick Jones disqualified Mr Chumber from acting as a TM until he passed a further CPC exam [routeone/Court Report/4 February 2015].
The company's O-Licence was subsequently revoked [routeone/Court Report/4 February 2015 and September 2015]. It was granted a fresh O-Licence on condition that Mr Chumber had nothing to do with vehicle maintenance, and that he employed a full time TM and a skilled mechanic [routeone/Court Report/23 March 2016].
Mr Chumber appeared before the TC in January, when his repute was restored and he became the company's TM. In his decision the TC said that the restoration of Mr Chumber's repute was followed by seven roadworthiness prohibitions in 2019 and a very poor MOT pass rate of 65%.
The same timetabling incompetence which had caused TC Jones to ban Mr Chumber in 2016 from any involvement in timetabling had re-emerged since that ban was lifted in January 2019. There was some evidence that vehicles had been deliberately run a few minutes ahead of rivals, regardless of the timetable.
It was difficult to reach any other conclusion than that Mr Chumber had slipped back to his old slipshod methods of management, timetabling and operating.
The TC accepted that on the whole he had good intentions and was not setting out deliberately to fail to comply, but he feared that history suggested that he might not have it in him to be a compliant operator over an extended period of time.
Part of the problem appeared to be that Mr Chumber was spread too thinly. He was responsible as Director for the running of the business generally, as TM for scheduling, driver management and discipline and general oversight of compliance, and all that while performing much of the maintenance on the company's vehicles.
The TC had regard to the fact that the route where the principal non-compliance was found was long and congested and even the biggest operator could struggle to run to timetable. He had also borne in mind that passengers tended to be less inconvenienced by a failure to run to time on a route with multiple alternative operators who provided a frequent service.
Against those mitigating factors was a potentially aggravating factor of deliberate early running in front of a rival's service; and the fact that the company had been fined before for non-compliant running which did not seem to have made any lasting improvements.
This was really the company's last chance to get things right. He doubted that the O-Licence could survive another Public Inquiry (PI).
Haven't quoted because it's to large.
The thing is over the last number of years we have been here before, everytime things are meant to change and they don't.
High MOT failures, poor maintainance, none compliance to timetables meaning running in front of rival operators buses and the final comment "This was really the company's last chance to get things right. He doubted that the O-Licence could survive another Public Inquiry (PI).", my honest thought, should it have survived this PI.
Quote from: justlookingaround on January 29, 2020, 10:11:46 PM
Just so people don't have to register to see it, it was in this week's issue too.
https://www.route-one.net/legal/licence-cut-and-6k-fine-for-travel-express/
You don't need to register to view it.
Just view the latest issue of the magazine.
https://www.route-one.net/issue-825/
"The TC had regard to the fact that the route where the principal non-compliance was found was long and congested and even the biggest operator could struggle to run to timetable. He had also borne in mind that passengers tended to be less inconvenienced by a failure to run to time on a route with multiple alternative operators who provided a frequent service."
I wouldn't have said that the 11 was "long and congested" and neither is the 32 particularly.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on January 30, 2020, 03:36:31 PM
"The TC had regard to the fact that the route where the principal non-compliance was found was long and congested and even the biggest operator could struggle to run to timetable. He had also borne in mind that passengers tended to be less inconvenienced by a failure to run to time on a route with multiple alternative operators who provided a frequent service."
I wouldn't have said that the 11 was "long and congested" and neither is the 32 particularly.
If you look at the timetable for the 11, it is just asking for trouble.
The journey time from Underhill to Wolverhampton bus station is timed at 17 minutes all day Monday to Friday, that will never work because rush hour traffic flows will always increase journey time especially in and out of a major city like Wolverhampton. The NX 11 jorney time goes from 15 minutes to 23 minutes depending on time of day.
Has the Streetlite returned from repair yet as I haven't seen it out for ages. The 303 is still in the hands of PN07KRZ. Wouldn't have thought TfWM would be particularly happy with a vehicle not in company livery. No 'Let's Go' logos on it at all so passengers have no idea who the operator is without looking at the timetable.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on February 26, 2020, 07:03:24 PM
Has the Streetlite returned from repair yet as I haven't seen it out for ages. The 303 is still in the hands of PN07KRZ. Wouldn't have thought TfWM would be particularly happy with a vehicle not in company livery. No 'Let's Go' logos on it at all so passengers have no idea who the operator is without looking at the timetable.
how many buses and livery have diamond got that doesn't seem to bother the great tfwm
Quote from: karl724223 on February 26, 2020, 07:19:29 PM
how many buses and livery have diamond got that doesn't seem to bother the great tfwm
But at least they've got company logos on them so passengers know what company it is.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on February 26, 2020, 07:32:54 PM
But at least they've got company logos on them so passengers know what company it is.
like Wessex connect that park up down Stourbridge
Quote from: karl724223 on February 26, 2020, 08:13:56 PM
like Wessex connect that park up down Stourbridge
It's adding a bit of colour to the otherwise dull West Midlands. They're in process of reps longing those Volvos anyway
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on February 26, 2020, 07:03:24 PM
Has the Streetlite returned from repair yet as I haven't seen it out for ages. The 303 is still in the hands of PN07KRZ. Wouldn't have thought TfWM would be particularly happy with a vehicle not in company livery. No 'Let's Go' logos on it at all so passengers have no idea who the operator is without looking at the timetable.
Considering the E200s have been getting painted allover white instead of red as with the Darts, you could say that is their livery now...
the e200s purchased arrived white, but they also have some e200s purchased in other liveries too. id have thought this was an opportunity to send them out in livery all smart and keep on top of them, change the image of the company.
Quote from: justlookingaround on February 26, 2020, 09:42:35 PM
Considering the E200s have been getting painted allover white instead of red as with the Darts, you could say that is their livery now...
LJ56 LDC was white before it was at TEX.
Ex igo kx57kme out on the 1 this afternoon in igo livery minus name
LDJ56LDC on 11 with no working destination display.
Piece of paper in windscreen with 11 on it that's barely legible and obscuring the passenger side windscreen.
Quote from: Wumpty on March 03, 2020, 12:46:47 PM
LDJ56LDC on 11 with no working destination display.
Piece of paper in windscreen with 11 on it that's barely legible and obscuring the passenger side windscreen.
It's been like that since it was first out. There was an enviro on 32's the other week with working blinds, but not sure why they can't get the blinds working.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on March 03, 2020, 12:49:37 PM
It's been like that since it was first out. There was an enviro on 32's the other week with working blinds, but not sure why they can't get the blinds working.
Am I right in thinking that buses without working destination blinds of any description, shouldn't be on the road?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 03, 2020, 04:44:33 PM
Am I right in thinking that buses without working destination blinds of any description, shouldn't be on the road?
I'm not 100% sure on that one, however, the bus services act 2017 states that operators must display the route designator. It states:
This might be provided in the form of a route number, name or other designator, and operators would be free to determine how the information should be framed.
The operator must also provide the direction in which the bus is travelling:
1.6 It is intended that this power will be used to require the provision of information identifying the direction in which a vehicle is travelling on its specified route, and it should be provided in conjunction with information identifying the route itself. It is noted that directions may be indicated in a number of ways, such as the final stopping destination, or a compass point or direction around a circular path. This will be reflected in the Regulations in order to provide operators with flexibility as to the precise description used.TEX aren't fully complying here as they aren't showing the direction of travel. They do show a designator, granted it is only a piece of paper in the windscreen, but they are complying in this case as they are free to display it in any way they want to.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 03, 2020, 04:44:33 PM
Am I right in thinking that buses without working destination blinds of any description, shouldn't be on the road?
Probably don't have the software for that type, but still left them in it instead of swapping out of an old Dart.
Quote from: justlookingaround on March 03, 2020, 05:35:07 PM
Probably don't have the software for that type, but still left them in it instead of swapping out of an old Dart.
They must have the software for programming the blinds as all their vehicles (bar the streetlite and Y184KNB which have mobitec blinds) have programmed Hanover blinds.
LJ56LDC has Centrad units...they just need to get a hold of them for the software.
Although it seems they no longer manufacture the displays they should still be able to supply the program, which you can't find on the internet unlike the other two brands.
Quote from: justlookingaround on March 03, 2020, 08:30:39 PM
LJ56LDC has Centrad units...they just need to get a hold of them for the software.
Although it seems they no longer manufacture the displays they should still be able to supply the program, which you can't find on the internet unlike the other two brands.
I bet it'll be running round Wolves with no blinds for many years to come in that case. Anyway, I don't think those E200's can be converted to euro 6 to meet the emissions regulations coming into force, so maybe that bus will be no more on the streets of Wolves?
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on March 03, 2020, 09:08:40 PM
. Anyway, I don't think those E200's can be converted to euro 6 to meet the emissions regulations coming into force, so maybe that bus will be no more on the streets of Wolves?
Why do you think that?
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2020, 09:18:01 PM
Why do you think that?
Because some of them are are the earliest model of E200. Anyway, a driver told me that he didn't think they could be converted.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on March 03, 2020, 09:52:34 PM
Because some of them are are the earliest model of E200. Anyway, a driver told me that he didn't think they could be converted.
Even the earliest E200 is Euro 4, NXWM are doin the 11 year old ex I go pair along with much older Euro 3 tridents
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2020, 10:18:04 PM
Even the earliest E200 is Euro 4, NXWM are doin the 11 year old ex I go pair along with much older Euro 3 tridents
Ahh right, forgot about the tridents.
Would have thought Mr Chumber would want to ensure that everything with his buses is 100%, after all at the last PI they said "This was really the company's last chance to get things right. He doubted that the O-Licence could survive another Public Inquiry (PI)."
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 04, 2020, 09:49:48 AM
Would have thought Mr Chumber would want to ensure that everything with his buses is 100%, after all at the last PI they said "This was really the company's last chance to get things right. He doubted that the O-Licence could survive another Public Inquiry (PI)."
Plus he has to employ a new transport manager and mechanic by a certain point or the TC won't be happy.
Quote from: justlookingaround on March 04, 2020, 12:51:23 PM
Plus he has to employ a new transport manager and mechanic by a certain point or the TC won't be happy.
I thought at the 2015 PI, he was told to stop maintaining vehicles himself so must have hired a mechanic then?
maybe they will swap blinds over when the other darts are withdrawn. the blinds in v210erg and cx03ebj are not working either. from what I have observed, I imagine x703uks,y252fjn,y864tgh have been withdrawn as not seen them out for a good while. recently y248fjn nk51mke and cx03ebj seem to be missing from service. lj56ldc seems to have come off the 1s back onto either 2 or 11 this week. kx57kme ex igo has been on the 1, lj08rjy on the 32, and today I got eu08fhd out on the 11. noticed it has working blinds, cctv and a drivecam fitted
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on March 04, 2020, 01:25:37 PM
I thought at the 2015 PI, he was told to stop maintaining vehicles himself so must have hired a mechanic then?
Yes, but then those undertakings were removed. See the Public Inquiry Report (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/857346/Written_Decision.pdf) for more information.
Quote from: justlookingaround on March 04, 2020, 06:57:45 PM
Yes, but then those undertakings were removed. See the Public Inquiry Report (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/857346/Written_Decision.pdf) for more information.
Mentions in that PI that TfWM are/were to lease Ticketer machines to the operator from January 2020.
Mystery solved then. All these operators have leased the machines from TfWM hence the rollout all at once, and the fact that Kevs only use them on TfWM services.
Unless of course, somebody knows otherwise.
Quote from: MW on March 04, 2020, 07:46:37 PM
Mentions in that PI that TfWM are/were to lease Ticketer machines to the operator from January 2020.
Mystery solved then. All these operators have leased the machines from TfWM hence the rollout all at once, and the fact that Kevs only use them on TfWM services.
Unless of course, somebody knows otherwise.
That would make sense considering Banga, Johnsons, Thandi, Claribels and others now appear and track on bustimes.
Quote from: StourValley98 on March 04, 2020, 09:13:55 PM
That would make sense considering Banga, Johnsons, Thandi, Claribels and others now appear and track on bustimes.
Johnsons may well be a different story, they operate more routes outside WM than within and all of them track
Travel express have now got ticketer machine's which allows you to track their buses on bustimes.org
I have updated the Travel Express fleetlist on the main site
Does anyone have any corrections?
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Quote from: Tony on March 28, 2020, 02:32:19 PM
I have updated the Travel Express fleetlist on the main site
Does anyone have any corrections?
http://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
SN64 CUO hasn't been in use for a good while, and there is supposedly no sign of it at their depot.
Quote from: Nathan on March 28, 2020, 03:10:57 PM
SN64 CUO hasn't been in use for a good while, and there is supposedly no sign of it at their depot.
I was told that it was away for repair but that was months ago. They've been using PN07KRZ on the 303 and the 2 afternoon workings.
After lockdown are travel Express 'let's go' running journeys on the 529 because PN07KRZ has been tracking as 529 and going along the willenhall road in both directions
Quote from: BH2004 on May 11, 2020, 03:51:48 PM
After lockdown are travel Express 'let's go' running journeys on the 529 because PN07KRZ has been tracking as 529 and going along the willenhall road in both directions
1 journey in each direction for some reason.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=44529&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA03_48819375&lineVer=2&itdLPxx_spTr=2&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=TEX
Quote from: 2206 on May 11, 2020, 03:55:46 PM
1 journey in each direction for some reason.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=44529&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA03_48819375&lineVer=2&itdLPxx_spTr=2&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=TEX
It's a positioning trip after finishing on the 303 at County Bridge by the looks of it. The bus previously ran private to take up service on one of the Wolverhampton routes (either the 2 or 11, can't remember which exactly). PN07 KRZ is the usual bus on the 303. Vice versa for the morning trip, to get it from depot to County Bridge.
Quote from: Nathan on May 11, 2020, 04:52:07 PM
It's a positioning trip after finishing on the 303 at County Bridge by the looks of it. The bus previously ran private to take up service on one of the Wolverhampton routes (either the 2 or 11, can't remember which exactly). PN07 KRZ is the usual bus on the 303. Vice versa for the morning trip, to get it from depot to County Bridge.
It does the 2 after the 303. They used to run on the 529 a few years back as far as Willenhall I think.
looking at thetimeof the 529 placing trip. it gets to willenhall no room if its running late as gets to willenhall 930 & 303 starts 930 as I believe it runs on the 2 in the morning first
Quote from: Nathan on May 11, 2020, 04:52:07 PM
It's a positioning trip after finishing on the 303 at County Bridge by the looks of it. The bus previously ran private to take up service on one of the Wolverhampton routes (either the 2 or 11, can't remember which exactly). PN07 KRZ is the usual bus on the 303. Vice versa for the morning trip, to get it from depot to County Bridge.
How are they allowed to do that? So any operator can run someone else's route if their bus is going that way already?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 21, 2020, 10:46:13 PM
How are they allowed to do that? So any operator can run someone else's route if their bus is going that way already?
Unless the route is subject to an enhanced partnership or quality enhanced partnership under the current Buses Act such as West Midlands Bus 31 32 41 42 43 under The Transport Act 1986 anyone can register a bus service from A to B.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 21, 2020, 10:46:13 PM
How are they allowed to do that? So any operator can run someone else's route if their bus is going that way already?
Its called bus deregulation. It was allowed due to the 1986 Act.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 21, 2020, 11:11:28 PM
Unless the route is subject to an enhanced partnership or quality enhanced partnership under the current Buses Act such as West Midlands Bus 31 32 40 42 43 under The Transport Act 1986 anyone can register a bus service from A to B.
Is that correct? If another operator wanted to compete on any of those routes, they couldn't?
Quote from: MW on June 22, 2020, 02:56:33 AM
Is that correct? If another operator wanted to compete on any of those routes, they couldn't?
I would be very surprised if it is true
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 22, 2020, 02:57:59 AM
I would be very surprised if it is true
The legislation in The Buses Act 2017 allows for the regulatory authority in this instance the WMCA to create a Statutory Enhanced Partnership on an individual route. The routes I mentioned are part of West Midlands Bus Alliance. In order for an operator to compete on a West Midlands Bus service the operator would have to apply to join the EP. TfWM have the right within the legal terms of the EP to decide what operator runs where within the scope in agreement. In order to run a competitive journey on an EP the operator would have to coordinate its journey with the other operators on the route and accept the other operators tickets. The legislation of The Buses Act 2017 supersedes The Transport Act 1986 with regard to services operated under an EP or QEP. Whist participation in these is voluntary the legislation allows it to be made compulsory if required. However an operator would still have to register the service with the OfTC & TfWM would lodge an objection to service registration on the terms the service is the subject of an EP under The Buses Act 2017. Within the next term of elected Metro Mayors it is proposed to move responsibility for service registration in this area from OfTC to the relevant Metropolitan Combined Authority.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 21, 2020, 11:11:28 PM
Unless the route is subject to an enhanced partnership or quality enhanced partnership under the current Buses Act such as West Midlands Bus 31 32 41 42 43 under The Transport Act 1986 anyone can register a bus service from A to B.
That's interesting thank you!
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 21, 2020, 10:46:13 PM
How are they allowed to do that? So any operator can run someone else's route if their bus is going that way already?
Take TEX as an example. They directly compete with NX and have done for years.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 21, 2020, 11:11:28 PM
Unless the route is subject to an enhanced partnership or quality enhanced partnership under the current Buses Act such as West Midlands Bus 31 32 41 42 43 under The Transport Act 1986 anyone can register a bus service from A to B.
So if I wanted to run a clapped out dart on the 31 without West Midlands bus branding etc, I couldn't?
Quote from: Pat on June 22, 2020, 12:31:59 PM
Take TEX as an example. They directly compete with NX and have done for years.
So if I wanted to run a clapped out dart on the 31 without West Midlands bus branding etc, I couldn't?
Just change the route number and you could? Change it to 301 hahaha
Quote from: Pat on June 22, 2020, 12:31:59 PM
Take TEX as an example. They directly compete with NX and have done for years.
So if I wanted to run a clapped out dart on the 31 without West Midlands bus branding etc, I couldn't?
Correct, you couldn't
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 12:38:57 PM
Correct, you couldn't
Ok, but could I run it under a different number, as mentioned above?
Quote from: Pat on June 22, 2020, 12:44:15 PM
Ok, but could I run it under a different number, as mentioned above?
No, not without approval from TfWM. It is the route that is protected not the service number
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 12:47:30 PM
No, not without approval from TfWM. It is the route that is protected not the service number
But if there was a deviation (for example running along 32 route to Lower Farm, then continuing on to Turnberry Road or running a 42A via Carters Green instead of direct), then would TfWM approval be needed (outside the usual VOSA registration system)?
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 22, 2020, 03:35:19 PM
But if there was a deviation (for example running along 32 route to Lower Farm, then continuing on to Turnberry Road or running a 42A via Carters Green instead of direct), then would TfWM approval be needed (outside the usual VOSA registration system)?
Yes. The corridor is a QP
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 03:39:19 PM
Yes. The corridor is a QP
So you basically have to have TfWM's permission to run a service up Bloxwich Road?
Quote from: Pat on June 22, 2020, 04:57:20 PM
So you basically have to have TfWM's permission to run a service up Bloxwich Road?
Very unfair on other operators. Ridiculous.
Quote from: MW on June 22, 2020, 05:21:14 PM
Very unfair on other operators. Ridiculous.
No it's not. They have the chance to ask to join a QP.
Why should two operators make a load of guarantees on the quality of service they offer lose income to Mr A Cowboy in his just legal 20 year old nail running at random time?
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 05:35:44 PM
Why should two operators make a load of guarantees on the quality of service they offer lose income to Mr A Cowboy in his just legal 20 year old nail running at random time?
But couldn't that be said for non QP routes too?
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 05:35:44 PM
No it's not. They have the chance to ask to join a QP.
Why should two operators make a load of guarantees on the quality of service they offer lose income to Mr A Cowboy in his just legal 20 year old nail running at random time?
Same way Mr A Cowboy can open up in between a Maccies and KFC on an average high street. Free market, or it should be.
If Maccies and KFC made similar guarantees on quality, and the independent couldn't open on the same high street, would you find that acceptable?
Are you saying that a newcomer can easily ask to join the QP and be accepted?
Quote from: MW on June 22, 2020, 05:43:25 PM
Are you saying that a newcomer can easily ask to join the QP and be accepted?
Yes, Any operator can be part of a QP.
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 05:45:42 PM
Yes, Any operator can be part of a QP.
So what you're saying is that if I lease a compliant bus and apply for a the relevant licences etc, I could join the 31/32 and NX & Diamond would have to adjust their frequency to allow me to slot my bus in?
Quote from: MW on June 22, 2020, 05:47:47 PM
So what you're saying is that if I lease a compliant bus and apply for a the relevant licences etc, I could join the 31/32 and NX & Diamond would have to adjust their frequency to allow me to slot my bus in?
TfWM would have to consider the application, and not just reject it
How does that work with the Arriva 1/2 services are they part of the partnership as they follow for the majority of the 31/32 route and also the X51 that does. Should Arriva services 1/2 not accept NXWM/Diamond passes between Walsall & Bloxwich or do they?
Quote from: sryan188 on June 22, 2020, 06:24:23 PM
How does that work with the Arriva 1/2 services are they part of the partnership as they follow for the majority of the 31/32 route and also the X51 that does. Should Arriva services 1/2 not accept NXWM/Diamond passes between Walsall & Bloxwich or do they?
TfWM can accept or reject, same as the X51
Quote from: sryan188 on June 22, 2020, 06:24:23 PM
How does that work with the Arriva 1/2 services are they part of the partnership as they follow for the majority of the 31/32 route and also the X51 that does. Should Arriva services 1/2 not accept NXWM/Diamond passes between Walsall & Bloxwich or do they?
Arriva haven't joined it but were able to.
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 06:26:36 PM
TfWM can accept or reject, same as the X51
Any service that operates cross boundary and operates outside The West Midlands County is not a matter for West Midlands Combined Authority or Transport for West Midlands .TfWM are only responsible for services which operate within West Midlands County. As Tony quite rightly says TfWM can accept or reject the same as the X51 within the West Midlands County. It is however not commercially acceptable to expect NXWM to accept tickets issued by other operators on premium limited stop services.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 22, 2020, 08:42:46 PM
Any service that operates cross boundary and operates outside The West Midlands County is not a matter for West Midlands Combined Authority or Transport for West Midlands .TfWM are only responsible for services which operate within West Midlands County.
That's not correct. TfWM actually subsidise the 2 route. They can support a service up to 10 miles (I think, may be further) outside the county
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 08:50:53 PM
That's not correct. TfWM actually subsidise the 2 route. They can support a service up to 10 miles (I think, may be further) outside the county
My apologies Tony my comments were in regard to West Midlands Bus & the Quality Enhanced Partnerships and the relationship with the West Midlands Combined Authority & Transport for West Midlands in regard to the comments on the thread about service coordination and services operated in partnership. I am sorry I didn't make that clear to you. Yes you are correct service support is taken on a route by route basis based on historic social and economic factors the 2 is an rare example TfWM do not support similar services to Romsley, Belbroughton ,Hagley Kinver, Barnt Green & Lichfield etc. A strong business case was given by a prominent local councillor and accepted it is however the exception to the rule. May I remind you that NXWM reduced Walsall service 10A following a reduction in support from Staffordshire County Council TfWM did not in this instance step in to retain the journeys that fell outside West Midlands County. Journeys on NXWM 256 supported by TfWM used to run direct & omitted Staffordshire . It is TfWM policy not to routinely support services outside The West Midlands County .
Quote from: Tony on June 22, 2020, 08:50:53 PM
That's not correct. TfWM actually subsidise the 2 route. They can support a service up to 10 miles (I think, may be further) outside the county
Is it the Turnberry estate section that is subsidised?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on June 23, 2020, 04:46:02 PM
Is it the Turnberry estate section that is subsidised?
I remember someone posting a "top ten" cheapest/expensive subsidised routes on these here forums. After some scrambling around, I found it:
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=5049.0
It does look like it is the Turnberry Estate section that is subsidised, and at the time of that request (2017) it was the cheapest subsidised per passenger route.
I wonder if there is a list of what services are currently subsidised by TfWM anywhere. Don't need to know the costings, just what routes they're subsidising.
Quote from: ellspurs on June 23, 2020, 06:35:10 PM
I remember someone posting a "top ten" cheapest/expensive subsidised routes on these here forums. After some scrambling around, I found it:
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=5049.0
It does look like it is the Turnberry Estate section that is subsidised, and at the time of that request (2017) it was the cheapest subsidised per passenger route.
I wonder if there is a list of what services are currently subsidised by TfWM anywhere. Don't need to know the costings, just what routes they're subsidising.
All contracts awarded by Transport for West Midlands can be viewed at www.tfwm.org.uk
Quote from: ellspurs on June 23, 2020, 06:35:10 PM
I wonder if there is a list of what services are currently subsidised by TfWM anywhere. Don't need to know the costings, just what routes they're subsidising.
Although not directly related, Arriva Telford display 'service supported by Telford and Wrekin Council' on the blinds on the enviros for subsidised services.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 23, 2020, 06:48:16 PM
All contracts awarded by Transport for West Midlands can be viewed at www.tfwm.org.uk
Thank you, Mr. Shuttle. I have looked on that site, and it only seems to show what has been rewarded recently ( https://www.tfwm.org.uk/operations/bus-services/ ).
It mentions that there are £7.6 millions worth of services subsidised. Would you know what page to find this list at (if it exists)?
Quote from: ellspurs on June 23, 2020, 07:32:18 PM
Thank you, Mr. Shuttle. I have looked on that site, and it only seems to show what has been rewarded recently ( https://www.tfwm.org.uk/operations/bus-services/ ).
It mentions that there are £7.6 millions worth of services subsidised. Would you know what page to find this list at (if it exists)?
All contracts awarded since April 2019 are avaliable to view directly on the TfWM website. Procurement which has been removed that has previously been published can be obtained by using the Contact Us section of the website at https://www.tfwm.org.uk/contact-us/
Quote from: ellspurs on June 23, 2020, 07:32:18 PM
Thank you, Mr. Shuttle. I have looked on that site, and it only seems to show what has been rewarded recently ( https://www.tfwm.org.uk/operations/bus-services/ ).
It mentions that there are £7.6 millions worth of services subsidised. Would you know what page to find this list at (if it exists)?
I am pretty sure although not acceesed directly from the website most of the historical data is hanging about on the back server's. If you google TfWM Statutory Information October 2017 it will most likely bring the PDF containing the tenders. Other than for emergency tenders most statutory tender information is published in October & April each year. Try that its how I look up historic data at work thats been removed. I hope this is of some assistance.
Y244 FJN has now left the fleet, leaving for preservation back down in London with the 'South London Dart Collection'.
Quote from: StourValley98 on June 24, 2020, 12:54:16 PM
Y244 FJN has now left the fleet, leaving for preservation back down in London with the 'South London Dart Collection'.
Back to its old haunt! Wonder if anyone else would preserve a dart. Wouldn't have thought they'd be that expensive to purchase, especially the state TEX left them in!
Quote from: Pat on June 24, 2020, 02:28:06 PM
Back to its old haunt! Wonder if anyone else would preserve a dart. Wouldn't have thought they'd be that expensive to purchase, especially the state TEX left them in!
Locally, Wyvern Valley Bus Preservation group have Plaxton Dart T 315 SMV ex Hanson and Carlyle Dart KDZ 5805 ex TWM and Midland Rider.
Here is a list of preserved Dennis Darts!
G506 VYE
G515 VYE
G 29 TGW
G 39 TGW
H588 MOC
H577 MOC
J198 PEY
K105 SFJ
K715 PCN
K409 FHJ
L117 YOD
K101 SFJ
K723 PNL
K 62 KEX
L401 CJF
L401 VCV
L225 VHU
M420 CCV
M507 VJO
M513 VJO
M 78 CYJ
M455 LLJ
N952 CPU
N459 EEY
N 23 OBO
N656 CHF
N652 CDB
N624 CDB
H842 NOC
K 91 BNY
J 52 EDM
J317 XVX
J914 SEH
J917 SEH
K909 CVW
K134 SRH
L501 HCY
L802 MEV
L116 YVK
L503 VHU
N557 LHU
P327 HVX
P411 MLA
R717 YWC
G501 VYE
G516 VYE
G526 VYE
J552 GCD
J986 JNJ
L119 YOD
L720 JUD
M721 CGO
M 63 VJO
M 64 VJO
L 88 CTB
F449 OFG
K 96 SAG
K402 EDT
L156 YVK
N325 ECR
N324 ECR
P620 PGP
P137 TDL
X266 JBE
J524 GCD
N239 VPH
P580 BTH
P501 RYM
R718 BAE
P439 ORL
P455 DCW
R454 FVX
S825 WYD
N 8 WFB
S376 SUX
LV 52 HKJ
LV 52 HKL
P434 AYJ
P130 PPV
R410 XFL
P238 MKN
P242 MKN
P533 MBU
R101 KRG
R810 YUD
R721 DJN
S731 TWC
X617 JCS
S302 SHB
W361 VHB
X901 LBJ
T315 SMV
W466 UAG
W603 MWJ
X184 CTG
Y482 VRH
T406 AGP
W221 DNO
R710 BAE
R719 RAD
RX 51 FGP
P474 BLJ
R131 FUP
R625 VEG
R478 NPR
T311 SMV
W404 UGM
W102 PMS
P675 MLE
RG 51 FWZ
SN 51 UAE
SN 51 UAV
SN 51 TCX
KM 02 HFT
KP 02 PVU
LV 52 HKE
LV 52 HKG
LV 52 HKK
N207 NNJ
N110 UTT
R524 YRP
R638 DUS
R119 OFJ
T728 REU
T471 JCV
T455 PRH
V660 DVU
V735 FAE
V656 DVU
Y343 FJN
SN 55 DVF
S310 SHB
W362 VHB
Y374 GAX
Y376 GAX
X226 WNO
Y647 NYD
X142 CDV
DF 02 EKC
WV 02 NNA
SK 52 OJE
Y 28 CMS
S451 WAT
S549 SCV
T146 DAX
T147 DAX
W702 BFV
X344 YGU
S 30 ETC
W471 UAG
W694 EOP
X201 CDV
X202 CDV
X203 CDV
X204 CDV
Y831 TGH
Y483 VRH
Y486 VRH
AE 51 VFX
KV 51 KZJ
LT 02 NVJ
SK 02 TZN
NA 52 AWF
LF 02 PTZ
HW 52 EPX
MW 52 UCC
LV 52 HGC
SN 54 GPY
HW 54 BTU
V356 DLH
Y203 PFM
S368 ONL
Quote from: Tony on June 25, 2020, 08:08:40 PM
Here is a list of preserved Dennis Darts!
...
Now that's alot! But the Dennis Dart was one of the most significant buses (if not
the most significant) of the Deregulation era. Like the Ford Transit of the 1980s, worthy of preservation.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on June 25, 2020, 07:56:43 PM
Locally, Wyvern Valley Bus Preservation group have Plaxton Dart T 315 SMV ex Hanson and Carlyle Dart KDZ 5805 ex TWM and Midland Rider.
KDZ 5805 is Wright Handybus bodied, not Carlyle. Ex-Abellio London KP02 PVU is also preserved locally.
1 is now tracking on bustimes.org along with the 2 trips TEX do on the 529.
t580jtd back on the road on the 11 today
This companh has some right old sheds. I like watching them dangerously overtake the NX number 11 in Wolverhampton to pick their passengers up. I'm sure they got in trouble for that before. P.s. when I say like im speaking ironically, I don't sit and enjoy watching!
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 02, 2020, 01:06:50 AM
This companh has some right old sheds. I like watching them dangerously overtake the NX number 11 in Wolverhampton to pick their passengers up. I'm sure they got in trouble for that before. P.s. when I say like im speaking ironically, I don't sit and enjoy watching!
I really can't understand how they've still got a license. Even after numerous PIs, they still carry on with their antics. I was once waiting for their 32 in Wolves bus station. There was an NX 32 on the stand. Instead of the TEX driver waiting patiently behind, he carried straight on down St Davids without even pulling into the bus station! Coming back from Northwood, their bus didn't even show up.
Yes, they do have some sheds running around. I was on Y244FJN once and it absolutely reeked of diesel. Their buses could also do with a clean inside too. Hopefully Chumber won't let his new E200s get into the same poor state as his darts.
Quote from: Pat on August 02, 2020, 10:02:48 AM
I really can't understand how they've still got a license. Even after numerous PIs, they still carry on with their antics. I was once waiting for their 32 in Wolves bus station. There was an NX 32 on the stand. Instead of the TEX driver waiting patiently behind, he carried straight on down St Davids without even pulling into the bus station! Coming back from Northwood, their bus didn't even show up.
Yes, they do have some sheds running around. I was on Y244FJN once and it absolutely reeked of diesel. Their buses could also do with a clean inside too. Hopefully Chumber won't let his new E200s get into the same poor state as his darts.
I think id stand if I had to get one of those!
TEX (or as they are know now Let's go) don't seen to carry many passengers so I'm supprised that they are still running.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 02, 2020, 06:48:32 PM
TEX (or as they are know now Let's go) don't seen to carry many passengers so I'm supprisex that they are still running.
They do. I've seen morning services on the 11 with standing loads. If they didn't carry many passengers, they'd have stopped running long ago.
Quote from: Pat on August 02, 2020, 07:01:10 PM
They do. I've seen morning services on the 11 with standing loads. If they didn't carry many passengers, they'd have stopped running long ago.
Well OK in the Peaks they do but I've seen many running empty during the day. Se explain how they can run services at a loss and still run them regardless.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 02, 2020, 07:04:32 PM
Well OK in the Peaks they do but I've seen many running empty during the day. Se explain how they can run services at a loss and still run them regardless.
The NX 11 runs empty during the day too. How do you know they're running at a loss? If they were, they'd have pulled out of the route long before now. There's no point in operating a commercial service at a loss. Take Diamond on the 228 as an example.
Quote from: Pat on August 02, 2020, 10:02:48 AM
I really can't understand how they've still got a license. Even after numerous PIs, they still carry on with their antics. I was once waiting for their 32 in Wolves bus station. There was an NX 32 on the stand. Instead of the TEX driver waiting patiently behind, he carried straight on down St Davids without even pulling into the bus station! Coming back from Northwood, their bus didn't even show up.
Yes, they do have some sheds running around. I was on Y244FJN once and it absolutely reeked of diesel. Their buses could also do with a clean inside too. Hopefully Chumber won't let his new E200s get into the same poor state as his darts.
The streetlite hasn't made a comeback yet I see! It must be at least 12 months now since that disappeared off the 303.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 02, 2020, 09:16:04 PM
The streetlite hasn't made a comeback yet I see! It must be at least 12 months now since that disappeared off the 303.
PN07KRZ and occasionally Y184KNB have been on the 303 and the evening 2 journeys since the streetlite has been away.
Quote from: Pat on August 02, 2020, 10:15:00 PM
PN07KRZ and occasionally Y184KNB have been on the 303 and the evening 2 journeys since the streetlite has been away.
T580 has also done the 303 along with one of the TGH darts
How busy was the other services run by let's go before lockdown
Quote from: Pat on August 02, 2020, 07:10:36 PM
The NX 11 runs empty during the day too. How do you know they're running at a loss? If they were, they'd have pulled out of the route long before now. There's no point in operating a commercial service at a loss. Take Diamond on the 228 as an example.
I can have a guess that Let's go are running their services as some sort of loss. I think NX's 11 is partly subsidised. Can anybody confirm this? As I think it's only certain jrnys that are partly subsidised but not totally certain on this.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 03, 2020, 08:26:41 AM
I can have a guess that Let's go are running their services as some sort of loss. I think NX's 11 is partly subsidised. Can anybody confirm this? As I think it's only certain jrnys that are partly subsidised but not totally certain on this.
11 is commercial
Quote from: Tony on August 03, 2020, 08:37:27 AM
11 is commercial
Thanks
@Tony I though some of the jrnys were subsidised, obviously not then!
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 03, 2020, 08:26:41 AM
I can have a guess that Let's go are running their services as some sort of loss. I think NX's 11 is partly subsidised. Can anybody confirm this? As I think it's only certain jrnys that are partly subsidised but not totally certain on this.
From looking at their accounts on Companies House, they're obviously making something. Anyway, what's the point in keeping running a commercial service if it is operating at a loss?
Quote from: Solo1 on August 03, 2020, 05:14:21 AM
How busy was the other services run by let's go before lockdown
They were quite busy. The 1 got busy round school/college starting times and i'd often see a standing load go past me on the Tettenhall Road. I was once told that a driver on the 1 left a stop on Tettenhall Road, saw another passenger turn up at the stop, then did a u turn to to and pick them up!
Quote from: Pat on August 03, 2020, 09:46:45 AM
From looking at their accounts on Companies House, they're obviously making something. Anyway, what's the point in keeping running a commercial service if it is operating at a loss? They were quite busy. The 1 got busy round school/college starting times and i'd often see a standing load go past me on the Tettenhall Road. I was once told that a driver on the 1 left a stop on Tettenhall Road, saw another passenger turn up at the stop, then did a u turn to to and pick them up!
All I'm saying is that whenever I'm out on the network over Wolverhampton I see several OF Let's Go vehicles running around the city empty.
Also with regard to them doing u-turns depending on if that's true isn't that illegal and dangerous? Unless they find a good place to do it. Which then could mean that they're also running late.
When I last saw the 11 on Friday (turning off Stafford Street onto Cannock Road), the NXWM one at the front looked like it had a decent load on it. The Let's Go one immediately behind had two passengers on it. This was around 9.00-9.30am or so.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 03, 2020, 04:49:15 PM
Also with regard to them doing u-turns depending on if that's true isn't that illegal and dangerous? Unless they find a good place to do it. Which then could mean that they're also running late.
It's not illegal in this case. It's the same as doing a u turn in your car. If there's no sign or you're not on a motorway or one way street, it's perfectly legal.
Quote from: Pat on August 03, 2020, 05:18:54 PM
It's not illegal in this case. It's the same as doing a u turn in your car. If there's no sign or you're not on a motorway or one way street, it's perfectly legal.
But surely it might be as it's dangerous to do one anywhere even if there's no signs. Especially on a main road that's 30MPH. Which I know sometimes you can't get upto but when you can and then you find a bus doing a u-turn in the middle of the road that to me is illegal and dangerous. Anyway on a high frequency route like the 1 it doesn't need to have buses doing u-turns mid route unless a bus is running so late and only then it should be done is a safe way e.g turning around at an island.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 03, 2020, 05:32:37 PM
But surely it might be as it's dangerous to do one anywhere even if there's no signs. Especially on a main road that's 30MPH. Which I know sometimes you can't get upto but when you can and then you find a bus doing a u-turn in the middle of the road that to me is illegal and dangerous. Anyway on a high frequency route like the 1 it doesn't need to have buses doing u-turns mid route unless a bus is running so late and only then it should be done is a safe way e.g turning around at an island.
The only times when doing a u turn is illegal is when there is a sign prohibiting u turns, on a motorway or on a one way street, as I've said above. Whether you think it's illegal or not, the driver didn't break any law. It may have been dangerous, depending on how the traffic was (Tettenhall Rd can be quiet at times). TEX only run every 20 mins on the 1, compared to NX every 8 mins. When you're a small operator competing against a large operator, every passenger counts.
Quote from: Pat on August 03, 2020, 05:44:46 PM
The only times when doing a u turn is illegal is when there is a sign prohibiting u turns, on a motorway or on a one way street, as I've said above. Whether you think it's illegal or not, the driver didn't break any law. It may have been dangerous, depending on how the traffic was (Tettenhall Rd can be quiet at times). TEX only run every 20 mins on the 1, compared to NX every 8 mins. When you're a small operator competing against a large operator, every passenger counts.
Yes I understand that, but in my eyes it's dangerous and illegal if you do it anywhere. As I said Tettenhall Road is quite a busy road when I've been travelling along it. So when I find a bus doing a u-turn I'd think it would be dangerous and illegal. Normally the 1's run quite close together whether it's NX or TEX. actually Not so much TEX, but they do run in convoy between the both of them. So it wouldn't have hurt if the TEX driver didn't do a u-turn.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 03, 2020, 05:51:45 PM
Yes I understand that, but in my eyes it's dangerous and illegal if you do it anywhere. As I said Tettenhall Road is quite a busy road when I've been travelling along it. So when I find a bus doing a u-turn I'd think it would be dangerous and illegal. Normally the 1's run quite close together whether it's NX or TEX. actually Not so much TEX, but they do run in convoy between the both of them. So it wouldn't have hurt if the TEX driver didn't do a u-turn.
The law is the law, whether it's in your eyes or not. Yes it may have been dangerous, but as I keep saying, it wasn't illegal.
Quote from: Pat on August 03, 2020, 05:54:12 PM
The law is the law, whether it's in your eyes or not. Yes it may have been dangerous, but as I keep saying, it wasn't illegal.
Well all I can say to that is it should become the law to not do u-turns anywhere. As I keep on saying it's dangerous to do them anywhere, all be it 'not illegal' yet.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 03, 2020, 05:58:28 PM
Well all I can say to that is it should become the law to not do u-turns anywhere. As I keep on saying it's dangerous to do them anywhere, all be it 'not illegal' yet.
I think you will find the government have no intention of banning U-turns. In fact if they did several bus routes would have to be altered as many have to do U-turns at their termini (NXWM PB 28E at Dyas Road, and 28 at Scott Arms, and East Birmingham Hospital are 3 u-turns done on one route.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 03, 2020, 05:58:28 PM
Well all I can say to that is it should become the law to not do u-turns anywhere. As I keep on saying it's dangerous to do them anywhere, all be it 'not illegal' yet.
When there's busy traffic and lots of obstacles, then yes it is dangerous. But on a perfectly clear road, not really.
Quote from: Tony on August 03, 2020, 06:04:57 PM
I think you will find the government have no intention of banning U-turns. In fact if they did several bus routes would have to be altered as many have to do U-turns at their termini (NXWM PB 28E at Dyas Road, and 28 at Scott Arms, and East Birmingham Hospital are 3 u-turns done on one route.
PB 28 turns round at the designated U turn/junction thing on Bordesley Green East just past where the Aldi is.
Google Maps shows 4288 turning round there.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.4784737,-1.8184577,3a,30y,89.41h,87.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sD9KJ8NRSqm0MtWz1d2MHMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Diamond 25 uses a similar one on Washwood Heath Road and 11E (11A) on Bromford Lane at Ward End, Fox & Goose.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.49271,-1.8236243,3a,75y,297.63h,75.39t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svq9ppYddw_nOMVHOOxUpLA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Though can't say I've ever seen anyone take a U turn further along the Washwood Heath Road somewhere.
Also in regards to the 28 terminus on Bordesley Green East. I'm sure I saw a B10L at Stuarts Road, Stechford displaying 28 around 2008 and Google Maps does also shows 1477 laying over there. Wander why they would be on that road back then?
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.4791847,-1.8124995,3a,37.5y,199.66h,78.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swjg4ktWTqcohWKRhiSqGsw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Quote from: 2206 on August 03, 2020, 06:08:34 PM
PB 28 turns round at the designated U turn/junction thing on Bordesley Green East just past where the Aldi is.
Google Maps shows 4288 turning round there.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.4784737,-1.8184577,3a,30y,89.41h,87.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sD9KJ8NRSqm0MtWz1d2MHMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Diamond 25 uses a similar one on Washwood Heath Road and 11E (11A) on Bromford Lane at Ward End, Fox & Goose.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.49271,-1.8236243,3a,75y,297.63h,75.39t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svq9ppYddw_nOMVHOOxUpLA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Though can't say I've ever seen anyone take a U turn further along the Washwood Heath Road somewhere.
Also in regards to the 28 terminus on Bordesley Green East. I'm sure I saw a B10L at Stuarts Road, Stechford displaying 28 around 2008 and Google Maps does also shows 1477 laying over there. Wander why they would be on that road back then?
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.4791847,-1.8124995,3a,37.5y,199.66h,78.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swjg4ktWTqcohWKRhiSqGsw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
That's what I'm saying
@Tony. If there's a dedicated u-turning circle to do u-turns in then I'm not disputing that cars, buses or whatever can do u-turns. I'm only saying if there isn't any places then cars, Buses or whatever shouldn't do u-turns as it's dangerous and illegal, unless a u-turn is done by pulling into a side road and then doing it.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 16, 2020, 09:40:32 AM
That's what I'm saying @Tony. If there's a dedicated u-turning circle to do u-turns in then I'm not disputing that cars, buses or whatever can do u-turns. I'm only saying if there isn't any places then cars, Buses or whatever shouldn't do u-turns as it's dangerous and illegal, unless a u-turn is done by pulling into a side road and then doing it.
As you have been told many time It is NOT illegal unless there is a no U-turn sign.
You idea of doing it via a side road actually can be illegal as when reversing a bus on the public highway you should have a responsible person at the rear assisting.
Quote from: Tony on August 16, 2020, 10:12:28 AM
As you have been told many time It is NOT illegal unless there is a no U-turn sign.
You idea of doing it via a side road actually can be illegal as when reversing a bus on the public highway you should have a responsible person at the rear assisting.
I'm not saying for buses to do u-turns in a side road. I'd expect a big vehicle like that to go to an island to do it. So in my eye it would be illegal to do it anyhere (not actuall saing it is illegal to do it anyhere were there's no sign that says you can't). In many words if I was a driver of a bus and saw a person at a bus stop that I had already left I would do a u-turn in the correct place i. e. at an island or where I would deem it to be safe to do one (which is probably not going to be in the middle of a road that couls be 30MPH. I'd try to find side roads that could be suteable so something like left onto a side road, right into another, righit into anotger and then right back onto the main road.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 16, 2020, 10:34:39 AM
I'd expect a big vehicle like that to go to an island to do it. So in my eye it would be illegal to do it anyhere (not actuall saing it is illegal to do it anyhere were there's no sign that says you can't).
While maybe not illegal, I think it looks dangerous for a little vehicle like a car to do a U turn in a bad place as well.
As in the Saltley area of the Washwood Heath Road which was busy at the time, (specifically by Sandway Gardens stop), on the 55 some taxi suddenly did a u turn in the middle of the road and nearly caused an accident with 1798 the other day.
Quote from: 2206 on August 16, 2020, 10:38:31 AM
While maybe not illegal, I think it looks dangerous for a little vehicle like a car to do a U turn in a bad place as well.
As in the Saltley area of the Washwood Heath Road which was busy at the time, (specifically by Sandway Gardens stop), on the 55 some taxi suddenly did a u turn in the middle of the road and nearly caused an accident with 1798 the other day.
As ai say I'm not actually saying it is illegal but in my eyes it should be, as stated by you
@2206 it could cause an accident. Much like the one that could have happendled and you explained. As I said I'm not actually saying it is illegal to do a u-turn anywhere where it doesn't show that you can't but 'in my eyes it should be to provent accidents because there are some caractors out there that don't pay attention to the road and also could cause an accident of their own making but when it could be provented by may be not doing u-turns in dangerous places or anywhere where it could cause an accident then surely that's a win win for everybody (including bus companies).
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 16, 2020, 11:01:57 AM
As ai say I'm not actually saying it is illegal but in my eyes it should be, as stated by you @2206 it could cause an accident. Much like the one that could have happendled and you explained. As I said I'm not actually saying it is illegal to do a u-turn anywhere where it doesn't show that you can't but 'in my eyes it should be to provent accidents because there are some caractors out there that don't pay attention to the road and also could cause an accident of their own making but when it could be provented by may be not doing u-turns in dangerous places or anywhere where it could cause an accident then surely that's a win win for everybody (including bus companies).
At risk of going off topic, some comments:
1. Are you suggesting that "U-turns" should become illegal for all vehicles or just buses? I cannot see taxis or pizza delivery mopeds accepting this rule.
2. Would the ban be on all roads or just main roads and if just main roads how would you word the legislation to cover this, e.g. Coventry Road between Birmingham City FC's ground and Heybarnes Circus has the same road classification as a cul-de-sac, as it is not an A or a B class road?
3. In North London, the 279 terminates at Manor House Station from the north, and then does a U-turn in Seven Sisters Road (A503) to return to Waltham Cross. There are no traffic lights or other special road markings or signs to warn other road users that this occurs. The 279 is not a minor route, it runs every 7-8 minutes with E400 double deckers. This part of the A503 has 3 other high frequency bus routes along it (253, 254 & 259). The side roads near Manor House station are unsuitable to be used to turn buses, the nearest alternative location to turn the buses would be Finsbury Park Station but there is nowhere for the buses to stand there and the extension would probably add 2 or 3 extra buses to the PVR. Who would pay for either the road layout modifications or the extra buses? The fact that there are very few incidents at this location says what would banning U-turns actually achieve apart from higher costs?
Just out of curiosity, does anyone know whether the Lets Go 529 runs are well used? I believe it would run to county bridge as not in service anyway so there's nothing much to lose.
I experienced the antics of one of their drivers on Thursday when I took 730 to Wolverhampton garage. Coming down Cannock Road he must have seen me behind in an E200 and presumed I was on the 11 service. There were 4 cars in between us. He stopped just before the traffic lights at Park Lane by the pedestrian crossing so no-one could get past him, then as soon as the lights at the junction went amber he roared off through the then red traffic light to make sure I was stuck at the red light
I noticed them on the timetable poster outside the Lock Museum in Willenhall.
The placing journey is timed at that stop at the same time as an NX journey.
I'd be surprised if they got many passengers.
Quote from: Ian Hardy on August 16, 2020, 11:06:32 AM
At risk of going off topic, some comments:
1. Are you suggesting that "U-turns" should become illegal for all vehicles or just buses? I cannot see taxis or pizza delivery mopeds accepting this rule.
2. Would the ban be on all roads or just main roads and if just main roads how would you word the legislation to cover this, e.g. Coventry Road between Birmingham City FC's ground and Heybarnes Circus has the same road classification as a cul-de-sac, as it is not an A or a B class road?
3. In North London, the 279 terminates at Manor House Station from the north, and then does a U-turn in Seven Sisters Road (A503) to return to Waltham Cross. There are no traffic lights or other special road markings or signs to warn other road users that this occurs. The 279 is not a minor route, it runs every 7-8 minutes with E400 double deckers. This part of the A503 has 3 other high frequency bus routes along it (253, 254 & 259). The side roads near Manor House station are unsuitable to be used to turn buses, the nearest alternative location to turn the buses would be Finsbury Park Station but there is nowhere for the buses to stand there and the extension would probably add 2 or 3 extra buses to the PVR. Who would pay for either the road layout modifications or the extra buses? The fact that there are very few incidents at this location says what would banning U-turns actually achieve apart from higher costs?
To answer the questions.
1. To ban all traffic doing u-turns on major roads like the A503, Unless there is a dedicated turning circle.
2. With regards to the A503 and services along that road, do to me not knowing the layout of the road I couldn't comment, but if I was to aer there any other side road taround there that could be used as Istated I'd try and use left side road, right side road, right side road and right main road to get back onto the return jrnys.
3. As with everything these days it would be the tax payer to brunt the cost of road layout infrastructure. aid have to think about how it would be worded in the legalisation of it.
Quote from: Ian Hardy on August 16, 2020, 11:06:32 AM
At risk of going off topic, some comments:
1. Are you suggesting that "U-turns" should become illegal for all vehicles or just buses? I cannot see taxis or pizza delivery mopeds accepting this rule.
2. Would the ban be on all roads or just main roads and if just main roads how would you word the legislation to cover this, e.g. Coventry Road between Birmingham City FC's ground and Heybarnes Circus has the same road classification as a cul-de-sac, as it is not an A or a B class road?
3. In North London, the 279 terminates at Manor House Station from the north, and then does a U-turn in Seven Sisters Road (A503) to return to Waltham Cross. There are no traffic lights or other special road markings or signs to warn other road users that this occurs. The 279 is not a minor route, it runs every 7-8 minutes with E400 double deckers. This part of the A503 has 3 other high frequency bus routes along it (253, 254 & 259). The side roads near Manor House station are unsuitable to be used to turn buses, the nearest alternative location to turn the buses would be Finsbury Park Station but there is nowhere for the buses to stand there and the extension would probably add 2 or 3 extra buses to the PVR. Who would pay for either the road layout modifications or the extra buses? The fact that there are very few incidents at this location says what would banning U-turns actually achieve apart from higher costs?
What about Newington Green for the 279? It could share the terminus with the 21. Yes it would add more buses to the route but it's safer than doing a U-Turn in the middle of Seven Sisters Road.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 16, 2020, 11:14:32 AM
Just out of curiosity, does anyone know whether the Lets Go 529 runs are well used? I believe it would run to county bridge as not in service anyway so there's nothing much to lose.
Whenever I've seen it coming out of Wolverhampton in the morning, it has had no passengers on it.
On the U-turn debate, I think the issue is that the Let's Go 11 was doing a U-turn on a road that wasn't separated with a central reservation. I think all of the other examples given have a central reservation on the road with an opening to perform a U-turn on it.
If said bus had left the stop and a passenger has turned up after the bus has left that passenger has missed that bus and should wait for the next one the bus should not have u turned and gone back for the passenger could it be deemed as off route doing the u turn
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on August 16, 2020, 09:40:32 AM
That's what I'm saying @Tony. If there's a dedicated u-turning circle to do u-turns in then I'm not disputing that cars, buses or whatever can do u-turns. I'm only saying if there isn't any places then cars, Buses or whatever shouldn't do u-turns as it's dangerous and illegal, unless a u-turn is done by pulling into a side road and then doing it.
Why have you brought this up again, despite being told numerous times it's not illegal, like Tony has said? I really don't what to be reading pages and pages of off topic u turn debates.
Thank you!
Quote from: Tony on August 16, 2020, 11:15:54 AM
I experienced the antics of one of their drivers on Thursday when I took 730 to Wolverhampton garage. Coming down Cannock Road he must have seen me behind in an E200 and presumed I was on the 11 service. There were 4 cars in between us. He stopped just before the traffic lights at Park Lane by the pedestrian crossing so no-one could get past him, then as soon as the lights at the junction went amber he roared off through the then red traffic light to make sure I was stuck at the red light
I've seen them pick up behind an NX 11 and speed off ahead of it. It's like they are desperate. Their tickets are cheaper aren't they?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on August 17, 2020, 04:55:09 PM
I've seen them pick up behind an NX 11 and speed off ahead of it. It's like they are desperate. Their tickets are cheaper aren't they?
Yes, £2 single
welcome to our world tony, they often do it, usually the lights by raynor rd/bushbury lane, park lane as mentioned
Looks like a midibuses is doing morning and afternoon tram extras for social distancing doing Stourbridge bus station to train station and back
Correct can't think where I got travel express from
Yes Banga
Quote from: karl724223 on September 09, 2020, 09:26:30 PM
Looks like a midibuses is doing morning and afternoon tram extras for social distancing doing Stourbridge bus station to train station and back
banga is doing it Mon-fri peaks only Banga buses are doing a temporary shuttle service between Stourbridge junction and Stourbridge bus station, between 7AM - 10AM and 3PM - 6PM Monday to Friday only, it's mainly to help with the over flow of collage kids etc
Post taken from Facebook.
Looks like the death sentence for the old red darts has started to fall. Only t580jtd x292abu and cx03ebj clinging on to a full day's work. All the other buses out now are e200s.
Quote from: mranon on November 14, 2020, 09:32:23 AM
Looks like the death sentence for the old red darts has started to fall. Only t580jtd x292abu and cx03ebj clinging on to a full day's work. All the other buses out now are e200s.
Yes, they have been the only ones out. 2 of them, mainly ABU & JTD, are always on the 1 with EBJ on the 11.
so CX03EBJ is back in service then?
Quote from: Jakemat10 on November 14, 2020, 11:03:04 AM
so CX03EBJ is back in service then?
Yes, I passed it on the 11 last Wednesday.
It was parked in the depot for months was told it'd been withdrawn didn't expect that to come back
I believe the darts are being withdrawn as their MOT expires.
Some have already ran out September and October
Quote from: Jakemat10 on November 14, 2020, 04:00:54 PM
Some have already ran out September and October
There are still a few with valid MOTs
Just 4 now I believe
CX03EBJ
T580JTD
X292ABU
Y131GBO
Y184KHNB & tyhe 2 51 reg are still about as far as i know
SK51AYD
RX51FNU
Both have no mot RX51FNU
I believe is tracking on bus times as CX03EBJ
RX51 FNU has been preserved, it was purchased on the 28th of October.
The 32 & 33 have appeared back on bus times again, starting from Monday - https://bustimes.org/operators/lets-go
Quote from: Jakemat10 on November 14, 2020, 05:03:54 PM
Just 4 now I believe
CX03EBJ
T580JTD
X292ABU
Y131GBO
GBO is withdrawn. It was showing as tracking on bustimes.org, however this was a fault as the ticket machine had been swapped onto EU08FHD with GBO still programmed as the vehicle.
I believe this is the same as RX51FNU with CX03EBJ ticket machine swap
Looks like SN64 CUO has gone to a company called Vectare, who seemingly operate in the East Midlands and Essex. https://www.flickr.com/photos/187333075@N04/50437417846/
Quote from: DJ on November 17, 2020, 01:34:03 AM
Looks like SN64 CUO has gone to a company called Vectare, who seemingly operate in the East Midlands and Essex. https://www.flickr.com/photos/187333075@N04/50437417846/
So that's where it went! Knew it had been away for too long to still be in the TEX fleet. Wonder why they got rid of it?
Quote from: Pat on November 17, 2020, 06:58:20 AM
So that's where it went! Knew it had been away for too long to still be in the TEX fleet. Wonder why they got rid of it?
I did hear that it was off the road for a while, so maybe the gave up with it and sold it on? I'm not sure though. I guess their Enviros will satisfy the requirements for the 303 tender, as even if it's a Euro 6 tender, they are trapping their fleet.
Quote from: DJ on November 17, 2020, 09:33:30 AM
I did hear that it was off the road for a while, so maybe the gave up with it and sold it on? I'm not sure though. I guess their Enviros will satisfy the requirements for the 303 tender, as even if it's a Euro 6 tender, they are trapping their fleet.
It was taken off the road at least a year ago. KRZ replaced it on the 303 and afternoon 2s. VOM is out on the 303 today.
Update on the darts
Parked up in the depot today were:
Y131GBO
SK51AYD
NK51MKE
X312KRX
All are withdrawn.
Y184KNB was also parked up, but is still in service along with T580JTD, CX03EBJ, X292ABU & RX51FNU which were all out in service today.
Quote from: Pat on November 17, 2020, 08:41:00 PM
Update on the darts
Parked up in the depot today were:
Y131GBO
SK51AYD
NK51MKE
X312KRX
All are withdrawn.
Y184KNB was also parked up, but is still in service along with T580JTD, CX03EBJ, X292ABU & RX51FNU which were all out in service today.
RX51 FNU has been sold and preserved. The ticket machine from that has obviously gone into another bus and the details are still the same.
I didn't think NK51 MKE was there as I didn't see it a few weeks ago whilst present, however, V210 ERG was parked up at the back. I think that was withdrawn in March.
Quote from: Lukeeee2018 on November 17, 2020, 09:08:21 PM
RX51 FNU has been sold and preserved. The ticket machine from that has obviously gone into another bus and the details are still the same.
I didn't think NK51 MKE was there as I didn't see it a few weeks ago whilst present, however, V210 ERG was parked up at the back. I think that was withdrawn in March.
One (or both) of the FJN darts have been preserved back in South London, but not sure who FNU went to. MKE was there today, however I didn't see ERG anywhere.
Quote from: Pat on November 17, 2020, 09:32:58 PM
One (or both) of the FJN darts have been preserved back in South London, but not sure who FNU went to. MKE was there today, however I didn't see ERG anywhere.
FNU is down South as well.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/152097654@N03/50603055007/in/datetaken-public/
X312KRX is back out seen on sat. another one re appeared is Y854TGH although i thought that was long gone so im assuming its the machine in another vehicle
Quote from: cris 99 on November 23, 2020, 09:31:55 AM
X312KRX is back out seen on sat. another one re appeared is Y854TGH although i thought that was long gone so im assuming its the machine in another vehicle
TGH's MOT expired in August, so it can't have been that one.
ah right something else using the machine lol
Quote from: cris 99 on November 23, 2020, 10:32:20 AM
ah right something else using the machine lol
Did you actually see both vehicles in question in person? What TEX have been doing is swapping machines between the old darts and the new enviros.
X312krx has been back in use
Just asking shouldn't this thread be renamed as Let's Go as that's the new name of the company? Only as I know Let's Go still register services as TEX!!😁
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 30, 2021, 08:18:37 PM
Justasking shouldn't this thread be renamed as Let's Go as that's the new name of the company?
Let's Go is only the trading name, the license is under Travel Express.
Quote from: Pat on January 30, 2021, 08:20:13 PM
Let's Go is only the trading name, the license is under Travel Express.
Oh ok... Thanks
@Pat...I wasn't too sure as I know on the WMN website it's been changed from TEX to Let's Go. So I wasn't sure.. 😁 It was known as Travek Express prior to the change of name.. 😁
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 30, 2021, 08:25:49 PM
Oh ok... Thanks @Pat...I wasn't too sure as I know on the WMN website it's been changed from TEX to Let's Go. So I wasn't sure.. 😁 It was known as Travek Express prior to the change of name.. 😁
They've always been known as 'Travel Express'. The 'Let's Go' name has only been around since 2016, when Chumber had his new licence. It's is only used as a trading name, as legally they are known as 'TRAVEL EXPRESS LIMITED'.
Quote from: Pat on January 30, 2021, 08:56:16 PM
They've always been known as 'Travel Express'. The 'Let's Go' name has only been around since 2016, when Chumber had his new licence. It's is only used as a trading name, as legally they are known as 'TRAVEL EXPRESS LIMITED'.
So basically WMN should show them as 'Travel Express' and 'not' Let's Go then?
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 30, 2021, 09:03:57 PM
So basically WMN should show them as 'Travel Express' and 'not' Let's Go then?
No, I never said that. What i'm saying is that colloquially they've always been known as that, as they've been going for many years. 'Let's Go' is their trading name, and is what passengers see on the front of the bus.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 30, 2021, 09:03:57 PM
So basically WMN should show them as 'Travel Express' and 'not' Let's Go then?
Both are correct, but they trade as Let's Go!, which is what the general public see on timetables and on their buses, so I think the latter is the better option.
Quote from: DJ on January 30, 2021, 09:21:25 PM
Both are correct, but they trade as Let's Go!, which is what the general public see on timetables and on their buses, so I think the latter is the better option.
In all fairness, most people just know them as 'the little bus'!
Maybe Let's Not Go would be more appropriate
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 30, 2021, 10:06:40 PM
Maybe Let's Not Go would be more appropriate
Or "Let's Go Just In Front Of That NX Bus".
Quote from: ellspurs on January 30, 2021, 10:16:12 PM
Or "Let's Go Just In Front Of That NX Bus".
Let's Go pop into that shop, leave our passengers sitting there for 10 minutes and carry on when it suits us.
Nice to see some of the darts still going although how long they have left is anyones guess :D
Quote from: ellspurs on January 30, 2021, 10:16:12 PM
Or "Let's Go Just In Front Of That NX Bus".
They always leave in front of the 11s as soon as it sees the nx 11 signalling to put out of the stand at wolves. The 32/33 let's go stay in the stand for a while even when an nx 32/33 comes into the stand (they share the same stand)
Quote from: cris 99 on January 31, 2021, 10:08:48 AM
Nice to see some of the darts still going although how long they have left is anyones guess :D
Until April.
Sk51ayd back in service on 32
Quote from: mranon on February 05, 2021, 12:31:07 PM
Sk51ayd back in service on 32
I'm surprised it's come back, to be honest. Only going to be used until April. It was parked up at the back of the depot, with all the withdrawn darts, in November.
to be honest, im not suprised. it makes business sense with revenue low. if it was maintained it wouldnt have took much to re mot, and probably worth keeping going, same as their cx03ebj as they have newer isbe engines. however id imagine that using t580jtd, x312krx, y131gbo, cx03ebj, and now sk51ayd they worthless anyway, so may as well flog them to death and keep the others mint. i would also imagine the saving on adblue would make a big difference at the moment.
Quote from: mranon on February 07, 2021, 11:11:41 AM
to be honest, im not suprised. it makes business sense with revenue low. if it was maintained it wouldnt have took much to re mot, and probably worth keeping going, same as their cx03ebj as they have newer isbe engines. however id imagine that using t580jtd, x312krx, y131gbo, cx03ebj, and now sk51ayd they worthless anyway, so may as well flog them to death and keep the others mint. i would also imagine the saving on adblue would make a big difference at the moment.
Operating costs are being covered, so makes no difference
Quote from: Tony on February 07, 2021, 11:30:14 AM
Operating costs are being covered, so makes no difference
But what I can't understand is why they've re MOT'd it, when it can only be used up until April - especially when there's quite a few E200s in the depot, some of which are Euro 6 compliant. There's already 3 darts that had valid MOTs, two of which have been out in service with EBJ sat spare.
Quote from: Pat on February 08, 2021, 02:01:20 PM
But what I can't understand is why they've re MOT'd it, when it can only be used up until April - especially when there's quite a few E200s in the depot, some of which are Euro 6 compliant. There's already 3 darts that had valid MOTs, two of which have been out in service with EBJ sat spare.
They can use it after April, Wolverhampton doesn't become 100% Euro 6 until 2022
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2021, 03:23:24 PM
They can use it after April, Wolverhampton doesn't become 100% Euro 6 until 2022
Oh, so they've changed the goalposts again?
Quote from: Pat on February 08, 2021, 03:57:01 PM
Oh, so they've changed the goalposts again?
No, that has always been the case
Sunday 25t" November - 2018 Minimum Euro III on all journeys
Sunday 28th April 2019 Minimum Euro VI on 10 per cent of journeys
Sunday 26t'' April 2020 Minimum Euro VI on 50 per cent of journeys
Sunday 25th April 2021 Minimum Euro VI on 75 per cent of journeys
Sunday 24th April 2022 Minimum Euro VI on all journeys
Those dates are taken from the original document signed in 2018 available here
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/2837/wolverhampton-city-centre-aqps.pdf
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2021, 04:44:58 PM
No, that has always been the case
Sunday 25t" November - 2018 Minimum Euro III on all journeys
Sunday 28th April 2019 Minimum Euro VI on 10 per cent of journeys
Sunday 26t'' April 2020 Minimum Euro VI on 50 per cent of journeys
Sunday 25th April 2021 Minimum Euro VI on 75 per cent of journeys
Sunday 24th April 2022 Minimum Euro VI on all journeys
Those dates are taken from the original document signed in 2018 available here
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/2837/wolverhampton-city-centre-aqps.pdf
Thanks for that Tony.
Quote from: Pat on February 08, 2021, 02:01:20 PM
But what I can't understand is why they've re MOT'd it, when it can only be used up until April - especially when there's quite a few E200s in the depot, some of which are Euro 6 compliant. There's already 3 darts that had valid MOTs, two of which have been out in service with EBJ sat spare.
since lets go came back into service after lockdown, t580jtd has been on the 1 most days, x292abu was regularly on 32 but think thats off now. y131gbo, x312krx have re entered service, cx03ebj has been out most days all on the 11. sk51ayd and cx03 have the newer type isbe engines whether they will be useful for spares after im not sure as the age of those surely wont warrant trapping. however even as tony started operating costs are covered, i dont blame then sticking the wear and tear on these older ones until d day.
Quote from: mranon on February 12, 2021, 02:37:41 PM
since lets go came back into service after lockdown, t580jtd has been on the 1 most days, x292abu was regularly on 32 but think thats off now. y131gbo, x312krx have re entered service, cx03ebj has been out most days all on the 11. sk51ayd and cx03 have the newer type isbe engines whether they will be useful for spares after im not sure as the age of those surely wont warrant trapping. however even as tony started operating costs are covered, i dont blame then sticking the wear and tear on these older ones until d day.
No point in trapping the older darts, especially when there's E200s sat there. Anyway, it wouldn't make economic sense to do so, as the cost of converting them would exceed the value of the vehicle.
I have just updated my 'Let's Go' fleetlist on the main site. Anyone know of anything I have got wrong? I have 12 buses in service and a lot parked up
https://wmbusphotos.com/TravelExpress/fleetlist.html
Does any other company near the midlands still use T and Y reg darts?
i can confirm W143ULR/V210ERG/Y244FJN/Y248FJN/Y252KNB/X703UKS/Y854YGH/Y864TGH/RX51FNU/NK51MKE have all gone now a couple went into preservation Y244FJN RX51FNU are with Bromley Preservation society hope this helps.
Quote from: cris 99 on March 16, 2021, 11:09:02 AM
i can confirm W143ULR/V210ERG/Y244FJN/Y248FJN/Y252KNB/X703UKS/Y854YGH/Y864TGH/RX51FNU/NK51MKE have all gone now a couple went into preservation Y244FJN RX51FNU are with Bromley Preservation society hope this helps.
Thanks, no new V5Cs issued or any of them marked as scrapped when I check DVSA
I find it strange all those E200s are still parked up not in use, weird if you ask me. Not sure if they are bought or leased but either way they have cost money without use of them.
Quote from: BN on March 16, 2021, 05:42:20 PM
I find it strange all those E200s are still parked up not in use, weird if you ask me. Not sure if they are bought or leased but either way they have cost money without use of them.
Talking to Graysons, who are trying to fit the Euro 6 exhausts they are in appalling condition
Quote from: Tony on March 16, 2021, 05:51:58 PM
Talking to Graysons, who are trying to fit the Euro 6 exhausts they are in appalling condition
if they are that bad why waswho ever sold the allowed to sell the buses like that to travel express /let's go
Quote from: Solo1 on March 16, 2021, 06:34:28 PM
if they are that bad why waswho ever sold the allowed to sell the buses like that to travel express /let's go
There's nothing wrong with selling buses like that. At the end of the day, it's up to the buyer to inspect the purchase. The poorer quality vehicle, the cheaper it is.
Must of got them dust cheap then if that bad
i see T580JTD is now withdrawn along with X312KRX so down to just 2 darts now i believe SK51AYD & CX03EBJ
Quote from: cris 99 on April 11, 2021, 09:29:32 PM
i see T580JTD is now withdrawn along with X312KRX so down to just 2 darts now i believe SK51AYD & CX03EBJ
Yes, I caught CX03EBJ last Wednesday on the 11
i wish they would sort out their machines though so we actually know whats out each day :) :)
Quote from: cris 99 on April 12, 2021, 12:07:17 PM
i wish they would sort out their machines though so we actually know whats out each day :) :)
TfWM sort the machines out, as they lease them
If they are the same as us they do not lease the machines, they are purchased. However TfWM manage them for us and charge a small management fee.
Quote from: igogeneral on April 14, 2021, 03:37:47 PM
If they are the same as us they do not lease the machines, they are purchased. However TfWM manage them for us and charge a small management fee.
But is that because you operate out with of the WM area as well, which is why Kev's own theirs? As I understand it, TfWM lease the machines out, hence why every operator in the West Midlands now uses these machines.
Whatever the ownership or lease arrangements, vehicle to machine correlation will surely be the responsibility of the operator, or even individual drivers when logging on to their machines?
Quote from: mikestone on April 14, 2021, 09:09:04 PM
Whatever the ownership or lease arrangements, vehicle to machine correlation will surely be the responsibility of the operator, or even individual drivers when logging on to their machines?
The Let's Go machines don't have all of the new enviros programmed onto the system. They've just taken the old machines off the darts and put them on the enviros, so the vehicle registration will not come up when signing on.
Pat all the machines are owned by the operators. Tfwm manage the back office under the managed service scheme which is chargeable
Quote from: Pat on April 14, 2021, 06:17:42 PM
But is that because you operate out with of the WM area as well, which is why Kev's own theirs? As I understand it, TfWM lease the machines out, hence why every operator in the West Midlands now uses these machines.
Wrong Pat. We have TfWM machines and Worcester machines and not all operators in West Midlands have Ticketer do they
Quote from: igogeneral on April 15, 2021, 10:49:15 PM
not all operators in West Midlands have Ticketer do they
They do, except NX who have INIT.
I know so that makes about 80% of all machines not being Ticketer which is the preferred option of TfWM and Worcester. Not sure which of the two is best but Ticketer is not cheap
Quote from: Pat on April 14, 2021, 09:35:31 PM
The Let's Go machines don't have all of the new enviros programmed onto the system. They've just taken the old machines off the darts and put them on the enviros, so the vehicle registration will not come up when signing on.
The machines can be moved bus to bus without any problem, the machine will not work unless a registered bus is entered into the machine so would be pointless not registering them with TfWM manged services.
Bustimes.org showing SJ53AXG tracking as an Outer Circle 11C in Erdington clockwise at Milverton Road/Reservoir Road.
I didn't know they covered the 11C - is this correct or is the bus on loan to someone else??
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/282916
Quote from: Wumpty on July 29, 2021, 10:55:17 AM
Bustimes.org showing SJ53AXG tracking as an Outer Circle 11C in Erdington clockwise at Milverton Road/Reservoir Road.
I didn't know they covered the 11C - is this correct or is the bus on loan to someone else??
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/282916
Thats a Discount Travel Solutions bus. Nothing to do with this operator.
Quote from: 2206 on July 29, 2021, 11:11:00 AM
Thats a Discount Travel Solutions bus. Nothing to do with this operator.
Thanks - it's listed on Bustimes as allocated to Let's Go but is (rightly) listed on
@Tony site with DTS -best to check with the fine bus fraternity :D
According to the TfWM website, Travel Express are going on the 529 full time from the 6th of Feb. With Monday-Sunday journeys between Walsall and Wolverhampton.
https://legacy.wmnetwork.co.uk/plan-your-journey/find-a-timetable/#/route/cen_44529_%20_H_y11_4-4
Their brave
The 32 is also changing with it going to Monday - Friday mornings only
Quote from: Michael Bevan on January 21, 2022, 07:40:28 PM
According to the TfWM website, Travel Express are going on the 529 full time from the 6th of Feb. With Monday-Sunday journeys between Walsall and Wolverhampton.
https://legacy.wmnetwork.co.uk/plan-your-journey/find-a-timetable/#/route/cen_44529_%20_H_y11_4-4
Took a look at the timetable.
Not really any use to me, at the times I'm around!
Thought they weren't starting on the 529 until the 6th?
So why have I just seen one of their white single deckers drop off at The Wharf in Walsall?
Quote from: Westy on February 03, 2022, 07:04:52 AM
Thought they weren't starting on the 529 until the 6th?
So why have I just seen one of their white single deckers drop off at The Wharf in Walsall?
I think they operate certain positioning journeys for the 303.
Quote from: Wumpty on February 03, 2022, 08:53:44 AM
I think they operate certain positioning journeys for the 303.
Not registered to come into Walsall, finishes at Couty Bridge
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2022, 08:59:34 AM
Not registered to come into Walsall, finishes at Couty Bridge
Think he's being naughty then, as his destinations on both vehicles I saw this morning definitely said Walsall!
(Unless he's running a free service like Diamond did on the 301, when they took over A2Z journeys?)
Quote from: Westy on February 03, 2022, 10:19:46 AM
Think he's being naughty then, as his destinations on both vehicles I saw this morning definitely said Walsall!
(Unless he's running a free service like Diamond did on the 301, when they took over A2Z journeys?)
Can confirm this as I've just passed a Let's Go Enviro 200 at Portobello Island heading towards Willenhall with it destinated for Walsall.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on February 03, 2022, 03:48:15 PM
Can confirm this as I've just passed a Let's Go Enviro 200 at Portobello Island heading towards Willenhall with it destinated for Walsall.
It might be the one I've just tried to catch, as it wouldn't accept my Nbus Walsall pass!
Think a few other people tried to catch it as well, but failed.
There were passengers on there, so if they're not accepting passes, I'm sure I saw a woman pay at Willenhall to catch it, surely they're breaking a law of some sort, by operating a few days early?
Saw one in Wolverhampton Bus Station too earlier. Judging from the timetable from Monday it should have left at 17:25, but ended up leaving at 17:23. Also the 17:55 off Wolverhampton hasn't ran either from Wolverhampton.
Quote from: Westy on February 03, 2022, 07:04:52 AM
Thought they weren't starting on the 529 until the 6th?
So why have I just seen one of their white single deckers drop off at The Wharf in Walsall?
Your info is wrong, just checked now I am on a computer and it was registered to start on 1st February
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/589968/
Quote from: Tony on February 03, 2022, 06:10:08 PM
Your info is wrong, just checked now I am on a computer and it was registered to start on 1st February
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/589968/
The TfWM website does show that the new timetable is 'valid from 6th Feb', which is where the confusion stems from it seems.
https://legacy.wmnetwork.co.uk/plan-your-journey/find-a-timetable/#/route/cen_44529_%20_H_y11_4-4
Normally service/timetable changes take effect on a Sunday, however this service was registered to start on Tuesday, so that has thrown things off kilter a bit.
Still its good to hear they're already picking up paying passengers, even without a timetable in effect!
Does Travel Express accept or
supposed to accept Nbus?
Quote from: Stu on February 03, 2022, 06:36:30 PM
Still its good to hear they're already picking up paying passengers, even without a timetable in effect!
Hardly surprising, its not as if this is a brand new route. Picking up passengers who would have got the NXWM bus.
Have you seen the DTS 11 timetable for instance. I very much doubt many people look at that timetable to see what time the DTS bus comes at, they are scheduled to come at competly random times with massive gaps between.
Quote from: Westy on February 03, 2022, 06:46:01 PM
Does Travel Express accept or
supposed to accept Nbus?
Yes, they do:
https://journeyplanner.wmnetwork.co.uk/Operator/Let's%20Go! (https://journeyplanner.wmnetwork.co.uk/Operator/Let's%20Go!)
Quote from: Stu on February 03, 2022, 06:56:35 PM
Yes, they do:
https://journeyplanner.wmnetwork.co.uk/Operator/Let's%20Go! (https://journeyplanner.wmnetwork.co.uk/Operator/Let's%20Go!)
Bout time they should've updated their machines then!
YX10 FEO is currently on the 529 just came into walsall dropped off 2 people shut its doors went out following 853 to Wolverhampton
This might be a soft question but has anyone seen any TE 529's in the last couple of days or so?
Don't recall seeing any coming into Walsall & only Nx are tracking on Bustimes.org.
Quote from: Westy on February 09, 2022, 12:30:08 PM
This might be a soft question but has anyone seen any TE 529's in the last couple of days or so?
Don't recall seeing any coming into Walsall & only Nx are tracking on Bustimes.org.
The East Lancs bodied dart was on there yesterday
Apparently Let's Go have won the Tender for the 63/64/65 in Wolves
Wonder if enviros can get round or are they getting something for 63/4/5 service
Quote from: Solo1 on April 05, 2022, 03:42:58 PMWonder if enviros can get round or are they getting something for 63/4/5 service
Pretty easily the only parts they may struggle is on the 63 on
Owen Road,Rayleigh Road and Church road with parked cars but with it being Let's go I'm sure they will use their usual antics...
Other than that they will fit round
Apparently their 529 is going as well!
Should have accepted Nbus Walsall tickets guys!
Quote from: Westy on April 07, 2022, 12:18:21 AMApparently their 529 is going as well!
Should have accepted Nbus Walsall tickets guys!
If you see how much operators actually get reimbursed for these tickets then you may take a different view !
I suspect the 529 deregistration is so that the vehicles can be redeployed on the TFWM tenders they have been awarded
Quote from: metrocity on April 07, 2022, 01:28:54 PMIf you see how much operators actually get reimbursed for these tickets then you may take a different view !
I suspect the 529 deregistration is so that the vehicles can be redeployed on the TFWM tenders they have been awarded
They are also withdrawing from the 32/33 Northwood Park circulars, presumably for the same reason.
Right, but if 'normal ' Nbus is accepted, why wasn't Nbus Walsall accepted?
It's practically the same pass!
FLEET UPDATE : YY15GEK now in service. Also contrary to the information in the fleet list MX60GXH has been in service for several months although it broke down today.
YX64VOM into service - on 63/64/65 today.
YX64VOM seems to have been off a while now
Looks like let's go have a new service 3 Wolverhanpton to Forhouses Direct starting next month, the return of the 529
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/bus/search/?search=PD1140735&security=114ce3d5749980e452b2aeca4d274192-f0328b73dbd71075a910fa7aef0211f6&text%5Bsearch%5D=PD1140735&page=2&limit=10
Could the above be placing journeys for 303 & th6* service
Quote from: BNH2004 on January 17, 2023, 10:32:38 PMLooks like let's go have a new service 3 Wolverhanpton to Forhouses Direct starting next month, the return of the 529
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/bus/search/?search=PD1140735&security=114ce3d5749980e452b2aeca4d274192-f0328b73dbd71075a910fa7aef0211f6&text%5Bsearch%5D=PD1140735&page=2&limit=10
Technically a "529E" because it's not going Wolves to Walsall
QuoteTechnically a "529E" because it's not going Wolves to Walsall
No it isn't, because
a) It is the full service that They have registered
b) Because it is not what they are calling it
Quote from: Tony on January 24, 2023, 09:04:34 PMNo it isn't, because
a) It is the full service that They have registered
b) Because it is not what they are calling it
Bet it won't accept my Nbus Walsall like last time though!
All Let's Go routes have been Admin Cancelled
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/bus/search/?search=PD1140735&security=c80953750f6244524ad13ca7396caf0f-664e9e1c9bfa7d07845cdfad501caeee&text%5Bsearch%5D=PD1140735
I assume that this is an error or is there more to it I'm sure you'll know what it's likely to mean
@Tony
Let's Go running today so I can only think that there were plans to vary routes and register new ones which have been cancelled.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on March 06, 2023, 09:48:00 PMLet's Go running today so I can only think that there were plans to vary routes and register new ones which have been cancelled.
effective 28th March 2023 for route 11 it says?
Could be an error, bus times says varied timetable for route 11 from that date?
Quote from: 2206 on March 06, 2023, 09:52:10 PMeffective 28th March 2023 for route 11 it says?
Could be an error bus times varied timetable for route 11?
It may well be an error & infact a variation, as there is a similar issue with 3 of Diamond's variations today which are incorrectly showing as Admin Cancelled too.
Quote from: Tony on January 24, 2023, 09:04:34 PMNo it isn't, because
a) It is the full service that They have registered
b) Because it is not what they are calling it
It's a positioning journey (one in am, one in pm) for the bus which does the 303 County Bridge - Bilston, presumably an attempt to eliminate the otherwise dead mileage.
Quote from: BNH2004 on January 17, 2023, 10:32:38 PMLooks like let's go have a new service 3 Wolverhanpton to Forhouses Direct starting next month, the return of the 529
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/bus/search/?search=PD1140735&security=114ce3d5749980e452b2aeca4d274192-f0328b73dbd71075a910fa7aef0211f6&text%5Bsearch%5D=PD1140735&page=2&limit=10
It's positioning journeys for the bus which starts or finishes on the 65 in Northwood Park.
Can I draw any potential passengers for Let's Go service 64 (and possibly 63) about a change in route in Wolverhampton city centre. I caught the 1435 yesterday and it omitted four stops in the city centre. After checking with TfWM, it seems the service now runs down the full length of Darlington Street (currently no marked stops for it there) and along the Ring Road direct to Penn Road Island where it resumes the previous route. Apparently TfWM hadn't been informed.
Inbound services are unaffected.
Today they appear to be following the previous route and serving the stops omitted on Monday. This is very confusing.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on March 29, 2023, 11:43:59 AMToday they appear to be following the previous route and serving the stops omitted on Monday. This is very confusing.
YX64 VOM has a notice informing you about the change
Quote from: 900 on March 29, 2023, 03:54:44 PMYX64 VOM has a notice informing you about the change
There were no notices on the two buses I caught on Monday so that must have been added after TfWM contacted them.
Do these guys stick to the timetable!
The last couple of Sundays have tried to catch the first number 1 from Tettenhall Wood to get in to town for an early train. It's not turned up on either occasion! During the week they just turn up at random times.
Quote from: Jimboe89 on August 30, 2023, 05:25:26 PMDo these guys stick to the timetable!
The last couple of Sundays have tried to catch the first number 1 from Tettenhall Wood to get in to town for an early train. It's not turned up on either occasion! During the week they just turn up at random times.
Their number 1 which is meant to be every 20 minutes rarely runs a full service on Mondays. Often the only bus on the route is the same one which operates the 303 contract service meaning their 1 doesn't run at all between 9.00am and c2.00pm when a bus comes off the 64/63/65. At most only one other bus runs on the 1. This has been the case for at least 12 months.
Are this operator still dodgy with both maintenance and their tactics against NX or have they changed now?
Quote from: Jimboe89 on August 30, 2023, 05:25:26 PMDo these guys stick to the timetable!
The last couple of Sundays have tried to catch the first number 1 from Tettenhall Wood to get in to town for an early train. It's not turned up on either occasion! During the week they just turn up at random times.
I'll be honest, some drivers do follow timetable as best as they can I can tell you that but sometimes lateness can't be helped, however a lot of their driver especially on the 11 route just run to their own times, they leave under hill whenever they feel like it, a lot of the time some of their buses are running 2 together aswell.
From experience I used to have to go to Paget Road most days I had a bus Pass at first so It was NX all the way. I continued to get NX even when I was no longer eligible for the Bus Pass as our family Income had changed. The NX 1 did suffer from issues lateness usually due to delays either at Tettenhall, Wolverhampton or Dudley, running in 3's and overcrowding although whoever designed that area needs to look at themselves how you can have two busy roads Compton Road and Tettenhall Road with the Grammar School, college, Primary School, Girls High school behind the back of the College, two schools in Compton Park plus 1 or 2 in Tettenhall I will never know Darlaston a town of 27,000 has 1 secondary school and 1 in Bilston that is within Walking Distance of Grace Academy in Thomas Moore it has 3 Primary Schools near each other but on residential estates, 1 on the main road between Darlaston and Moxley 1 just off the Walsall Road and 1 on Old Park Road with another one just within Walking Distance in Wednesbury. As someone told me at Morning and Afternoon periods you have 10,000 people all flooding the area that is the equilvant of Bournemouth a Premier League Stadiums capacity flooding into Tettenhall and Compton using 2 main roads. The 1 is the more frequent bus that passes the College, Girls High School and Tettenhall Schools every 8 Minutes to the 10/10A's every half hour although the 10 at Morning was increased to every 15 and a Double Decker was used. I remember riding 6766 on there a couple of weeks before it was destroyed in the arson attack. The 1 therefore is the main bus all the kids and students get. So when I was waiting for it I would check the timetables of the other buses the 891 and Let's Go 1 to see if there late or on time and also if I had just missed an NX1 if it was on time. I could often tell you say the Let's Go 1 was due at 17:10 with the NX1 at 17:15 say the Let's Go 1 would then be due at 17:35 and more often or not it ran just in front of the NX1 together despite the 891 and last NX1 being on time. Also when NX went on Strike I managed to get to Paget Road for 1 day by the 310, 529 and what I thought could be the Let's Go Number 1. I waited in the City for the Let's Go Number 1 and I never saw it or had just missed one. The 891 wasn't due for a while and I wasn't sure if they accepted Nbus or where the boundary was for them. So I started walking and got to Chapel Ash a Let's Go Number 1 was due it never turned up I didn't see a 1 in the opposite direction. The 891 had to stop to pick us all up there was 3 or 4 of us the driver informed us he wasn't supposed to stop there. Coming back I did finally see a Let's go 1 heading up to Tettenhall the one that was due before the Banga 891 never turned up. I thought to myself why when I don't want them do they turn up pretty frequently and when I do am I not seeing them. They would be making some serious Money from the College Kids who use it from the City to College or to the Dudley Road. So they basically do run when they want. As for maintenance can't really comment but the fact they have most of the fleet if not all in Dealership White with Let's Go slapped on the front I guess is something in terms of a livery but I remember there old T Reg Dart knocking around in Red. And that was there Livery. Based on my experience there not great. Missing buses despite me seeing there other buses and there is supposed to be 3 buses on the 1 I think I only saw 1 at 5PM. I saw more NX buses than Let's go I saw 2 but 1 was on the Penn Service as I saw it on the Ring Road. I saw 3 or 4 NX buses that day. And then when I did see them turning up when they wanted.
Let's Go rarely operate more than one bus on the 1 on Mondays during the off-peak. A second one runs during the peak but does the 303 contract service between then. One driver commented that they have to provide buses on the 63/64/65 and 303 services as they are under contract even if it means not running a full service on the commercial routes.
As for the state of the buses, they are in reasonable condition and certainly an improvement on some they have used previously.
As far as Banga's 891, they do accept nBus as I use them to get to/from Tettenhall. However the stop in Chapel Ash outside St Marks Church was not previously served and the last time I tried to flag the 891 down he drove straight past. I'm still awaiting a response from Banga two months later.
Quote from: B7RLE on January 03, 2024, 09:28:31 PMAre this operator still dodgy with both maintenance and their tactics against NX or have they changed now?
Still dodgy with maintenance. Buses in dealership white and sharing their Dudley Road depot as a car park doesn't set a good impression
I'm probably not the only one who's thought this, but whatever possessed TfWM to give them contracts, apart from the lowest tender?
Surely their previous shenagigans should have counted against them?
Quote from: Westy on January 07, 2024, 12:08:21 AMI'm probably not the only one who's thought this, but whatever possessed TfWM to give them contracts, apart from the lowest tender?
Surely their previous shenagigans should have counted against them?
tenders are awarded on a cost basis
Quote from: MW on January 07, 2024, 12:23:03 AMtenders are awarded on a cost basis
Reliabillty & general management should be a factor as well.
Quote from: Westy on January 07, 2024, 09:15:21 AMReliabillty & general management should be a factor as well.
Agreed but that's not how tendering works. At the end of the day TfWM is accountable to the WMCA and ultimately council tax payers/government. Although most people probably don't know how tendering works, the government certainly do and would not take kindly to TfWM accepting a higher bid than was submitted.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 07, 2024, 12:47:42 PMAgreed but that's not how tendering works. At the end of the day TfWM is accountable to the WMCA and ultimately council tax payers/government. Although most people probably don't know how tendering works, the government certainly do and would not take kindly to TfWM accepting a higher bid than was submitted.
Well I'm sure we all have our opinions on how the government operates, so we'll leave it there!
Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 07, 2024, 12:47:42 PMAgreed but that's not how tendering works. At the end of the day TfWM is accountable to the WMCA and ultimately council tax payers/government. Although most people probably don't know how tendering works, the government certainly do and would not take kindly to TfWM accepting a higher bid than was submitted.
TfWM don't always take the lowest price.
They take the 'Best Value for money'
Similarly TfGM didn't award the franchises to the lowest bid in all cases
Quote from: CKD on January 06, 2024, 09:17:27 PMStill dodgy with maintenance. Buses in dealership white and sharing their Dudley Road depot as a car park doesn't set a good impression
Many smaller operators choose not to paint their buses and leave them 'dealership white', Kevs, Landflight and Solus also spring to mind.
The TfWM Enhanced Partnership document states the following with regards to vehicle livery:
Screenshot 2024-01-07 at 16-17-59 Microsoft Word - West Midlands EP Scheme Variation 002 v7.6 261022 - as agreed by EP Ref Group - wm-enhanced-partnership-v002-v7-6-final.pdf.png
If Lets Go choose to keep their vehicles plain white, then as long as they display their logos, then they are doing nothing wrong.
Quote from: Stu on January 07, 2024, 04:23:43 PMMany smaller operators choose not to paint their buses and leave them 'dealership white', Kevs, Landflight and Solus also spring to mind.
The TfWM Enhanced Partnership document states the following with regards to vehicle livery:
Screenshot 2024-01-07 at 16-17-59 Microsoft Word - West Midlands EP Scheme Variation 002 v7.6 261022 - as agreed by EP Ref Group - wm-enhanced-partnership-v002-v7-6-final.pdf.png
If Lets Go choose to keep their vehicles plain white, then as long as they display their logos, then they are doing nothing wrong.
Just looks unprofessional and very tatty. Even a simple livery like Banga's or all red like TE used to looks far better. Also, as they don't clean them (very regularly at all), they consistently look dreadful.
Quote from: Stu on January 07, 2024, 04:23:43 PMMany smaller operators choose not to paint their buses and leave them 'dealership white', Kevs, Landflight and Solus also spring to mind.
The TfWM Enhanced Partnership document states the following with regards to vehicle livery:
Screenshot 2024-01-07 at 16-17-59 Microsoft Word - West Midlands EP Scheme Variation 002 v7.6 261022 - as agreed by EP Ref Group - wm-enhanced-partnership-v002-v7-6-final.pdf.png
If Lets Go choose to keep their vehicles plain white, then as long as they display their logos, then they are doing nothing wrong.
Sorry but Kev's only have two new vehicles not in Kev's full livery and they will be in the next week or so. This has been due to the Christmas break and one vehicle being on loan from Dawsons awaiting delivery of a Mellor vehicle
Is it safe for a bus with passengers on board to overtake a slow moving vehicle (in this case a learner) on the wrong side of the road at speed? This is what happened to me today on a Let's Go bus.
Depends on the speed of the learner, if it's safe to overtake you can but I wouldn't overtake unless the vehicle was coming to a stand
Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 19, 2024, 05:03:46 PMIs it safe for a bus with passengers on board to overtake a slow moving vehicle (in this case a learner) on the wrong side of the road at speed? This is what happened to me today on a Let's Go bus.
A few Driving instructors on YouTube say that Bus Drivers and Learners have respect for each other as the Learner usually leaves a big gap for the driver to pull out from the bus stop and often hold back traffic to stop them overtaking. The Bus Drivers in return usually let them through at a Give way or narrow part of the road ie Parked Cars, tight Junctions they let the learner through to and yeah. Most Buses I've been on do not overtake learner's on the road. If the Learner was stopping which I assume based on at Speed they weren't then the bus driver will slow down, hang back before overtaking. Happened a few times on Moxley Road on the 79. So if the driver did overtake at speed on the wrong side then that could be considered dangerous. Do you know the learner company, there is on YouTube locally that might have Cameras if you feel it was dangerous to make a report. No Bus Driver ever overtakes anything at Speed, Wrong Side of the road sometimes sure but that's why most slow down and hang back to make sure it is safe.
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on January 19, 2024, 09:44:17 PMA few Driving instructors on YouTube say that Bus Drivers and Learners have respect for each other as the Learner usually leaves a big gap for the driver to pull out from the bus stop and often hold back traffic to stop them overtaking. The Bus Drivers in return usually let them through at a Give way or narrow part of the road ie Parked Cars, tight Junctions they let the learner through to and yeah. Most Buses I've been on do not overtake learner's on the road. If the Learner was stopping which I assume based on at Speed they weren't then the bus driver will slow down, hang back before overtaking. Happened a few times on Moxley Road on the 79. So if the driver did overtake at speed on the wrong side then that could be considered dangerous. Do you know the learner company, there is on YouTube locally that might have Cameras if you feel it was dangerous to make a report. No Bus Driver ever overtakes anything at Speed, Wrong Side of the road sometimes sure but that's why most slow down and hang back to make sure it is safe.
Unfortunately I didn't notice the name of the driving instructor company. This bus driver always drives fast and at the point of overtaking was practically on the back seat of the car. It was on the approach to a bend and side roads.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 19, 2024, 09:48:36 PMUnfortunately I didn't notice the name of the driving instructor company. This bus driver always drives fast and at the point of overtaking was practically on the back seat of the car. It was on the approach to a bend and side roads.
I'd report it if you feel it is dangerous
Decided to try out the 11 today for 4 hours, and I witnessed 3 incidents involving this operator. The first one was of a driver messing with the ticketer, which usually isn't something I care about. However, I could see that he had his full concentration on the ticketer and wasn't really paying much attention to the road. If a car pulled out of a drive, this would've been an accident. An hour later on another bus, the driver noticed an NX 11 at the Underhill terminus stop. This caused him to turn onto Wildtree Avenue as normal, then reverse up and turn right to go back to Wolverhampton, skipped the Underhill terminus and another stop. Then just a few minutes ago, there was a TEX 11 parked where 11s tend to park, on Wildtree Avenue just around the corner from the Underhill terminus. An NX 11 turned onto the road, and began to attempt an overtake of the TEX one. With no indication at all, the TEX driver hit the throttle and pulled out to beat NX to the terminus stop, causing the NX driver to blast the horn. I knew Travel Express/Lets Go were bad, I'd saw and heard it a few times, but are they really THIS bad this often or did I catch them on a bad day?
Quote from: B7RLE on February 09, 2024, 02:24:02 PMDecided to try out the 11 today for 4 hours, and I witnessed 3 incidents involving this operator. The first one was of a driver messing with the ticketer, which usually isn't something I care about. However, I could see that he had his full concentration on the ticketer and wasn't really paying much attention to the road. If a car pulled out of a drive, this would've been an accident. An hour later on another bus, the driver noticed an NX 11 at the Underhill terminus stop. This caused him to turn onto Wildtree Avenue as normal, then reverse up and turn right to go back to Wolverhampton, skipped the Underhill terminus and another stop. Then just a few minutes ago, there was a TEX 11 parked where 11s tend to park, on Wildtree Avenue just around the corner from the Underhill terminus. An NX 11 turned onto the road, and began to attempt an overtake of the TEX one. With no indication at all, the TEX driver hit the throttle and pulled out to beat NX to the terminus stop, causing the NX driver to blast the horn. I knew Travel Express/Lets Go were bad, I'd saw and heard it a few times, but are they really THIS bad this often or did I catch them on a bad day?
Im pretty sure theyre trying to keep ahead of the NX bus at whatever cost which is common with independants
Quote from: spacecowboy150 on February 09, 2024, 02:59:32 PMIm pretty sure theyre trying to keep ahead of the NX bus at whatever cost which is common with independants
Thandi did it in Darlaston or at least the old Sandwell Travel drivers did. If the 34 or 39 was on stand they would avoid the middle stop Stand DB I think and use the 79 stops to pull out in front. I remember Sandwell Travel offering me and my dad to use there bus with an NX bus Pass. Travel Express usually like to hold up the NX1 and overtake where it can. TE do seem popular with some of the College Students and School Kids but the majority all have College issued Bus Passes for the NX1 and I had a Daysaver as I caught the 79 and 1/10 to College. Banga don't seem to be bad whenever the 891 turns up before the NX1. But Banga do seem busier than the TE1 at times. Banga also Run to Telford and are limited Stop to Wolverhampton I think it misses our Chapel Ash. Although I have caught one from there when the TE1 during the NX bus strikes didn't bother turning up. So yes some Operators do it, some don't depends on the Driver or Company I guess. Some don't overtake but rather hold up the NX bus at bus stops
As I've mentioned in a previous post about Let's Go, according to one driver if a regular driver or bus is unavailable for the contract routes (63/64/65/303) they will take a bus and/or driver off their commercial routes as they get paid to run the contract and would lose money otherwise.
As for the stops in Chapel Ash, although 891 was added to the list of services on the stop flag this seems to have been an oversight by TfWM as the 891 doesn't stop there.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on February 11, 2024, 01:03:29 PMAs I've mentioned in a previous post about Let's Go, according to one driver if a regular driver or bus is unavailable for the contract routes (63/64/65/303) they will take a bus and/or driver off their commercial routes as they get paid to run the contract and would lose money otherwise.
As for the stops in Chapel Ash, although 891 was added to the list of services on the stop flag this seems to have been an oversight by TfWM as the 891 doesn't stop there.
What's the 891 have to do with Let's Go its a completely different company...
Quote from: 900 on February 11, 2024, 01:29:31 PMWhat's the 891 have to do with Let's Go its a completely different company...
I mentioned it as I was comparing there antics and Banga and TE both run on the Tettenhall Road where I see there antics. So that person was possibly responding to I believe the Banga bus is limited stop so is busier than the TE1 therefore they don't block the NX1 where was the TE1 tries to block and undercut the NX1
Travel Express are up before the TC next month
Quote from: Tony on March 22, 2024, 09:56:19 PMTravel Express are up before the TC next month
What for Is the dangerous driving highlighted, there veichles seem Ok, Timetable on the number 1 was fictional and during the NX bus Strikes they decided not to run at all in the directions I needed
I keep on reading bad things about TE. I use the 303 on a daily basis. Never had any problems with it.
Quote from: Jay71 on March 22, 2024, 10:49:43 PMI keep on reading bad things about TE. I use the 303 on a daily basis. Never had any problems with it.
That's a TFWM tendered service they have to behave there try them on the 1, 11, 32 and 33 then you will see there antics
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 24, 2024, 01:05:49 PMThat's a TFWM tendered service they have to behave there try them on the 1, 11, 32 and 33 then you will see there antics
They no longer operate on the 32 or 33 service and haven't done so for approx 2 years.
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 24, 2024, 01:05:49 PMThat's a TFWM tendered service they have to behave there try them on the 1, 11, 32 and 33 then you will see there antics
I've only used the 11 twice. Once it left five mins early, on the second time it was two mins late
Anyone know what font is used for the 'Lets Go!' text on the buses?
Does anyone know what was said in the meeting let's go had with the traffic commissioner, or does anyone know what it was about, if it was about time keeping they are still running at their own times. Looking at them today again.