Have heard rumour that / X523 GGO / 2315 to replace S346 YOG / 2346 / anyone confirm ?
I heard this aswell, 2315 still at Cannock at the moment, 2328 was last dart to move to stafford and today is on 74A
2631 was on the 12 today.
2617/2619/2620/2621/2623/2626/2629/2631/2634 still operational.
withdrawn B6 2642 V209KDA has left not sure if its gone to Watsons though.
Another arrival in the week is Wednesfield solo 2564 (Sainsburys livery) parked up along the huge scrap pile.
I thought sainsburys bus 2567 X731FPO was to be repainted into the interurban liverey?
Quote from: arrivaaston on February 22, 2014, 04:39:30 PM
I thought sainsburys bus 2567 X731FPO was to be repainted into the interurban liverey?
it is 2564....
Transferring to where?
I heard they were but my mate told me he doesn't think thats happening now. Hope not the b6's have had it! 2631 is terrible!
2624 has been sold
Theyve had v204kda for a bit now mate
V224KDA has been sold to scraggs, also V210KDA has been sold, V212KDA has been stripped for spares
2621 V221 KDA now off fleet. :)
2221 T51 JJF will be going to wardles. Currently having legals changed. :)
2315 X523 GGO has now transferred to Stafford - MPD 2293 moved back to Cannock following its loan spell.
Another vehicle on loan last couple of days is Wednesfields 2150! :)
Former training vehicle 9522 has been disposed of at Watsons.
T51 JJF is an absolute shed! Horrific. X523 GGO was still in service at cannock yesterday or Monday.
2221 is a shed forever breaking down.
The Driver doing the 837 this morning took 2293 to Cannock Depot then picked up 2315
X523 GGO has got a smartish interior, but is smaller than the s-yog slightly I think. All the seats have been squashed together. That said it was one of cannock garage best darts. Certainly loads better than 2293. Threadbare and a knacker!
I'm greatful to stafford for taking 2328 lol was anbsoloute shed, 2315 isn't much better, 2293 isn't that bad a bus to be honest, 9522 left the fleet saturday, noticed Tamworths 2615 working out of Cannock tonight
is 2615 in use at Cannock today?
2615 was on 1 allday yesterday
No just wondered if it was still there today and if it was I'd go over and find it
2615 is today on 2A, will be leaving cannock at 1.50/3.50 and will then do the 60 at 5.35
I'm guessing 2615 got ripped as the 17:35 60 off Cannock was a Centro
2631 V231KDA is withdrawn (hole in Floor).
2634 V234KDA should of been withdrawn yesterday evening-will find out when i go back to work tomorrow.
2635 V235KDA has been on loan last few days
Anyone know if the withdrawn Hinckley Bus (Ex Centrebus) vehicles that were acquired with Centrebus Holdings are still stored at Stafford or have they been carted off for scrap?
Wasnt 2635 running from cannock last week along with a blindless 2641?
3617 is at Stafford today, on the 10s
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/13647410134/
I didnt see 3618 or 3619 out in service at cannock today. 3619 keeps breaking down regularly. Its the one that dropped a load of diesel/oil at the bus station on monday and had to be towed off
2635 on 12's today
Quote from: staffsdave on April 02, 2014, 08:10:09 PM
2631 V231KDA is withdrawn (hole in Floor).
2634 V234KDA should of been withdrawn yesterday evening-will find out when i go back to work tomorrow.
2635 V235KDA has been on loan last few days
2634 still in service today, on 3s
2130 V423DGT/2623 V223KDA /2626 V226KDA all withdrawn. 2635 V235KDA has been added to the fleet.
3617 W107EWU still on loan as is 2296 BU52NZO.
Seven buses to leave 28 April due to loss of work. B6s on the hit list with only 6 remaining viz:
2617/2619/2620/2629/2634/2635.
All 6 hinkley buses that were stored in the yard have moved on - destination unknown
I thought 2635 was running from cannock? Have stafford got W108 EWU now too? And is w107 just a loan ? Ie returning to cannock?
2635 at stafford replaced 2623 which is withdrawn.
2641 appeared this afternoon from cannock and for short term use as 2634 may of done its last runs.
3617 didnt last long in stafford it was back in service at cannock on Saturday
Any idea what is happening to the 5 - presumably it must be affected by D&G taking over the 841?
Surprise surprise as usual there's nothing on buses arrivas website or anything about the 74a finishing or changes to times of the 74/75. Crap as usual lol
Quote from: bob on April 20, 2014, 09:15:43 PM
Surprise surprise as usual there's nothing on buses arrivas website or anything about the 74a finishing or changes to times of the 74/75. Crap as usual lol
The new timetable for the 74/75 is on the website.
2267 Y267YBC has now returned to Stafford
Noticed today that MPD 2282 V202KDA has been refurbed interior wise in the latest Arriva moquette
2282 has had seats out of 2635.
the graveyard lineup holds MPD 2130 V423DGT and B6s 2618/2620/2621/2623/2626/2627/2629/2631/2634/2635/2641.
Be nice to have a visit and get some shots
Quote from: staffsdave on August 15, 2014, 09:02:29 PM
2282 has had seats out of 2635.
the graveyard lineup holds MPD 2130 V423DGT and B6s 2618/2620/2621/2623/2626/2627/2629/2631/2634/2635/2641.
Are Arriva disposing of the B6's as runners or scrap? I'm really surprised they're being withdrawn I thought there would be a fair bit of life in them yet.
Maybe they were mechanically knackered. All that overheating over the years . Tbf if youd have seen the state of v202kdas interior its understandable its had those seats. Dreadful. V203 got withdrawn due to its general crap condition
Quote from: Bob on August 16, 2014, 06:10:03 PM
Maybe they were mechanically knackered. All that overheating over the years . Tbf if youd have seen the state of v202kdas interior its understandable its had those seats. Dreadful. V203 got withdrawn due to its general crap condition
Some of them are sound as a pound imo, why should old seats render them bad buses?
Theres talk of the B6s all moving to derby in the near future - don't know the reason for this but some scrappers from Cannock will be moved up to Stafford for further storage
2282 has just had its MOT and will be withdrawn before the end of the year as will 2284/2287/2232/2233.
The B6s in Telford have been knackered for ages - it's about time they withdraw them! Can barely get up a hill!
Quote from: staffsdave on August 16, 2014, 06:50:00 PM
2282 has just had its MOT and will be withdrawn before the end of the year as will 2284/2287/2232/2233.
Hopefully cannocks bu51 kwj/k/l/m//n will be on the hit list shortly after! Absolute junk
B6LE 2639 is on the 12 today, was this a Telford one?
Quote from: Cheese on October 15, 2014, 11:10:56 AM
B6LE 2639 is on the 12 today, was this a Telford one?
yes was with Telford , has also had short stint at Wardle's , I noted it first thing this morning on its way to take up the 837 at Churchbridge.
PD0000478/409 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Stafford, Gaol Square
Finish Point: Lichfield Bus Station
Via: Milford, Rugeley, Brereton
Service Number: X25
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 13-DEC-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Quote from: Winston on October 23, 2014, 05:06:34 PM
PD0000478/409 - ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH LTD T/A ARRIVA MIDLANDS, THURMASTON GARAGE, 4 WESTMORELAND AVENUE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER, LE4 8PH
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Stafford, Gaol Square
Finish Point: Lichfield Bus Station
Via: Milford, Rugeley, Brereton
Service Number: X25
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 13-DEC-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Didnt there used to be an X25 years ago?
Will this not be done by cannock garage?
The X25 should do quite well. If I recall correctly it was got rid of 9 yrs ago at the same time as the new darts were put on the 825, coupled with its frequency increase to half hourly and it being curtailed to run stafford to lichfield only.
Ah yea the podless nationals. ...are you 100% sure about the X25 though? I remember when the darts (stupid buses to put on a route that long and a lot of the time substituted with a R-TJW example which were even less equipped for interurban trips) were launched there was a press release about the increase in frequency to half hourly which mentioned x25 journeys finishing
Maybe it was just that peak trip you mentioned that would have still been running. To be fair wouldn't it make sense to link a new x25 with the x65
Do you think this new X25 will be a hit? I think it could be but Arriva would need to get their act together with promoting it.
Why do i have a feeling, that this is going to end up like the X31
Come on though Andy whoever decided to run an hourly service down the most congested piece of motorway In the Midlands must have been having a laugh. The X31 was frequently very late and at an hourly frequency that was disastrous. Agree with you about it being very well used at times though. Pity 95 percent of passengers were pensioners
DAF SB120 Wright 2701 has just been noted on the 8/10 in Stafford, just seen heading along South Walls towards Parkside.
Still branded for cannock to walsall looking awful no doubt?
Quote from: Bob on October 29, 2014, 05:19:25 PM
Still branded for cannock to walsall looking awful no doubt?
Still branded, but as I was looking down on it from above I can't really comment on its state.
2701 back at CK. loaned to stafford whilst 2315 X523GGO had an Engine change
Are any of staffords darts due for withdrawal soon some are in a pretty crap state
2232/2233/2282/2284/2287 are first on the hit list for withdrawl but that probably wont happen till Jan/Feb 2015
2282 or 2284 has not long had a light refurb I think. Y184 TUK should go its in a right state! Blocked Quuensville island a coiple of weeks ago broken down with its hazards on
3728 would appear to be on loan at Stafford today, just noted on the 12 at Chell Road heading for Doxey.
Quote from: staffsdave on November 04, 2014, 09:11:33 PM
2232/2233/2282/2284/2287 are first on the hit list for withdrawl but that probably wont happen till Jan/Feb 2015
If thats the case shouldn't V208 KDA now running from cannock be withdrawn also? Along with V426 DGT as theyre a similar age.V208 is a shed despite its re trimmed interior
3728 is currently on loan for the amazon work Stafford have and sometimes does some of the 12s after the morning A51/827.
3 versas to come from Telford early December for the X25 service.
X25 timetable is amazingly already on website - although as far as I can see nothing to tell anyone it isn't yet in operation.
Can you actually download them now then?
Think itll take off? Suppose it will be handy and the versas should be ok for it. Not a patch on the old days where youd get a coach on an express service tho eh.
Is there a train between lichfield and stafford ? Cos the X25 still takes an hour give or take a few minutes. In a way if we went back five or six years those H-DVM volvos that were retrofitted with coach seats and overhead luggage racks would have been amazing for this type of route. Next best thing to a leopard or tiger
To be fair even high spec service buses with coach seating like stagecoach gold would be good for express services. Theyre mmuch better than the latest sapphire seats
Quote from: andy on November 20, 2014, 11:39:11 PM
Quote from: Bob on November 20, 2014, 11:29:57 PM
Is there a train between lichfield and stafford ? Cos the X25 still takes an hour give or take a few minutes. In a way if we went back five or six years those H-DVM volvos that were retrofitted with coach seats and overhead luggage racks would have been amazing for this type of route. Next best thing to a leopard or tiger
Yes but same problem as the train between Tamworth and Lichfield. Lichfield Trent Valley station is nowhere near Lichfield city centre and the service is only hourly and obviously much more expensive.
Unfortunately buses such as those Volvos you refer to just don't exist anymore.
Off-peak train fare is £5.20, peak £7.60 return and takes 18 minutes;
Including changing onto a train down to Lichfield City increases the fare to £5.30/£8.30 and can be done in as little as 27 minutes so certainly off-peak the train is very competitive
Ah only £ 1.40 more than a daysaver then for peak workings. The only problem I can imagine arising is that stafford has some really bad roadworks at the moment and according to the driver of the 74 on Tuesday there are more to come in the new year, its making the buses all over the place and sometimes running really late. Its affected the 825/74/5 badly. ( with the obvious effects on the 60 at the other end and potentially the 70 after intrworking with the 76), hopefully this wont affect the X25 as much as it only circuits the town.
I suspect the real advantage of the train is that there is a good chance of not paying anything at all
Quote from: mikestone on November 21, 2014, 08:16:16 PM
I suspect the real advantage of the train is that there is a good chance of not paying anything at all
The conductors are pretty good on the Trent Valley services at checking tickets
noted MPD 2222 T52 JJF in the workshop today.
Quote from: S I on December 05, 2014, 12:05:25 PM
Anyone know which Telford Versa are transferring to SD + when they are now due
None.
2328 back at Stafford
3728 on loan to Stafford
Quote from: BN on December 05, 2014, 06:05:18 PM
Quote from: S I on December 05, 2014, 12:05:25 PM
Anyone know which Telford Versa are transferring to SD + when they are now due
None.
Existing versas for the X25 then or will they be employing Darts on the route?
Quote from: Bob on December 05, 2014, 07:09:46 PM
Quote from: BN on December 05, 2014, 06:05:18 PM
Quote from: S I on December 05, 2014, 12:05:25 PM
Anyone know which Telford Versa are transferring to SD + when they are now due
None.
Existing versas for the X25 then or will they be employing Darts on the route?
Couldn't tell you im afraid but Telford versas are Shrewsbury bound.
talk of 3 pieces of junk coming from wardles to start with. assume exsisting versas will do the x25.
Quote from: S I on December 13, 2014, 05:00:35 PM
Wonder what SD will have when / V / KDA / W / SNR / Dennis go in / Jan / Feb
What is your addiction with slashes (/)? It makes your posts very difficult to read.
Quote from: S I on December 13, 2014, 05:00:35 PM
Wonder what SD will have when V / KDA / W / SNR Dennis go Jan / Feb 2015
Guess on a postcard.
new arrivals today at Stafford:
2289 BU51KWJ, 2290 BU51KWN, 2376 FJ55BWF, 2377 FJ55BWG
2376/7 have since moved to cannock for repairs 2376 brake fault & 2377 needing some new body panels.
Versas 2937/2938 with new branding on the X25s today.
3759 is the current pulsar on loan
Quote from: staffsdave on December 13, 2014, 06:27:25 PM
new arrivals today at Stafford:
2289 BU51KWJ, 2290 BU51KWN, 2376 FJ55BWF, 2377 FJ55BWG
2376/7 have since moved to cannock for repairs 2376 brake fault & 2377 needing some new body panels.
I hope cannock lose BU51 KWM as well. Awful shed of a bus. Needs withdrawing!
Quote from: staffsdave on December 13, 2014, 06:27:25 PM
new arrivals today at Stafford:
2289 BU51KWJ, 2290 BU51KWN, 2376 FJ55BWF, 2377 FJ55BWG
2376/7 have since moved to cannock for repairs 2376 brake fault & 2377 needing some new body panels.
2376,77 should be staying at Cannock.
As replacement for 2289/90?
Are the other three BU51 plates staying at cannock?
Quote from: Bob on December 14, 2014, 03:25:04 PM
Are the other three BU51 plates staying at cannock?
Not sure yet.
2222 is on town services in Stafford today, is this permanent or just a loan?
Just a loan.
Hows the X25 doing in its first week? Wonder if theres many people using it
Pulsars 3763/4/6 at the garage @ 15:30 hrs.
Several withdrawn vehicles have been taken away in the past few days to make space for the extra PVR. vehicles still here are 2130 V423DGT, 2222 T52JJF, 2229 W229SNR, 2231 W231 SNR, 2631 V231KDA (outside), and inside is 2620 V220KDA minus its whole front end.
think theres 4 versas going aswel - possibly to shrewsbury (2939/40/41/42). anyone else confirm?
Pulsars on the 9 & X25 today
Caught the X25 twice today, first the short working stafford to rugeley four passengers end to end, coupled with sitting in milford for ten minutes waiting for time. Then the rugeley to lichfield section had a max of six passengers end to end. The driver reckoned it wont last, that the road works would probably kill it dead before the patronage levels do. Suppose time will tell
The roadworks could be a factor in it too. Their on for 6 months. Driver said theyve allocated the same running time end to end as 825. Plus 825 is now avoiding the roadworks by leaving a different way from stafford
Quote from: Bob on January 18, 2015, 12:19:54 AM
The roadworks could be a factor in it too. Their on for 6 months. Driver said theyve allocated the same running time end to end as 825. Plus 825 is now avoiding the roadworks by leaving a different way from stafford
There's no proof that the roadworks will kill it off before its begun. January being the quietest month is fact, but were all just wasting our time, you'll still slag off Arriva regardless
Yea cos youd really be impressed with an express that took the same time as the normal route for six months. ......areyyou sleeping with a director or something? Jesus. Either that or your in love with arriva.!
Quote from: Bob on January 18, 2015, 01:17:05 PM
Yea cos youd really be impressed with an express that took the same time as the normal route for six months. ......areyyou sleeping with a director or something? Jesus. Either that or your in love with arriva.!
Bob,why don't you lay off Arriva for a bit?
Not only are you becoming very repetitive but you are fast losing any credibility you may have once had.
Don't just slate me off in your reply......that would merely be predictable.
Im pointing out that an express service that a few weeks after its launch is affected for six months by roadworks, causing it to take broadly the same time end to end as the non express ( which is avoiding by and large the roadworks) is possibly not going to be very successful. I wouldnt say thats slating arriva. It might not be successful if a better operator ran it either. ..
2291, 2292, 2714, 2715 now at Stafford.
2211/68 also at Stafford ex wardles
Forgot to mention DAFs 2744/5 ex shrewsbury arrived at stafford yesterday and straight into service
With this influx what vehicles are leaving stafford? Or being withdrawn
2232 and 2233 ive heard are to be withdrawn
Quote from: busman99 on February 02, 2015, 06:00:07 PM
2232 and 2233 ive heard are to be withdrawn
Nope, 2232 at Wardles.
Quote from: staffsdave on February 01, 2015, 09:50:48 PM
2211/68 also at Stafford ex wardles
Now at Wednesfield, to enter service there.
Quote from: Bob on February 01, 2015, 10:00:20 PM
With this influx what vehicles are leaving stafford? Or being withdrawn
2233 withdrawn
2262 burton
2267 telford
2281, 84, 87, 2232 Wardles
2369 now in from Oswestry.
would love it if it does stay but cant see that staying long.
seem to be having plenty of issues with 2714/5/22/44/45 breaking down lots! Stafford always gets vehicles which are knackered!!
2232/2287 still at stafford. assume they will move this weekend???
Quote from: staffsdave on February 16, 2015, 06:59:52 PM
would love it if it does stay but cant see that staying long.
seem to be having plenty of issues with 2714/5/22/44/45 breaking down lots! Stafford always gets vehicles which are knackered!!
Can sort of see why though, up til recently all they ran were local services, which surely cant be all that profitable
Quote from: staffsdave on February 16, 2015, 07:01:01 PM
2232/2287 still at stafford. assume they will move this weekend???
Probably hang on till the end of the month.
Quote from: staffsdave on February 16, 2015, 06:59:52 PM
would love it if it does stay but cant see that staying long.
seem to be having plenty of issues with 2714/5/22/44/45 breaking down lots! Stafford always gets vehicles which are knackered!!
It will be stopping, more examples to come.
drove one of those batch around 2010 as we were short and it was en route to derby for refurb. think it was 2368 and was a cracking motor
2264 was in use at Stafford today I'm told
yep needed as short of vehicles - 2744 away at SY for MOT. 2714/22 knackered (electrics).
2368 and 2370 now at Stafford.
Were they in cannocks yard yesterday?
Quote from: Bob on February 22, 2015, 10:56:51 AM
Were they in cannocks yard yesterday?
Yes I believe Cannock collected them from Oswestry when they dropped 3727 off.
Are all the ex stafford pulsars gping to Oswestry? Just thought, with the cut to x25 frequency, will some of the 61 plare pulsars come back to cannock? Theyre too big for stafford locals surely
Quote from: Bob on February 22, 2015, 02:11:05 PM
Are all the ex stafford pulsars gping to Oswestry? Just thought, with the cut to x25 frequency, will some of the 61 plare pulsars come back to cannock? Theyre too big for stafford locals surely
3727-3731 have gone to Oswestry.
2748 now at Stafford along with 2368, 2369, 2370.
Been at stafford last two days and seen lots of 825s going out busy, sometimes very busy, but every X25 I have seen has been empty or a max of 2/3 people on, thats ccomingin and going out! Are people mental? Why wouldnt they useIit? Have arriva plugged it enough? Or does no one travel end to end? That said its still around an hour on the X25 so its still not much of an alternative to the car, and with the detour around Brocton its even less.
Are cannock going to get any 61 plates back? Bit of a waste on staffords locals lol
Quote from: Bob on March 03, 2015, 06:40:56 PM
Are cannock going to get any 61 plates back? Bit of a waste on staffords locals lol
No plans as yet.
2374 FJ55BWD new arrival today. Welcome home :-) more of these to follow and the cadets currently here 2714/2715/2722/2744/2745/2748 & 2739 (loan) going soon.
So are cannock losing their 55 plate darts then to stafford?
Yes.
Well that was short and sweet...what was the point of transferring them to CK in the first place? What will we be having to replace them?
Quote from: Bob on March 08, 2015, 10:07:35 AM
Well that was short and sweet...what was the point of transferring them to CK in the first place? What will we be having to replace them?
Sb120's.
Staffords? In an exchange? Cannock wont have many darts left at all by the looks of things
PS whats happening with the 75? When will it be axed
Quote from: Bob on March 08, 2015, 11:58:40 AM
PS whats happening with the 75? When will it be axed
Axed? 75 isn't.
Quote from: BN on March 08, 2015, 12:04:11 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 08, 2015, 11:58:40 AM
PS whats happening with the 75? When will it be axed
Axed? 75 isn't.
Not going via Penkridge-Stafford in the next changes is it
Is it being routed different then?
Arent some of the cadets pretty unreliable? Certainly have been at stafford!
Quote from: Bob on March 08, 2015, 12:18:35 PM
Arent some of the cadets pretty unreliable? Certainly have been at stafford!
Cadets have always been a handful. I once met the engineering manager of Burton a couple of years ago, he told me that the ex London ones had problems with the electrics. As a means to try and deter you from slagging off the usual garages
With respect cannock struggle to maintain generally reliable bus types like B10BLEs (3619 anyone? ) etc so christ knows how theyll cope with problematic ones...
Have I missed something are there planned changes to the 75/76 if so what and when
2715 was parked up near Queensville Island yesterday lifeless and then at Gaol Square around 1900 saw an SPD on tow. 2745 has a few flickering lights.
However
The SPD's are still mint and the vibrations/rattles on 2714 have been sorted
Both X25 branded Versas were on locals for the evening (Friday 20th)
Never seem to see the notorious BU51 MPD's now apart from 2290
Thought id have a waffle because it might just cheer me up
Isnt 2715 now Cannocks? ?
Theyve been supposedly quite unreliable at stafford and were supposed to be headed for cannock in exchange for 55 plate darts. Doesnt make sense Darts are used on interurban routes at cannock so why move them to stafford in exchange for something older.....
Are Stafford having major reliability issues at the moment? A lady has complained via the FB page that she uses the 825 daily and its broken down three times this week....thats majorly unlucky lol
2367 now at Stafford
Do the ex Oswestry 54 plate darts have a different engine/gearbox set up to other post 2002 ( cummins isbe) ones? They sound almost like older darts. I always thought these four were Voith but they don't sound it
Have thdy got B series engines? Theyre really loud!
And pretty nippy with it feels like ive flown to rugeley!
Quote from: Bob on April 04, 2015, 02:49:21 PM
Do the ex Oswestry 54 plate darts have a different engine/gearbox set up to other post 2002 ( cummins isbe) ones? They sound almost like older darts. I always thought these four were Voith but they don't sound it
Quote from: Bob on April 04, 2015, 02:51:33 PM
Have thdy got B series engines? Theyre really loud!
Quote from: Bob on April 04, 2015, 03:12:44 PM
And pretty nippy with it feels like ive flown to rugeley!
Only yesterday you said it was a downgrade to have SPD's on
It is a downgrade technically to be fair. At least three darts on today so not sure where the pulsars are
Few off the road in need of repairs and 3756 restricted to locals as it's too slow for 825s because of the stupid eco system fitted to it!
Few off the road crikey whats up with them? Or is it just routine stuff. I think cannock still has one 55 plate dart left as it was on 31 today has stafford lost all their cadets now or is that dart still expected to move over from cannock?
Quote from: Bob on April 05, 2015, 02:08:00 AM
Few off the road crikey whats up with them? Or is it just routine stuff. I think cannock still has one 55 plate dart left as it was on 31 today has stafford lost all their cadets now or is that dart still expected to move over from cannock?
Stafford still have some left, looking at replacements for them.
I think there is one dart left at Cannock to swap one with.
To be honest those darts are a lot better than the older Y reg cadets. The one I was on yesterday was really rough
I think theres two darts left actually, fj55 bvt is on 68 today and on 62 on sat there was an ex Leicester one
Quote from: Bob on April 07, 2015, 04:44:24 PM
I think theres two darts left actually, fj55 bvt is on 68 today and on 62 on sat there was an ex Leicester one
I believe it is 2374 and 2377 left to swap
What cadets are left at stafford?
Quote from: BN on April 07, 2015, 07:45:45 PM
I believe it is 2374 and 2377 left to swap
I thought 2374 was swapped for 2715 mid march ?...
Aren't the ex London ones the more troublesome ones?
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 07, 2015, 08:41:45 PM
I thought 2374 was swapped for 2715 mid march ?...
2376 is still at CK noted this morning
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 09, 2015, 12:47:09 PM
2376 is still at CK noted this morning
2376 now at Stafford, swapped with 2744.
2291 on loan to Cannock. On PG's/70/76 tonight
On loan or a transfer?
Quote from: Bob on April 24, 2015, 11:35:02 PM
On loan or a transfer?
Neither, just inspection.
A YJ61 Pulsar parked in Cannock garage this morning.
An MX61 Pulsar is on the X25
Hope its 3809 its the worst. Cannock would be well rid
Quote from: Bob on May 23, 2015, 07:04:52 PM
Hope its 3809 its the worst. Cannock would be well rid
It was either 3808 or 3809
3807 was on the 825 earlier this evening.
Versa 2938 has lost its branding for the X25 noted on the 825 this morning
Quote from: tphi12000 on June 10, 2015, 09:34:49 AM
Versa 2938 has lost its branding for the X25 noted on the 825 this morning
2937/38 lost there branding a month or so back. Possible move to SY perhaps?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on June 10, 2015, 10:21:44 AM
2937/38 lost there branding a month or so back. Possible move to SY perhaps?
No, Eastward bound.
Anything moving in to replace them? Is 3807 coming back to cannock?
The Versas are due to leave this weekend along with DAF 2748 and 2 other buses (hope 2383/2384)
Replacements are 2378 which was on 8/10s today, and 2371 2372 2373 2375. Will confirm when I go back to work Monday.
Replacing61 plate versas with 10 year old darts though? Which'll no doubt end up on 825/X25 a fair bit. Seems a bit odd.
versa'a still at Stafford this morning on the 825 and X26.
Yes no other vehicles were changed over the weekend. 2739 X783NWX appeared today at the Garage assuming cover for MOTs
2373 is now Joined fleet at Stafford with 2937 gone to Thurmaston
Is the MX plate pulsar 3807 I think it is, still running from stafford?
Quote from: Bob on June 18, 2015, 09:07:01 PM
Is the MX plate pulsar 3807 I think it is, still running from stafford?
No, it was on the X60 on Tuesday
Damn I hoped theyd keep it. Less of them means more variety on the X60
I reckon the 06 plate commanders would be better allocated to the X60. Nicer interiors and high back seats suit the longer distance trip more
Quote from: John on June 18, 2015, 09:08:24 PM
No, it was on the X60 on Tuesday
It was back in Stafford, albeit on Cannock depot 74 yesterday!
2938 has Joined Thurmaston
Quote from: Bob on June 18, 2015, 09:36:22 PM
Damn I hoped theyd keep it. Less of them means more variety on the X60
Looks like your wish is granted reported elsewhere as now in Leicester
Maybe the rest will follow. 3809 is a poor bus
2371/2375 now at Stafford
Quote from: Bob on June 10, 2015, 11:02:58 PM
Replacing61 plate versas with 10 year old darts though? Which'll no doubt end up on 825/X25 a fair bit. Seems a bit odd.
I suppose age wise it isn't great but it is for fleet standardisation. Presumably with the latest moves and 2748 having gone to Cannock from Stafford this means Stafford is now just Darts and Pulsars?
In effect yea. The pulsars often end up on locals while the 825 X25 have darts. Theyve downgraded by 10 years lol
whats happened to the 2 Y/TGM Nails?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 25, 2015, 10:50:39 PM
whats happened to the 2 Y/TGM Nails?
Still in fleet for now.
22.34 from parkside last bus HASNT turned up. Crap as usual
Have you not tried tracking it through the Arriva App??
Not got on my phone. There was me my lil bro and two mates waiting i thought maybe they dont run the trip anymoreand just havent changed the timetable at the stop. But another couple were waiting and said that journey should run. We couldnt get a taxi either tried three firms but all were busy. Not really very good
We had a bit of a crap tine i suffer from autism and my little bro has mild learning difficulties so any change to routineis a bit of a night mare :-/ oh well. We got home in the end
Got a reply from Arriva today, it didnt run due to operational issues. A bit vague...
What's the reliability of x25 like?
What is the reliability of 481 like?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 08, 2015, 09:11:44 PM
What's the reliability of x25 like?
What is the reliability of 481 like?
481 is run from Telford garage (will become the 5 from 19th July), generally seems to be OK when I see it, just depends on the traffic along Newport Road.
Are 2383 or 2384 still in service?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 24, 2015, 09:36:52 PM
Are 2383 or 2384 still in service?
They were both still going when I was up there a couple of weeks ago.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 24, 2015, 09:36:52 PM
Are 2383 or 2384 still in service?
Yes, see 6/7 replies up. I would suggest they havent long left though.
Quote from: BN on July 25, 2015, 07:36:38 AM
Yes, see 6/7 replies up. I would suggest they havent long left though.
Any ideas what routes?
Just out of interest BN, along with the 2383/4, the Bu51 darts & Y184 TUK must be approaching the end of their lives surely? I always wondered why only KWN got a refurb
Quote from: Bob on July 25, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Just out of interest BN, along with the 2383/4, the Bu51 darts & Y184 TUK must be approaching the end of their lives surely? I always wondered why only KWN got a refurb
Yes, said vehicles will probably be out by the end of the year.
Wonder what will replace them. Staffords got a need for small buses more so than cannock
2383/4 have been parked up in the yard pretty much all week. Also the yard has finally been cleared of scrap vehicles (2229 2231 2233)........for now
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/updates/All-Change-Cannock-Stafford/
An 825 or X25 pulsar caused absolute chaos at Lixhfield bus stn tuesday when it broke down whilst pulling out of the station, by the conveniences/kiosk. Blocked the entire exit so no buses could leave the station, buses were then backing up at the other end!
Quote from: staffsdave on July 26, 2015, 05:38:24 PM
2383/4 have been parked up in the yard pretty much all week. Also the yard has finally been cleared of scrap vehicles (2229 2231 2233)........for now
Anybody interested in these two Darts, get a ride on them in the next 2 weeks.
Quote from: S I on August 26, 2015, 01:50:50 PM
Are all the BU51 Dennis Darts transferring back - Cannock from Stafford in September ?
Are Y40 TGM / Y50 TGM transferring elsewhere ? or are they eventually being scrapped ?
No and neither.
Quote from: S I on August 26, 2015, 02:45:36 PM
I wonder what vehicles are transferring to Stafford in September for their new routes ?
1 MPD.
Quote from: S I on August 28, 2015, 02:50:54 PM
Do you know which Dennis is transferring to Stafford + where from please BN Thanks
Yes, Wednesfield.
Quote from: S I on August 29, 2015, 07:05:37 PM
What SD vehicles are currently withdrawn ? what SD vehicles are leaving fleet Sept ?
There are no Stafford vehicles withdrawn.
Calm down lol
There are now some stafford vehicles withdrawn. 2383 and 2384 off fleet.
2159 spotted doing route 8 to moss pit is this a loan or perm transfer
Quote from: Ck on September 15, 2015, 06:29:59 PM
2159 spotted doing route 8 to moss pit is this a loan or perm transfer
Transfer.
Somebody has posted a photo of the interior of 2289 on arrivas fb page complaining of how filthy threadbare and unacceptable it is lol. And arriva responded they'll have a word with the garage manager. Do they not know most of Stafford mpds are in that state lol?
Quote from: BN on September 02, 2015, 06:26:59 PM
There are now some stafford vehicles withdrawn. 2383 and 2384 off fleet.
2384 at Burton.
there was a Versa on the 825 last night in Lichfield , unfortunately too far away to id.
2739 re-instated and here on loan.
and 2159
2159 has been working the staff bus
Quote from: CK / SI on November 05, 2015, 07:05:33 PM
What SD vehicles would you really like to transfer out off SD out of interest
Nothing out. But sort out the lack of speed on the 61 plate Pulsars.
You wouldn't wanna see the back of the 51 plate darts ? Other than KWN they're dire. Need scrapping or major repaint/refurbishment. I'd like to see the four 54 plate Darts come to Cannock in exchange for some cadets. For darts they're fast! Think they've got a more powerful engine etc than the 55 platers
why more darts at CK?
The 54 plate spd at stafford are pretty good compared with most darts lol
no fav at sd and the 51 plate darts wont be scrapped as they are DDA (I think)
Quote from: Busman Jamie on November 07, 2015, 11:59:31 AM
no fav at sd and the 51 plate darts wont be scrapped as they are DDA (I think)
Yes they are Jamie.
Surely at the end of their lives though? A passenger posted a photo of the condition of one if them internally and questioned the use of vehicles in such a state on anything resembling an interurban service. And no it wasn't me lol
i hear 2 pulsars and a versa were involved in an RTA today on the Highfields....
Yeah I hear the 8b didn't run all day then the 9b didn't run this afternoon due to the amount of rtas they had.
seems to be a few occorancies where the 8B hasnt operated
Absolutely disgusting that they can register a service & not run it. Grs & travel express were dealt with severely by the tc for that but arriva seem to be getting away with murder.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 09, 2015, 10:18:51 PM
Absolutely disgusting that they can register a service & not run it. Grs & travel express were dealt with severely by the tc for that but arriva seem to be getting away with murder.
I feel your frustration but I don't think not running a bus is in the same league as murdering someone.
Lol you know what I mean. Then again the way the b's are driving it's only a matter of time before someone is killed & don't take my word for it. There is at least one stafford driver who was not impressed when not only did he have to take avoiding action not to hit a fast running 74b but then had a 9b cut across the front of him as well.
Now I know small operators have been accused of that many times but for crying out loud arriva is a multi national company with a great reputation to keep up. That good reputation across the country is being sorely damaged by just 3 garages.
come on guys you're better than this seriously it may not seem like it but I do have a lot of respect for arriva, but this is just stupid cowboy behaviour. Act like the company you can be not like grs
Cadet 2737 was in use this morning on the 826.
Cadet 2745 is in use at Stafford today
covering for 1 of the 3 in the rta monday
What's this about NXWM taking over Arriva Stafford next year? Or is that just Facebook nonsense.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 10, 2015, 04:54:44 PM
What's this about NXWM taking over Arriva Stafford next year? Or is that just Facebook nonsense.
Thats nonsense. A senior member of staff at Arriva confirmed on here that they are not shutting Stafford.
This came from a comment made on a group i'm an admin on from someone claiming to work for NX.
yea like they're gonna want that under invested in basket case Cannock would be a mildly better option for them surely with a lot of its services linking directly with the west midlands. Stafford don't even run in the WM since they stopped running the 76
Is 2294 still on or staying on fleet?
if its DDA then she will stay, but i have heard shes going for repaint/refurb and then to wednesfield
Quote from: Busman Jamie on December 30, 2015, 10:51:04 AM
if its DDA then she will stay, but i have heard shes going for repaint/refurb and then to wednesfield
On face value it looks no different to the Y reg's. It's just required yet elusive.
Arriva 2368 fj54otp had a mishap yesterday in Stafford bus station trying to pull from behind a bus in a gap too tight he went too far over the opposite path and hit the bus shelter. This damaged the top corner of the bus and smashed the window on the shelter. We were supprised to see him carry on!
2373 was sighted on the Stafford rail replacements on Saturday. Only sighting of a bus on this work rather than all the coaches.
I was driving that sat morning :-)
Quote from: staffsdave on March 31, 2016, 08:30:40 PM
I was driving that sat morning :-)
I saw you I was driving the 825 lol
2370 FJ54 OTR on Stafford-Stoke rail replacement today
Gen from me as I'm driving it
OTN & OTP have been running from Cannock for all week along with BWA
2159 2289 + 1 more mpd (can't remember which) 2368/69/71/73/78/79 all at cannock depot either working or off the road.
2276 2721/42 3701 3721 3723 all working off stafford
Very strange. Is that even enough to cover Staffords operation? I could see them giving Stafford up and selling out to someone like D & G. Sad really Stafford used to be one of Midland Red top performing garages.....diminished to what it is now..
Quote from: staffsdave on April 30, 2016, 06:34:59 PM
2159 2289 + 1 more mpd (can't remember which) 2368/69/71/73/78/79 all at cannock depot either working or off the road.
2276 2721/42 3701 3721 3723 all working off stafford
This is happening more and more now they have a single fleet.
I think Stafford will eventually go ( the operation )
Quote from: Bob on May 01, 2016, 10:35:19 AM
I think Stafford will eventually go ( the operation )
I was in Stafford Fri 11am - 2pm on business and none of the Arriva services I saw were carrying very healthy loads
Quote from: Bob on May 01, 2016, 10:35:19 AM
I think Stafford will eventually go ( the operation )
Is it worth First(?) taking it on?
Quote from: Bob on May 01, 2016, 10:35:19 AM
I think Stafford will eventually go ( the operation )
Highly likely given Burton. Question is who wants it and would they let go of Cannock now the two are effectively a package?
Or why not slash costs and shut the outstation and just work buses in from Cannock.
Would cannock have room?I'd imagine the delta way site is worth a fair bit also
Quote from: Westy on May 01, 2016, 12:41:51 PM
Is it worth First(?) taking it on?
wonder if select bus might take on some more services if Arriva stafford are having problems I know select will need some more buses &more discs
They could make cuts and savings at Stafford. The 5 could go through Highfield estate to and from Telford the 75 could do burton manor and 74s could possibly do silk more and wildwood alternately. Not sure how doxey and North end could be served
Anybody know which 6 ex London Cadets are at Stafford and their fate?
Are they cannock examples?
They are similar to the ones we have at Cannock and there all being scrapped
The cannock ones aren't too bad I went on one and it really shifted. I can't believe the bu51 darts are still in service they're in worse state than cowboy operators
I don't like driving the ex London ones as they always break down and the darts don't lol the part but some of them certainly move lol
Those darts are awful though. A right state. You seen the seats? Even bloody GRS & Travel express etc interiors aren't in that state.
Yeah I know I took 89 back to Stafford earlier and the majority of the seats were threadbare
Quote from: Bob on May 15, 2016, 02:23:29 PM
Those darts are awful though. A right state. You seen the seats? Even bloody GRS & Travel express etc interiors aren't in that state.
How could you possibly know that when both of those operators don't exist anymore? Just the same old drivel again and again. A bus is better than no bus so just suck it up or wait for the next bus.
Yea cos the best customer service is based on the crap you've just written....like it or lump it. ..😂😂😂😂😂
Compare it to nx then where 57 plate buses are getting full refurb...and arriva can't even do a seat retrim. Mate those buses are so bad passengers sent photos of the seats to the bloody Facebook page!
That's really funny though..."A bus is better than no bus" They must take their service standards from your quotes....
Quote from: ntw456 on May 15, 2016, 02:28:38 PM
Yeah I know I took 89 back to Stafford earlier and the majority of the seats were threadbare
2289?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on May 15, 2016, 02:48:49 PM
How could you possibly know that when both of those operators don't exist anymore? Just the same old drivel again and again. A bus is better than no bus so just suck it up or wait for the next bus.
Well that's a brilliant attitude to have it hope your not in pr.
Quote from: Steveminor on May 15, 2016, 03:56:28 PM
Well that's a brilliant attitude to have it hope your not in pr.
Judging by the state of the vehicles he could be 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Ashley 60171 - there's 8 ex london cadets all 52 plate ex Edmonton. TFL have gone round all the arriva Garages down there and been politely told to get rid of their scrap vehicles. There's supposed to be a large number of them so I'm assuming other depots will get filled up with these. The ones at Stafford have no interior seats and most have engines missing. 3 that I do know that are here are FL52UOC, UOD and UNY.
Quote from: staffsdave on May 17, 2016, 11:22:15 AM
Ashley 60171 - there's 8 ex london cadets all 52 plate ex Edmonton. TFL have gone round all the arriva Garages down there and been politely told to get rid of their scrap vehicles. There's supposed to be a large number of them so I'm assuming other depots will get filled up with these. The ones at Stafford have no interior seats and most have engines missing. 3 that I do know that are here are FL52UOC, UOD and UNY.
Thanks
@staffsdave for that.
Obviously the pulsars would be staying. They'd never move them to Cannock lol they couldn't afford the basic spec ones they'd got.....Maybe they'll move some old commanders to replace Cannocks remaining pulsars then bar the Volvos they can have a full complement of s##t
And again this guy is allowed to continue to slag Arriva off and not be blue penned or told to stop...If it was another company, you'd soon be barred for life.
Why it's a free country? Your allowed to come up with your if people don't like threadbare knackered buses etc they should like it or lump it rubbish too...I'm sure their PR dept would love your ringing endorsement equally....
And incidentally they couldn't afford to run the pulsars so could in theory replace them with pretty knackered commanders...
Talking of threadbare 2736 going strong om Pye Greens
Quote from: Busman Jamie on May 20, 2016, 09:32:08 PM
Talking of threadbare 2736 going strong om Pye Greens
:P :P :P
I've heard Stafford garage has closed today
September it closes
Running entire operation from Cannock then?
Someone mentioned Wednesfield was shutting as well on Facebook.
Assume thats bollards!
Quote from: Westy on July 29, 2016, 05:58:49 PM
Someone mentioned Wednesfield was shutting as well on Facebook.
Assume thats bollards!
If isn't happening now, it can only be a matter of time before that goes
Wonder if Cannock will survive? May be running a load of half empty Stafford routes will boost its profitability lol
Quote from: Westy on July 29, 2016, 05:58:49 PM
Someone mentioned was shutting as well on Facebook.
Assume that's bollards!
I'm close to a few people at Arriva and the rumor is that it will be closing in December at the latest as it is hemorrhaging money at the moment. Also their is a rumor with Cannock Drivers that the 76 will be cancelled by Arriva and will be ran from Penkridge by Select bus Services.
In regards to Stafford Garage it is shutting in September with all the routes going to Cannock Garage and 20 Drivers will be relocated with 26 facing redundancy!
It's a sad time indeed but as along time follower of this forum but a 1st time contributor I can agree with Bob that in the past 12 months Arriva in the West Midlands have been really poor!
I'm not surprised about Wednesfield haemorrhaging money. Do you think Cannock will survive?
Quote from: Bob on July 29, 2016, 10:30:28 PM
I'm not surprised about Wednesfield haemorrhaging money. Do you think Cannock will survive?
Yes, the busses may not improve but with the 74/75 at College peak and the 60/825 runs they'll be able to keep going. The current Garage manager (Mr Brent) is notorious for penny pinching and to his credit it does work. The main issue with Cannock is the fact the busses are not very well maintained and they have certain drivers who are allowed to get away with things like going off route or running early (I'm not going to incriminate anyone or myself).
Edit: When Cannock had the 76 it was losing roughly £7000 a month at Wednesfield it's considerably higher due to Nx's 54.
Just to be clear this is not a lets have a go at Arriva and their are no false facts or false accusations to be thrown around.
Quote from: The King on July 29, 2016, 10:17:06 PM
I'm close to a few people at Arriva and the rumor is that it will be closing in December at the latest as it is hemorrhaging money at the moment. Also their is a rumor with Cannock Drivers that the 76 will be cancelled by Arriva and will be ran from Penkridge by Select bus Services.
Those Centro contracts that Arriva won for 5 years in 2012 for Hill Top garage for next to nothing must really be hurting Wednesfield's figures now
Quote from: Winston on July 29, 2016, 10:41:01 PM
Those Centro contracts that Arriva won for 5 years in 2012 for Hill Top garage for next to nothing must really be hurting Wednesfield's figures now
Well that's the thing, those centro contracts pay pittance compared to what they paid 4 years ago and Wednesfield struggles for drivers massively mainly due to the fact that they are on £7.40 P/h (figure from late 2015)
Stafford being connected to Cannock has always been a good thing for Drivers as they're both on the same rate of pay.
Quote from: The King on July 29, 2016, 10:38:29 PM
Yes, the busses may not improve but with the 74/75 at College peak and the 60/825 runs they'll be able to keep going. The current Garage manager (Mr Brent) is notorious for penny pinching and to his credit it does work. The main issue with Cannock is the fact the busses are not very well maintained and they have certain drivers who are allowed to get away with things like going off route or running early (I'm not going to incriminate anyone or myself).
Edit: When Cannock had the 76 it was losing roughly £7000 a month at Wednesfield it's considerably higher due to Nx's 54.
Just to be clear this is not a lets have a go at Arriva and their are no false facts or false accusations to be thrown around.
Not very well maintained is an understatement. Can a garage survive on routes like the 74? The 75 isn't a very busy route. Not sure about the 60/825. The 1 & especially the 2 don't seem to be doing very well. I'd be interested to see how many other arriva routes nationwide have been converted to Sapphire and then subsequently elongated and then cut!
Quote from: Bob on July 29, 2016, 10:46:45 PM
Not very well maintained is an understatement. Can a garage survive on routes like the 74? The 75 isn't a very busy route. Not sure about the 60/825. The 1 & especially the 2 don't seem to be doing very well. I'd be interested to see how many other arriva routes nationwide have been converted to Sapphire and then subsequently elongated and then cut!
I can't comment on the 1,2/2e but the 60,61,62/825 does lead to a lot of missing buses due to driving hours and the sheer traffic into Stafford at peak. the 75 is only busy at peak with the college kids over the summer it is very quiet same with the 74. I thought Stafford ran the 825 better than Cannock, the drivers seemed a lot more relaxed and less on edge than the Cannock drivers do and you could see that in the way they drove.
Yes it was a stupid decision to change them to being inter worked. Eventually people will get so p####d off with the level of unreliability they'll just find other means of transport
Also due to the amount of knackered buses now being used on the 825 etc it's not just traffic that's causing missing buses unfortunately
Quote from: Bob on July 29, 2016, 10:56:01 PM
Yes it was a stupid decision to change them to being inter worked. Eventually people will get so p####d off with the level of unreliability they'll just find other means of transport
I've seen yourself a few times quite annoyed at the reliability. The interworking is what it is and wont be changed any time soon and neither will the fleet. The only reason some of the newer fleet is so knackered is due to the busses being fitted with "Econspeed" which slows the acceleration right down which made the 63 plate Pye Greens struggle up Bradbury Lane. 61 plate busses struggle to accelerate up any hill which leads to drivers trying to accelerate too hard and the engine eventually says nope and gives up.
(I'm not going to comment on this further as commenting further may adversely effect myself) Thank you all for reading what I've had to say on this matter and I wish any driver on this forum affected by the closure of this depot the very best of luck
One good thing about the recently transferred Volvos is that on the rare occasions when they're on pye greens they make absolute short work of the hills
Couple of comments.
Why was 'Wednesfield' edited out of my requoted comment?
As regards the comment about the Cannock manager & drivers running early & the poster saying he cant say anymore, any regulars who read this forum & also read Arriva's Facebook page will be aware of similar comments, so dont think the poster has too much to worry about in my opinion.
Quote from: The King on July 29, 2016, 10:17:06 PM
I'm close to a few people at Arriva and the rumor is that it will be closing in December at the latest as it is hemorrhaging money at the moment. Also their is a rumor with Cannock Drivers that the 76 will be cancelled by Arriva and will be ran from Penkridge by Select bus Services.
In regards to Stafford Garage it is shutting in September with all the routes going to Cannock Garage and 20 Drivers will be relocated with 26 facing redundancy!
It's a sad time indeed but as along time follower of this forum but a 1st time contributor I can agree with Bob that in the past 12 months Arriva in the West Midlands have been really poor!
76 is being withdrawn except for Sunday's, Select running hourly 876 Penkridge to Wolves. Not all Stafford towns going to Cannock, 6 being run off Telford off the back of the 5.
Not looking good for Arriva to be honest is it
The problem for buses is people are not going into town anymore, look at Wolves, look at Stafford etc, a lot of buses are running with hardly anybody on them. In wolves in the last week Mothercare closing, BHS on Wednesday. Arriva are withdrawing or reducing the services because of customer demand. 30 years ago the 892/3 as it was would be full on a Saturday coming out of Albrighton to Wolves now it's dead, where have all the people gone you may ask. A lot of it is online I work for a delivery company & parcels are increasing your on year, more and more people are ordering online. City & towns don't help themselves look at Stafford all they are doing is moving the shops from one end to another, a few new shops are coming well 2 the rest are relocating, the north of Stafford will be dead once Marks moves out, the guildhall is empty, the same in Wolves they are building a new debs & H and M are coming but it's going to need more than that to bring people back into town..
I see what you mean but if it's the case that people aren't going into towns why are nx not cutting services left right and centre?
And also towns like Cannock are an absolute dump with no decent shops you have to go to better towns like wolves or Stafford or mainly brum ( but the train has assumed that role) for a day out shopping. Used to be that Walsall was a big destination when it had the big market etc but that has declined too
Quote from: Bob on July 31, 2016, 09:34:50 AM
I see what you mean but if it's the case that people aren't going into towns why are nx not cutting services left right and centre?
If you look at the last statements made to the stock exchange by the big groups, they all are losing passengers at the moment, it is just NX are managing the loss best. NX's mid year statement this week is saying that financially they are about level with last year whereas Arriva, First and Stagecoach are all down.
I can't help thinking that once Stafford and Wednesfield have gone and it's just Cannock it won't bode very well. Lack of investment anyway, followed by the piecemeal investment being taken away to other garages followed by a fleet of old shit poorly maintained buses followed by unreliability followed by service cuts etc....It just looks like all they'll do is managing the decline. Passengers will probably be put off by the reductions in services etc. It's funny how these things can become self fulfilling prophecies
Arriva are also poor at making timetables available such as the complete lack of 1 & 2 in walsall bus station and at bus stops for example the one at Landywood which could be classed as a bus /train interchange which still shows the 68 which hasn't existed since last year and a completely incorrect one for the 2 and the 2A ( also no longer exists ). The route list at Cannock bus station was still showing the X31 over a year plus after it was axed...
Didn't Arriva sign an agreement with NWM, to make their versions of their leaflets available in Travelshops?
Hope NWM sue them for breaking the agreement.
It appears to me that DB bought Arriva for the rail franchises and that the bus businesses are being pruned back to achieve the profit level demanded by the German parent company. So far the old Arriva Midlands North area has lost Wardles, Burton and Stafford, wonder who is next, Wednesfield or Oswestry perhaps. Thought something was afoot when all the decent buses were moved out of Stafford to be replaced by old 02 and 52 plated Darts.
Wasn't that to do with them losing all the decent routes for them to go on?
Just read the press release from Arriva about how the closure of Stafford will result in 'those areas which rely most heavily will be able to have access to more efficient and reliable services that will better suit their needs'. So close a garage reduce the number of services and add 24 dead positioning miles per vehicle per day and you have a more efficient service, we wait with baited breath. So goodbye SD and thanks for the near 100 year service you and the staff working there gave the town.
Quote from: A R R I V A : S I on August 05, 2016, 09:15:21 AM
Tony / Winston ( just a small thought ) be better to merge Stafford garage topic into Cannock garage topic now fleets Cannocks
No, because that would merge all old posting in both threads in date order, so they would be jumbled up out of sequence
Isn't KWL still about
Bringing them to the level of travel express and let's go lol
Maybe it was for mechanical reasons
None. I wouldn't have thought the were any.
Stafford always used to be an important garage with decent services. How things decline....
Well they they're obviously doing well look at the stock lol
Stafford garage site is being used for car storage but don't know who.
Arriva only run 5 services in Stafford now. The 6 which is interworked with the 5 Telford-Stafford Monday to Saturday using TD based Pulsars usually 63 plate but also 59 plate. On Sundays this route is covered by the 76A Sundays only Wolves-Stafford service. The other 4 are usually covered by the FJ54 and FJ55 Darts but various Cadets and occasionally a Solo are used. The only other town services, the 11 and 73, are run by Select on Monday to Friday only.
The 54 and 55 plate darts are regularly used on Cannock services as well
BVU/BVT needs a refurb as well. Old threadbare and dirty inside
Quote from: Bob on March 09, 2017, 02:49:37 PM
Stafford always used to be an important garage with decent services. How things decline....
Indeed but surely if Stafford falls into the hands of someone willing to persevere.....As I have said on the Cannock thread surely Stafford would be better in the hands of someone like D & G. Si makes the point of Select. Certainly being based at Penkridge they could do it logistically but I don't think they have the resources at the moment to expand so rapidly
Select are already in Stafford on the 876, 877 and 878 and operating town services 11 and 73. In fact I believe that the 67 is the only Select service which doesn't serve Stafford.
D&G already work into Stafford on 14, 841 and 842.
Quote from: Hector on March 13, 2017, 11:51:38 PM
Select are already in Stafford on the 876, 877 and 878 and operating town services 11 and 73. In fact I believe that the 67 is the only Select service which doesn't serve Stafford.
D&G already work into Stafford on 14, 841 and 842.
Which underlines the point that if Arriva were to withdraw from Cannock/Stafford which I consider rther likely then D & G or to a lesser extent perhaps Select would be best placed to take on the town's network as currently operated by Arriva
All the talk about Arriva pulling out of Cannock and Stafford is to say the least intriguing. I don't know Cannock but if you look at Stafford there are basically 3 types of service, Town - currently run by Arriva with Select on 2 services, Rural to the North and East of the town run by D & G and Interurban run by Arriva and First Potteries. Certainly D & G are probably in a position now to operate the town services, Select are I think to small and would need big investment in buses and drives as they only run Monday to Friday. The Rural ones could remain as they are as could the Stafford-Telford run by Arriva and the Stafford-Hanley run by First Potteries. But this is the intriguing question what would happen to the 74/75 Stafford-Cannock and 825 Stafford-Lichfield run from Cannock Garage. These three services, I would suspect are actually profitable. Loadings during the morning and afternoon rush hours are always good, in fact standing room only on some and a fair load on most services throughout the day. Any thoughts guys 'cause I haven't a clue.
Quote from: Grinder on March 14, 2017, 04:42:09 PM
All the talk about Arriva pulling out of Cannock and Stafford is to say the least intriguing. I don't know Cannock but if you look at Stafford there are basically 3 types of service, Town - currently run by Arriva with Select on 2 services, Rural to the North and East of the town run by D & G and Interurban run by Arriva and First Potteries. Certainly D & G are probably in a position now to operate the town services, Select are I think to small and would need big investment in buses and drives as they only run Monday to Friday. The Rural ones could remain as they are as could the Stafford-Telford run by Arriva and the Stafford-Hanley run by First Potteries. But this is the intriguing question what would happen to the 74/75 Stafford-Cannock and 825 Stafford-Lichfield run from Cannock Garage. These three services, I would suspect are actually profitable. Loadings during the morning and afternoon rush hours are always good, in fact standing room only on some and a fair load on most services throughout the day. Any thoughts guys 'cause I haven't a clue.
Don't forget that most, if not all of the D&G and Select services in Stafford are subsidised, Select tried commercially on the 9 which didn't last long, D&G haven't run commercially in Stafford for a while now. Whether this provides a base to operate more services I don't know, but of a trek from Adderley Green to Stafford for example.
Good point Cheese, I had forgotten about the subsidised services and I agree Adderley Green to Stafford to run local services is a lot of dead mileage. So the question as to what happens in Stafford if Cannock closes becomes even more intriguing.
I wouldn't imagine the 74 makes that much. For example they've cut it now to the point where the last service from hospital is around 3 pm. I caught it last sat 10.45 from Cannock and there were two other people on all the way to wildwood and about 6 more got on toward Stafford all were pensioners. Coming back maybe about 10 people
Very different in the week Bob, I agree Saturdays are not as good. Last bus from Hospital is 15:48 but the last out of Stafford is 18:41, weekdays and Saturdays, then you are limited to the 75 via Penkridge and that runs till 23:38. The 75 is the better service in terms of later buses and ok for people wanting to go along the Lichfield Road, Silkmore Lane and Rickerscote Road but no use for people along the A34.
Yep they used to still run a late 74 at 2345 ish till recently. Another cutback. You now have to suffer the 75a. Saturdays used to be busy on the 74. And the 75 can now cope with cadets and solos which says a lot. The 74 is only really busy cos of students.
And the 74/825....well the 74 got upgraded in 2007 with branded Pulsars and now is often either using vehicles older than that or at best a year newer with the Volvos. The 825 was upgraded with 61 plate pulsars and now gets any crap on there. Hardly a sign of routes doing well to be fair
Bob, when the 74/75 was introduced with the route branded 57 plate Pulsar 1's it was subsidised by both the County Council and the old Mid-Staffs NHS trust. When the subsidies finished all sorts were tried including for a while 58 plate deckers from Leicester. Most 74/75 services now use either 58 plate Volvos or 61 plate Pulsar 2's. I grant you that some later services, Saturday services and Sunday use Cadets or Darts. Incidentally the 22:00 75A last night was a 58 plate Volvo. Again the 825 is normally a 58 plate Volvo even on a Sunday although the evening services are quite often Cadets. If the routes are not doing reasonably well, why are they still running until late evening, surely both the 75A and the 825 would have been cut back if they are that bad. The 825 in particular runs pretty late from the Hospital, 22:38 in the week and on Saturday and 20:38 on Sunday must be making money to keep that up.
Quote from: Grinder on March 14, 2017, 09:46:50 PM
Bob, when the 74/75 was introduced with the route branded 57 plate Pulsar 1's it was subsidised by both the County Council and the old Mid-Staffs NHS trust. When the subsidies finished all sorts were tried including for a while 58 plate deckers from Leicester. Most 74/75 services now use either 58 plate Volvos or 61 plate Pulsar 2's. I grant you that some later services, Saturday services and Sunday use Cadets or Darts. Incidentally the 22:00 75A last night was a 58 plate Volvo. Again the 825 is normally a 58 plate Volvo even on a Sunday although the evening services are quite often Cadets. If the routes are not doing reasonably well, why are they still running until late evening, surely both the 75A and the 825 would have been cut back if they are that bad. The 825 in particular runs pretty late from the Hospital, 22:38 in the week and on Saturday and 20:38 on Sunday must be making money to keep that up.
The 58 plate deckers (4201 - 4204) were at Cannock for the 74 between October 2014 and February 2016. They were from Tamworth not Leicester and were previously used on the 110 (Birmingham City Centre to Tamworth)
@Grinder.
Downgrading from deckers is not a good sign. The 61 plate pulsars were bought for the 60/825 & so Volvos three years older and anything goes on the 60 now as they aren't inter worked anymore isn't a sign of success. I wouldn't imagine the 74 & 825 are enough to make a depot profitable. There's also been a fair few breakdowns on the 825 in recent months
2206, I assumed wrongly that because they are now at Wigston that's were they came from.
Bob, I agree that 2 routes even if profitable are unlikely to make the whole garage profitable. I wasn't aware that the 825 had so many breakdowns, but going on your assertion in previous posts that the 58 Volvo's are the best that Cannock has, I can only assume that all of the Cannock routes are suffering from many breakdowns.
It strikes me that if Cannock closes, Stafford will be really out on a limb. Telford could continue with the 5 interworked with town service 6 and I suppose Tamworth could take over the 825 but who takes on the 74/75 and the remaining town services unless of course the Council does a complete about turn and subsidises them to allow someone like Select or D&G to take them on.
Arriva might not be that bothered about keeping them? Might sell the garage and routes with it. The Stafford network is half dead anyway
Quote from: Grinder on March 14, 2017, 04:42:09 PM
All the talk about Arriva pulling out of Cannock and Stafford is to say the least intriguing. I don't know Cannock but if you look at Stafford there are basically 3 types of service, Town - currently run by Arriva with Select on 2 services, Rural to the North and East of the town run by D & G and Interurban run by Arriva and First Potteries. Certainly D & G are probably in a position now to operate the town services, Select are I think to small and would need big investment in buses and drives as they only run Monday to Friday. The Rural ones could remain as they are as could the Stafford-Telford run by Arriva and the Stafford-Hanley run by First Potteries. But this is the intriguing question what would happen to the 74/75 Stafford-Cannock and 825 Stafford-Lichfield run from Cannock Garage. These three services, I would suspect are actually profitable. Loadings during the morning and afternoon rush hours are always good, in fact standing room only on some and a fair load on most services throughout the day. Any thoughts guys 'cause I haven't a clue.
Grinder's point about D & G and Select is exactly how I see it....As for the 74/75 or the 825 there's no reason why one of them couldn't be joined to the 5 to create a Telford to Cannock or Lichfield service run out of Telford. Likewise if NXWM extended say the 10 into Cannock there's perhaps no reason why this couldn't be joined to the 74/75 or even an extension of the X51 to create a platinum service into Stafford? Also perhaps Midland Classic could run the 825?
Quote from: Pete50492 on March 18, 2017, 09:08:07 AM
Grinder's point about D & G and Select is exactly how I see it....As for the 74/75 or the 825 there's no reason why one of them couldn't be joined to the 5 to create a Telford to Cannock or Lichfield service run out of Telford. Likewise if NXWM extended say the 10 into Cannock there's perhaps no reason why this couldn't be joined to the 74/75 or even an extension of the X51 to create a platinum service into Stafford? Also perhaps Midland Classic could run the 825?
Timekeeping is the main problem when u extend routes, the longer they are the harder it is to keep to a timetable.
There is also a limit to how long a route can bd & still operate under domestic drivers hours. If its too long it would have to use tacho.
SI did you look at 75 service via Penkridge, it fills in the gaps in the 74 and there are 2 runs from Penkridge to Cannock that link with the 76 SD to Wolverhampton service.
The train, changing at Rugeley is a lot cheaper than a taxi as well
I thought you'd left and wasn't coming back lol?
Oh ok. I was just basing it on about what you said when you left forum before mate 😊
The biggest question I got is how much more managing the decline in cannock can arriva do before they do one
I see
@Bob and his hatred of Cannock is still live...
No need for it at all..
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 28, 2017, 09:47:21 PM
I see @Bob and his hatred of Cannock is still live...
No need for it at all..
Hatred? Mate its a fact they've cut and cut and the Sapphire route upgrade was an epic failure, new buses brought in moved out and a fleet on the slide....By stating that's managing decline that isn't showing hatred it's stating a point. If you don't like it don't read it and go and bash a train yeah?
Why? SPD'S do alot of town work as do cadets, commanders and sometimes pulsars
Arriva appears to be due some competition...
PD1098350/10 Registered
B P BROWN TRAVEL LTD
Route: Stafford, Gaol Square to Doxey
Service number: 12
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 11 Sep 2017
In the latest release of VOSA service changes there are some changes to the 1B that look interesting. Changes to route and stopping places. Does anyone know what these route changes are? The numbers suggest a re-introduction of the 1 service number, and suggest the 1 may go to Walton again? Or is this just a remnant of days when the 1/2/3 went this way?
Quote from: Brick60000 on September 29, 2018, 01:05:01 PM
In the latest release of VOSA service changes there are some changes to the 1B that look interesting. Changes to route and stopping places. Does anyone know what these route changes are? The numbers suggest a re-introduction of the 1 service number, and suggest the 1 may go to Walton again? Or is this just a remnant of days when the 1/2/3 went this way?
Think it may just be an amendment in the town centre, can't recall exactly what the route change was. Remember that VOSA aren't very good at changing the description on their system from years ago. Don't think the 1B is changing number or anything.
Quote from: Brick60000 on September 29, 2018, 01:05:01 PM
In the latest release of VOSA service changes there are some changes to the 1B that look interesting. Changes to route and stopping places. Does anyone know what these route changes are? The numbers suggest a re-introduction of the 1 service number, and suggest the 1 may go to Walton again? Or is this just a remnant of days when the 1/2/3 went this way?
See attachment... was sent this from Staffordshire CC on request. P.s. the timetables are on the Arriva site now but obviously not specific enough to determine exact streets.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on September 29, 2018, 01:45:23 PM
See attachment... was sent this from Staffordshire CC on request. P.s. the timetables are on the Arriva site now but obviously not specific enough to determine exact streets.
As I thought, looks like just a town centre change, the fact that it starts from Earl Street and ends at Gaol Square means it's interworking with something, currently it's the 12/75?
Changes to the 1B, 74 and 825 in Stafford from January (amongst other services from Cannock depot) - see the threat called Questions for Simon at Arriva.