First 4 of the new WF Streetlites are entering service:
https://m.facebook.com/HallmarkBus/photos/a.532517550450920.1073741828.352704041765606/652764851759522/?type=3
Some of the longer, DF Streetlites are now in service (not my photo)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153467089@N08/43298030854/in/photolist-28Y6J6m
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 14, 2018, 01:56:52 PM
Some of the longer, DF Streetlites are now in service (not my photo)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153467089@N08/43298030854/in/photolist-28Y6J6m
There should be nine new Streetlites in total according to latest Rotala Fleetchanges, I assume there's 6 x WF (20150-5) & 3 x DF (20156-8), all Hallmark's are ex dealer stock.
3 of 5 new DF Streetlites for Hotel Hoppa, I believe the first 2 were expected to been delivered Friday:
https://busesandbits.smugmug.com/Heysham-Docks-201518-and-some-/Heysham-Docks-01-06-2019/
Winston
thanks as ever for the additional info - presumably the StreetLites for Heathrow will be another batch to continue the slow upgrade of the Heathrow Hoppa vehicles?
Quote from: amodelofcontrol on February 18, 2020, 05:53:21 PM
Winston
thanks as ever for the additional info - presumably the StreetLites for Heathrow will be another batch to continue the slow upgrade of the Heathrow Hoppa vehicles?
There's another 15 x 9.6m DF due in total for Hoppa
(to be delivered in batches of 5, due May, June & Oct respectively)
This week's N&P has the Bicester Village shuttle registered by City of Oxford from June 20th.
But oddly this week's N&P shows an increase of the VA at Grayline's depot to 5!
This is to operate the 250 Bicester-Oxford, formerly run by Oxford Bus.
;
(courtesy Oxford and Chilterns bus page)
Quote from: mikestone on June 06, 2020, 12:38:23 AM
This is to operate the 250 Bicester-Oxford, formerly run by Oxford Bus.
;
(courtesy Oxford and Chilterns bus page)
Never understood the logic them running the Bicester Village shuttle, thought that Oxford Bus Company taking it over would finally see the end of a weird isolated Rotala operation but no....
They are advertising for new drivers - wierdly it says a driving licence is preferred and a pcv licence essential!
'
https://www.indeed.co.uk/job/pcv-bus-driver-eed4e30ccdcbbdb6
;
and it also says knowledge of Heathrow is advantageous, so perhaps they plan(ned) to also utilise the drivers to bring tourists from Heathrow hotels to Bicester Village
Quote from: mikestone on June 06, 2020, 12:38:23 AM
This is to operate the 250 Bicester-Oxford, formerly run by Oxford Bus.
;
(courtesy Oxford and Chilterns bus page)
There's a few more Bicester routes up for grabs as well in the tender round which just closed so Rotala could end up with a few more routes locally.
Streetlites 20168/70/72 SM19KKP/S/O have transferred north to operate the 250 it seems.
Caught the Hallmark 250 the other day, and interestingly the ticket paper had the Diamond branding all up the sides.
Obviously I know it's the same company, everything printed mentioned Hallmark, but just found it strange they wouldn't have blank rolls of paper instead
Why buy 2 lots of rolls when if you buy just one type you get a larger bulk discount on the printing
Just seen on Flickr that 32321 is now down at Hallmark for a bit and according to bustimes.org is out in service on the 458... https://flic.kr/p/2kBAA7M
Also 32311 has now been repainted back into the Brighter Diamond base livery after spending a few months at Hallmark in a white livery... https://flic.kr/p/2kBE8F1 (old livery at Hallmark https://flic.kr/p/2kimGhB)
At the moment it would appear 20176, 20182 and 20183 have been transferred down to Hallmark and have entered service. So I suspect the others won't be far behind...
20176: https://flic.kr/p/2kBALi3
20182: https://flic.kr/p/2kBDUZZ
20183: https://flic.kr/p/2kBtSH6
Quote from: Michael Bevan on February 15, 2021, 07:13:58 AM
Just seen on Flickr that 32321 is now down at Hallmark for a bit and according to bustimes.org is out in service on the 458... https://flic.kr/p/2kBAA7M
Also 32311 has now been repainted back into the Brighter Diamond base livery after spending a few months at Hallmark in a white livery... https://flic.kr/p/2kBE8F1 (old livery at Hallmark https://flic.kr/p/2kimGhB)
At the moment it would appear 20176, 20182 and 20183 have been transferred down to Hallmark and have entered service. So I suspect the others won't be far behind...
20176: https://flic.kr/p/2kBALi3
20182: https://flic.kr/p/2kBDUZZ
20183: https://flic.kr/p/2kBtSH6
These are being moved due to Euro 6 requirements from 1st March.
Until we see a recovery in Hoppa there is no need to transfer anymore
Simon
Hallmark is being rebranded to Diamond over the next few weeks, as per a post on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/HallmarkBus/posts/1337416136627720
News coming in that the London and Surrey fire services are currently attending the Bedfont Road depot due to a fire in a ground floor kitchen.
https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2021/february/fire-at-bus-depot-stanwell/
QuoteEight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire at a bus depot on Bedfont Road in Hounslow.
A kitchen on the ground floor of the depot was completely destroyed by the fire and a small part of the roof was damaged. Four members of staff left the building before the Brigade arrived, there were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 2134 and the fire was under control by 2357 . Fire crews from Feltham, Hayes, Heathrow and Heston fire stations attended the scene. Three fire engines from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service also attended and assisted with the incident.
The cause of fire is under investigation.
It been reported on the fleet changes, that some coaches have been acquired numbered 11552-11557 for Stanwell. Does anybody know the details of these please.
Quote from: LancashireLad on June 15, 2021, 08:44:55 PM
It been reported on the fleet changes, that some coaches have been acquired numbered 11552-11557 for Stanwell. Does anybody know the details of these please.
only have to check the fleetlist on the main site
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/fleetlist2.html
Cheers
32310 now in service at Diamond Bus South East
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steves-travels/51710020386/
Interesting to see that Diamond have made some improvements to their 250 in Oxfordshire (my neck of the woods), with extra peak and new Sunday short journeys between Heyford and Bicester. It's a route that never really saw much investment under COMS/Thames Travel and honestly wasn't expecting Diamond do do anything other than just run it as is, so kudos to them (presume it's funded by the developments in Heyford)
Side note - worth renaming this thread to "Diamond - South East"?
Quote from: Kevin on January 13, 2022, 01:10:22 PM
Side note - worth renaming this thread to "Diamond - South East"?
Consider it done ;)
I've seen a video on Facebook today of Streetlite 32310 (SK16 GXN) in what I can only assume is Stanwell depot workshop where it has fell off the workshop ramp the video isn't the best quality so I can't make out what damage has been done but I can only assume it'll now be a write off
Quote from: hlliwmai on October 14, 2022, 01:58:33 PMI've seen a video on Facebook today of Streetlite 32310 (SK16 GXN) in what I can only assume is Stanwell depot workshop where it has fell off the workshop ramp the video isn't the best quality so I can't make out what damage has been done but I can only assume it'll now be a write off
No, it will be repaired by Wrightbus
Quote from: winston on October 14, 2022, 02:00:37 PMNo, it will be repaired by Wrightbus
A contractor was on site undertaking a repair to a vehicle. The contractor was using our lifts, and failed to mount the vehicle properly on the lifts.
We have the whole incident on CCTV.
The vehicle is being repaired by Wrights.
The Bedfont Lakes business park services BL1/2 to Feltham/Heathrow respectively are being taken over from RATP London United from Monday 13th February 2023 (or 2022 if you look at the Diamond website image :tongue:).
https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/new-bedfont-lakes-service-130223/
Quote from: Kevin on January 13, 2022, 01:10:22 PMInteresting to see that Diamond have made some improvements to their 250 in Oxfordshire (my neck of the woods), with extra peak and new Sunday short journeys between Heyford and Bicester. It's a route that never really saw much investment under COMS/Thames Travel and honestly wasn't expecting Diamond do do anything other than just run it as is, so kudos to them (presume it's funded by the developments in Heyford)
Side note - worth renaming this thread to "Diamond - South East"?
On this, Diamond South East stop operating the service after today. I have looked to see if there is another operator taking over it, but neither bustimes nor Traveline list anything. Diamond's tweets tell you to refer to Oxfordshire County Council website which doesn't appear to be aware of the route withdrawal.
Quote from: ellspurs on February 11, 2023, 04:10:08 AMOn this, Diamond South East stop operating the service after today. I have looked to see if there is another operator taking over it, but neither bustimes nor Traveline list anything. Diamond's tweets tell you to refer to Oxfordshire County Council website which doesn't appear to be aware of the route withdrawal.
I have checked on both Stagecoach Oxfordshire and Oxford Bus Company websites as well and neither operator states a replacement service will be provided. However the existing Stagecoach S5 service partly covers the route and it looks like other sections will be covered by Grayline Coaches service 24 with effect from Monday 13th February.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on February 11, 2023, 09:08:26 AMI have checked on both Stagecoach Oxfordshire and Oxford Bus Company websites as well and neither operator states a replacement service will be provided. However the existing Stagecoach S5 service partly covers the route and it looks like other sections will be covered by Grayline Coaches service 24 with effect from Monday 13th February.
The Omnibus Society's Eastern & Southern Branch Bulletin for February reports that Red Rose will be running 250 between Bicester and Lower Heyford, but Mon-Fri only. This and the 24 are the (part) replacements for Diamond 250.
Quote from: Justin Tyme on February 11, 2023, 03:54:01 PMThe Omnibus Society's Eastern & Southern Branch Bulletin for February reports that Red Rose will be running 250 between Bicester and Lower Heyford, but Mon-Fri only. This and the 24 are the (part) replacements for Diamond 250.
I have checked both the Red Rose website and VOSA and neither mention the registration of a service 250. I of course except that this may not be up to date. The only new registration is for the 24 I mentioned in my comment.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on February 11, 2023, 06:00:35 PMI have checked both the Red Rose website and VOSA and neither mention the registration of a service 250. I of course except that this may not be up to date. The only new registration is for the 24 I mentioned in my comment.
It has been registered as route 25.
Quote from: 2206 on February 11, 2023, 06:04:05 PMIt has been registered as route 25.
That's why I couldn't find it, however the timetable is not yet on the Red Rose website. Hopefully this will be rectified ASAP since it starts Monday.
No idea what Streetlite 32321 was doing in deepest North London today,but I saw it at Wood Green just before 9am.
Quote from: markcf83 on February 12, 2023, 06:42:28 PMNo idea what Streetlite 32321 was doing in deepest North London today,but I saw it at Wood Green just before 9am.
Rail replacement or temporary loan to Diamond South East perhaps?
32321 is allocated to Diamond SE
Quote from: winston on February 12, 2023, 10:15:23 PM32321 is allocated to Diamond SE
I'm aware of that-even more so given I saw it in Kingston when checking my records at home last night with eyelids effectively propped up by matchsticks......
Quote from: Rachvince53 on February 12, 2023, 09:35:51 PMRail replacement or temporary loan to Diamond South East perhaps?
It was blinded for a rail replacement service, though for whom I have no idea as the East Coast main line is a quarter of a mile away at Alexander Palace.
Quote from: markcf83 on February 13, 2023, 08:45:02 PMIt was blinded for a rail replacement service, though for whom I have no idea as the East Coast main line is a quarter of a mile away at Alexander Palace.
HS2? Perhaps route learning in case the HS2 doesn't go to Central London?!
Quote from: markcf83 on February 13, 2023, 08:43:25 PMI'm aware of that-even more so given I saw it in Kingston when checking my records at home last night with eyelids effectively propped up by matchsticks......
I was replying to Rachvince53 comments above my post, but forgot to quote it.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on February 13, 2023, 08:54:10 PMHS2? Perhaps route learning in case the HS2 doesn't go to Central London?!
That'll run from Euston. Ally Pally is on the East Coast main line, which runs from King's Cross.
The "UB1UB2 Southall" Twitter page has posted a video of what appears to be a Diamond Streetdeck post-decapitation under a railway bridge in Staines. The single deck route 458 comes under here normally, but it's believed this was on rail replacement.
https://twitter.com/UB1UB2/status/1644771125543731200
Vehicle involved appears to be 40714(SL16YPH), a Wright Streetdeck and one of only two double deckers at Diamond South East.
(Info from bustimes.org fleet list)
Rotala have on order 3 x Custom Denning 10.2m single decker electric buses from Australia, they have been ordered for the Bedfont Lakes contract & will be allocated to Stanwell Depot. They should be 24 seaters & will be numbered 39001-3 (due Feb 2024 onwards)
Quote from: winston on June 05, 2023, 01:29:38 PMRotala have on order 3 x Custom Denning 10.2m single decker electric buses from Australia, they have been ordered for the Bedfont Lakes contract & will be allocated to Stanwell Depot. They should be 24 seaters & will be numbered 39001-3 (due Feb 2024 onwards)
is that Simon's brother' business as I know he has a business making buses
Quote from: hlliwmai on June 05, 2023, 02:29:26 PMis that Simon's brother' business as I know he has a business making buses
Yes
Quote from: winston on June 05, 2023, 01:29:38 PMRotala have on order 3 x Custom Denning 10.2m single decker electric buses from Australia, they have been ordered for the Bedfont Lakes contract & will be allocated to Stanwell Depot. They should be 24 seaters & will be numbered 39001-3 (due Feb 2024 onwards)
Interesting development, ableit one I predicted a few years ago when the model was unveiled, and did a quick mock up of!
(https://i.imgur.com/gx7jzUQ.png)
The Hotel Hoppa. Had the pleasure of them this weekend.
Yesterday - H5A showed up on time, bus a bit worse for wear, got me to where I needed to get to.
Today - H5A didn't show up at the hotel I was waiting for it from. Tracking initially showed no buses on route, then it picked up one travelling away from the hotel I was waiting for it at 5 minutes after its due time. Two ladies had been waiting even longer for it. Two H2As went past but needed to get to Terminal 5, not 2. Guessing the lack of bus turning up was a known issue as the car park attendant at the hotel phoned up a taxi and got the taxi driver to drop us off a T5 only paying the cost of bus plus the £5 Heathrow drop off fee.
If I had wait for one to maybe turn up, then I probably would have missed the coach back up.