In Erdington at about 15:50:
3 11C's were showing as due at the same time on the RTI screen in Erdington, 1 went by out of service, 4229 and a 45XX Gemini turned up both operating a 11E to Acocks Green.
Does anyone know what caused this?
Quote from: 2206 on December 29, 2017, 06:44:45 PM
In Erdington at about 15:50:
3 11C's were showing as due at the same time on the RTI screen in Erdington, 1 went by out of service, 4229 and a 45XX Gemini turned up both operating a 11E to Acocks Green.
Does anyone know what caused this?
The 11's have been running in 2's, 3,s and more since the day the route started 😝
Quote from: 2206 on December 29, 2017, 06:44:45 PM
In Erdington at about 15:50:
3 11C's were showing as due at the same time on the RTI screen in Erdington, 1 went by out of service, 4229 and a 45XX Gemini turned up both operating a 11E to Acocks Green.
Does anyone know what caused this?
Gareth is right. The 11 and the 50 are probably the only routes not worth mentioning unless there's over 4 running together, and even that isn't uncommon. 3 11s together means a 15 minute delay, which is relatively easy considering a Circle is 2hr30. I think they're on Saturday timetables aswell which are shorter trips and shorter drop backs.
Quote from: 2206 on December 29, 2017, 06:44:45 PM
In Erdington at about 15:50:
3 11C's were showing as due at the same time on the RTI screen in Erdington, 1 went by out of service, 4229 and a 45XX Gemini turned up both operating a 11E to Acocks Green.
Does anyone know what caused this?
Traffic
Quote from: Gareth on December 29, 2017, 07:25:40 PM
The 11's have been running in 2's, 3,s and more since the day the route started 😝
I hate the 11 for that reason, always overcrowding, can't imagine the 42 drivers volunteer to go on there out of choice
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 30, 2017, 09:45:28 AM
I hate the 11 for that reason, always overcrowding, can't imagine the 42 drivers volunteer to go on there out of choice
You'd be surprised.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 30, 2017, 09:45:28 AM
I hate the 11 for that reason, always overcrowding, can't imagine the 42 drivers volunteer to go on there out of choice
More than 42 drivers mate.
I volunteered for it.
Plenty of drivers prefer it to everything else in the garage. Convenient relief point is one of the many reasons too, but the route, albeit a circle, isn't as repetitive as pretty much every other route. 37 for example is a straight line the whole way.
You only do 2.5 to 3 trips per duty as oppose to normal shorter routes.
Having a ride on it a few years ago just shows the difference between various bits of Brum!
Quote from: Westy on December 30, 2017, 11:50:40 AM
Having a ride on it a few years ago just shows the difference between various bits of Brum!
I feel like you're holding back on your words there Westy.
Let's be honest it does serve pretty much every dump in the City. Bournville & Kings Heath are the nicest bits in my opinion.
Quote from: MW on December 30, 2017, 11:53:59 AM
I feel like you're holding back on your words there Westy.
Let's be honest it does serve pretty much every dump in the City. Bournville & Kings Heath are the nicest bits in my opinion.
Doesn't realy serve every dump in the city.
Used it for years and never had a problem, you do see an occasional incident, but you see that on most routes in Birmingham from what i've seen.
Quote from: MW on December 30, 2017, 11:53:59 AM
I feel like you're holding back on your words there Westy.
Let's be honest it does serve pretty much every dump in the City. Bournville & Kings Heath are the nicest bits in my opinion.
Not all of its a dump. Acocks Green and Yardley Swan aren't that bad either. The worst part is the Perry Barr to Winston Green section. The 8 goes through more dumps than the 11.
I suppose as regards the 11, South Brum is the best bit, but other than occasional forays south of the city centre eg the bus bash at Cannon Hill Park, I tend to see North Brum mainly, coming from Walsall.
I was happy when the X51 started on Sundays then I could speed past Aston!
Quote from: Westy on December 30, 2017, 04:43:39 PM
I suppose as regards the 11, South Brum is the best bit, but other than occasional forays south of the city centre eg the bus bash at Cannon Hill Park, I tend to see North Brum mainly, coming from Walsall.
I was happy when the X51 started on Sundays then I could speed past Aston!
Nothing wrong with the Ward End to Acocks Green section.
Quote from: 2206 on December 30, 2017, 04:49:32 PM
Nothing wrong with the Ward End to Acocks Green section.
Just because you're from there? Stechford is a dump pal. One stop that's particularly scummy is where the 11C meets the 14. In fact both sides of that stop, the 11A & 14 too.
Quote from: MW on December 31, 2017, 01:49:56 AM
Just because you're from there? Stechford is a dump pal. One stop that's particularly scummy is where the 11C meets the 14. In fact both sides of that stop, the 11A & 14 too.
Steady on !
As a "proud" Stechford Resident for the past 20 years I'll have you know Stechford is home to some very bad Residents.
Quote from: MW on December 31, 2017, 01:49:56 AM
Just because you're from there? Stechford is a dump pal. One stop that's particularly scummy is where the 11C meets the 14. In fact both sides of that stop, the 11A & 14 too.
I'm not from Stechford, but what makes it a dump in comparison to other areas in the West Midlands? What is your definition of a dumpy area?
I've been using the 11 through there regularly for about 13 years, never realy had a problem myself, i've only ever seen the occasional incident, most journeys i've had have been fine.
Quote from: 2206 on December 31, 2017, 03:17:20 PM
I'm not from Stechford, but what makes it a dump in comparison to other areas in the West Midlands? What is a dumpy area?
Stechford isn't that bad. In fact I've always found it decent when travelling through.
Quote from: MW on December 31, 2017, 01:49:56 AM
Just because you're from there? Stechford is a dump pal. One stop that's particularly scummy is where the 11C meets the 14. In fact both sides of that stop, the 11A & 14 too.
Stechford is fine, the Winston Green is the worst part of the route, Aston/Witton isn't nice either.
Quote from: 2206 on December 31, 2017, 03:17:20 PM
I'm not from Stechford, but what makes it a dump in comparison to other areas in the West Midlands? What is your definition of a dumpy area?
I've been using the 11 through there regularly for about 13 years, never realy had a problem myself, i've only ever seen the occasional incident, most journeys i've had have been fine.
I have a mate from stretchford and he even he admits it's a horrible area. He says avoid at all costs.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 31, 2017, 04:11:34 PM
I have a mate from stretchford and he even he admits it's a horrible area. He says avoid at all costs.
I disagree i've walked through it lots of times as well as travelling on the 11 through it, I don't see the problem with it. I travel through it on the 11 most days and its always decent travelling through it.
Have you ever been there anyway? And its Stechford not Stretchford,
Quote from: 2206 on December 31, 2017, 04:27:12 PM
I disagree i've walked through it lots of times as well as travelling on the 11 through it, I don't see the problem with it.
Have you ever been there anyway. Its Stechford not Stretchford,
I agree - I've passed through on the 55 a lot (plus the 54 when it ran) and it's not bad at all. I have relatives who live in Stechford and even they say it's a nice, friendly area. Not bad at all, just down the road is Bromford Council Estate, which is horrible.
Quote from: Jack on December 31, 2017, 04:30:07 PM
I agree - I've passed through on the 55 a lot (plus the 54 when it ran) and it's not bad at all. I have relatives who live in Stechford and even they say it's a nice, friendly area. Not bad at all, just down the road is Bromford Council Estate, which is horrible.
The 55 doesn't go through Stechford
I see it's the periodical 'let's knock east Birmingham even though we've only seen it from a bus window' time of year again.
As with many areas of the city, it's changed a lot over the last 20 yrs, and admittedly some changes are not always for the better. And unless you're from a particular area, you don't really know what it's like. You can't get a picture of anywhere when you're only passing through because you picked a bus you wanted to hear a cooling fan on. (See, I can generalise too, and it's not right).
Maybe we can get back to late running buses now. I'm sure Mr 4194 has been keeping an eye on the 9's and 4H's.
Quote from: Gareth on December 31, 2017, 07:13:16 PM
I see it's the periodical 'let's knock east Birmingham even though we've only seen it from a bus window' time of year again.
As with many areas of the city, it's changed a lot over the last 20 yrs, and admittedly some changes are not always for the better. And unless you're from a particular area, you don't really know what it's like. You can't get a picture of anywhere when you're only passing through because you picked a bus you wanted to hear a cooling fan on. (See, I can generalise too, and it's not right).
Maybe we can get back to late running buses now. I'm sure Mr 4194 has been keeping an eye on the 9's and 4H's.
One Pensnett driver on the 4H had a bit of a surprise Friday night when he was waiting at the back of Hayley Green to get out onto the A456 around Midnight and had to wait for me in 3225.
Quote from: Gareth on December 31, 2017, 07:13:16 PM
You can't get a picture of anywhere when you're only passing through because you picked a bus you wanted to hear a cooling fan on. (See, I can generalise too, and it's not right).
Exactly tell me what I said wrong about Stechford. I said its a fine area, never said it was a dump. If I didn't like Stechford then I wouldn't of got off the bus there then would I! I know your blaming this on me, especially as I caught 4508 just to hear a cooling fan, no not really.
Quote from: Jack on December 31, 2017, 08:00:41 PM
Exactly tell me what I said wrong about Stechford. I said its a fine area, never said it was a dump. If I didn't like Stechford then I wouldn't of got off the bus there then would I! I know your blaming this on me, especially as I caught 4508 just to hear a cooling fan, no not really.
Quote from: Jack on December 28, 2017, 10:27:48 PM
4508 - Gemini
Caught this on the 11C from Perry Barr to the Fox & Goose. As soon as I entered this I could hear the fans ready to start hoovering. Beast, one of my favourites now. Brakes great, suspension good, doors quick. Exterior smart-ish, interior faded but this is expected from a 2012 repaint. @MW you were right about this one!
You said you got of 4508 at the Fox And Goose? The Fox And Goose is in Ward End, not in Stechford
Quote from: 2206 on December 31, 2017, 08:46:48 PM
You said you got of 4508 at the Fox And Goose? The Fox And Goose is in Ward End, not in Stechford
Apologies yes, I tend to get Stechford and Ward End confused somehow.
Quote from: Tony on December 31, 2017, 07:33:54 PM
One Pensnett driver on the 4H had a bit of a surprise Friday night when he was waiting at the back of Hayley Green to get out onto the A456 around Midnight and had to wait for me in 3225.
Nice, what were you doing with that midnight in Hayley green?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 31, 2017, 09:45:51 PM
Nice, what were you doing with that midnight in Hayley green?
Back from a wedding at Hagley Hall
Quote from: Tony on December 31, 2017, 10:06:32 PM
Back from a wedding at Hagley Hall
Ah nice that's quite a long way back to YW I presume? Can't imagine what route you took
Have any of you driven the 11s late night through Stechford?
The nicest bit of the route begins at Bournville and ends at Sarehole Mill (Anti-clockwise)
Rest of it is a dump in comparison. My opinion.
Quote from: MW on January 01, 2018, 05:20:27 AM
Have any of you driven the 11s late night through Stechford?
The nicest bit of the route begins at Bournville and ends at Sarehole Mill (Anti-clockwise)
Rest of it is a dump in comparison. My opinion.
Why, whats happened there?
You might meet the odd unpleasent person there, but thats not realy what everyone in the area is like and its not realy a dump
I've used it nearly most days and have always found Stechford decent anyway, in my opinion.
Quote from: MW on January 01, 2018, 05:20:27 AM
Have any of you driven the 11s late night through Stechford?
The nicest bit of the route begins at Bournville and ends at Sarehole Mill (Anti-clockwise)
Rest of it is a dump in comparison. My opinion.
How many fare dodgers did you encounter whilst driving the 11? Can you say which locations there was the most fare dodgers?
Quote from: MW on January 01, 2018, 05:20:27 AM
Have any of you driven the 11s late night through Stechford?
The nicest bit of the route begins at Bournville and ends at Sarehole Mill (Anti-clockwise)
Rest of it is a dump in comparison. My opinion.
Nothing wrong with Harborne and Selly Oak.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 01, 2018, 09:43:23 AM
How many fare dodgers did you encounter whilst driving the 11? Can you say which locations there was the most fare dodgers?
The section between Stechford & Erdington on the 11A, without a doubt. Closely followed by Erdington to Bearwood.
City Road is a particular sh*thole come to think of it. Bloody George Dixon School. I'm sure 2900 & the PE drivers on here can relate with the 80/127/8/9.
That's the worst school on the route. Nobody likes the late board that begins at George Dixon on the 11C at about 15:15.
Quote from: MW on January 01, 2018, 04:18:24 PM
The section between Stechford & Erdington on the 11A, without a doubt. Closely followed by Erdington to Bearwood.
City Road is a particular sh*thole come to think of it. Bloody George Dixon School. I'm sure 2900 & the PE drivers on here can relate with the 80/127/8/9.
That's the worst school on the route. Nobody likes the late board that begins at George Dixon on the 11C at about 15:15.
Yeah city road isn't very nice at all, had plenty of experiences back in the day going too city hospital, and used it for a bit to handsworth before realising there was a much nicer alternative in the form of the number 16
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 01, 2018, 04:31:40 PM
Yeah city road isn't very nice at all, had plenty of experiences back in the day going too city hospital, and used it for a bit to handsworth before realising there was a much nicer alternative in the form of the number 16
I make it sound bad, but to balance everything out, this is why the 11 is one of the best routes. Picture this, you're running late in convoy with about 3 other buses which is a regular thing, and the rush hour is beginning to clear up. Now you've got about 3 late buses, most likely all terminating at Acocks Green Village to finish in garage due to the end of the peak. As an enthusiast, this is where it gets frikin awesome. You'll just have Geminis after Geminis in full thrash and hopefully cooling fans blaring. That's my favourite bit lmao. I don't know what the 11 would be without Geminis. Even the Crimson ones don't sound the same anymore, with all that e-fan stuff.
Quote from: MW on January 01, 2018, 04:40:12 PM
I make it sound bad, but to balance everything out, this is why the 11 is one of the best routes. Picture this, you're running late in convoy with about 3 other buses which is a regular thing, and the rush hour is beginning to clear up. Now you've got about 3 late buses, most likely all terminating at Acocks Green Village to finish in garage due to the end of the peak. As an enthusiast, this is where it gets frikin awesome. You'll just have Geminis after Geminis in full thrash and hopefully cooling fans blaring. That's my favourite bit lmao. I don't know what the 11 would be without Geminis. Even the Crimson ones don't sound the same anymore, with all that e-fan stuff.
I don't think anything will beat the Metrobuses for the 11 route, seeing 5,6,7 or even more running together was a sight to behold, particularly when there was a mix of MK1,11 AND 11A versions on the route circa year 2000. Best buses was PB 2039 and 2400, which I think is actually still going somewhere. The Metros were just special in every way and perfect on that route.
Quote from: j789 on January 01, 2018, 07:59:04 PM
I don't think anything will beat the Metrobuses for the 11 route, seeing 5,6,7 or even more running together was a sight to behold, particularly when there was a mix of MK1,11 AND 11A versions on the route circa year 2000. Best buses was PB 2039 and 2400, which I think is actually still going somewhere. The Metros were just special in every way and perfect on that route.
2400 is with G H Watts in their bed white livery looking really smart for a bus 35 years old
@j789
Quote from: MW on January 01, 2018, 04:40:12 PM
I make it sound bad, but to balance everything out, this is why the 11 is one of the best routes. Picture this, you're running late in convoy with about 3 other buses which is a regular thing, and the rush hour is beginning to clear up. Now you've got about 3 late buses, most likely all terminating at Acocks Green Village to finish in garage due to the end of the peak. As an enthusiast, this is where it gets frikin awesome. You'll just have Geminis after Geminis in full thrash and hopefully cooling fans blaring. That's my favourite bit lmao. I don't know what the 11 would be without Geminis. Even the Crimson ones don't sound the same anymore, with all that e-fan stuff.
I agree with you, I've always like the 11 for the Gemini's (Presidents too, the ALX400's too now, they often blare their fans round, 4300 is one). Riding them on roads like Aston Lane, City Road and Rookery Road etc are great for the fans to echo down. Once I've been in Acocks Green Village when there was convoy of three NIS 11 branded Gemini's all heading up Westley Road, presumably they were late and doing 11E's and finishing at the Village. The line (in order) was 4679, 4665, 4508 (blaring its fans) with the exception of 4653 (still in red/white at this point) which was swapped off the 37 with an E200 MMC for a fault. This was at some point in March/April 2016.
Slightly off topic: what routes from each garage are usually for the newbies? From my understanding the longer you work there the more choice of routes you get?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 02, 2018, 02:42:41 PM
Slightly off topic: what routes from each garage are usually for the newbies? From my understanding the longer you work there the more choice of routes you get?
Pensnett Starter Rota: 120,140,241,276
Wolverhampton Starter Rota (Bilston): 11,25,27,79,81,82.
Quote from: Dom on January 02, 2018, 03:40:58 PM
Pensnett Starter Rota: 120,140,241,276
Wolverhampton Starter Rota (Bilston): 11,25,27,79,81,82.
PN routes quite good then actually- at least there not punished by e200s on 243/244. 241/140 would have thought is one of PN best routes!
may be wrong, but iirc, PB's starter routes were 7, 16, 65 & 101
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 02, 2018, 03:45:32 PM
PN routes quite good then actually- at least there not punished by e200s on 243/244. 241/140 would have thought is one of PN best routes!
The 276 is a nice route too, I use it fairly regularly to visit family near Quarry Bank, it has some really nice roads and goes through some nice areas on the section between Dudley and Merry Hill, and I don't remember the route past there being bad either. The only downside is how busy it can get at times, with the amount of people going to Merry Hill.
Quote from: DJ98 on January 02, 2018, 05:36:57 PM
The 276 is a nice route too, I use it fairly regularly to visit family near Quarry Bank, it has some really nice roads and goes through some nice areas on the section between Dudley and Merry Hill, and I don't remember the route past there being bad either. The only downside is how busy it can get at times, with the amount of people going to Merry Hill.
I enjoyed riding the Merc's on the 276. A nice long journey of thrash and beasts. 1707 was one of my favourites on the 276, glad to hear it was preserved.
West Bromwich is the Soho Rota 74, 80/A, 48/A, 49, 89, 47
Quote from: MW on January 01, 2018, 04:18:24 PM
The section between Stechford & Erdington on the 11A, without a doubt. Closely followed by Erdington to Bearwood.
City Road is a particular sh*thole come to think of it. Bloody George Dixon School. I'm sure 2900 & the PE drivers on here can relate with the 80/127/8/9.
That's the worst school on the route. Nobody likes the late board that begins at George Dixon on the 11C at about 15:15.
yes bloody George Dixon school nasty as f**k
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 02, 2018, 02:42:41 PM
Slightly off topic: what routes from each garage are usually for the newbies? From my understanding the longer you work there the more choice of routes you get?
W/B starter rota scrapped a while a go, newbies get Dudley rd plus 120A/127/8 welcome to the party ladies and gentlemen ,fair few newbies started before Christmas
Quote from: 2900 on January 04, 2018, 09:41:20 AM
W/B starter rota scrapped a while a go, newbies get Dudley rd plus 120A/127/8 welcome to the party ladies and gentlemen
Is the 120A a bad route? Considering its goes through some 'not nice' areas it seems to be quiet. Only ridden it several times so don't know too much about it.
Quote from: CL on January 02, 2018, 05:29:32 PM
may be wrong, but iirc, PB's starter routes were 7, 16, 65 & 101
Newbies go on any rota where there is a space. We have never had starter routes
Quote from: John on January 04, 2018, 02:35:52 PM
Newbies go on any rota where there is a space. We have never had starter routes
Another question do Nx have straight 12 hour Rotas? I know diamond do. Going to be a break in the middle I know
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 04, 2018, 08:47:20 PM
Another question do Nx have straight 12 hour Rotas? I know diamond do. Going to be a break in the middle I know
Any company with a decent union presence and support (Unite etc) would not have a 12 hour straight rota!
Quote from: John on January 04, 2018, 02:35:52 PM
Newbies go on any rota where there is a space. We have never had starter routes
Ah, so I see. :P
What about BC?
Quote from: John on January 04, 2018, 02:35:52 PM
Newbies go on any rota where there is a space. We have never had starter routes
West brom did use to have a starter rota a while back now probably scrapped before you started.
Quote from: j789 on January 04, 2018, 09:43:02 PM
Any company with a decent union presence and support (Unite etc) would not have a 12 hour straight rota!
unite toothless waste of money over all, Union chairman of each garage receives a wage from the company , conflict of interest one could say
A quick question to drivers:
How many of you have good geographical knowledge of your routes. Only the other day I asked a driver on the PN 9 which bus stop is Best for Portland road, and she said I have no idea I only drive the route. Back in the day I believe drivers were much more aware of Their routes
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 06, 2018, 08:50:14 PM
A quick question to drivers:
How many of you have good geographical knowledge of your routes. Only the other day I asked a driver on the PN 9 which bus stop is Best for Portland road, and she said I have no idea I only drive the route. Back in the day I believe drivers were much more aware of Their routes
Best stop on the 9 for Portland Road - Hagley Road, Portland Road - Outside the Chef & Brewer and the Strathallan Hotel.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 06, 2018, 08:50:14 PM
Back in the day I believe drivers were much more aware of Their routes
Possibly because there were more garages in those days closer to a drivers home address? And garages used to run fewer routes, meaning drivers used to get more knowledge of a route?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 06, 2018, 08:50:14 PM
A quick question to drivers:
How many of you have good geographical knowledge of your routes. Only the other day I asked a driver on the PN 9 which bus stop is Best for Portland road, and she said I have no idea I only drive the route. Back in the day I believe drivers were much more aware of Their routes
It's impossible to know every stop name/area on every route. For one thing a lot of passengers (and drivers for that matter) would refer to the same stop by different names, perhaps using a road nearby/ a shop/ a pub etc so that adds confusion for a start. Also, how is it possible to know every side road on each route which is often what you get asked which often aret bus stops or fare stages.
I know NXWM tend to stick to a few routes all the time o perhaps it is slightly more likely their drivers would know the roads but at Worcester I can drive most of our routes, except Hereford contract ones, which cover a massive area from Birmingham to Tewesbury and Evesham. The 144 route is 28 miles long and must have 70+ stops, it shouldn't be realistic to expect a driver who may live in a completely different area themselves to be familiar with every road on a route.
The PN drivers on the 9 may not live anywhere near the route so may not be aware of every side road or landmark so don't be too unrealitic in your expectations, I think we all try to do our best driving. Maybe you should try it out and see how 'easy' it is to remember everything.
Quote from: 2206 on January 06, 2018, 08:57:50 PM
Best stop on the 9 for Portland Road - Hagley Road, Portland Road - Outside the Chef & Brewer and the Strathallan Hotel.
Given that Portland Road is a major junction, the 9 does the occasional (untimetabled) short working that finishes there, and the PN operated 829 uses Portland Road from St Paul's school, you'd expect a driver on the 9 to know it. As previously posted, one of the issues these days is that garages aren't local and can serve huge areas. When I was younger and garages like Cotteridge, Selly Oak and Harborne existed, drivers tended to live locally to these garages and knew the routes (which were much fewer in number) like the back of their hands. Unfortunately, that situation is long gone. A blind chap got on the 22 the other day and asked the driver if it went past Chad Road. The driver had no idea, saying he didn't normally drive that route - I had to tell the chap it did, and show him when to get off.
A quick question for bus drivers, how enjoyable do you find bus driving, I've asked a lot of non bus drivers and most of them have said its boring, I've also read a lot of complaints about management.
Quote from: Mike K on January 06, 2018, 10:50:34 PM
Given that Portland Road is a major junction, the 9 does the occasional (untimetabled) short working that finishes there, and the PN operated 829 uses Portland Road from St Paul's school, you'd expect a driver on the 9 to know it. As previously posted, one of the issues these days is that garages aren't local and can serve huge areas. When I was younger and garages like Cotteridge, Selly Oak and Harborne existed, drivers tended to live locally to these garages and knew the routes (which were much fewer in number) like the back of their hands. Unfortunately, that situation is long gone. A blind chap got on the 22 the other day and asked the driver if it went past Chad Road. The driver had no idea, saying he didn't normally drive that route - I had to tell the chap it did, and show him when to get off.
The 829 isn't the only service they operate on Portland Road. The PN operated the 129 uses Portland Road as well
@Mike K.