What's the story with this operator, Thandi & it's associated bus operators that came under it's wing
thandi has had a lot of names over the years
here are so of them could be more
Ak travel Coach Express City Solutions Lynx Solutions Alma ST
Finesse Coaches Thandi travels buses Jline London ST
transol based Holyhead rd.
MBC1 Rest&Ride Taj Rolfe St
Walsall Travel
Goldenline Oldbury or was it Gold Bus that was in Oldbury
1 based in Harvills industrial estate
Not sure if Sunrise travel & Star bus service were part of the Thandi family
City solutions & lynx solutions were seperate businesses to Thandi
Sunrise & star were also seperate & part owned by the family that run sunny travel
I thought city & lynx solutions were linked to thandi
Quote from: Steveminor on February 24, 2014, 07:40:07 AM
City solutions & lynx solutions were seperate businesses to Thandi
Sunrise & star were also seperate & part owned by the family that run sunny travel
City Solutions and Midland Bus Company are both very strongly linked, Both City Solutions and Lynx Solutions had there registered office at the Alma Street, so although they were not owned directly by Thandi they still had a strong link with them
I believe they rented space from Thandi & used them for maintenance
Why have Elite Coach services (thandi ?) moved from London St Smethwick to only
a few streets way
Where are they now? I've also noticed most of the coaches have had thandi executive took off the sides?
Abberley St Smethwick that's Where Elite coaches listed as bus & coach depot 2 abberley
St Smethwick b66 2QL in n&p
Does anyone know the identity of a Thandi caetano nimbus I saw this afternoon? I can't find any trace of them having one by searching the internet.
Quote from: N94 on June 04, 2014, 07:55:57 PM
Does anyone know the identity of a Thandi caetano nimbus I saw this afternoon? I can't find any trace of them having one by searching the internet.
@N94There are 2
'T88 NND' and T99 NND'
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14220676167/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14405821192/
The fleet lists for Thandi/Evergreen/Finesse need updating as seen quite a few coaches not listed.
Quote from: John on June 12, 2014, 07:14:03 PM
There are 2
'T88 NND' and T99 NND'
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14220676167/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14405821192/
Not too sure if these right but apologies in advance!
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on May 03, 2014, 08:54:58 AM
Ensign in April
Darts Y368 / 373 / 376HMY : Finesse Coaches, Smethwick.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonsbuses/13350095043/ - Y368 HMY
https://www.flickr.com/photos/16313630@N07/8455149985/ - Y373 HMY
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16313630@N07/8444268953/ - Y376 HMY
Personally, I thought they bought it from Ensign Fleet - http://www.flickriver.com/photos/taffydog06/8462552062/ - MA02 BLU
There are 3 T 77 TND aswell all appearing on the 334 daily now.
In terms of Thandi WM operators now, I've kind of lost track.
There's Evergreen coaches, Thandi Coaches but also Elite Coaches who run between Walsall and Bilston? Are they all part of the same "Thandi" group or are they separate branches. Is this it? Is Discount Travel Solutions anything to do with them?
I reckon no-one could name every incarnation Thandi have had...
Evergreen ARE IN Alma ST & Thandi coaches asa well Elite Coaches r separate
@DiamondDart the buses were at first stored in a corner of Evergreen's Alma St depot, I don't know if they still are, but as far as I know the two companies are unaffiliated
Quote from: Matt on June 16, 2014, 10:09:38 PM
@DiamondDart the buses were at first stored in a corner of Evergreen's Alma St depot, I don't know if they still are, but as far as I know the two companies are unaffiliated
Right-thanks for that info :)
The buses you refer to are the blue darts I presume?
Quote from: DiamondDart on June 16, 2014, 10:11:44 PM
Quote from: Matt on June 16, 2014, 10:09:38 PM
@DiamondDart the buses were at first stored in a corner of Evergreen's Alma St depot, I don't know if they still are, but as far as I know the two companies are unaffiliated
Right-thanks for that info :)
The buses you refer to are the blue darts I presume?
Yes
Quote from: Matt on June 16, 2014, 10:09:38 PM
@DiamondDart the buses were at first stored in a corner of Evergreen's Alma St depot, I don't know if they still are, but as far as I know the two companies are unaffiliated
All vehicles in Alma Street 8 days ago were Evergreen vehicles
Quote from: Tony on June 16, 2014, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: Matt on June 16, 2014, 10:09:38 PM
@DiamondDart the buses were at first stored in a corner of Evergreen's Alma St depot, I don't know if they still are, but as far as I know the two companies are unaffiliated
All vehicles in Alma Street 8 days ago were Evergreen vehicles
Cheers Tony, do you happen to know where DTS are based now?
Quote from: Matt on June 16, 2014, 10:18:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 16, 2014, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: Matt on June 16, 2014, 10:09:38 PM
@DiamondDart the buses were at first stored in a corner of Evergreen's Alma St depot, I don't know if they still are, but as far as I know the two companies are unaffiliated
All vehicles in Alma Street 8 days ago were Evergreen vehicles
Cheers Tony, do you happen to know where DTS are based now?
11-12 Anne Street, Smethwick B66 2NZ
Quote from: fleetline6477 on June 16, 2014, 09:30:20 PM
There are 3 T 77 TND aswell all appearing on the 334 daily now.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14464086513/
here is another of the darts T99 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14503998524/
Saw one of their Plaxton Darts on the 335 today registered TJZ 2842 which Dart has been re-registered?
do evergreen and thandi have their coaches in alme street depot? because im visiting evergreens on 25th july and thandis on the same day
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:28:21 PM
do evergreen and thandi have their coaches in alme street depot? because im visiting evergreens on 25th july and thandis on the same day
Have you got advance permission? It is unusual to be allowed into either operator, and you cannot see much from the outside Thandis, although since demolishing the office block you can see a lot of Evergreen's yard from the entrance.
Thandi are in Abberley Street, about half a mile away
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:32:45 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:28:21 PM
do evergreen and thandi have their coaches in alme street depot? because im visiting evergreens on 25th july and thandis on the same day
Have you got advance permission? It is unusual to be allowed into either operator, and you cannot see much from the outside Thandis, although since demolishing the office block you can see a lot of Evergreen's yard from the entrance.
Thandi are in Abberley Street, about half a mile away
I sent them a email for Saturday 25th july and said that's ok
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:34:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:32:45 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:28:21 PM
do evergreen and thandi have their coaches in alme street depot? because im visiting evergreens on 25th july and thandis on the same day
Have you got advance permission? It is unusual to be allowed into either operator, and you cannot see much from the outside Thandis, although since demolishing the office block you can see a lot of Evergreen's yard from the entrance.
Thandi are in Abberley Street, about half a mile away
I sent them a email for Saturday 25th july and said that's ok
Good for you, is that Evergreen or both? If you visit Thandi they are closer to the 82/7 route
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:39:16 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:34:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:32:45 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:28:21 PM
do evergreen and thandi have their coaches in alme street depot? because im visiting evergreens on 25th july and thandis on the same day
Have you got advance permission? It is unusual to be allowed into either operator, and you cannot see much from the outside Thandis, although since demolishing the office block you can see a lot of Evergreen's yard from the entrance.
Thandi are in Abberley Street, about half a mile away
I sent them a email for Saturday 25th july and said that's ok
Good for you, is that Evergreen or both? If you visit Thandi they are closer to the 82/7 route
evergreen on alme street
thandi on abberley street
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:40:18 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:39:16 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:34:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:32:45 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:28:21 PM
do evergreen and thandi have their coaches in alme street depot? because im visiting evergreens on 25th july and thandis on the same day
Have you got advance permission? It is unusual to be allowed into either operator, and you cannot see much from the outside Thandis, although since demolishing the office block you can see a lot of Evergreen's yard from the entrance.
Thandi are in Abberley Street, about half a mile away
I sent them a email for Saturday 25th july and said that's ok
Good for you, is that Evergreen or both? If you visit Thandi they are closer to the 82/7 route
evergreen on alme street
thandi on abberley street
Completely seperate companies. Have you emailed both?
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:48:26 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:40:18 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:39:16 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:34:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:32:45 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:28:21 PM
do evergreen and thandi have their coaches in alme street depot? because im visiting evergreens on 25th july and thandis on the same day
Have you got advance permission? It is unusual to be allowed into either operator, and you cannot see much from the outside Thandis, although since demolishing the office block you can see a lot of Evergreen's yard from the entrance.
Thandi are in Abberley Street, about half a mile away
I sent them a email for Saturday 25th july and said that's ok
Good for you, is that Evergreen or both? If you visit Thandi they are closer to the 82/7 route
evergreen on alme street
thandi on abberley street
Completely seperate companies. Have you emailed both?
emailed thandi and evergreen tony
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 05:41:58 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:48:26 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:40:18 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:39:16 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:34:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2014, 04:32:45 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 29, 2014, 04:28:21 PM
do evergreen and thandi have their coaches in alme street depot? because im visiting evergreens on 25th july and thandis on the same day
Have you got advance permission? It is unusual to be allowed into either operator, and you cannot see much from the outside Thandis, although since demolishing the office block you can see a lot of Evergreen's yard from the entrance.
Thandi are in Abberley Street, about half a mile away
I sent them a email for Saturday 25th july and said that's ok
Good for you, is that Evergreen or both? If you visit Thandi they are closer to the 82/7 route
evergreen on alme street
thandi on abberley street
Completely seperate companies. Have you emailed both?
emailed thandi and evergreen tony
Both are a bit of a walk off the bus routes, didn't want you disappointed just because you had confused operators with both using the Thandi name
PD1060316/7 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between BILSTON BUS STATION and WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) given service number 334 effective from 21-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14701748717/ the other one of the batch thandi has
PD1060316/7 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BILSTON BUS STATION and WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) given service number 334 effective from 14-Oct-2014. To amend Timetable.
changing again wonder what the change is as it changed not long ago
Registeration AJI 1870 is now on a minicoach (ex ??) & in Thandi Executive livery. However it was on the 751 to Southall this morning. These services are usually operated by Thandi Express liveried Evergreen coaches.
Displaying results 1 to 1 out of 1 results found
1. PD1060316/7 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BILSTON BUS STATION and WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) given service number 334 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable
Thandi are selling coaches on ebay
AJI979 Volvo B12 Vanhool Astrobel- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1995-VOLVO-B12-VANHOOL-ASTROBEL-COACH/201236126376?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28111%26meid%3Dce88c12443f94113b16bc36010acdf61%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D11472%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D331406183083&rt=nc
XIL8977 Volvo B12R Jonckheere Deauville- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1994-VOLVO-B12R-JONCKHEERE-DEAUVILLE-COACH-SOLD/201235357229?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28111%26meid%3Ddab0b0a22cdb4c9eaf4fbe9ef4307c5e%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D11472%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D201236126376&rt=nc
7 Of their presidents-http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-2001-Plaxton-B7TL-President-Choice-Of-Seven-Double-Decker-Buses-/321597906483?pt=UK_Minibuses_Buses_Coaches&hash=item4ae0ba9e33
YSV797 (Evergreen) Volvo B12R Berkhoff-http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-B12R-1997-BERKHOFF-EXCELLANCE-3000-75-SEATER-AUTOMATIC-DOUBLE-DECKER-COACH/321598065298?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28111%26meid%3Dbd64280dfac34f1a822dc28ee344d1b7%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D11472%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D321597906483&rt=nc
Quote from: Matt on December 21, 2014, 06:55:57 PM
Presidents for sale...confirms what I heard about them
All of them by the looks of it-do we reckon they plan to use other older vehicles on their school contracts or even coaches?
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 21, 2014, 07:24:06 PM
Quote from: Matt on December 21, 2014, 06:55:57 PM
Presidents for sale...confirms what I heard about them
All of them by the looks of it-do we reckon they plan to use other older vehicles on their school contracts or even coaches?
Or have they lost some school contracts?
Quote from: Matt on December 21, 2014, 06:55:57 PM
Presidents for sale...confirms what I heard about them
I wonder if they've been undercut by cowboys with even dodgier vehicles/....
Anyone seen the Caetano darts out recently as the last few times I've been in Walsall, all I've seen is the older darts eg the VLA ones. May just be bad luck so interested to hear if anyone's seen them?
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 27, 2014, 08:43:35 PM
Anyone seen the Caetano darts out recently as the last few times I've been in Walsall, all I've seen is the older darts eg the VLA ones. May just be bad luck so interested to hear if anyone's seen them?
Saw them a few times today around Bilston on the 334
Quote from: Nathan on December 27, 2014, 09:05:55 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on December 27, 2014, 08:43:35 PM
Anyone seen the Caetano darts out recently as the last few times I've been in Walsall, all I've seen is the older darts eg the VLA ones. May just be bad luck so interested to hear if anyone's seen them?
Saw them a few times today around Bilston on the 334
Thanks for the info on that Nathan!
Have R159VLR and R161VLR been withdrawn? Could have chased these years ago but worth the ask I suppose
1 of the caetano has been re reg'd unless they have another one https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15520958153/
Quote from: Solo1 on December 29, 2014, 08:20:48 PM
1 of the caetano has been re reg'd unless they have another one https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15520958153/
That is another one they have acquired from Pickford, Chippenham. It arrived carrying that registration
Quote from: Tony on December 29, 2014, 08:29:05 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on December 29, 2014, 08:20:48 PM
1 of the caetano has been re reg'd unless they have another one https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15520958153/
That is another one they have acquired from Pickford, Chippenham. It arrived carrying that registration
Originally X197FOR
Another thandi coach for sale
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=201259103038
South Wolverhampton & Bilston academy buses https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16239428292/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16238398351/in/photostream/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16054395667/in/photostream/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16214336796/in/photostream/
Thandi school services bus with advert for Bowens holiday's https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16253368751/
Thandi Blue coach doing a 3 point turn in church croft halesowen at 1509hrs
AJI230 Just departed Moor Street 1921hrs
EDIT - http://www.busphotography.co.uk/picture.php?/11116/category/82
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 11, 2015, 07:21:31 PM
AJI230 Just departed Moor Street 1921hrs
Saw it leave Corporation Street at about 8:50 this morning, it went down the Priory Queensway. I was thinking it was probably doing the fort bus?
4 Thandi B10M's for sale
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-7-VOLVO-B10M-PLAXTON-PREMIERE-COACH-/201289467004?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2eddc9847c
PD1060316/7 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BILSTON BUS STATION and WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) given service number 334 effective from 20-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable
Thandi are now describing themselves on their destination displays; it reads ''thandicoachesuk' I thought it said ''thandi coaches suk.
Thandi selling B10M coaches
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-7-VOLVO-B10M-PLAXTON-PREMIERE-COACH-/201314913764?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2edf4dcde4
Quote from: Matt on April 03, 2015, 02:24:07 PM
Thandi seem to be selling a lot but buying very little
Maybe they are downsizing? Like Greenbus
Quote from: 3Q on April 03, 2015, 02:38:58 PM
Maybe they are downsizing? Like Greenbus
Haha :P There is a certain similarity ie selling buses on ebay...
Quote from: Matt on April 03, 2015, 02:52:03 PM
Ebay is a last resort for selling assets I suspect Thandi like GB would place ads elsewhere first
Funny that, never saw one advert from either in Route One trader or Coach and Bus Weekly. Not this time around anyway. Back in 2012, the small ALX dart and solo had adverts in CBW I seem to remember...
Quote from: Matt on April 03, 2015, 02:59:12 PM
Clearly you didn't look hard enough then!
Clearly neither did any potential buyers, hence why TGB's were on Ebay ::) :P
Yeah as mentioned on another forum S519TCF is at Thandi and was on the 334 yesterday
Any one see thandi on 334 today as my mate didn't see any
Waited 1 hour
@Solo1 Yeah, in the 45 minutes i was there, i saw T77 NND, T88 NND, and one other LWB Pointer Dart
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 03, 2015, 08:36:42 PM
Yeah as mentioned on another forum S519TCF is at Thandi and was on the 334 yesterday
here is S519TCF https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/17155901502/
Thandi selling more of there fleet
http://hillscoachsales.com/coach-sales/wp_car_dealer/2004-volvo-b12b-jonckheere-mistral/ (T300NDY)
http://hillscoachsales.com/coach-sales/wp_car_dealer/98-volvo-b12t-berkhof-excellence-3000/ (YSV797)
http://hillscoachsales.com/coach-sales/wp_car_dealer/85-volvo-b10mt-jonckheere-jubilee-p95/#&gid=1&pid=1 (RUI6684)
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on May 21, 2015, 05:48:26 PM
Thandi selling more of there fleet
http://hillscoachsales.com/coach-sales/wp_car_dealer/2004-volvo-b12b-jonckheere-mistral/ (T300NDY)
http://hillscoachsales.com/coach-sales/wp_car_dealer/98-volvo-b12t-berkhof-excellence-3000/ (YSV797)
http://hillscoachsales.com/coach-sales/wp_car_dealer/85-volvo-b10mt-jonckheere-jubilee-p95/#&gid=1&pid=1 (RUI6684)
1980s brown moquette and interior, nice ::) :P The 04 plate one doesn't look too bad though. The Evergreen coach looks well past its best as well...
Quote from: Matt on May 21, 2015, 10:05:14 PM
They seem to be doing an awful lot of selling and not very much buying??
They do indeed, some of their frontline coach fleet doesn't actually look too bad though, Scania Irizar's are always nice.
Has the black decker Thandi use for the fort now been withdrawn as I haven't seen it for ages as there a coach on at the moment
Quote from: Solo1 on July 12, 2015, 09:49:42 PM
Has the black decker Thandi use for the fort now been withdrawn as I haven't seen it for ages as there a coach on at the moment
Maybe it finally caught fire. Jeez the smoke coming off that thing sometimes
Mistral G15UKY was parked at JLR Solihull plant today
spotted it whilst on 6713 957 home
Hi all. Can anyone help me with this one please? Just found a crumpled piece of paper in a trouser pocket with "P454BAB/Thandi" scribbled on it. :-[ Any help appreciated - thanks. Andrew. :)
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on July 21, 2015, 09:26:10 AM
Hi all. Can anyone help me with this one please? Just found a crumpled piece of paper in a trouser pocket with "P454BAB/Thandi" scribbled on it. :-[ Any help appreciated - thanks. Andrew. :)
Hi
@B61 ANDREW, I think you'll find it was P454BAP and it's one of their Evergreen, Smethwick fleet. Saw it myself recently, I think, on the A38 Minworth.
Quote from: Ossie on July 21, 2015, 01:37:08 PM
Hi @B61 ANDREW, I think you'll find it was P454BAP and it's one of their Evergreen, Smethwick fleet. Saw it myself recently, I think, on the A38 Minworth.
Thanks for that. I reckon I saw the vehicle about a month ago in Cotteridge. :)
PD1060316/7 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BILSTON BUS STATION and WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) given service number 334 effective from 12-Nov-2015. To amend Timetable.
Any info on a new bus on 334 today
New addition to Thandi's fleet
T88NDY Mercedes Tourino
Quote from: James4368 on November 21, 2015, 05:40:48 PM
New addition to Thandi's fleet
T88NDY Mercedes Tourino
@James4368 They've had that for ages
https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/15287241143
Quote from: Dom on November 21, 2015, 07:41:11 PM
@James4368 They've had that for ages
https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/15287241143
@Dom That is T88NND!
And that's a Dart/Caetano, not a Mercedes Tourino
Quote from: Winston on November 21, 2015, 07:44:26 PM
@Dom That is T88NND!
And that's a Dart/Caetano, not a Mercedes Tourino
Oh sorry! The title says T88 NDY and went off of that...
Thandi have now got Y663 NNO (?), as it just passed me near St Thomas More school, in new Thandi livery while I was on 2701 on the 326.
Quote from: countryliner on November 27, 2015, 03:13:00 PM
@Alex - There is no such vehicle as Y663 NNO. I think that you probably mean Y663 NLO. Thandi have just recently purchased at least two of these vehicles - Y152 NLK and Y663 NLO - both of which were previously with Horizon Bus.
Yeah, NLO, I couldn't remember the reg properly.
Y835TGH is the latest Dart here. In fleet livery on the 334 now.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 16, 2015, 12:05:14 PM
Y835TGH is the latest Dart here. In fleet livery on the 334 now.
I take it they are replacing all the darts so they are all dda
Quote from: Solo1 on December 16, 2015, 03:38:20 PM
I take it they are replacing all the darts so they are all dda
Yes, there's a 4th purchase as well but couldn't ID it. An R reg one is on the 334 as well. The Alumwell bus seems to be the ex TGB one most days now.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 16, 2015, 03:50:47 PM
Yes, there's a 4th purchase as well but couldn't ID it. An R reg one is on the 334 as well. The Alumwell bus seems to be the ex TGB one most days now.
what happened to the ex am PM dart that used to be on there
Quote from: Solo1 on December 16, 2015, 04:51:42 PM
what happened to the ex am PM dart that used to be on there
Withdrawn or scrapped or a service spare until Christmas I'd assume.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 16, 2015, 03:50:47 PM
Yes, there's a 4th purchase as well but couldn't ID it. An R reg one is on the 334 as well. The Alumwell bus seems to be the ex TGB one most days now.
eho had the ex green bus on before thandi
@Solo1 - S519 TCF was previously with Abellio Surrey and was used on local routes around Guildford and Woking and Staines. If you search for "S519 TCF" and "S519TCF" on flickr there are quite a few photos. It was usually the regular on the 472 and 690 routes.
It has been with 5 bus operators.
1. Tellings Golden Miller
2. Travel Surrey
3. Abellio Surrey
4. Green Bus
5. Thandi
I hope that this helps.
PD1060316/8 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X
Finish Point: Dudley Bus Station
Via: Wednesbury
Service Number: 311
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-FEB-2016
Other Details: Monday to Friday - no service on bank holidays
Quote from: Winston on December 17, 2015, 11:23:35 AM
PD1060316/8 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X
Finish Point: Dudley Bus Station
Via: Wednesbury
Service Number: 311
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-FEB-2016
Other Details: Monday to Friday - no service on bank holidays
Interesting as it's only operating Monday to Fridays, no doubt during shopping hours only!
Doubt They are going to get any passengers NXWM will crush them
Quote from: DartSLF on December 22, 2015, 04:28:09 PM
Doubt They are going to get any passengers NXWM will crush them
A little Judgemental... De Courcey's vehicles are a shambles sometimes but they still get the odd passenger on the 85.
I've writen post Called NXWM Buses Are cleaner Than Thandi.
Also Travel De Courncey Are getting new hybrid Vechiles it was on Midlands Today.
I know Thandi oprate the 334 335 and 336 correct me if i'm Wrong but what else do they run.
Quote from: Adam 404 on December 22, 2015, 05:36:48 PM
A little Judgemental... De Courcey's vehicles are a shambles sometimes but they still get the odd passenger on the 85.
Sometimes...
Quote from: DartSLF on December 22, 2015, 05:59:39 PM
I've writen post Called NXWM Buses Are cleaner Than Thandi.
Also Travel De Courncey Are getting new hybrid Vechiles it was on Midlands Today.
@DartSLF if you read the post here: http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=4072.0
They decided to just upgrade 21 of there vehicles to a cleaner system. Also, when you suggest cleaner, the wording you attempted to use suggested the interior's cleanliness. De Courcey have a few poor interiors, namely the older vehicles, but there newer buses are quite nice as long as they look after them!
@DartSLF - I believe that Thandi just operate the 334 and 335 services. The 334 is run on the Thandi Transport license while the 335 is run on the Corporate Express license. They used to run the 336 as well however they no longer operate this bus route. They will also be start to run the 311 (Walsall - Dudley) from the 23rd of February 2016 as well on the Thandi Transport license. I believe that Thandi also do private contracts and private hire work as well. I hope that this helps.
Adam I did Mean the Interior Which like it is covered in POO or MUD
To Countryliner thanks already knew about Private Hire saw one in Wednesbury forgot to take picture of it it would be my first one but now my camera Broke it was a double Dekker
Quote from: countryliner on December 22, 2015, 06:21:09 PM
@DartSLF - I believe that Thandi just operate the 334 and 335 services. The 334 is run on the Thandi Transport license while the 335 is run on the Corporate Express license. They used to run the 336 as well however they no longer operate this bus route. They will also be start to run the 311 (Walsall - Dudley) from the 23rd of February 2016 as well on the Thandi Transport license. I believe that Thandi also do private contracts and private hire work as well. I hope that this helps.
Thandi are starting on the 311?! That's more than 56 days' away...
Proably Won't run for Long there buses are Crap and mostlikely Won't turn up
Whats the point in Thandi Scrapping there Darts if ther're replacing them with CantaneoNimbus darts Sandwell travel have a Nimbus bodied dart with Envrio 200 engine they shold. Do that instead
Quote from: DartSLF on December 22, 2015, 07:10:40 PM
Proably Won't run for Long there buses are Crap and mostlikely Won't turn up
Thats a stupid comment they run the 334 very well on time. I use it every day to school so I know first hand.
@DiamondDart - Yes Thandi have registered the 311 quite early. As far as i am aware their is no timetable available for the 311 yet on Traveline or any other websites but i am sure that the timetable will become available soon.
@DartSLF - I agree with
@WN about Thandi. They are a very good company. They always have polite friendly helpful drivers / cheap fares / gives change / nice vehicles / etc. I have certainly never had a problem when i have used their bus services. The route 334 and route 335 services seem to be doing quiet well and i really hope that their new route 311 service is successful which i am sure it will be. I believe that Thandi are getting rid of some of their older mk1 darts because they are not DDA compliant and it is easier for them to buy newer vehicles rather than upgrading their older mk1 darts vehicles.
Does anyone on this forum know what has happened to the Thandi Travel low floor mk1 Darts - R122 RLY / R136 RLY / R163 VLA / P156 SMW / P159 VHR / P160 VHR / TJZ 2842 (P161 VHR) / P255 SMW - have they been withdrawn or have any of them been converted to DDA compliant. Thank you.
Quote from: countryliner on January 04, 2016, 06:28:16 PM
Does anyone on this forum know what has happened to the Thandi Travel low floor mk1 Darts - R122 RLY / R136 RLY / R163 VLA / P156 SMW / P159 VHR / P160 VHR / TJZ 2842 (P161 VHR) / P255 SMW - have they been withdrawn or have any of them been converted to DDA compliant. Thank you.
Think they're all now scrapped but some may still be withdrawn on site.
they have brought 2 former Travel de courcey buses see photo links for pics
@Solo1 @Ashley 60171 - Thanks for the info.
So it appears that the current Thandi Travel bus fleet now consists of 12 vehicles - MX54 BLU / HV52 WTD / HV52 WTF / Y152 NLK / T77 NND (Y368 HMY) / T88 NND (Y373 HMY) / T99 NND (Y376 HMY) / Y661 NLO / Y663 NLO / Y835 TGH / TBZ 5873 (X197 FOR) / S519 TCF - hopefully i have not missed out any vehicles.
Also does anyone on this forum know what the PVR of route 334 is and what the PVR of route 335 is.
Thank you very much.
Quote from: countryliner on January 05, 2016, 04:39:55 PM
@Solo1 @Ashley 60171 - Thanks for the info.
So it appears that the current Thandi Travel bus fleet now consists of 12 vehicles - MX54 BLU / HV52 WTD / HV52 WTF / Y152 NLK / T77 NND (Y368 HMY) / T88 NND (Y373 HMY) / T99 NND (Y376 HMY) / Y661 NLO / Y663 NLO / Y835 TGH / TBZ 5873 (X197 FOR) / S519 TCF - hopefully i have not missed out any vehicles.
Also does anyone on this forum know what the PVR of route 334 is and what the PVR of route 335 is.
Thank you very much.
PVR 6 on the 334 and 1 on the 335.
I'm told Y663NLO is now in fleet livery and MX54BLU was out today in dealer white.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 05, 2016, 06:37:08 PM
PVR 6 on the 334 and 1 on the 335.
I'm told Y663NLO is now in fleet livery and MX54BLU was out today in dealer white.
Correct, it was out on the 334. Had an interior similar to first
@Ashley 60171 @WN - Thanks for the info. I wonder why they have 12 buses when they just require 7 each day. I wonder if they might start to operate more routes in the future. I know that they are starting the route 311 service soon - i do not think that the timetable is available yet though - does anyone know what the PVR of the 311 will be. Also i see that the route 334 service is run on the Thandi Transport license while the route 335 service is run on the Corporate Express license. Does anyone know how this works. Are both routes run from the same depot and do they use the same vehicles on both routes. Thank you.
Quote from: countryliner on January 06, 2016, 03:31:11 AM
@Ashley 60171 @WN - Thanks for the info. I wonder why they have 12 buses when they just require 7 each day. I wonder if they might start to operate more routes in the future. I know that they are starting the route 311 service soon - i do not think that the timetable is available yet though - does anyone know what the PVR of the 311 will be. Also i see that the route 334 service is run on the Thandi Transport license while the route 335 service is run on the Corporate Express license. Does anyone know how this works. Are both routes run from the same depot and do they use the same vehicles on both routes. Thank you.
I don't know why two different licenses are used for service registration. I wish I were that clever. I too am trying to figure out the PVR for 311 will be but I would suspect that a couple more purchases arrive during January to ensure they've got enough spares.
@Ashley 60171 - Thanks for the info. Yes it would certainly be interesting to find out why they use two different licenses (one for the 334 and one for the 335). The timetable for the 311 is not available yet but i am sure that it will be soon. Also does anyone know if S519 TCF has been converted to DDA compliant - i am guessing that it probably has - but i am not 100% sure.
S519 is off the road they might convert it to dda spoke to a driver who was driving the 335
@Solo1 - Ok. Thanks for the info. That is good to hear that S519 TCF has been converted to DDA compliant.
For anybody interested Y661NLO is on the 335 today
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 11, 2016, 11:27:55 AM
For anybody interested Y661NLO is on the 335 today
Was on there all last week pic of it on my flicr site
ah wouldnt know had a busy week last week lol
@Busman Jamie @Solo1 - Thanks for the info. Does anyone know if MX54 BLU / HV52 WTD / HV52 WTF / Y152 NLK / Y663 NLO have been repainted in to the Thandi Travel livery yet (i believe that Y661 NLO has already been repainted).
Y663NLO is in fleet liverey, was on 334 Saturday, i clocked a caetano nimbus in a purple/silver liverey (I think) also on 334 Saturday
@Busman Jamie - Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. The Dennis Dart Caetano Nimbus that you saw in purple and silver livery was probably either HV52 WTD or HV52 WTF which are still in their previous livery from Faresaver Buses in Wiltshire.
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 11, 2016, 04:48:07 PM
Y663NLO is in fleet liverey, was on 334 Saturday, i clocked a caetano nimbus in a purple/silver liverey (I think) also on 334 Saturday
Summary:
MX54BLU white, HV52's silver and purple and Y661/3 repainted into fleet colours, Y152NLK seen last week still in New Horizon livery awaiting repaint.
No problems, also Y661NLO has no fleet mame on whereas Y663 does
@Busman Jamie @DiamondDart - Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.
BX54 DK(A) (not 100% sure which member of the batch) onto fleet strength, painted.
@DiamondDart - Thanks for the info. That is interesting to hear. Thandi seem to have a very large fleet of buses (they now have at least 13 vehicles) even though they only have a PVR of 7 vehicles. BX54 DKA is a 9.3m Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer which is quite a rare type of vehicle as not many of them have been built to this length. Also do you know if it still has two doors or has it been converted to single door.
Quote from: countryliner on January 22, 2016, 04:18:05 AM
@DiamondDart - Thanks for the info. That is interesting to hear. Thandi seem to have a very large fleet of buses (they now have at least 13 vehicles) even though they only have a PVR of 7 vehicles. BX54 DKA is a 9.3m Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer which is quite a rare type of vehicle as not many of them have been built to this length. Also do you know if it still has two doors or has it been converted to single door.
1 door
PD1060316/7 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between BILSTON BUS STATION and WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) given service number 334 effective from 16-Mar-2016.
PD1060316/8 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X and Dudley Bus Station given service number 311 effective from 17-Mar-2016.
PD1072806/15 - FINESSE COACHES LTD, THE BUS AND COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X
Finish Point: Dudley Bus Station
Via: Wendsbury
Service Number: 311
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 17-MAR-2016
Other Details: Monday to Friday, no service on bank holidays.
Wish they make their mind up!
Who is ' Finesse Coaches' ?
Quote from: Westy on January 22, 2016, 12:13:31 PM
Wish they make their mind up!
Who is ' Finesse Coaches' ?
@Westy another Thandi License
That's brave coming off the 334! Opens the door for NX though
Quote from: WN on January 22, 2016, 02:00:18 PM
That's brave coming off the 334! Opens the door for NX though
Or potentially Diamond, I expect they may have just switched the registration to another license which is yet to be published
Quote from: Winston on January 22, 2016, 02:08:22 PM
Or potentially Diamond, I expect they may have just switched the registration to another license which is yet to be published
Personally I'd be surprised if Diamond went on there. Maybe because if the 311 is unpopular ( Which personally I doubt) then they have nothing plus they have quite a loyal customer Base on the 334. They could even be renumbering to the 34?
Quote from: WN on January 22, 2016, 02:12:33 PM
Personally I'd be surprised if Diamond went on there. Maybe because if the 311 is unpopular ( Which personally I doubt) then they have nothing plus they have quite a loyal customer Base on the 334. They could even be renumbering to the 34?
If Thandi are coming off the 334 (unlikely) it is definitely worth NX or Diamond (add to their 43 service @ Bilston) adding that service to their networks
Quote from: Winston on January 22, 2016, 02:19:30 PM
If Thandi are coming off the 334 (unlikely) it is definitely worth NX or Diamond (add to their 43 service @ Bilston) adding that service to their networks
There's no difference between NX 34 & Thandi 334 is there routewise?
Quote from: Westy on January 22, 2016, 02:45:31 PM
There's no difference between NX 34 & Thandi 334 is there routewise?
Don't know sorry.
Quote from: Westy on January 22, 2016, 02:45:31 PM
There's no difference between NX 34 & Thandi 334 is there routewise?
Nope same route. The only difference is that Thandi go to Bilston and nx go to stowlawn. Maybe that could be there plan?
Quote from: WN on January 22, 2016, 03:17:40 PM
Nope same route. The only difference is that Thandi go to Bilston and nx go to stowlawn. Maybe that could be there plan?
I'm sure it'll be put onto another license, it's got a good loyal following though, one I saw earlier was a full seated load and people are holding back for them. It's unlikely they'd stock up on buses and then ditch a route. I doubt Stowlawn could sustain the patronage Bilston does, as it is Thandi have more Bilston to Walsall departures on the 334 per hour than NX iirc, they'll want to keep it like that!
Anyone remember Arriva on there as an aside?
Today i noticed BX54 DKA has NX Grey Dot Seating
Quote from: RS on January 24, 2016, 07:54:14 PM
Today i noticed BX54 DKA has NX Grey Dot Seating
Because it was new to Travel London. And was then with Abellio London who also used to use the NX Grey dot moquette.
@RS
Quote from: RS on January 24, 2016, 07:54:14 PM
Today i noticed BX54 DKA has NX Grey Dot Seating
see flicr for pic of the bus
PD1060316/7 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BILSTON BUS STATION and WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) given service number 334 effective from 16-Mar-2016. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Solo1 on January 26, 2016, 03:33:51 PM
PD1060316/7 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BILSTON BUS STATION and WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) given service number 334 effective from 16-Mar-2016. To amend Timetable.
Am slightly confused, how can you have a variation on a route which they have cancelled?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 26, 2016, 05:41:07 PM
Am slightly confused, how can you have a variation on a route which they have cancelled?
Effective from the same date as well...interesting.
It is good to see that BX54 DKA is now in service. Thandi Travel seem to stocking up on so many buses recently. I wonder if they have many new routes planned. I wonder if they will ever buy any MPDs or SPDs for their fleet. So i highly doubt that they will withdraw the 334 especially as it seems to be quite a busy and well used bus service. I presume that it will just transfer to another license. It seems like they have three different licences - "Corporate Express" and "Finesse Coaches" and "Thandi Transport" - i am not sure why they use three different licenses.
Quote from: countryliner on January 27, 2016, 08:52:41 PM
It is good to see that BX54 DKA is now in service. Thandi Travel seem to stocking up on so many buses recently. I wonder if they have many new routes planned. I wonder if they will ever buy any MPDs or SPDs for their fleet. So i highly doubt that they will withdraw the 334 especially as it seems to be quite a busy and well used bus service. I presume that it will just transfer to another license. It seems like they have three different licences - "Corporate Express" and "Finesse Coaches" and "Thandi Transport" - i am not sure why they use three different licenses.
I presume there is a legal reason why the same company can have more than one licence.
They wouldn't be trying to pull a fast one, would they?
Quote from: Westy on January 27, 2016, 10:08:58 PM
I presume there is a legal reason why the same company can have more than one licence.
They wouldn't be trying to pull a fast one, would they?
It's not a case of one company having more than one licence, it's a few companies each having their own operator's licence and vehicle allowance, even if all are based in the same premises.
The reasons for this can be many and varied, for example tax reasons, to keep different types of service and risks separate, or even different shareholders/owners in each company/business.
@Bryan @Westy - Thanks for the info. So i presume that the same vehicles and drivers and depots are used for all three licenses.
Quote from: countryliner on January 29, 2016, 05:24:42 AM
@Bryan @Westy - Thanks for the info. So i presume that the same vehicles and drivers and depots are used for all three licenses.
No, that will not be the case as each company should have its own vehicles and drivers, although a driver could be employed by more than one company. Also, on each route the vehicle(s) will have to display the disc for the registered operator of the service. The same premises can be used but it will be necessary for a rental charge to be made for the use of the facilities from whoever owns or leases the premises. It needs to be remembered that each company has to satisfy the rules and regulations not only for the Operators Licence but for Accounting Standards (and in turn for the latter HM Revenue & Customs).
For details of the rules and regulations read the VOSA guide 'Public Service Vehicle Operator Licensing - Guide for Operators', which includes the requirements for hiring vehicles in with/without drivers.
http://www.transportsfriend.org/pdf_files/pcv/psv-guidetolicensing.pdf
Quote from: Bryan on January 29, 2016, 08:07:46 AM
No, that will not be the case as each company should have its own vehicles and drivers, although a driver could be employed by more than one company. Also, on each route the vehicle(s) will have to display the disc for the registered operator of the service. The same premises can be used but it will be necessary for a rental charge to be made for the use of the facilities from whoever owns or leases the premises. It needs to be remembered that each company has to satisfy the rules and regulations not only for the Operators Licence but for Accounting Standards (and in turn for the latter HM Revenue & Customs).
For details of the rules and regulations read the VOSA guide 'Public Service Vehicle Operator Licensing - Guide for Operators', which includes the requirements for hiring vehicles in with/without drivers.
http://www.transportsfriend.org/pdf_files/pcv/psv-guidetolicensing.pdf
An to be fair the Thandi companies do stay as seperate companies with the correct vehicles operating the correct registrations in recent years.
The only reason I include them in one big fleetlist on the main site is to the average bus watcher they look identical
@Tony @Bryan - Thanks for the info. From looking at flickr photos though it appears that the same vehicles are often used on different licenses. Do you know which of the buses (the low floor Darts) belong to which Thandi company. Thank you.
someone said 2 of the t reg buses now withdrawn
@Solo1 - Thanks for the info. But which T reg buses do you mean because as far as i am aware Thandi do not have any T reg buses in their bus fleet.
Quote from: countryliner on January 30, 2016, 08:06:24 PM
@Tony @Bryan - Thanks for the info. From looking at flickr photos though it appears that the same vehicles are often used on different licenses. Do you know which of the buses (the low floor Darts) belong to which Thandi company. Thank you.
It can well depend on what date the photographs were taken and on which routes the vehicles were operated, as well as who had the service licence at that date and owned the bus. Vehicles can also legally be hired from one operator to another (as I have mentioned to you before), so a photograph does not provide sufficient information at a quick glance, the O-Licence in the vehicle window provides this.
As for which companies own individual vehicles and have licences for various routes, that is irrelevant providing the companies obey the regulations. Vehicle ownership can be transferred legally between one company and another many times providing it meets all the accounting standards.
Quote from: countryliner on January 31, 2016, 02:52:19 AM
@Solo1 - Thanks for the info. But which T reg buses do you mean because as far as i am aware Thandi do not have any T reg buses in their bus fleet.
There have been 'T' registration Darts operated by the Thandi group within the last year, albeit that they were not their original registrations. How come if you know so much about the area you did not know this?
Your incessant questions on every small operator in the West Midlands have now got beyond a joke!!!
Quote from: Bryan on January 31, 2016, 12:02:42 PM
Your incessant questions on every small operator in the West Midlands have now got beyond a joke!!!
I totally agree!!!
@Bryan @Stuharris 6360 - I do not see why you have such a problem with my comments and questions. Many people on this forum ask many more questions than i do. I have not asked questions about every small independent bus operator in the West Midlands as if you look in the other operators section there are many operators that i have not posted in. You do not have to read or respond to my posts if you do not like them. Also you have to remember that one of the main reasons that forums exsist is to ask questions and find out answers.
Quote from: countryliner on January 31, 2016, 05:14:44 PM
@Bryan @Stuharris 6360 - I do not see why you have such a problem with my comments and questions. Many people on this forum ask many more questions than i do. I have not asked questions about every small independent bus operator in the West Midlands as if you look in the other operators section there are many operators that i have not posted in. You do not have to read or respond to my posts if you do not like them. Also you have to remember that one of the main reasons that forums exsist is to ask questions and find out answers.
@countryliner One of the rules of the forum
"Post daft questions / rubbish or generally disrupt the workings of the forum & annoy existing members"
@Stuharris 6360 - I am not posting daft questions and rubbish and i am not disrupting the workings of the forum and i am not trying to annoy any other members. So personally i do not see the problem with my posts and questions.
@Stuharris 6360 countryliner hasn't broken any rules as such, even though the majority of members disagree with his opinions. The best you & Bryan can do if you're not happy with what he posts is simply ignore them and don't reply. Admin will decide what if any rules have been broken. Can you both & get back on topic i.e. Thandi, Winston
I see that in the latest Ensignbus news that
@Winston has posted (thank you
@Winston for posting these - they are really useful) it says that Thandi Travel have purchased BX54 DKA / BX54 DKF / BX54 DKK / S519 TCF from Ensignbus.
So the Thandi Travel bus fleet now appears to be as follows.
BX54 DKA Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 9.3m
BX54 DKF Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 9.3m
BX54 DKK Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 9.3m
MX54 BLU Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
HV52 WTD Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
HV52 WTF Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
Y152 NLK Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.0m
T77 NND (Y368 HMY) Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
T88 NND (Y373 HMY) Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
T99 NND (Y376 HMY) Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
Y661 NLO Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.0m
Y663 NLO Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.0m
Y835 TGH Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.7m
Y851 TGH Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer MPD 8.8m
TBZ 5873 (X197 FOR) Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
S519 TCF Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.7m
I believe though that
@Solo1 has told me that S519 TCF and some of the older Dennis Dart Caetano Nimbus 10.7m buses (i can not remember which ones of the top if my head) have been withdrawn.
Now that Thandi Travel have so many more buses in their bus fleet it will be very interesting to see if they expand and start any new bus routes.
Quote from: countryliner on February 02, 2016, 09:42:17 PM
I see that in the latest Ensignbus news that @Winston has posted (thank you @Winston for posting these - they are really useful) it says that Thandi Travel have purchased BX54 DKA / BX54 DKF / BX54 DKK / S519 TCF from Ensignbus.
So the Thandi Travel bus fleet now appears to be as follows.
BX54 DKA Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 9.3m
BX54 DKF Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 9.3m
BX54 DKK Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 9.3m
MX54 BLU Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
HV52 WTD Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
HV52 WTF Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
Y152 NLK Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.0m
T77 NND (Y368 HMY) Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
T88 NND (Y373 HMY) Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
T99 NND (Y376 HMY) Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
Y661 NLO Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.0m
Y663 NLO Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.0m
Y835 TGH Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.7m
Y851 TGH Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer MPD 8.8m
TBZ 5873 (X197 FOR) Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 10.7m
S519 TCF Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.7m
I believe though that @Solo1 has told me that S519 TCF and some of the older Dennis Dart Caetano Nimbus 10.7m buses (i can not remember which ones of the top if my head) have been withdrawn.
Now that Thandi Travel have so many more buses in their bus fleet it will be very interesting to see if they expand and start any new bus routes.
The extra buses may be for the 311 which will soon be starting.
S519TCF has been at Thandi for months
Its Y851TGH they have purchased not S519TCF
@countryliner - Thandi have already confirmed that they are expanding having registered a competing service on NXWM's 311 (I posted the VOSA registration in this thread)
@2206 @Winston - Yes sorry about that i meant to write Y851 TGH not S519 TCF so apologies about that. Does anyone know what the PVR of the 311 will be. I am guessing that it will probably be a PVR of quite a few vehicles considering all of the vehicles that they have purchased recently (unless they have any other routes planned as well).
Looking at tge timetable on nwm it looks like it interworks with the 334 as jounrneys arrive in walsall 3 mins after tge previous bus departed & a 17 min layover every trip seems a bit excessive to me as it basically increase the pvr by 1 vehicle.
@Steveminor - Thanks for the info. That is interesting to hear. If the 311 and 334 are going to interwork then that might explain why they have been changing around their licenses recently.
If anyone is interested here is the link to the timetable for their route 311 service.
http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=49311&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA04_12072028&lineVer=2&itdLPxx_spTr=2&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=THA
This service starts from 23/2/2016. I wish Thandi Travel the best of luck with this service.
Y851TGH on 335 today
Quote from: countryliner on February 04, 2016, 05:48:21 AM
@Steveminor - Thanks for the info. That is interesting to hear. If the 311 and 334 are going to interwork then that might explain why they have been changing around their licenses recently.
If anyone is interested here is the link to the timetable for their route 311 service.
http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=49311&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA04_12072028&lineVer=2&itdLPxx_spTr=2&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=THA
This service starts from 23/2/2016. I wish Thandi Travel the best of luck with this service.
Helpfully combined with NX offers a roughly 10 min service on 311 with Thandi in between gaps, definitely not a 1 minute before style timetable. Good on them and good luck to them, they've come on leaps and bounds and quality is improved, with a loyal following.
Any idea what Thandi's fares are like, with & without Swift Payg?
Interested in Walsall to Parkway fare.
Quote from: Steveminor on February 03, 2016, 06:22:45 AM
Looking at tge timetable on nwm it looks like it interworks with the 334 as jounrneys arrive in walsall 3 mins after tge previous bus departed & a 17 min layover every trip seems a bit excessive to me as it basically increase the pvr by 1 vehicle.
But I thought 334 is a 10 min frequency and 311 is 20. So if a 311 goes out again as a 334 what would the next 334 do other than sit and wait?
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 04, 2016, 06:28:37 PM
Helpfully combined with NX offers a roughly 10 min service on 311 with Thandi in between gaps, definitely not a 1 minute before style timetable. Good on them and good luck to them, they've come on leaps and bounds and quality is improved, with a loyal following.
Genuinely surprised me that. Fair play to them.
Has to be said with the 3 routes now they do look like they have promise
Quote from: Kevin on February 04, 2016, 07:58:18 PM
But I thought 334 is a 10 min frequency and 311 is 20. So if a 311 goes out again as a 334 what would the next 334 do other than sit and wait?
Could just be every other one interworking.
@T840MAK @Kevin - I am guessing that it could indeed just be every other bus that interworks.
@DiamondDart @Kevin - I agree that Thandi Travel are constantly improving and seem to now be a very good and successful bus operator.
@Westy - I know that Thandi charge just £2.00 for an Adult Return from Walsall to Bilston on the 334 (cash fare). On the Network West Midlands website it says that the swift card fares or £1.60 - £1.80 on the 334 and £1.80 on the 335. I am not sure about any of their other fares. I will try to find out.
@Busman Jamie - Did you see if Y851 TGH (and BX54 DKA / BX54 DKF / BX54 DKK as well) had been repainted yet. Thank you.
Also does anyone know if Thandi Travel have now started to use an exact fare policy (this is a serious question - i am not trying to and do not want to start another debate). I am asking as i have just seen this photo of HV52 WTF on flickr.
https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/132355857@N02/24388956029/in/search_QM_q_IS_HV52WTF_AND_mt_IS_all_AND_w_IS_all_AND_s_IS_rec
This photo clearly shows a farebox in the bus however there was not a farebox on this bus when it was with its previous bus operator (Faresaver in Wiltshire). If anyone knows anymore about this that would be great. Thank you very much.
Further to my last post i have just been looking at some recent photos of Thandi Travel on flickr and it appears that most of their other recent purchases have been fitted with fareboxes. So i suppose that Thandi Travel must now operate an exact fare policy (i really hope that they do not). Has anyone on this forum been on Thandi Travel recently who can confirm this. Thank you.
Looking at those cash vaults they look like the ex ampm ones that he bought.
Y851TGH is in fleet livery, only saw the 1 54 plate which too was in Fleet livery, if I go Walsall I will try and see if anything else is out
@countryliner
Quote from: Busman Jamie on February 06, 2016, 08:43:27 AM
Y851TGH is in fleet livery, only saw the 1 54 plate which too was in Fleet livery, if I go Walsall I will try and see if anything else is out @countryliner
Y663 is also out
@Steveminor - From looking at these photos the fareboxes do indeed look like those ex AMPM ones.
HV52 WTF - https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/132355857@N02/24388956029/in/search_QM_q_IS_thandi_AND_mt_IS_all_AND_w_IS_all_AND_s_IS_rec
Y152 NLK - https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/132355857@N02/24756683505/in/search_QM_q_IS_thandi_AND_mt_IS_all_AND_w_IS_all_AND_s_IS_rec
I suppose that they might have taken them out of their mk1 Darts and put them in to these newer Darts. I might email Thandi Travel to see if they have started to operate an exact fare policy on their buses.
@Busman Jamie @Solo1 - Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.
thandi been buying again they have another dart see my flicr page
Looked for the 16.15 thandi service 335 no sign of it
Goodbye Sunday Service... http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/bus/servicechanges/ServiceChangesPages/13March.aspx
Re the 311 change, does this mean it will be operated initially with Thandi vehicles, then swop to Finesse Coaches vehicles on 13 March?
If it's all the same company, why didn't they licence it under Finesse in the first place?
(I guess I can use Swift PAYGO on Finesse too?)
Quote from: Westy on February 12, 2016, 08:28:36 PM
Re the 311 change, does this mean it will be operated initially with Thandi vehicles, then swop to Finesse Coaches vehicles on 13 March?
If it's all the same company, why didn't they licence it under Finesse in the first place?
(I guess I can use Swift PAYGO on Finesse too?)
Quote from: Tony on January 29, 2016, 08:22:30 AM
An to be fair the Thandi companies do stay as seperate companies with the correct vehicles operating the correct registrations in recent years.
The only reason I include them in one big fleetlist on the main site is to the average bus watcher they look identical
@Westy they are two seperate Thandi companies
Anyone tried Thandi yet on the 311?
Seems alright so far, even gone to the trouble of producing leaflets as well.
Only thing I'm not sure is whether it registered my Swift Payg or not, as I didnt hear a beep!
Quote from: Westy on February 23, 2016, 04:59:41 PM
Anyone tried Thandi yet on the 311?
Seems alright so far, even gone to the trouble of producing leaflets as well.
Only thing I'm not sure is whether it registered my Swift Payg or not, as I didnt hear a beep!
The service only began today didn't it?
Saw two on my way home today before I saw a NXWM one! What's the frequency supposed to be?
Seemed fairly full actually, which wasn't surprising seeing as they were both at least 10 minutes before a NXWM one at 5 o'clock
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 23, 2016, 05:08:08 PM
The service only began today didn't it?
According to the leaflet, yes.
Just seen my first Thandi 311 just. Looks practically full looks a good move to me.
Is there a glossy leaflet for the 334 as well?
Quote from: Westy on February 26, 2016, 06:12:10 PM
Is there a glossy leaflet for the 334 as well?
Is there one for the 311?
Has the 311 started and anyone got the times for it?
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 03, 2016, 08:44:56 PM
Has the 311 started and anyone got the times for it?
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=49311&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=CEN_EFA03_1383554022&lineVer=2&itdLPxx_spTr=2&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=THA
Thandi 311 comes up castle hill into Birmingham street unloads then enters bus station. Doesn't go round to stand and leaves straight up porters field in front of NX 311
Quote from: pndriver on March 09, 2016, 03:52:11 PM
Thandi 311 comes up castle hill into Birmingham street unloads then enters bus station. Doesn't go round to stand and leaves straight up porters field in front of NX 311
No it doesn't. Im sorry but ive seen plenty of Thandi 311 that are normally on stand for 3 mins before leaving! They don't leave in front of NX either. It may just be a coincidence that when you saw it it was infront of the NX one.
Quote from: WN on March 09, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
No it doesn't. Im sorry but ive seen plenty of Thandi 311 that are normally on stand for 3 mins before leaving! They don't leave in front of NX either. It may just be a coincidence that when you saw it it was infront of the NX one.
I wasn't saying they all do it. I've seen them on the stand. Im saying that driver did. It was the way I wrote it sorry
Have you seen the one with a girl standing on the platform
Do the 311 &334 interwork
Quote from: karl724223 on March 09, 2016, 10:38:13 PM
Have you seen the one with a girl standing on the platform
Does this girl get on at Wednesbury Road, as I saw a girl get on the first day & she seemed friendly with the driver?
Quote from: WN on March 10, 2016, 06:53:53 AM
Yes
We'll if you look back through the thread, I'm not saying I told you so I'll just sit here with a smug grin lol
Quote from: Steveminor on March 10, 2016, 01:47:54 PM
We'll if you look back through the thread, I'm not saying I told you so I'll just sit here with a smug grin lol
No need it was obvious that they would interwork. 20 min dropback give me a break
Is T66nnd a new bus with thandi or is a re reg of Blu see my flicr page fir pic
when diid thandi get T66NND as its not on Tony's list & could find it via a google search
Quote from: Solo1 on March 13, 2016, 06:15:37 PM
when diid thandi get T66NND as its not on Tony's list & could find it via a google search
It is MX54 BLU reregistered
PD1072806/15 - FINESSE COACHES LTD, THE BUS AND COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Variation Accepted: Operating between Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X and Dudley Bus Station given service number 311 effective from 23-May-2016. To amend Timetable.
1. PD1060316/2 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Birmingham City Centre given service number X50 effective from 14-Jun-2016.
2. PD1060316/3 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham City Centre and Fort Parkway given service number FORT effective from 14-Jun-2016.
3. PD1072806/16 - FINESSE COACHES LTD, THE BUS AND COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Bilston Bus Station
Finish Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Via: Darlaston Asda
Service Number:
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 16-JUN-2016
Other Details: Monday t Friday except bank holidays
Quote from: Solo1 on April 21, 2016, 04:01:32 PM
1. PD1060316/2 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Redditch Bus Station and Birmingham City Centre given service number X50 effective from 14-Jun-2016.
When did they operate that?
@2206 it was registered during the Solihull Travel closure saga I believe. It ran for a couple of days then came off with Johnsons replacing them. At the time, rumours stated that Thandi brought Solihull Travel, but those got quickly rebuked.
The FORT contract was won from AMPM by Thandi I believe. Ironically AMPM had won the contract from The Green Bus!
Not sure if it has already been reported, but Thandi have a third ex Travel London Dart not on the main site fleetlist.
'BX54 DKK'
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/25975805844/
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 21, 2016, 06:44:34 PM
@2206 it was registered during the Solihull Travel closure saga I believe. It ran for a couple of days then came off with Johnsons replacing them. At the time, rumours stated that Thandi brought Solihull Travel, but those got quickly rebuked.
The FORT contract was won from AMPM by Thandi I believe. Ironically AMPM had won the contract from The Green Bus!
Will another operator take this on or has it just finished?
Quote from: AndrewLee on April 24, 2016, 12:44:09 PM
Will another operator take this on or has it just finished?
Does it still operate and at what times does it leave the City Centre?
Quote from: AndrewLee on April 24, 2016, 12:44:09 PM
Will another operator take this on or has it just finished?
I believe it has been retendered
PD1060316/5 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, 3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE, HALESOWEN, B63 3DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bilston and Walsall given service number 334 effective from 16-Jun-2016. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: 2206 on April 24, 2016, 12:59:57 PM
Does it still operate and at what times does it leave the City Centre?
By bus
Fort Dunlop has its own double decker bus which runs to and from the city centre at peak hours. The free service runs Monday to Friday at peak hours, so no more "Sorry, I'm late boss!"
There are additional bus routes operating in the area. Visit www.centro.org.uk or call 0121 200 2700 for more information.
Fort Dunlop Bus Timetable (Monday – Friday only)
Morning Service
7:40am Matthew Boulton Campus, 7:50am Star City, 8:05am Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
8:10am Fort Shopping Park, 8:15am Star City, 8:27am Moor St. Station, 8:30am Small Brook Queensway, 8:35am Corporation St, 8:40am Matthew Boulton Campus, 8:50am Star City, 9:05am Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
9:10am Fort Shopping Park, 9:15am Star City, 9:27am Moor St. Station, 9:30am Small Brook Queensway, 9:35am Corporation St, 9:40am Matthew Boulton Campus, 9:50am Star City, 10:05am Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
Evening Service
5:05pm Fort Dunlop to City Centre, 5:10pm Fort Shopping Park, 5:15pm Star City, 5:27pm Moor St. Station, 5:30pm Small Brook Queensway, 5:35pm Corporation St, 5:40pm Matthew Boulton Campus, 5:50pm Star City, 6:05pm Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
6:10pm Fort Shopping Park, 6:15pm Star City, 6:27pm Moor St. Station, 6.30pm Small Brook Queensway, 6:35pm Corporation St, 6:40pm Matthew Boulton Campus, 6:50pm Star City, 7:05pm Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2016, 09:00:16 PM
By bus
Fort Dunlop has its own double decker bus which runs to and from the city centre at peak hours. The free service runs Monday to Friday at peak hours, so no more "Sorry, I'm late boss!"
There are additional bus routes operating in the area. Visit www.centro.org.uk or call 0121 200 2700 for more information.
Fort Dunlop Bus Timetable (Monday – Friday only)
Morning Service
7:40am Matthew Boulton Campus, 7:50am Star City, 8:05am Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
8:10am Fort Shopping Park, 8:15am Star City, 8:27am Moor St. Station, 8:30am Small Brook Queensway, 8:35am Corporation St, 8:40am Matthew Boulton Campus, 8:50am Star City, 9:05am Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
9:10am Fort Shopping Park, 9:15am Star City, 9:27am Moor St. Station, 9:30am Small Brook Queensway, 9:35am Corporation St, 9:40am Matthew Boulton Campus, 9:50am Star City, 10:05am Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
Evening Service
5:05pm Fort Dunlop to City Centre, 5:10pm Fort Shopping Park, 5:15pm Star City, 5:27pm Moor St. Station, 5:30pm Small Brook Queensway, 5:35pm Corporation St, 5:40pm Matthew Boulton Campus, 5:50pm Star City, 6:05pm Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
6:10pm Fort Shopping Park, 6:15pm Star City, 6:27pm Moor St. Station, 6.30pm Small Brook Queensway, 6:35pm Corporation St, 6:40pm Matthew Boulton Campus, 6:50pm Star City, 7:05pm Fort Dunlop to City Centre.
thanks
Any danger of Thandi on the 311 actually operating as scheduled, as one turned up at Wednesbury Parkway, displaying Walsall, but when I got on, he said 'Only going to Wednesbury Bus Station'!
Public Inquiry (52440) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 25 May 2016 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2252) )
PD1072806 SN
FINESSE COACHES LTD
Director(s): AJMAR SINGH.
THE BUS AND COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET , SMETHWICK B66 2QL
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
Public Inquiry (52441) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 25 May 2016 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2252) )
PD1060316 SN
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Director(s): AJMAR SINGH.
3 HAMPSTEAD GLADE HALESOWEN B63 3DZ
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
Quote from: Westy on May 09, 2016, 05:12:58 PM
Any danger of Thandi on the 311 actually operating as scheduled, as one turned up at Wednesbury Parkway, displaying Walsall, but when I got on, he said 'Only going to Wednesbury Bus Station'!
Judging by the 2 PIs, not a chance! :D
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 17, 2016, 05:07:16 PM
Judging by the 2 PIs, not a chance! :D
Yesterday & today, actually operated the full journey.
What have they done?
They've changed the 311 timetable from today with an earlier bus at 705 from Walsall, but why cut back the last few teatime journeys to run Dudley to Wednesbury instead?
Not much good to me if NX is late!
Quote from: Westy on May 31, 2016, 05:31:29 PM
They've changed the 311 timetable from today with an earlier bus at 705 from Walsall, but why cut back the last few teatime journeys to run Dudley to Wednesbury instead?
Not much good to me if NX is late!
Easier to get back to their depot? Just like how some of the last few 334 journeys finish at Darlaston.
@Westy
Quote from: Westy on May 31, 2016, 05:31:29 PM
They've changed the 311 timetable from today with an earlier bus at 705 from Walsall, but why cut back the last few teatime journeys to run Dudley to Wednesbury instead?
Not much good to me if NX is late!
Because they aren't bothered about actually providing a service for people like yourself, only running buses that fit into a driver's legal hours that they can nick the most revenue of NX.,
Quote from: Tony on May 31, 2016, 05:47:45 PM
Because they aren't bothered about actually providing a service for people like yourself, only running buses that fit into a driver's legal hours that they can nick the most revenue of NX.,
That's why they run the service every 20 minutes and the 334 every 10, unlike banga for example who run 6 journeys a day with only 2 going the full route, and fail to run on time as I have pointed out on several occasions?
Quote from: Dom on May 31, 2016, 06:02:25 PM
That's why they run the service every 20 minutes and the 334 every 10, unlike banga for example who run 6 journeys a day with only 2 going the full route, and fail to run on time as I have pointed out on several occasions?
And why the service has (registered) large gaps in it at lunch times, when all the drivers take lunch breaks.
I am not accusing Thandi of doing anything wrong or illegal, just pointing out what their's, and all other operators who only duplicate existing services, intentions are.
Small operators out to add to the bus network tend to add small variations, or even completely different services like Central buses do
Bit biased there. Even if small operators duplicate services, as NX will often copy anything unique, eg TGB 64, anyway. They enhance frequencies, cut fares, speed up journey times all of which is good for passengers. There's obviously a market for them on particularly the 334.
Quote from: DiamondDart on June 01, 2016, 01:13:20 AM
Bit biased there. Even if small operators duplicate services, as NX will often copy anything unique, eg TGB 64, anyway. They enhance frequencies, cut fares, speed up journey times all of which is good for passengers. There's obviously a market for them on particularly the 334.
How is a driver selling you a return at 9am, turning up at 1pm to catch a 10 minute frequency service home and having to wait an hour because all the drivers are on a lunchbreak encouraging people to use a bus.
How do they speed up journey times?
It can also cause bad driving by not only the new operator, but by overkeen drivers of the existing company, no I am not being bias, this isn't comments about Thandi, who now have become one of the smaller operators I actually think are running a reasonable operation nowadays compared to some others, but if you think they are perfect ask 'The Fort' about them. They are in dispute with them over the quality of how they ran the contract. Watch for a ne operator on there in the very near future. I dislike any duplicate operation whoever it is done by including some of the things my employer has done in the past. Far better to run down a main road, so you get enough passengers to make the operation pay, but then serve somewhere different to the existing operator at the end of the route
@Tony any idea whose taking over the contract then? Or are u not allowed to say on here buddy
Quote from: Nxwm on June 02, 2016, 03:50:34 PM
@Tony any idea whose taking over the contract then? Or are u not allowed to say on here buddy
I can now. It is NXWM PB garage from 13th June
Don't know he times of the 311 but at 1320 two Thandi buses were in Dudley bus station
Quote from: Tony on June 02, 2016, 03:51:58 PM
I can now. It is NXWM PB garage from 13th June
Will it be run the same way as it is now couple journey in the AM peak and couple journeys PM peak?
Again I don't know the times they should run but at 1300 up Dudley three buses two on the patch and one on the stand
PD1089639/4 - GURMAL SINGH SOOMAL T/A CORPORATE EXPRESS, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bilston Bus Station
Finish Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Via: Darlaston ASDA
Service Number: 334
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-JUN-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
Quote from: Solo1 on June 07, 2016, 03:45:51 PM
PD1089639/4 - GURMAL SINGH SOOMAL T/A CORPORATE EXPRESS, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bilston Bus Station
Finish Point: Walsall, Bradford Place
Via: Darlaston ASDA
Service Number: 334
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-JUN-2016
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, except bank holidays
Am i missing something or is Corporate Express a new company?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on June 07, 2016, 04:51:58 PM
Am i missing something or is Corporate Express a new company?
It looks like it's just another name they use for their operations. It's like they use Finesse Travel(?) for the 311/313.
It's not a thandi company
Quote from: Steveminor on June 07, 2016, 06:44:26 PM
It's not a thandi company
It's operating from the same property as Thandi
@Steveminor
It's owned by a former thandi engineer who's renting garage space
Quote from: Steveminor on June 07, 2016, 08:20:15 PM
It's owned by a former thandi engineer who's renting garage space
Oh ok. I do apologise. I never knew that.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 07, 2016, 08:28:30 PM
Oh ok. I do apologise. I never knew that.
Same here, I presume that this company has it's own Traffic Manager & Engineers?
Is there any buses in a Finesse Coaches livery, as I only see Thandi's on 311, even though Finesse legally operate the service?
Quote from: Westy on June 07, 2016, 10:28:47 PM
Is there any buses in a Finesse Coaches livery, as I only see Thandi's on 311, even though Finesse legally operate the service?
That's where I got confused. It's like with Corporate Travel. They operate the 335 in Thandi livery.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 07, 2016, 10:43:27 PM
That's where I got confused. It's like with Corporate Travel. They operate the 335 in Thandi livery.
Am i not right in thinking that is a bus operates on say the 335, then it needs the legals on the side of the bus to state Corporate Travel??
Their Spectra's are for sale on eBay. It also mention's in the description that their Olympian's and a few coaches are also for sale.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAF-DB250-double-decker-bus-WITH-SEATBELTS-TACHOGRAPH-/322139224099?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253DSIC.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202351%2526meid%253D91a3a6450756450d98e89724f8a63424%2526pid%253D100408%2526rk%253D4%2526rkt%253D25%2526sd%253D152119293448&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 11, 2016, 07:06:10 AM
Their Spectra's are for sale on eBay. It also mention's in the description that their Olympian's and a few coaches are also for sale.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAF-DB250-double-decker-bus-WITH-SEATBELTS-TACHOGRAPH-/322139224099?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253DSIC.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202351%2526meid%253D91a3a6450756450d98e89724f8a63424%2526pid%253D100408%2526rk%253D4%2526rkt%253D25%2526sd%253D152119293448&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/thandicoaches13/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
They also include:
YSV797
MST936H
HST110X
R18AVY
HIL6577 (AND ANOTHER ONE NOT PICTURED)
T90NDY
D12OST
Hope this is helpful.
http://www.route-one.net/articles/Fortnight_s_suspension_for_Thandi
Quote from: T840MAK on July 01, 2016, 09:11:58 AM
http://www.route-one.net/articles/Fortnight_s_suspension_for_Thandi
So how will that affect the 311 & 334 ?
The traffic commisioner has permitted them to arrange for Gurmal Singh Soomal PD1089639 to run them, which seems to be effectively authorising them to do what had resulted in the PI in the first place!
Quote from: mikestone on July 02, 2016, 09:49:18 AM
The traffic commisioner has permitted them to arrange for Gurmal Singh Soomal PD1089639 to run them, which seems to be effectively authorising them to do what had resulted in the PI in the first place!
So in other words, they've received no punishment & the whole process was a waste of time
Quote from: Winston on July 02, 2016, 11:01:45 AM
So in other words, they've received no punishment & the whole process was a waste of time
They broke the law and only get a slap on the wrist, and it has no real effect on them at all. If other companies had done that, they would have ended up loosing there licences!
There buses are clean the drivers are friendly they are cheap boarded one two months ago from Walsall to Darlaston it was T66 NND a new Chanted Nimbus Dart Elf the ride was Comfy then stopped at ASDA then boarded a NXWM 79 which the driver was ignorant of the fact a baby and mum had got on and pulled Thandi wait
Quote from: BusFan94 on July 10, 2016, 04:10:27 PM
There buses are clean the drivers are friendly they are cheap boarded one two months ago from Walsall to Darlaston it was T66 NND a new Chanted Nimbus Dart Elf the ride was Comfy then stopped at ASDA then boarded a NXWM 79 which the driver was ignorant of the fact a baby and mum had got on and pulled Thandi wait
Please, please, please use punctuation marks. All keyboards have them no matter what device you are using. Every post you do seriously hurts my brain. Thank you!
Dart elf? 😂
New addition 'SN51 UAK'
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/28245253855/
It's been on 335 the past week so don't know what happened to Y851TGH, I noticed today it still has the Dennis plaxton badges on the rear bumper
Thandi single decker broke down on Wednesbury Road tonight round 545.
Naughty 311 driver this morning, doing a bit of stop blocking in Walsall, preventing the Nx 11 driver from departing before him!
They always seem to do that, butvwatchvthandis reaction if Nx are first on stand for Dudley or bilston
Update on their vehicles for sale on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/thandicoaches13/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
Currently listed:
IIG6394
SUI6582
T900NDY
YSV797
MST936H
B1AVY
D12OST
HST110X
A bit different to the last time I checked...
Quote from: Adam 404 on June 11, 2016, 09:02:39 AM
They also include:
YSV797
MST936H
HST110X
R18AVY
HIL6577 (AND ANOTHER ONE NOT PICTURED)
T90NDY
D12OST
Quote from: Adam 404 on August 18, 2016, 05:04:06 PM
Update on their vehicles for sale on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/thandicoaches13/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
Currently listed:
IIG6394
SUI6582
T900NDY
YSV797
MST936H
B1AVY
D12OST
HST110X
A bit different to the last time I checked...
They're Evergreen Coaches vehicles
@Adam 404. Its been said before that, Evergreen and Thandi are completely seperate companies.
http://wmbusphotos.com/Evergreen/fleetlist.html
Quote from: 2206 on August 18, 2016, 07:32:01 PM
They're Evergreen Coaches vehicles @Adam 404. Its been said before that, Evergreen and Thandi are completely seperate companies.
http://wmbusphotos.com/Evergreen/fleetlist.html
Sorry
@2206 . Confusing that they sell these on ebay under the Thandi name.
I've just boarded there 311 service I just missed the NX 311 service but I think I will use Thandi more often, good service, friendly drivers and they gave me change.
P.S a former Sandwell Travel driver who I knew was driving so it was good to see him again he said he got more loadings on this service than he did on the 07:55 and 15:40 333X services I boarded.
No not the give change story nooooooo
What do you mean
And if you mean about Countryliner in Hi ride forum I am not going to do that just stating they give change.
PD1072806/15 - FINESSE COACHES LTD, THE BUS AND COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X and Dudley Bus Station given service number 311 effective from 01-Nov-2016.
Quote from: 2206 on September 09, 2016, 05:10:03 PM
PD1072806/15 - FINESSE COACHES LTD, THE BUS AND COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X and Dudley Bus Station given service number 311 effective from 01-Nov-2016.
Perhaps if they operated for the benefit of the passengers & not the staff, it would have lasted longer!
They got booked in Dudley bus station yesterday for sitting on stand for over 5 minutes.
Quote from: Dom on September 09, 2016, 05:36:22 PM
They got booked in Dudley bus station yesterday for sitting on stand for over 5 minutes.
dont believe that centro issuing a ticket to a non nx bus
Quote from: karl724223 on September 09, 2016, 07:11:34 PM
dont believe that centro issuing a ticket to a non nx bus
I know, first time for everything!!
Quote from: karl724223 on September 09, 2016, 07:11:34 PM
dont believe that centro issuing a ticket to a non nx bus
How do centro hate nx?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 09, 2016, 07:30:10 PM
How do centro hate nx?
Booking drivers for some bullsh*t reason more often than not.
They booked a driver the other day for not having his hi vis on when he got out the cab, despite not actually disembarking the bus. Never see them do anything to Diamond when they sit on an unloading stand for 7 minutes whilst they change driver, nor when they park over 2 bays on the patch at MH.
Quote from: Dom on September 09, 2016, 07:33:16 PM
Booking drivers for some bullsh*t reason more often than not.
They booked a driver the other day for not having his hi vis on when he got out the cab, despite not actually disembarking the bus. Never see them do anything to Diamond when they sit on an unloading stand for 7 minutes whilst they change driver, nor when they park over 2 bays on the patch at MH.
there are certain centro clowns that are very anti nx and book nx drivers for doing things and don't book other operators for doing exactly the same thing
Quote from: karl724223 on September 09, 2016, 07:48:58 PM
there are certain centro clowns that are very anti nx and book nx drivers for doing things and don't book other operators for doing exactly the same thing
Like I've said to drivers and inspectors in the past,
Centro sorry TFWM (as they insist on being called) are just a group of bullies
Quote from: Dom on September 09, 2016, 07:53:50 PM
Like I've said to drivers and inspectors in the past, Centro sorry TFWM (as they insist on being called) are just a group of bullies
they don't know what my job is but there clipboard says I'm doing it wrong
Quote from: karl724223 on September 09, 2016, 07:57:59 PM
they don't know what my job is but there clipboard says I'm doing it wrong
Exactly. Bullies. They wouldn't be able to do your job if they tried!
Have you ever thought that their booking of drivers isn't a grudge against a company but a case of protecting their staff, the bus operators staff, the general public and any contractors in a little thing called Health and Safety.
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 09, 2016, 08:55:11 PM
Have you ever thought that their booking of drivers isn't a grudge against a company but a case of protecting their staff, the bus operators staff, the general public and any contractors in a little thing called Health and Safety.
Too many nxsupporters
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 09, 2016, 09:05:02 PM
Too many nxsupporters
At least they're consistent, some people change their alegence more often than their underpants.....
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 09, 2016, 08:55:11 PM
Have you ever thought that their booking of drivers isn't a grudge against a company but a case of protecting their staff, the bus operators staff, the general public and any contractors in a little thing called Health and Safety.
So not wearing your hi-vis but not having left the vehicle, you think that is health and safety?!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 09, 2016, 09:05:02 PM
Too many nxsupporters
Yet I've stood up for Thandi before, and quite often chose the 334 over the 34 when travelling to school
PD1060316/9 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, THANDI BUS & COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bradford Place Walsall
Finish Point: Dudley Bus Station
Via: Wednesbury
Service Number: 311
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-NOV-2016
Other Details: Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays
Quote from: Solo1 on October 24, 2016, 04:02:27 PM
PD1060316/9 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, THANDI BUS & COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bradford Place Walsall
Finish Point: Dudley Bus Station
Via: Wednesbury
Service Number: 311
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-NOV-2016
Other Details: Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays
How long for this time?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 24, 2016, 07:08:51 PM
How long for this time?
Hope TfWM kept the last lot of bus stop flags in storage?
They're still operating the 311 despite the timetables & flags being amended to remove reference to 311.
PD1060316/10 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, THANDI BUS & COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X
Finish Point: Dudley Bus Station
Via: Wednesbury
Service Number: 313
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-JAN-2017
Other Details: Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays
Why can't they call these services 11 & 13 like the other services on that route?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 31, 2016, 03:05:17 PM
PD1060316/10 - THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, THANDI BUS & COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X
Finish Point: Dudley Bus Station
Via: Wednesbury
Service Number: 313
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-JAN-2017
Other Details: Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays
Why can't they call these services 11 & 13 like the other services on that route?
Probably because they havent signed up for some agreement?
(The same agreement that prevents them being on the NWM timetables!)
I suppose they'll finish early like the 311's at Wednesbury?
Presumably they have to pay TfWM to have the bus stop flags reapplied with their route number and to have their timetables shown at the stops?
PD0000154/39 - EVERGREEN COACHES LTD, THE COACH DEPOT, ALMA STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2RL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Walsall, Hatherton Road
Finish Point: Rugeley Amazon
Via: Shellfield
Service Number: A51 X
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 03-NOV-2016
Other Details: Monday to Sunday inclusive
2. PD0000154/40 - EVERGREEN COACHES LTD, THE COACH DEPOT, ALMA STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2RL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Erdington, Sutton New Road
Finish Point: Rugeley Amazon
Via: Castle Vale
Service Number: A52 X
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 03-NOV-2016
Other Details: Monday to Sunday inclusive
3. PD0000154/41 - EVERGREEN COACHES LTD, THE COACH DEPOT, ALMA STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2RL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Pipers Row
Finish Point: Rugeley Amazon
Via: Cannock
Service Number: A5 X
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 03-NOV-2016
Other Details: Monday to Sunday inclusive
Quote from: Stu on October 31, 2016, 07:23:06 PM
Presumably they have to pay TfWM to have the bus stop flags reapplied with their route number and to have their timetables shown at the stops?
To be honest TfWM should have the flags available from last time, as the other routes(certainly on the Walsall & Wednesbury side) were already up to date!
It looks Thandi are operating under the Finesse Coaches name while using the Thandi Name operating on the 334 the first Thandi bus is at 07:48 the First Finesse Coaches service is at 07:51 it looks like Thandi are using it to gain an advantage of NXWM's 39 which arrives at 07:49 and 08:05 does anyone know if running under two different names at similar times illegal.
Quote from: BusFan94 on November 02, 2016, 07:36:37 PM
It looks Thandi are operating under the Finesse Coaches name while using the Thandi Name operating on the 334 the first Thandi bus is at 07:48 the First Finesse Coaches service is at 07:51 it looks like Thandi are using it to gain an advantage of NXWM's 39 which arrives at 07:49 and 08:05 does anyone know if running under two different names at similar times illegal.
Does Stagecoach not do this with Magicbus?
Doesn't sound illegal to me
Quote from: MW on November 02, 2016, 09:16:20 PM
Does Stagecoach not do this with Magicbus?
Doesn't sound illegal to me
Magic Bus is a brand, not a separate entity.
If both buses are saying Thandi as branding but two different legal entities then one could say that the one does have a licence to use the Thandi name from the other, or operates the route under franchise, or a brand sharing agreement
Nothing illegal in that case
I just saw two Thandi buses running behind one another heading towards Bilston unless one was a Finesse Coaches service. Also any idea of one I saw a Thandi heading to Walsall Not In Service fin Darlaston around 07:20. It was heading from the Wolverhampton Bilston Direction and unless Thandi have moved depots Aren't they based in Walsall
P
Quote from: BusFan94 on November 11, 2016, 05:03:32 PM
I just saw two Thandi buses running behind one another heading towards Bilston unless one was a Finesse Coaches service. Also any idea of one I saw a Thandi heading to Walsall Not In Service fin Darlaston around 07:20. It was heading from the Wolverhampton Bilston Direction and unless Thandi have moved depots Aren't they based in Walsall
P
Thought Thandi were in Smethwick?
They are in Smethwick they moved from London St to round the corner
Oh so it have come from West Bromwich down the Black Country New Road through Moxley and into Darlaston where I saw it
Something I don't think many people have noticed is registrations T88NND and T99NND have swapped onto newer vehicles than originally applied. The vehicles are similar so not an easy spot.
This is the original T99NND, new as Y376HMY
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/T99NND.html
This is the current T99NND new as HV52 WTF
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/HV52WTF.html
This is the original T88NND
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/T88NND.html
new as Y373 HMY
The currentl one is ex HV52 WTD
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/HV52WTD.html
Quote from: Tony on December 21, 2016, 08:22:34 PM
Something I don't think many people have noticed is registrations T88NND and T99NND have swapped onto newer vehicles than originally applied. The vehicles are similar so not an easy spot.
This is the original T99NND, new as Y376HMY
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/T99NND.html
This is the current T99NND new as HV52 WTE
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/HV52WTF.html
This is the original T88NND
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/T88NND.html
new as Y373 HMY
The currentl one is ex HV52 WTD
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/HV52WTD.html
Tricky one to spot, only noticeable difference is the passenger seats
Quote from: Lukeee on December 21, 2016, 10:51:01 PM
Tricky one to spot, only noticeable difference is the passenger seats
And the black headlight surrounds
Quote from: Lukeee on December 21, 2016, 10:51:01 PM
Tricky one to spot, only noticeable difference is the passenger seats
& the camera by the desto' screen on the originals.
Different colour dash as well
Also Network west midlands stickers in the front windscreen on the newer ones
Is Thandi running Monday to Friday service today as Im sure I saw a 311 earlier, but everyone else is on Saturday service?
Quote from: Westy on December 28, 2016, 12:58:47 PM
Is Thandi running Monday to Friday service today as Im sure I saw a 311 earlier, but everyone else is on Saturday service?
I just sent off an email through the contact form on their website, I'll let you know if I hear anything back. I'd check myself since the route is a minute walk from my doorstep but I'm currently with family over the other side of Dudley.
Quote from: Westy on December 28, 2016, 12:58:47 PM
Is Thandi running Monday to Friday service today as Im sure I saw a 311 earlier, but everyone else is on Saturday service?
Social Travel are operating a normal Monday to Friday service (they don't operate on Saturdays), out on the 11C today. Discount Travel Solution and Sunny Travel also are operating a normal Monday to Friday service. On the 966 and 71 today.
@Westy
Quote from: mikestone on July 02, 2016, 09:49:18 AM
The traffic commisioner has permitted them to arrange for Gurmal Singh Soomal PD1089639 to run them, which seems to be effectively authorising them to do what had resulted in the PI in the first place! Wasn't Gurmal the owner of midland bus company who ran blue caryle darts & 1 paxton dart
Found this on eBay http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAF-DB250-SPECTRA-double-decker-bus-WITH-SEATBELTS-TACHOGRAPH-12-MONTHS-MOT-/322403157817?hash=item4b10b9c739%3Ag%3AFHcAAOSwuhhXVb2u&_trkparms=pageci%253A3831af0d-e624-11e6-bbae-005056b68975%257Cparentrq%253Aea5897e51590a6064141276bffb0208c%257Ciid%253A7
Thandi have registered the Walsall 37 - PD1060316/11 is the service registration on Vosa
3/4/17 it starts
How often will tbe 37 run wonder if he coming of the 311/3 or 334 reduced
Interesting it's going to be numbered as the 37.
Would have expected it to be the 337.
Hmm now I will have to decide between NXWM, Sandwell Travel and Thandi to get me to Willenhall
311/334 is having timetable alterations, with another licence registering the 311 too
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 15, 2017, 08:47:20 PM
311/334 is having timetable alterations, with another licence registering the 311 too
wonder if they are reducing the 2 services
It looks like Thandi are playing dirty with Sandwell Travel I've seen this happen now for a couple weeks but haven't posted anything because maybe it was a fluke and just one driver but no.The first driver kept speeding up or slowing down to delay Thandi and if THIER was a Sandwell Travel bus on stand going to Walsall the driver would go down the 79 stops and cut up the Sandwell Travel bus. The second driver who used to be ok has now decided to arrive early at Darlo and waits for the 333X to come on stand which bearing in mind the driver sat THIER for over three minutes after arriving at 07:47 and leaving at 07:50 or 07:51 which p's me off. Now I'm not saying Sandwell Travel are off the hook because sometimes the one driver always tell me to hurry up when getting off after going in front of the Thandi bus to beat into Walsall. But from what I've noticed it is mainly Thandi causing mischieve.
PD1060316/10 Cancelled (Short notice)
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 313
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 03 Apr 2017
Jesus wept.
Cant they give the routes a chance?
Quote from: 2206 on February 21, 2017, 11:09:24 AM
PD1060316/10 Cancelled (Short notice)
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 313
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 03 Apr 2017
Didn't last long at all.
Forgot to post yesterday but Thandi were racing Sandwell Travel again. As my 333X pulled up at Darlo Bus Station the Thandi bus departed and was stuck at a red light so we pulled away again, as both the Sandwell Travel bus neared the traffic light queue as it was on green. It changed to amber then red and as soon as The driver of the Thandi had got to the front of the Queue he jumped the red light and turned towards Beer Bank supermarket. So my Sandwell Travel bus waited at the light so just Thandi in the wrong this time if I'd only recorded that and walked down to the Police Station.
Interesting how the Thandis seem to disappear after 5pm.
Theres one 313 timetabled 2 mins before an Nx 13, according to the app, at Wednesbury Parkway around 1720.
If I just miss the previous Nx around 10 mins earlier then Thandi should turn up before Nx.
Does it heckers like!
Thandi's 07:47 334 service from Darlo to Bilston hasn't shown up for the last two days I've seen it Friday and Today or Thandi are either running very late on it which happened on Thursday and Wednesday last Week did not show up until 10 to eight
Quote from: BusFan94 on March 06, 2017, 04:37:39 PM
Thandi's 07:47 334 service from Darlo to Bilston hasn't shown up for the last two days I've seen it Friday and Today or Thandi are either running very late on it which happened on Thursday and Wednesday last Week did not show up until 10 to eight
Due at 07:47 turned up at ten to eight, 3 mins I don't think anyone would class as "running very late"
Their timetable is crap on the 311 & 313.
If you're going to compete against NX, make a better job of it, instead of running flipping short journeys to Wednesbury at the height of the rush hour!
Quote from: Kevin on March 06, 2017, 06:39:49 PM
Due at 07:47 turned up at ten to eight, 3 mins I don't think anyone would class as "running very late"
Yes but when THIER is two buses due after them one of which is a 333X it causes chaos at Darlo especially when you've Got Thandi, NXWM 39 and a Sandwell Travel 333X and today the bus didn't show up until 07:55
Quote from: BusFan94 on March 07, 2017, 07:44:58 PM
Yes but when THIER is two buses due after them one of which is a 333X it causes chaos at Darlo especially when you've Got Thandi, NXWM 39 and a Sandwell Travel 333X and today the bus didn't show up until 07:55
Omg another 5 mins how will you ever cope?
Oh wait, there's an NX 39 at 07:50
Who are corporate express, are they something to do with Thandi, seems they are taking up on the 311 from 02/04/17?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 08, 2017, 02:01:25 PM
Who are corporate express, are they something to do with Thandi, seems they are taking up on the 311 from 02/04/17?
they are part of the Thandi group of companies
Just missed 2 Nx's by the Parkway, so I spot a 313 in the distance showing Walsall.
When he gets near me, the bugger changes his display to read Wednesbury only!
Checks the bus stop timetable, which shows said journey should have operated to Walsall, so that proves Thandi timetables are operated for the conveinece of their staff & not the passengers!
Thandi appear to be operating on the 37 today. Do not remember seeing that flagged up?
Quote from: Other Walsall Tony on April 03, 2017, 12:43:13 PM
Thandi appear to be operating on the 37 today. Do not remember seeing that flagged up?
It was on the TfWM weekly email.
Question is will they operate the timetable as advertised or disappear around 5pm after running a few E's to Darlo like they do on the Dudley route!
Quote from: Westy on April 03, 2017, 01:03:16 PM
It was on the TfWM weekly email.
Question is will they operate the timetable as advertised or disappear around 5pm after running a few E's to Darlo like they do on the Dudley route!
I've seen 2 or 3 on a number of occassions around 5.30 - 5.45pm at M5 Junction 1 island returning to depot
Photo on photo link of 2 of te mew darts they have
The Thandi website still has the 313 timetable on there and doesn't have the 37 timetable on there yet.
http://thandicoachesuk.com/timetables/bus-hire/
And another Thandi 311 not running through to Walsall despite the Nwm app saying otherwise!
PD1060316/9 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Bradford Place Walsall to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 07 Jul 2017
PD1060316/7 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: BILSTON BUS STATION to WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) via DARLASTON
Service number: 334
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 07 Jul 2017
PD1060316/11 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Willenhall, Lion Hotel to Walsall, Bradford Place via Darlaston ASDA
Service number: 37
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 07 Jul 2017
(Other Operator)
PD1089639/5 Registered
GURMAL SINGH SOOMAL
Route: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 07 Jul 2017
All of them mysteriously disappearing after 5pm no doubt!
Sod the passengers as long as the drivers do their hours!
New addition to the fleet
AT17NDY - VDL Futura - https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1591071787602146&id=233245293384809
Quote from: Jon on June 02, 2017, 11:06:42 AM
Ensign in May as follows :
VEHICLES OUT:
Darts SN03WKY / WMV : Thandi Coaches Smethwick, Birmingham
Two extra darts for them then...
Are they ex Metrobus by any chance?
Quote from: Busman Jamie on June 02, 2017, 06:28:20 PM
Are they ex Metrobus by any chance?
Both are ex Metrobus.
Thandi now seem to have got all Sandwell Travel Drivers driving for them as they have done much better than I thought and Thandi have now Made Sandwell Travel withdraw there operations off the 333X
Quote from: Adam 404 on May 16, 2017, 09:42:32 PM
PD1060316/9 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Bradford Place Walsall to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 07 Jul 2017
PD1060316/7 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: BILSTON BUS STATION to WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) via DARLASTON
Service number: 334
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 07 Jul 2017
PD1060316/11 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Willenhall, Lion Hotel to Walsall, Bradford Place via Darlaston ASDA
Service number: 37
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 07 Jul 2017
(Other Operator)
PD1089639/5 Registered
GURMAL SINGH SOOMAL
Route: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 07 Jul 2017
Timetables swapping again before the timetable before starts!
PD1089639/5 Registered
GURMAL SINGH SOOMAL
Route: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Jul 2017
PD1060316/9 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Bradford Place Walsall to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Jul 2017
PD1060316/7 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: BILSTON BUS STATION to WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) via DARLASTON
Service number: 334
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Jul 2017
PD1060316/11 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Willenhall, Lion Hotel to Walsall, Bradford Place via Darlaston ASDA
Service number: 37
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Jul 2017
For some reason the 07:45 or 47 from Darlaston to Bilston 334 never shows up it displays at the electronic board but never shows up my 37 always shows up strange when you've acquired most of Sandwell Travels Drivers and New Guys. I know the 334 runs I see twice heading to Walsall
Quote from: BusFan94 on June 12, 2017, 04:39:25 PM
For some reason the 07:45 or 47 from Darlaston to Bilston 334 never shows up it displays at the electronic board but never shows up my 37 always shows up strange when you've acquired most of Sandwell Travels Drivers and New Guys. I know the 334 runs I see twice heading to Walsall
tell centro / tfwm or Thandi head office ffs
What's happening to Y661 NLO and also what's happened to the GX53 batch as I see T66 everyday I'm out on the 37
Thandi blue have an allover white Gemini with gold Thandi fleetnames. No idea of id, it was parked in their depot.
Quote from: Winston on August 23, 2017, 08:06:28 PM
Thandi blue have an allover white Gemini with gold Thandi fleetnames. No idea of id, it was parked in their depot.
Does anyone know what this is for? Will it be found in normal service, or is it just for private hires?
Quote from: 2206 on August 23, 2017, 08:08:27 PM
Does anyone know what this is for? Will it be found in normal service, or is it just for private hires?
I'd say private hires. The only route I would see them put it on would be the 311. It's quite busy in the Peaks.
Quote from: 2206 on August 23, 2017, 08:08:27 PM
Does anyone know what this is for? Will it be found in normal service, or is it just for private hires?
Probably for private hires / to complement the coach fleet. Had a birds eye view straight in to their depot from the 5th floor of the new hospital
Quote from: Jack on August 23, 2017, 08:25:40 PM
I'd say private hires. The only route I would see them put it on would be the 311. It's quite busy in the Peaks.
It could work, I guess. I thought the bridge on Bloomfield Road would have been too low for one, but the signs on the bridge say otherwise, with a limit of 16' / 4.8m. I can't ever recall seeing a Thandi 311 running full out of Dudley though, whereas the NXWM 11 and 13 are almost always packed at peak times.
Quote from: DJ98 on August 23, 2017, 11:30:12 PM
I thought the bridge on Bloomfield Road would have been too low for one, but the signs on the bridge say otherwise, with a limit of 16' / 4.8m.
Deckers have got on there in the past
@DJ98 .
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/15491527623/in/album-72157633016165303/
Quote from: DJ98 on August 23, 2017, 11:30:12 PM
It could work, I guess. I thought the bridge on Bloomfield Road would have been too low for one, but the signs on the bridge say otherwise, with a limit of 16' / 4.8m. I can't ever recall seeing a Thandi 311 running full out of Dudley though, whereas the NXWM 11 and 13 are almost always packed at peak times.
What is the reason that the 311/313 aren't double deck operated? Is there a bridge? Also, I recall seeing a Gemini on the 404 back in its WB days. These routes are amongst the busiest in the Black Country that don't serve Birmingham? Or are they just not busy enough?
Quote from: MW on August 24, 2017, 01:48:25 AM
What is the reason that the 311/313 aren't double deck operated? Is there a bridge? Also, I recall seeing a Gemini on the 404 back in its WB days. These routes are amongst the busiest in the Black Country that don't serve Birmingham? Or are they just not busy enough?
Because of the Bridgeman St bridge in Walsall.
Even though the Darlaston corridor is more affected as the 39 actually uses Bridgeman St itself, there is nothing stopping other routes having double decks as they have to take a special route to & from depot.
What peak service on the 311?
Soon as 5pm approaches, Thandi give up!
(Speaking as a regular passenger on that corridor!)
Quote from: 2206 on August 23, 2017, 11:52:32 PM
Deckers have got on there in the past @DJ98 .
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/15491527623/in/album-72157633016165303/
Now that's something I never thought I'd see!
Quote from: Westy on August 24, 2017, 06:38:35 AM
Soon as 5pm approaches, Thandi give up!
I was in Dudley about lunchtime a couple of days ago, waiting for a 246. In that time, I saw two Thandi 311's leave straight after coming into the bus station, rather than going into the stand after the 11/13. It seems they tend to give up on picking up passengers too!
Quote from: DJ98 on August 23, 2017, 11:30:12 PM
It could work, I guess. I thought the bridge on Bloomfield Road would have been too low for one, but the signs on the bridge say otherwise, with a limit of 16' / 4.8m. I can't ever recall seeing a Thandi 311 running full out of Dudley though, whereas the NXWM 11 and 13 are almost always packed at peak times.
TBH that's the problem putting DD's on the 311/313. Unless some of the tree's have been pruned on Powis Avenue? As SD's have been hit by low hanging branches. Sandwell are quite bad when it comes Street furniture and maintenance of their streets. I'm glad I don't live in Sandwell anymore!
Quote from: DJ98 on August 24, 2017, 10:42:16 AM
Now that's something I never thought I'd see!
I was in Dudley about lunchtime a couple of days ago, waiting for a 246. In that time, I saw two Thandi 311's leave straight after coming into the bus station, rather than going into the stand after the 11/13. It seems they tend to give up on picking up passengers too!
Thandi are useless. Back in December on an Ex London Dart, the bus started polluting black smoke. I told the driver, he said " I call garage when I in Walsall". This was on Powis Avenue. When we got to Bradford Place, he said he can't get into touch with the garage. When he left the stand he was using his phone while driving. Thandi need to retrain their drivers.
It's a shame they've stopped doing the 313, was weird seeing blue Darts going up and down Myvod Road.
Quote from: Jack on August 24, 2017, 06:08:41 PM
TBH that's the problem putting DD's on the 311/313. Unless some of the tree's have been pruned on Powis Avenue? As SD's have been hit by low hanging branches. Sandwell are quite bad when it comes Street furniture and maintenance of their streets. I'm glad I don't live in Sandwell anymore!
Thandi are useless. Back in December on an Ex London Dart, the bus started polluting black smoke. I told the driver, he said " I call garage when I in Walsall". This was on Powis Avenue. When we got to Bradford Place, he said he can't get into touch with the garage. When he left the stand he was using his phone while driving. Thandi need to retrain their drivers.
It's a shame they've stopped doing the 313, was weird seeing blue Darts going up and down Myvod Road.
Perhaps if they produced some proper publicity instead of relying on 'word of mouth', both routes might do better!
Oh & by the way, whoever operates Nx's Twitter, when you get a complaint about the reliability of the Walsall to Dudley route , try acting on the Twitter complaint instead of asking the complainant to send chapter & verse via an email.
Some of us dont have time to do so!
Quote from: Westy on August 24, 2017, 08:39:24 PM
Perhaps if they produced some proper publicity instead of relying on 'word of mouth', both routes might do better!
Most of the drivers are Ex Sandwell Travel, who could be why they (half the time) don't have a clue what they're doing. They only they do well on is the 334. Lol
Thandi Blue -
Have 2 x White Gemini's both single doored with Gold Fleetnames. Saw one this morning on a contract / college run numbered 'N something'
There are also 6 ex Stagecoach liveried Plaxton Pointer Darts parked in their yard
There's a stagecoach liverey dart parked at transmobile Bloxwich too... Assume it's there for painting
Quote from: Winston on October 11, 2017, 01:27:54 PM
Thandi Blue -
Have 2 x White Gemini's both single doored with Gold Fleetnames. Saw one this morning on a contract / college run numbered 'N something'
There are also 6 ex Stagecoach liveried Plaxton Pointer Darts parked in their yard
Where have you taken that from, excellent shot?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on October 12, 2017, 10:18:24 PM
Where have you taken that from, excellent shot?
Level 5 of the Midland Metropolitan Hospital currently under construction, on Cranford Street, Smethwick.
You can also see Thandi Red's yard, but as clearly as that one.
5 x stagecoach darts were seen this morning going up the M6 one of them had thandi in side destination.
What buses are actually active in their fleet? as the fleet list on Tony's site has an awful lot of buses, makes me think, are some even still with Thandi, judging from that pic, the Nimbus/Old darts are gone,, unless parked in other yards?
Quote from: Kevin2017 on October 13, 2017, 05:19:39 PM
What buses are actually active in their fleet? as the fleet list on Tony's site has an awful lot of buses, makes me think, are some even still with Thandi, judging from that pic, the Nimbus/Old darts are gone,, unless parked in other yards?
Most likely out in service, the pic was taken approx. 9am ish Wednesday morning
NK56 EPN (ex Stagecoach North East 35162) was in service, in full Thandi livery, on the 37.
The 5 darts I noted yesterday were NK56EPA(35155),NK56EPF(35159),NK56EPJ(35160),NK56EPL(35161)NK56EPU(35173).
Quote from: midlandred2003 on October 14, 2017, 11:12:39 AM
The 5 darts I noted yesterday were NK56EPA(35155),NK56EPF(35159),NK56EPJ(35160),NK56EPL(35161)NK56EPU(35173).
I don't suppose you managed to identify the 2 x Gemini's did you?
Any of the the new darts out today
Didn't see any Gemini's.
Quote from: midlandred2003 on October 14, 2017, 11:58:14 AM
Didn't see any Gemini's.
I've driven past both of them on separate occasions, I only saw a glimpse of their plates as was driving at the time. They are both on private plates, I think one might be XIL8977 & the other XIL8931, but can't be certain.
Thandi seem to be building a fairly modern fleet of ex Stagecoach Darts, their buses also seem pretty well presented with a distinctive livery
Quote from: Winston on October 14, 2017, 12:53:42 PM
I've driven past both of them on separate occasions, I only saw a glimpse of their plates as was driving at the time. They are both on private plates, I think one might be XIL8977 & the other XIL8931, but can't be certain.
Thandi seem to be building a fairly modern fleet of ex Stagecoach Darts, their buses also seem pretty well presented with a distinctive livery
The same can't be said for the condition of some of the Darts. The ex London Darts are known to have crap brakes, the double door conversion to single door isn't great, the seats are poorly placed.
They tend to break down a lot.
Quote from: Jack on October 14, 2017, 05:26:40 PM
the double door conversion to single door isn't great, the seats are poorly placed.
Do they still have any that haven't been converted to single door? I remember seeing a double door Dart pass me a few times, but I haven't really been out along the 311 route recently.
One thing I will say is that the interiors are really poor, whenever I've been on one. The seats are grubby, the ones at the back have no cushioning, the floors are pretty dirty and there are still adverts inside from London.
Quote from: DJ98 on October 14, 2017, 05:34:37 PM
Do they still have any that haven't been converted to single door? I remember seeing a double door Dart pass me a few times, but I haven't really been out along the 311 route recently.
One thing I will say is that the interiors are really poor, whenever I've been on one. The seats are grubby, the ones at the back have no cushioning, the floors are pretty dirty and there are still adverts inside from London.
I think so. But there's one ex London Dart which lets of plumes of black smoke when it pulls away. It seems be put on the 311 a lot. The seats are right state in most of them.
Quote from: Winston on October 14, 2017, 12:53:42 PM
I've driven past both of them on separate occasions, I only saw a glimpse of their plates as was driving at the time. They are both on private plates, I think one might be XIL8977 & the other XIL8931, but can't be certain.
Thandi seem to be building a fairly modern fleet of ex Stagecoach Darts, their buses also seem pretty well presented with a distinctive livery
XIL 8931 is ex LB02YXD which was last 920 in the Ensign fleet.
I haven't worked out the other one yet
Quote from: Solo1 on October 14, 2017, 11:41:45 AM
Any of the the new darts out today
Yes - NK56 EPC ex 35156
http://wmbusphotos.com/Thandiexec/NK56EPC.html
Quote from: Winston on October 11, 2017, 01:27:54 PM
Thandi Blue -
There are also 6 ex Stagecoach liveried Plaxton Pointer Darts parked in their yard
Presumably more ex North East examples then.....
Quote from: markcf83 on October 15, 2017, 04:28:42 PM
Presumably more ex North East examples then.....
No need to presume, see message #366
LB02YWZ reported in buses as acquired by thandi.
Which routes do they operate?
They dont have a website for their bus service's?
Quote from: Kevin2017 on October 18, 2017, 03:37:20 PM
Which routes do they operate?
They dont have a website for their bus service's?
According to traveline:-
Thandi Transport
37 Walsall - Willenhall via Darlaston (28.7.2017)
311 Walsall - Dudley via Wednesbury, Ocker Hill (28.7.2017)
334 Bilston - Walsall via Darlaston (28.7.2017)
Quote from: busfan2847 on October 18, 2017, 03:41:51 PM
According to traveline:-
Thandi Transport
37 Walsall - Willenhall via Darlaston (28.7.2017)
311 Walsall - Dudley via Wednesbury, Ocker Hill (28.7.2017)
334 Bilston - Walsall via Darlaston (28.7.2017)
But nothing after 5pm, when people want to get home & Nx is running late!
Still wont have to worry about the Walsall to Dudley corridor after Friday.
Start work at our company's premises near Hartshornes Bentley on Monday after 5 years or so commuting to Great Bridge!
Sounds like a cowboy company.
Thandi vehicle involved in an accident earlier today in Darlaston, due to the driver having a cardiac arrest, according to local news social media.
Here is the article https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/sandwell/wednesbury/2017/10/19/serious-bus-crash-leaves-black-country-road-closed/
Quote from: Kevin2017 on October 18, 2017, 06:17:47 PM
Sounds like a cowboy company.
They're better than some other Operators, cough Diamond.
Quote from: Jack on October 19, 2017, 03:22:36 PM
They're better than some other Operators, cough Diamond.
Would like to see you attempt to run a bus company
Looks like Thandi have put some of their Y reg Dart's up for sale...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dennis-Dart-Plaxton-Pointer-Bus/202100555193?hash=item2f0e21bdb9:g:~CIAAOSwQS1Z-TJi
Quote from: Kevin2017 on October 18, 2017, 03:37:20 PM
Which routes do they operate?
They dont have a website for their bus service's?
They have a website here (http://"http://thandicoachesuk.com/timetables/bus-hire/"), but it hasn't been updated in quite a while. The 37 is absent and the 313 is still up there.
Quote from: DJ98 on November 01, 2017, 10:04:28 PM
They have a website here (http://"http://thandicoachesuk.com/timetables/bus-hire/"), but it hasn't been updated in quite a while. The 37 is absent and the 313 is still up there.
Even though they don't run it anymore, Myvod Road is spelt as 'Mybod' Road. That's been there ever since it was last updated!
Quote from: Jack on October 19, 2017, 03:22:36 PM
They're better than some other Operators, cough Diamond.
At least Diamond can run past 5pm !
PD1060316/7 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: BILSTON BUS STATION to WALSALL (BRADFORD PLACE) via DARLASTON
Service number: 334
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 21 Jan 2018
PD1060316/11 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Willenhall, Lion Hotel to Walsall, Bradford Place via Darlaston ASDA
Service number: 37
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 21 Jan 2018
Why does thandi continually change there registrations for route they already havr?
Quote from: Chris on December 05, 2017, 04:56:40 PM
Why does thandi continually change there registrations for route they already havr?
And why change the service number of the 37 to 337? Why do they need a different number (337 and 334), when NX already operate along the same route using the service numbers 37 and 34?
Quote from: justlookingaround on December 05, 2017, 03:05:26 PM
PD1060316/11 Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Willenhall, Lion Hotel to Walsall, Bradford Place via Darlaston ASDA
Service number: 337
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 21 Jan 2018
Just checked the DVSA website and the registration on there says 37?
Registered
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Willenhall, Lion Hotel to Walsall, Bradford Place via Darlaston ASDA
Service number: 37
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 21 Jan 2018
So where did 337 come from?
Keyboard error, my mistake. Apologies. It is indeed the 37.
What is the actual change to the 37 & 334?
PD1089639/5 Cancelled
GURMAL SINGH SOOMAL
Route: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Feb 2018
PD1060316/9 Cancelled
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Bradford Place Walsall to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Feb 2018
Quote from: justlookingaround on December 11, 2017, 02:35:01 PM
PD1089639/5 Cancelled
GURMAL SINGH SOOMAL
Route: Walsall, Bradford Place, Stand X to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Feb 2018
PD1060316/9 Cancelled
THANDI TRANSPORT LTD
Route: Bradford Place Walsall to Dudley Bus Station via Wednesbury
Service number: 311
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 01 Feb 2018
Does one of them cover the journeys that are by 'Corporate Express' too?
Thandi always seemed to have a decent loading on the 311, at least at peak times, but if they are actually completely withdrawing from the route then I guess they just couldn't compete with the 11.
A bit more promotion & later after 5pm journeys back to Walsall would've helped!
Quote from: Westy on December 11, 2017, 07:02:29 PM
A bit more promotion & later after 5pm journeys back to Walsall would've helped!
Good point, the only promotion I ever noticed were the occasional stickers at bus stops near Dudley advertising the cheap short hops into town, but that's something NX were also doing.
But unless you know what to look for online, no one will 'know' about the service!
Why some companies will not bite the bullet & sign up to Network Wm's timetables, I do not know.
Besides Thandi's 311, you have other examples like Diamond's Walsall to Bloxwich services, that are not included on the timetable leaflet issued by NWM, that should be.
(And dont tell me, the frequency is comparable to Nx's, it should be on.)
Quote from: DJ98 on December 11, 2017, 05:52:11 PM
Does one of them cover the journeys that are by 'Corporate Express' too?
Thandi always seemed to have a decent loading on the 311, at least at peak times, but if they are actually completely withdrawing from the route then I guess they just couldn't compete with the 11.
I think a reason that why see off the 311 would be unreliability. I rode on the Ex-Stagecoach '56' plate Darts from Dudley to Tipton and it was extremely full and the bus has squeezed 3 prams on. Probably why they left the 313. I think they should focus on the 334, they've been running the route for years and been successful considering how many operators have gone into competition with them on it.
Do they run the 335 still into Walsall Bus Station with that MPD ?
Quote from: Kevin2017 on December 30, 2017, 12:40:24 PM
Do they run the 335 still into Walsall Bus Station with that MPD ?
Its easy to go and look it up on Traveline and see what routes they run.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_SELTT_REQUEST?language=en
Typed thandi in and no they don't.
Edit - Sorry, Yes they do, just remembered they operate some journeys on the 311 and operate the 335 as Corporate Express, so show as Corporate express on traveline.
Quote from: 2206 on December 30, 2017, 12:55:46 PM
Its easy to go and look it up on Traveline and see what routes they run.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_SELTT_REQUEST?language=en
No they don't.
They have so many buses in fleet yet so little routes :D
Quote from: Kevin2017 on December 30, 2017, 12:40:24 PM
Do they run the 335 still into Walsall Bus Station with that MPD ?
Yes.
Quote from: Kevin2017 on December 30, 2017, 12:58:13 PM
They have so many buses in fleet yet so little routes :D
But finish around 5pm, when they would be useful in aiding Nx!
(Especially when I was on the Dudley route in Wednesbury!)
Your getting as bad as mr Halesowen. keep whinging about Thandi finishing before 1700pm
Quote from: karl724223 on December 30, 2017, 05:12:59 PM
Your getting as bad as mr Halesowen. keep whinging about Thandi finishing before 1700pm
God knows why they run to funny times, weird company, no timetables updated on their site or anything. Makes me wonder what cowboys run it ;D
Quote from: Kevin2017 on December 30, 2017, 05:44:32 PM
God knows why they run to funny times, weird company, no timetables updated on their site or anything. Makes me wonder what cowboys run it ;D
That was Sandwell Travel. Thandi are a lot better than them.
Quote from: karl724223 on December 30, 2017, 05:12:59 PM
Your getting as bad as mr Halesowen. keep whinging about Thandi finishing before 1700pm
Its a forum.
I'm allowed to have an opinion!
If you look at my other posts, I've never slagged off other posters for having an opinion!
Quote from: Jack on December 30, 2017, 07:01:07 PM
That was Sandwell Travel. Thandi are a lot better than them.
Hahahahahaha I beg to differ
Quote from: Dom on January 01, 2018, 12:44:48 PM
Hahahahahaha I beg to differ
Thandi atleast have a livery and and have company logos stuck in them. The Darts are in 'OK' condition compared to what Sandwell's were like, sheds on wheels.
Not much of a cowboy are they?
There's still a 56 plate dart in full Thandi liverey parked at Transmobile in Bloxwich, been there for a while
Why are they running the 311/335 under the name of Corporate express?
Quote from: Jack on January 01, 2018, 12:58:19 PM
Not much of a cowboy are they?
So reversing out of stands at Bradford Place, running to their own times, being abusive to NX and TfWM staff, having no care and consideration to the passengers (Made a driver on the 334 aware the other day he had a flat tyre, told me I was wrong and continued in service for the rest of the day.
So yes, they are a cowboy
@Jack
Quote from: Dom on January 03, 2018, 07:38:49 PM
So reversing out of stands at Bradford Place, running to their own times, being abusive to NX and TfWM staff, having no care and consideration to the passengers (Made a driver on the 334 aware the other day he had a flat tyre, told me I was wrong and continued in service for the rest of the day.
So yes, they are a cowboy @Jack
What do you expect at Bradford Place? It's to tight and buses are just dumped wherever there's space. It's the overcrowded 4 stand to blame and the Darlaston's. I don't blame them for reversing out, there's never enough room for them to pull out when a Darlaston bus is parked at a sharp angle.
Keep complaining until something gets done, WCC should just demolish that stupid green thing and make bus stands their etc
Quote from: Kevin2017 on January 03, 2018, 08:24:32 PM
Keep complaining until something gets done, WCC should just demolish that stupid green thing and make bus stands their etc
Walsall Council?
Whats a stupid green thing?
Quote from: 2206 on January 03, 2018, 08:31:12 PM
Walsall Council?
Whats a stupid green thing?
The War Memorial, not something you demolish lightly
Am still under the opinion that if a company wants to operate a route (eg: Thandi on the 311), then they should operate all journeys on that route, picking and choosing of what journeys and times they run shouldn't be allowed.
Quote from: Busman Jamie on January 01, 2018, 01:54:05 PM
There's still a 56 plate dart in full Thandi liverey parked at Transmobile in Bloxwich, been there for a while
which one of the 56reg'd is at transmoblie
Yeah Walsall Council should remove that green area, roundabout thingy. turn it into Bus stands, you know Bradford Place, the middle bit the green.
Quote from: Kevin2017 on January 03, 2018, 10:12:13 PM
Yeah Walsall Council should remove that green area, roundabout thingy. turn it into Bus stands, you know Bradford Place, the middle bit the green.
The War Memorial, not something you demolish lightly
Oh, I did not know, what was on that Green, never really looked, just assumed it was a green to make up one large roundabout thingy.
Quote from: Jack on January 03, 2018, 07:54:49 PM
What do you expect at Bradford Place? It's to tight and buses are just dumped wherever there's space. It's the overcrowded 4 stand to blame and the Darlaston's. I don't blame them for reversing out, there's never enough room for them to pull out when a Darlaston bus is parked at a sharp angle.
So out of the 4 points I've made, you could only argue one of them, and even then your argument is practically invalid simply because reversing without a banksman is extremely frowned upon and at NX isn't even allowed.
Quote from: Dom on January 04, 2018, 09:11:16 AM
So out of the 4 points I've made, you could only argue one of them, and even then your argument is practically invalid simply because reversing without a banksman is extremely frowned upon and at NX isn't even allowed.
Do they have a banksman at Dudley Bus Station? On my travels yesterday I saw buses parked up on that bit of land and saw a few B7RLEs reversing to park. I couldn't see if there was a banksman.
Quote from: Dom on January 04, 2018, 09:11:16 AM
So out of the 4 points I've made, you could only argue one of them, and even then your argument is practically invalid simply because reversing without a banksman is extremely frowned upon and at NX isn't even allowed.
Of which is exactly the same situation with NX and Diamond, most of the time they reverse without a banksman on Cupfields Ave in Tipton. Just see the videos, it's all there. It's not just Thandi! I've ridden NX buses that have had to be reversed without a banksman. Majority were at Bradford Place.
Quote from: MW on January 04, 2018, 09:34:39 AM
Do they have a banksman at Dudley Bus Station? On my travels yesterday I saw buses parked up on that bit of land and saw a few B7RLEs reversing to park. I couldn't see if there was a banksman.
That's where the buses park to layover.
Quote from: MW on January 04, 2018, 09:34:39 AM
Do they have a banksman at Dudley Bus Station? On my travels yesterday I saw buses parked up on that bit of land and saw a few B7RLEs reversing to park. I couldn't see if there was a banksman.
And at West Bromwich bus station due to the incompetence of the designer of the stands
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 04, 2018, 09:52:30 AM
And at West Bromwich bus station due to the incompetence of the designer of the stands
Wednesbury too at times. The 11/13 stand usually. Stourbridge is an example of a great bus station, where buses don't have to reverse off stands.
Quote from: MW on January 04, 2018, 09:34:39 AM
Do they have a banksman at Dudley Bus Station? On my travels yesterday I saw buses parked up on that bit of land and saw a few B7RLEs reversing to park. I couldn't see if there was a banksman.
It isn't needed on the patch.
Quote from: Jack on January 04, 2018, 09:36:56 AM
Of which is exactly the same situation with NX and Diamond, most of the time they reverse without a banksman on Cupfields Ave in Tipton. Just see the videos, it's all there. It's not just Thandi! I've ridden NX buses that have had to be reversed without a banksman. Majority were at Bradford Place.
You just don't seem to understand. God help you if you ever became anything more than a passenger.
Quote from: Dom on January 04, 2018, 10:21:02 AM
You just don't seem to understand. God help you if you ever became anything more than a passenger.
I do know what a banksman is needed for thank you. Anyway not a long ago a kid on Cupfields Ave was hit by a reversing bus and ended up in intensive care, no banksman. So you can't really just blame Thandi, when NX and Diamond do the exact same, sometimes they have no choice!
Quote from: Jack on January 04, 2018, 10:30:44 AM
I do know what a banksman is needed for thank you. Anyway not a long ago a kid on Cupfields Ave was hit by a reversing bus and ended up in intensive care, no banksman. So you can't really just blame Thandi, when NX and Diamond do the exact same, sometimes they have no choice!
When was that accident? Express & Star or Birmingham Mail don't seem to have it recorded which is extremely unusual if a child ended up in intensive care
Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2018, 10:33:37 AM
When was that accident? Express & Star or Birmingham Mail don't seem to have it recorded which is extremely unusual if a child ended up in intensive care
Been told by the YouTube user who posts the videos of the buses getting stuck, not sure if it's true or not, I just got told. Not sure when either, but I agree with them, 12 buses an hour down that street is ridiculous.
Quote from: Jack on January 04, 2018, 10:37:16 AM
Been told by the YouTube user who posts the videos of the buses getting stuck, not sure if it's true or not, I just got told. Not sure when either, but I agree with them, 12 buses an hour down that street is ridiculous.
I never said it was just Thandi who do I did I? I simply mentioned that they do.
You seemed pretty sure it was true when you said "a kid was hit by a reversing bus"
Quote from: Dom on January 04, 2018, 12:13:07 PM
You seemed pretty sure it was true when you said "a kid was hit by a reversing bus"
By what happens there, then yes I do, the whole Street are apparently complaining about the mayhem.
Regarding the bus reversing thing, not entirely sure but is the rule of requiring a banksman only on public roads? ie not private land (bus stations)
At Derby bus station every bus has to back out and I have never seen a bankman. I also understand that low speed bumps and scrapes are not unknown...
Quote from: Tony on January 03, 2018, 10:27:39 PM
The War Memorial, not something you demolish lightly
Indeed not Tony. The Walsall Cenotaph marks the spot where a Zepplin bomb fell in 1916. A passing Corporation tram was caught in the blast and the Lady Mayoress, who was on board, recieved injuries from which she died. There is a plaque on a building in Bradford St commemorating the event and showing damage from the blast.
And for the number grabbers it was tram 16...
Quote from: Other Walsall Tony on January 04, 2018, 05:45:55 PM
Indeed not Tony. The Walsall Cenotaph marks the spot where a Zepplin bomb fell in 1916. A passing Corporation tram was caught in the blast and the Lady Mayoress, who was on board, recieved injuries from which she died. There is a plaque on a building in Bradford St commemorating the event and showing damage from the blast.
And for the number grabbers it was tram 16...
Don't worry Tony, It's only a 'Green thingy'
And suddenly as if by a magic all the kids on here are now banksman trained
It's an NXWM policy to have a banksman, that's all.
And yes, this policy is regularly broken.
Quote from: MW on January 04, 2018, 09:13:07 PM
It's an NXWM policy to have a banksman, that's all.
And yes, this policy is regularly broken.
Not at all times, there are exceptions, For instance a banks man trained driver can do a dynamic risk assessment
Remember there was always a banksman in the old Wolverhampton Bus Station for buses on the back line of 3 or 4 buses (can't remember) complete with his whistle guiding buses out.
In Bristol buses reverse out of the bays in the Cribbs Causeway, Bristol and Bath bus stations no banksmen!
Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2018, 09:19:25 PM
Not at all times, there are exceptions, For instance a banks man trained driver can do a dynamic risk assessment
Isn't every driver banksman trained? They showed us all the hand symbols in training. Or is it further training you need?
@Westy - I found one Thandi BX54 Dart at 17.03pm having finished work for the day filling up with diesel at the BP garage local to The Hawthornes.
I'm pretty sure It was the driver inside stood at the counter paying in shrapnel from the days takings.....
Quote from: Winston on January 09, 2018, 07:29:56 PM
@Westy - I found one Thandi BX54 Dart at 17.03pm having finished work for the day filling up with diesel at the BP garage local to The Hawthornes.
I'm pretty sure It was the driver inside stood at the counter paying in shrapnel from the days takings.....
Yes, standard practice every day
Quote from: Tony on January 09, 2018, 07:39:07 PM
Yes, standard practice every day
Bet Thandi are popular with the staff on the counter
In the latest Notices and Proceedings:
PD1060316/12 THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, THANDI BUS & COACH DEPOT,
ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
From: Bilston Bus Station
To: Walsall, Bradford Place
Via: Darlaston, Manor Hospital
Name or No.: 39
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 23 February 2018
Other details: Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)
They seem to have an issue working on Saturdays as well as finishing around 1700!
If you want to compete with Nx, at least match their days & time of operation !
Quote from: Westy on January 12, 2018, 07:54:43 PM
They seem to have an issue working on Saturdays as well as finishing around 1700!
If you want to compete with Nx, at least match their days & time of operation !
As explained before l think, all down to drivers hours and having one bus per driver. When it's time for the lunch break then so does the bus.
No Saturdays, no need to have another driver employed to do one of the days for each bus on the route.
Quote from: justlookingaround on January 12, 2018, 08:04:11 PM
As explained before l think, all down to drivers hours and having one bus per driver. When it's time for the lunch break then so does the bus.
No Saturdays, no need to have another driver employed to do one of the days for each bus on the route.
Can't rely on them though!
Quote from: justlookingaround on January 12, 2018, 02:28:59 PM
In the latest Notices and Proceedings:
PD1060316/12 THANDI TRANSPORT LTD, THANDI BUS & COACH DEPOT,
ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
From: Bilston Bus Station
To: Walsall, Bradford Place
Via: Darlaston, Manor Hospital
Name or No.: 39
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 23 February 2018
Other details: Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)
Guessing they're coming off the 311 so that they can go on the 39 then?
Thandi coaches are set to move from alma st they are expanding info in tonight's express & star
Quote from: Solo1 on January 20, 2018, 06:42:44 PM
Thandi coaches are set to move from alma st they are expanding info in tonight's express & star
The land Alma St depot sits on is probably worth a bit with all the re-development that is going around there.
Quote from: Winston on January 20, 2018, 08:30:13 PM
The land Alma St depot sits on is probably worth a bit with all the re-development that is going around there.
flats & apartments to be build there
Quote from: Solo1 on January 20, 2018, 08:37:15 PM
flats & apartments to be build there
They'll probably be built quicker than the Hospital....
Did it say where Thandi were moving too?
Any one know which buses are left from the sale on eBay I know they is 5 buses still in use which was listed on eBay for sale
Quote from: Solo1 on February 05, 2018, 09:13:55 PM
Any one know which buses are left from the sale on eBay I know they is 5 buses still in use which was listed on eBay for sale
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DENNIS-DART-BUSES-CHOICE-BETWEEN-2001-TO-2004/292420117909?hash=item441598e595:g:4HQAAOSwt4xaZlF3
Still for sale, as listed on ebay:
- SN03WKY.
- SN03WLF.
- SN51UAK.
- T88NND.
- T66NND.
- BK54DKA.
- BK54DKF.
- BK54DKK.
Listed as sold on ebay:
- SN03WMV.
- SN03WLL
- Y835 TGH
- Y152NLK.
- Y663NLO.
- T77NND.
Only just appeared on BLOTW is the report of TT67NDY , a Tourismo with Thandi - Smethwick. I saw this coach and similar TT67NDX on the first day of the 67 plates heading down the M5. Not seen or heard anything of these two since ! I was beginning to think they had been an optical illusion. :o ;)
They're coming off the 39 on the 18/3, to go onto 37.
(To replace Nx on the 37?)
Quote from: Westy on February 16, 2018, 06:50:57 PM
They're coming off the 39 on the 18/3, to go onto 37.
(To replace Nx on the 37?)
On the VOSA website, the cancellation on the 39: https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/515833/
Registration for the 37: https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/515577/
Just seen a thandi learner bus head down new road Featherstone
Quote from: BusMan Greg on February 28, 2018, 07:58:47 AM
Just seen a thandi learner bus head down new road Featherstone
I didn't even know they had a learner bus, I'm presuming it's one of their older Dart's that's now surplus to requirements.
Sure it wasn't the MCV evolution which belongs to Brittish HGV?
Another route they can finish at 5pm on!
Lol
Interesting to note on the new Nwm 34/37/39 leaflet, that Thandi times for both their 37 & 334 have been included.
Shame this is not consistant across all leaflets, irrespective of operator.
Have all the ex Stagecoach darts entered service with thandi & has the 04 reg ever been out on the rd
Thandi Executive GT03KKK was on Thameslink rail replacement duties at Peterborough on Thursday.
Section 5.1 – Notice of Public Inquiries to be Held
Public Inquiry (77349) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room (Birmingham), B15 1PL, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 24 July 2018 commencing at 10:00
PD1146350 SI
THANDI COACHES LIMITED
Director(s): SUKHI SINGH
THE BUS AND COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL
S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
Just like to say that the 335 will move from stand h in the bus station to stand m in the bus station
Went past thandi yard at alma st only 1 coach wonder where
The fleet has moved to as cant see only 1 coach in as spare
There is a yard opposite the albion ground
How come thandi alma st haven't let vosa know the new address as it's not on the n&p's
Interesting to note Thandi is operating one of their Bradford Place routes today!
Anyone read the Sunday Mercury today?
Looks like Evergreen Coaches(part of Thandi) are in a spot of bother!
Quote from: Westy on January 20, 2019, 08:35:12 PM
Anyone read the Sunday Mercury today?
Looks like Evergreen Coaches(part of Thandi) are in a spot of bother!
With what
Does anyone know what metrobus is parked at thandi yard in West Brom
Quote from: Nxwm on June 09, 2019, 03:30:18 PM
Does anyone know what metrobus is parked at thandi yard in West Brom
its ex Roberts I think it was cream& red
Quote from: Nxwm on June 09, 2019, 03:30:18 PM
Does anyone know what metrobus is parked at thandi yard in West Brom
It's ex TWM Metrobus 2789, B789 AOC.
Quote from: Nxwm on June 09, 2019, 03:30:18 PM
Does anyone know what metrobus is parked at thandi yard in West Brom
2789
Just passed NK56 EPO at Barr Beacon...Definitely somewhere I didn't expect to see a Thandi vehicle!
Thandi now have 15 2003-2006 darts up for sale on a Facebook group starting from 3k each. Are these surplus or are they starting to wind down services?
Quote from: IMarkeh on September 22, 2019, 03:53:15 PM
Thandi now have 15 2003-2006 darts up for sale on a Facebook group starting from 3k each. Are these surplus or are they starting to wind down services?
God I hope not. The Darlaston corridor has been the first decent way of getting to work since I first started 30 odd years ago!
Quote from: IMarkeh on September 22, 2019, 03:53:15 PM
Thandi now have 15 2003-2006 darts up for sale on a Facebook group starting from 3k each. Are these surplus or are they starting to wind down services?
they are the older ones as has some ex stagecoach 56 reg ones
Thandi apparently awarded 53 Erdington - Smiths Wood what is the route change?
Quote from: Jack D on October 01, 2019, 07:34:35 PM
Thandi apparently awarded 53 Erdington - Smiths Wood what is the route change?
It will run from Birmingham to Smiths Wood. (Wonder what buses it will use)
Also, unrelated to the question, but I saw a Thandi bus earlier today with a Stagecoach Megarider ad on the window. You'd think that they would have removed it when it was repainted but no.
Will it still go via shard end?
Quote from: Jack D on October 01, 2019, 08:25:39 PM
Will it still go via shard end?
Yeah, I think. It's just the Erdington bit that's changed.
How do you have this info?
Quote from: Jack D on October 01, 2019, 08:31:42 PM
How do you have this info?
Some people were talking about it on the Rotala Q&A thread and someone said that Thandi were taking the 53 and extending it to Birmingham.
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 01, 2019, 07:41:31 PM
It will run from Birmingham to Smiths Wood. (Wonder what buses it will use)
Also, unrelated to the question, but I saw a Thandi bus earlier today with a Stagecoach Megarider ad on the window. You'd think that they would have removed it when it was repainted but no.
Well the Thandi's I catch still have Stagecoach stuff inside, even a (I assume) North East area radio station ad!
The Thandi running in Walsall and the Thandi which is actually Evergreen taking over the 53 are two separate unconnected companies
When I saw the specification for the 53 it was to run into Birmingham City centre, if that is the case what vehicles do they propose to use and for how long?
Quote from: igogeneral on October 03, 2019, 11:16:18 AM
When I saw the specification for the 53 it was to run into Birmingham City centre, if that is the case what vehicles do they propose to use and for how long?
Thandi (Evergreen) has been in possession of an ex-Stagecarriage Omnicity for a while.. Probably putting that to some use?
Quote from: CL on October 03, 2019, 11:40:54 AM
Thandi (Evergreen) has been in possession of an ex-Stagecarriage Omnicity for a while.. Probably putting that to some use?
Diamond use Mellors on the 53, an Omnicity would a bit overkill
Quote from: Winston on October 03, 2019, 11:45:02 AM
Diamond use Mellors on the 53, an Omnicity would a bit overkill
One of the Thandis has taken 4 E200s
Quote from: Winston on October 03, 2019, 11:45:02 AM
Diamond use Mellors on the 53, an Omnicity would a bit overkill
Thought as much, but didn't know anything else that'd be suitable for public service from their fleet.. Thought it was either that or one of their two B7 Geminis 😂
Quote from: Tony on October 03, 2019, 12:03:07 PM
One of the Thandis has taken 4 E200s
... until this revelation. ;)
Quote from: CL on October 03, 2019, 12:23:49 PM
Thought as much, but didn't know anything else that'd be suitable for public service from their fleet.. Thought it was either that or one of their two B7 Geminis 😂
... until this revelation. ;)
They're listed on the Ensign Bus sales/purchases list of Ross's that I re-posted for Sept.
But additionally, all of their ex Stagecoach Darts are up for sale.
Quote from: Winston on October 03, 2019, 11:45:02 AM
Diamond use Mellors on the 53, an Omnicity would a bit overkill
Though it's not yet clear how the route is to be revised, and from where it will head to Birmingham city centre rather than Erdington, I'd guess that they would expect some increased patronage, if the route in its present form is unviable.
Perhaps they expect to gain passengers by running alongside the 55 and 94 to/from Saltley Viaduct?
Quote from: Stu on October 03, 2019, 07:41:12 PM
Though it's not yet clear how the route is to be revised, and from where it will head to Birmingham city centre rather than Erdington, I'd guess that they would expect some increased patronage, if the route in its present form is unviable.
Perhaps they expect to gain passengers by running alongside the 55 and 94 to/from Saltley Viaduct?
Either way, it's a TfWM tendered route which should potentially be Euro 6 & how many tendered services need full size single deckers
Any route detail as of yet ??
I wonder if it is going to be operated commercially - I would have thought it is very rare for a tendering authority to accept a bid so different ?
That was the tender specification
Sorry, I see that now - with the number of routes, not neccesarily in the Midland; being reduced on the grounds of traffic congestion it never occured to me a suburban route would be extended into the city at TfWM's instigation.
It's not an extension but a change of terminus. I would expect it's to try & grow passenger numbers as it's very lightly used around erdington
Quote from: Steveminor on October 06, 2019, 03:41:29 PM
It's not an extension but a change of terminus. I would expect it's to try & grow passenger numbers as it's very lightly used around erdington
That's good and all, but will the frequency change? Don't think it will get an increase in passenger numbers if it runs once an hour.
Quote from: Steveminor on October 06, 2019, 03:41:29 PM
It's not an extension but a change of terminus. I would expect it's to try & grow passenger numbers as it's very lightly used around erdington
So it will be following the current route to Saltley and then running along the 55/94 route which run every few minutes to the City Centre. Can't see much point in it if that's the case, would make more sense to curtail it back to Saltley. Only runs every hour and looks to be a fairly long winded route as well, through areas where there are much more regular services, so I can't see it being very popular.
Whenever I see it around Nechells/Saltley or Stechford, passenger numbers are always very low. Same with the 10H between Q.E. Hospital and City Centre, where passenger numbers always are very low.
Quote from: 2206 on October 06, 2019, 06:19:00 PM
So it will be following the current route to Saltley and then running along the 55/94 route which run every few minutes to the City Centre. Can't see much point in it if that's the case, would make more sense to curtail it back to Saltley. Only runs every hour and looks to be a fairly long winded route as well, through areas where there are much more regular services, so I can't see it being very popular.
Whenever I see it around Nechells/Saltley or Stechford, passenger numbers are always very low. Same with the 10H between Q.E. Hospital and City Centre, where passenger numbers always are very low.
That's true, but it can also follow the 65/67 to Spaghetti Junction, then turn onto Cuckoo Road to Star City, then it can continue on its original route to Smiths Wood.
Quote from: 2206 on October 06, 2019, 06:19:00 PM
So it will be following the current route to Saltley and then running along the 55/94 route which run every few minutes to the City Centre. Can't see much point in it if that's the case, would make more sense to curtail it back to Saltley. Only runs every hour and looks to be a fairly long winded route as well, through areas where there are much more regular services, so I can't see it being very popular.
Whenever I see it around Nechells/Saltley or Stechford, passenger numbers are always very low. Same with the 10H between Q.E. Hospital and City Centre, where passenger numbers always are very low.
I don't think it has been confirmed yet what route it is going to take. But going by other comments here about overcrowding on the 55 and 94, perhaps TfWM think there is a case to make this route a bit more viable if it can carry some of those passengers between city centre and Saltley at least, even if it only operates hourly.
If there is little to no demand between Saltley and Erdington, and much demand between Saltley and city centre, it makes sense to me to try this.
But of course it remains to be seen what the actual route will end up being.
Quote from: Stu on October 07, 2019, 07:23:43 PM
I don't think it has been confirmed yet what route it is going to take. But going by other comments here about overcrowding on the 55 and 94, perhaps TfWM think there is a case to make this route a bit more viable if it can carry some of those passengers between city centre and Saltley at least, even if it only operates hourly.
If there is little to no demand between Saltley and Erdington, and much demand between Saltley and city centre, it makes sense to me to try this.
But of course it remains to be seen what the actual route will end up being.
Speaking of overcrowding, what about if TFWM made the 53 support the 17. As someone who is a regular user of the service, it is terrible for overcrowding ever since the 73 was rerouted so the 53 could follow the 17 up to Hob Moor Road then continue onto Yardley Green Road and follow the 28/A to Heartlands Hospital. Either way, they would want to make sure it sticks to its original route as possible because of the change of terminus.
Quote from: Stu on October 07, 2019, 07:23:43 PM
I don't think it has been confirmed yet what route it is going to take. But going by other comments here about overcrowding on the 55 and 94, perhaps TfWM think there is a case to make this route a bit more viable if it can carry some of those passengers between city centre and Saltley at least, even if it only operates hourly.
If there is little to no demand between Saltley and Erdington, and much demand between Saltley and city centre, it makes sense to me to try this.
But of course it remains to be seen what the actual route will end up being.
Its the 55 and its Ominlinks that can get overcrowded. Never seen it with the 94, since is allocated Deckers and they seem to cope fine on the 94, from what I've seen.
New 53 route as follows :
From Birmingham, Priory Queenway, Old Square, Priory Queensway, Moor Street Queensway, Jennens Road, Ashted Circus, Nechells Parkway, Saltley Road, Saltley Viaduct, Adderley Road Ash Road, Arden Road, St Saviours Road, College Road, Bridge Road, (returns via Bridge Road, College Road, Hartopp Road, Bowyer Road) Pretoria Road, Whitacre Road, Colonial Road, Bordesley Green, Bordesley Green East, Richmond Road, Stechford Five Ways, Albert Road,(returns via Albert Road, Stuarts Road, Bordeley Green East), Victoria Road, Mary Road, Frederick Road, Station Road, Manor Road, Rattle Croft, Bagshaw Road, Hill House Lane, Inglefield Road, Church Lane, Audley Road, Lyme Green Road, Wyndhurst Road, Glebe Farm Road, Middle Leaford, Cole Hall Lane, Brookmeadow Road, Heath Way, Shard End Crescent, Old Croft Way, Brownfield Road, Timberley Lane, Chester Road, Hurst Lane North, Green Lane, Lanchester Way to the bus turning circle close to Auckland Drive.(returns by continuing along Lanchester way, into Auckland Drive, and reverse of outward route)
Quote from: metrocity on October 08, 2019, 06:44:11 AM
New 53 route as follows :
From Birmingham, Priory Queenway, Old Square, Priory Queensway, Moor Street Queensway, Jennens Road, Ashted Circus, Nechells Parkway, Saltley Road, Saltley Viaduct, Adderley Road Ash Road, Arden Road, St Saviours Road, College Road, Bridge Road, (returns via Bridge Road, College Road, Hartopp Road, Bowyer Road) Pretoria Road, Whitacre Road, Colonial Road, Bordesley Green, Bordesley Green East, Richmond Road, Stechford Five Ways, Albert Road,(returns via Albert Road, Stuarts Road, Bordeley Green East), Victoria Road, Mary Road, Frederick Road, Station Road, Manor Road, Rattle Croft, Bagshaw Road, Hill House Lane, Inglefield Road, Church Lane, Audley Road, Lyme Green Road, Wyndhurst Road, Glebe Farm Road, Middle Leaford, Cole Hall Lane, Brookmeadow Road, Heath Way, Shard End Crescent, Old Croft Way, Brownfield Road, Timberley Lane, Chester Road, Hurst Lane North, Green Lane, Lanchester Way to the bus turning circle close to Auckland Drive.(returns by continuing along Lanchester way, into Auckland Drive, and reverse of outward route)
Where did you get this?
Any timetable if the route is published
Quote from: Solo1 on October 08, 2019, 08:26:52 AM
Any timetable if the route is published
There's a timetable showing on BusTimes:
https://bustimes.org/services/53-birmingham-smiths-wood-via-saltley-shard-end
Quote from: Stu on October 07, 2019, 07:23:43 PM
I don't think it has been confirmed yet what route it is going to take. But going by other comments here about overcrowding on the 55 and 94, perhaps TfWM think there is a case to make this route a bit more viable if it can carry some of those passengers between city centre and Saltley at least, even if it only operates hourly.
If there is little to no demand between Saltley and Erdington, and much demand between Saltley and city centre, it makes sense to me to try this.
But of course it remains to be seen what the actual route will end up being.
Quote from: Gareth on March 08, 2019, 07:20:38 PM
Rerouting it away from Alum Rock Road hasn't improved it's rider numbers.
Surely it would take a few extra passengers if it took its old route along Alum Rock Road and College Road. The 14 gets busy and carries good loadings round there from what I've seen. Can't be many people that would use it on Adderley Road and Ash Road.
Quote from: 2206 on October 08, 2019, 07:16:20 PM
Surely it would take a few extra passengers if it took its old route along Alum Rock Road and College Road. The 14 gets busy and carries good loadings round there from what I've seen. Can't be many people that would use it on Adderley Road and Ash Road.
The idea of tendered routes isn't to compete with commercial ones
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2019, 07:30:53 PM
The idea of tendered routes isn't to compete with commercial ones
That's what I initially thought, but surely that's what this new 53 will be doing though
@Tony, competing with NXWM's commercial 55 and 94 in the Nechells area.
Surely it would make more sense to have it terminate at Saltley if that's the case, then if passengers want to go to the City Centre they can change to the 55 and 94, which operate every few minutes.
Or is this section of the route along Nechells Parkway going to be commercially operated.
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2019, 07:30:53 PM
The idea of tendered routes isn't to compete with commercial ones
Quote from: 2206 on October 08, 2019, 07:33:40 PM
Surely that's what this new 53 will be doing though @Tony, competing with NXWM's commercial 55 and 94 in the Nechells area.
I hardly think an hourly service is going to provide much competition to already established frequent services. I have already worked on the assumption that TfWM have specified this route change on the basis that this service might pick up a few more passengers than it already does by operating between city centre and Saltley, thus making it more worthwhile to subsidise if overall patronage can be increased.
To add to Tony's comment, the ultimate goal of tendered services is to grow them, so that as passenger numbers increase, they can become more commercially viable and thus not require subsidising. (That's my opinion anyway)
Quote from: Stu on October 08, 2019, 07:51:41 PM
I hardly think an hourly service is going to provide much competition to already established frequent services. I have already worked on the assumption that TfWM have specified this route change on the basis that this service might pick up a few more passengers than it already does by operating between city centre and Saltley, thus making it more worthwhile to subsidise if overall patronage can be increased.
I agree. I would add that it's always possible that TfWM have identified that at least some passengers nearer the Saltley end really want to travel through to 'town'.
Interesting to see what happens when the clean air zone is introduced next year !
New flags are starting to pop up now as well as timetables
What buses are Thandi using for 53
Evergreen have two all over white E200's (one's a classic, the other an MMC) from Mistral to operate the new 53 service (Birmingham to Smiths Wood). They're both still unprogrammed on the displays so are showing Mistral on the blind, 53 on a piece of paper. I assume they're both fresh arrivals over the weekend on lease?
SN66 WJY and YX18 KVR
The 18 reg was with Kev's coaches used on the 38 service
Quote from: Nathan on October 28, 2019, 10:52:55 AM
Thandi/Evergreen have two all over white E200's (one's a classic, the other an MMC) from Mistral to operate the new 53 service (Birmingham to Smiths Wood). They're both still unprogrammed on the displays so are showing Mistral on the blind, 53 on a piece of paper. I assume they're both fresh arrivals over the weekend on lease?
SN66 WJY and YX18 KVR
I thought the 53 was hourly?
Quote from: Tony on October 28, 2019, 12:40:48 PM
It is, what's the problem
Why does it need two buses? Doesn't an hourly service require just one bus only?
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 28, 2019, 01:20:38 PM
Why does it need two buses? Doesn't an hourly service require just one bus only?
It takes an hour each way, how would you run that with one bus?
How is the reliability on the 53?
Quote from: Jack D on November 02, 2019, 05:08:12 PM
How is the reliability on the 53?
Travelled on it yesterday city - Smiths Wood in the morning rush hour, seemed to cope fine with the timings (bear in mind it passed a number of schools at peak times) and we passed the other bus on schedule. No one else was on board but wasn't expecting so at that time in that direction
Driver however was still a bit unaware of the route, slowing at junctions to check road names and managed to run up Hams Road instead of Ash Road in Saltley. I reckon the route now has potential but doubt it'll carry anything more than the concessionary pass holders it carried before.
(meanwhile Nechells - Erdington has yet one less vehicle per hour, no doubt putting more people off using the bus, but what do I know I was just a humble user of the route)
Quote from: Kevin on November 09, 2019, 06:18:36 PM
Travelled on it yesterday city - Smiths Wood in the morning rush hour, seemed to cope fine with the timings (bear in mind it passed a number of schools at peak times) and we passed the other bus on schedule. No one else was on board but wasn't expecting so at that time in that direction
Driver however was still a bit unaware of the route, slowing at junctions to check road names and managed to run up Hams Road instead of Ash Road in Saltley. I reckon the route now has potential but doubt it'll carry anything more than the concessionary pass holders it carried before.
(meanwhile Nechells - Erdington has yet one less vehicle per hour, no doubt putting more people off using the bus, but what do I know I was just a humble user of the route)
What they need to do to get more passengers is to change the route between Saltley and Heartlands Hospital by following the 8A to Bordesley Green and then turning left on Bordesley Green and follow the 97 route to Heartlands Hospital. The section between Heartlands Hospital and Glebe Farm can also be changed by turning left on Station Road to Flaxley Road and then follow the 14 to Glebe Farm. Then if that works, they can consider increasing the frequency.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 09, 2019, 06:27:13 PM
What they need to do to get more passengers is to change the route between Saltley and Heartlands Hospital by following the 8A to Bordesley Green and then turning left on Bordesley Green and follow the 97 route to Heartlands Hospital. The section between Heartlands Hospital and Glebe Farm can also be changed by turning left on Station Road to Flaxley Road and then follow the 14 to Glebe Farm. Then if that works, they can consider increasing the frequency.
What is the point of a tendered route following heavily used commercial routes?
Quote from: Tony on November 09, 2019, 06:47:35 PM
What is the point of a tendered route following heavily used commercial routes?
To increase passengers numbers.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 09, 2019, 08:29:27 PM
To increase passengers numbers.
And miss the passengers the whole reason tax payers money is used to provide a bus service for?
Quote from: Tony on November 09, 2019, 08:35:57 PM
And miss the passengers the whole reason tax payers money is used to provide a bus service for?
So what would you do with the 53 then?
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 09, 2019, 08:51:14 PM
So what would you do with the 53 then?
why does it need anything doing to it. It's a subsidised service provided to serve the roads it does as there's no commercial service.
Quote from: Tony on November 09, 2019, 09:02:09 PM
why does it need anything doing to it. It's a subsidised service provided to serve the roads it does as there's no commercial service.
To increase passenger numbers. There was a reason why Diamond reduced the frequency to hourly a couple of years ago.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 09, 2019, 09:05:07 PM
To increase passenger numbers. There was a reason why Diamond reduced the frequency to hourly a couple of years ago.
Diamond didn't. TfWM did. They tender the service out.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 09, 2019, 09:05:07 PM
To increase passenger numbers. There was a reason why Diamond reduced the frequency to hourly a couple of years ago.
Do you know how tendered and commercial services work?
Bus companies register services they expect to make a profit.
Local authorities then subsidise tendered routes where they are regarded as being socially neccessary. Operators cannot just change these and taking them out of places without other services completely defeats the object of them running
Quote from: Tony on November 09, 2019, 09:16:51 PM
Do you know how tendered and commercial services work?
By companies register services they expect to make a profit.
Local authorities the subsidise tendered routes where they are regarded as being socially neccessary. Operators cannot just change these and taking them out of places without other services completely defeats the object of them running
Thanks for the info. I actually was going to ask about this but I didn't want people to judge. I'm weird like that.
Hi Thandi is it possible please to update your Exclusive Coaches website as currently the 37 and new the new 53 bus timetables are not added to the website. http://thandicoachesuk.com/timetables/ al,so on this website it mentions that you operate the 311/313. this is not true as you withdrew it a few months ago. Could you please amend this.
Timetables
Q. What days does the service run
A. The 311 & 313 service runs from Monday to Friday and the 334 runs from Monday to Saturday (all three services do not run on bank holidays)
Thank you
Kind regards
Bus Man K2
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on November 12, 2019, 10:14:44 AM
Hi Thandi is it possible please to update your Exclusive Coaches website as currently the 37 and new the new 53 bus timetables are not added to the website. http://thandicoachesuk.com/timetables/ al,so on this website it mentions that you operate the 311/313. this is not true as you withdrew it a few months ago. Could you please amend this.
Timetables
Q. What days does the service run
A. The 311 & 313 service runs from Monday to Friday and the 334 runs from Monday to Saturday (all three services do not run on bank holidays)
Thank you
Kind regards
Bus Man K2
I don't think anyone from Thandi is on here
Quote from: Tony on November 12, 2019, 10:43:51 AM
I don't think anyone from Thandi is on here
Hi Tony
Thank for the info. I tried to contact them through email but no reply so I though this would work but obviously not!!! ;D
Bus Man K2
How the hell do you run a bus company if you CBA to answer passenger queries?
Quote from: Westy on November 12, 2019, 12:13:55 PM
How the hell do you run a bus company if you CBA to answer passenger queries?
So right.
The 311 and 313 haven't run in for ages, they were withdrawn in 2017...
Quote from: Jack on November 12, 2019, 04:32:46 PM
The 311 and 313 haven't run in for ages, they were withdrawn in 2017...
They were withdrawn quite a time ago. I couldn't remember quite when. If you say 2017 then it must be that long ago!!! Sadly nobody can get in contact with Thandi. I've tried. With no result.
Isn't the 53 a different Thandi anyway?
Quote from: mikestone on November 12, 2019, 05:00:17 PM
Isn't the 53 a different Thandi anyway?
Yes and no. Evergreen Coaches operate the 53 which is part of Thandi.
Yse the 53 is operated by Evergreen which is indeed part of Thandi. So it should be shown on the website I posted earlier.
Bus Man K2
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 12, 2019, 05:04:10 PM
Yes and no. Evergreen Coaches operate the 53 which is part of Thandi.
Part of red thandi coaches not thandi executive blue that ran the 311 313 334.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on November 12, 2019, 05:07:47 PM
Yse the 53 is operated by Evergreen which is indeed part of Thandi. So it should be shown on the website I posted earlier.
Bus Man K2
Completely seperate company, not part of Thandi
Quote from: Jack on November 12, 2019, 04:32:46 PM
The 311 and 313 haven't run in for ages, they were withdrawn in 2017...
They were a waste of time when they ran anyway!
Nx was bad enough with late running besides Thandi ceasing service around 5pm, in the middle of the rush hour!
Quote from: Tony on November 12, 2019, 05:59:44 PM
Completely seperate company, not part of Thandi
Hopefully to clarify. Somewhat confusingly Evergreen Coaches (PD0000154) was renamed Thandi Coaches (Red) Limited and it is they who run the 53.
;
director Ravindal Soomar.
;
THE COACH DEPOT, ALMA STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2RL, GB
;
website http://www.thandicoaches.com/
;
The 37, 334 are operated by Thandi Transport Limited (PD1060316)
;
director Ajmar Singh
;
THANDI BUS & COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL, GB
;
website http://thandicoachesuk.com/
;
Perhaps the existing Evergreen Coaches thread should be renamed Thandi Coaches (Red), with any further discussion of the 53 go there?
I saw the 53 in town yesterday and it said via Heartlands Hospital on the blind but it doesn't show that on it's list of stops online.
I can confirm the 53 does indeed go via heartlands hospital.
Quote from: MasterPlan on November 13, 2019, 07:09:12 AM
I saw the 53 in town yesterday and it said via Heartlands Hospital on the blind but it doesn't show that on it's list of stops online.
Quote from: Steveminor on November 13, 2019, 07:54:37 AM
I can confirm the 53 does indeed go via heartlands hospital.
@MasterPlan Steveminor is correct, the Alston Road stops on Bordesley Green East are at the main entrance to Heartlands Hospital.
Quote from: mikestone on November 12, 2019, 08:29:42 PM
Hopefully to clarify. Somewhat confusingly Evergreen Coaches (PD0000154) was renamed Thandi Coaches (Red) Limited and it is they who run the 53.
;
director Ravindal Soomar.
;
THE COACH DEPOT, ALMA STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2RL, GB
;
website http://www.thandicoaches.com/
;
The 37, 334 are operated by Thandi Transport Limited (PD1060316)
;
director Ajmar Singh
;
THANDI BUS & COACH DEPOT, ABBERLEY STREET, SMETHWICK, B66 2QL, GB
;
website http://thandicoachesuk.com/
;
Perhaps the existing Evergreen Coaches thread should be renamed Thandi Coaches (Red), with any further discussion of the 53 go there?
Has anybody got the personal email address for the managers of both companies? As you can't get in contact with them through the email address on their website.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on November 13, 2019, 06:57:36 PM
Has anybody got the personal email address for the managers of both companies? As you can't get in contact with them through the email address on their website.
I'd suggest contacting TfWM customer services and let them know you can'r get hold of an operator on one of their tendered routes - they'll contact the operator which should prompt a response.
Today I saw a Thandi branded E200 in walsall today. It definitely isn't the evergreen one due to this one being double doors. Does anybody know?
Quote from: Uptight on January 06, 2020, 04:08:52 PM
Today I saw a Thandi branded E200 in walsall today. It definitely isn't the evergreen one due to this one being double doors. Does anybody know?
Thandi aquired 4 ex Metroline E200's a few months back. I can't remember off the top of my head by the I.D's of them were posted in the Ensign dealer comings and goings thread.
So having seen Mark's pic of one of the E200's now out in service.
Do we know which one T77NND is?
T77NND was YX10BEU
Three more reregistrations are
T66 NND - ex YX10 BEJ
T88 NND - ex YX10 BEU
T99 NND - ex YX10 BEY
YX10BEU as down as now T77ND & also YX10BEU down as T77NND
Quote from: Solo1 on January 09, 2020, 07:50:19 AM
YX10BEU as down as now T77ND & also YX10BEU down as T77NND
T77 NND is ex YX10 BEO
Thandi now have ticketer ticket machines.
Quote from: Uptight on March 02, 2020, 11:48:56 PM
Thandi now have ticketer ticket machines.
TfWM have definitely had something to do with this, as pretty much every operator now has them (except Travel Express, although I won't be surprised if they have them soon)
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on March 03, 2020, 06:28:21 AM
TfWM have definitely had something to do with this, as pretty much every operator now has them (except Travel Express, although I won't be surprised if they have them soon)
The public inquiry into Travel Express had a mention saying they were getting ticket machines from TfWM, only a matter of time until it happens.
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on March 03, 2020, 06:28:21 AM
TfWM have definitely had something to do with this, as pretty much every operator now has them (except Travel Express, although I won't be surprised if they have them soon)
One of the deliverables of the bus alliance was the commitment from all participating operators to accept contactless payment by 2020.
This is why you are now seeing the wide & fast deployment of ticketer.
Given the operating system of ticketer is much better than their competitors that's why it is the go to choice across most operators
Am I right in saying that the 335 near enough follows the old TWM 999 route from Manor Hospital to Walsall?
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 19, 2020, 05:33:29 PM
Am I right in saying that the 335 near enough follows the old TWM 999 route from Manor Hospital to Walsall?
No the 335 follows the anti-clockwise loop of the 335/336
The 999 ran Wolverhampton St, Pleck Rd, Ida Rd, Alumwell Rd, Moat Rd, Manor Hospital and then returned reverse of that route (see attached)
It always makes me wonder why the 335 is run under 'Corporate Express' rather than Thandi, even though they are more or less the same company.
Oh, those three/four digit route numbers. How I miss them.
Quote from: sryan188 on April 20, 2020, 06:09:39 PM
No the 335 follows the anti-clockwise loop of the 335/336
The 999 ran Wolverhampton St, Pleck Rd, Ida Rd, Alumwell Rd, Moat Rd, Manor Hospital and then returned reverse of that route (see attached)
Is there anyway of finding these old route maps?
Going off subject slightly in that old map picture there is a mention of a 402E, not been from Walsall I've never heard of this route, does anyone know where it went
Quote from: Lukeee on April 20, 2020, 08:18:33 PM
Going off subject slightly in that old map picture there is a mention of a 402E, not been from Walsall I've never heard of this route, does anyone know where it went
I would assume the 402E was the short working variation of the 402 which was Tipton to Walsall along with the 401 Bilston to Walsall. The West Bromwich to Walsall section got replaced with the 405 (45 today) . Hence why diamond bus Yew Tree service is called the 401E
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 20, 2020, 08:01:43 PM
Is there anyway of finding these old route maps?
When the preservation season is finally able to get up and running, the museum shops at Aldridge and Wythall usually have numerous ones for sale, and you will be helping to provide very much needed income to them too.
Quote from: Ash on April 20, 2020, 08:48:23 PM
I would assume the 402E was the short working variation of the 402 which was Tipton to Walsall along with the 401 Bilston to Walsall. The West Bromwich to Walsall section got replaced with the 405 (45 today) . Hence why diamond bus Yew Tree service is called the 401E
Well you learn something new everyday, cheers mate
Quote from: Lukeee on April 20, 2020, 08:18:33 PM
Going off subject slightly in that old map picture there is a mention of a 402E, not been from Walsall I've never heard of this route, does anyone know where it went
The 402E was operated by Petes Travel every 30 minutes on Saturday evenings only (according to the Sept 1998 map/guide) - don't remember the service myself
It was a variant of their 401E service running Walsall to Yew Tree that ran as per the 404 (now 4) bypassing Bescot Stadium and Woodruff Way
Thanks for that, I remember the 401E but not the 402E
Anybody know why they kept the number 334 instead of changing to 34 to match NX? If Thandi had newer vehicles the 34 and 37 would be good under the West Midlands Bus partnership brand due to their frequency and price wars.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 15, 2020, 12:37:04 AM
Anybody know why they kept the number 334 instead of changing to 34 to match NX? If Thandi had newer vehicles the 34 and 37 would be good under the West Midlands Bus partnership brand due to their frequency and price wars.
Because then they would be liable for fees for the Combined Authority to amend the roadside publicity.
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 15, 2020, 12:48:50 AM
Because then they would be liable for fees for the Combined Authority to amend the roadside publicity.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 15, 2020, 12:37:04 AM
Anybody know why they kept the number 334 instead of changing to 34 to match NX? If Thandi had newer vehicles the 34 and 37 would be good under the West Midlands Bus partnership brand due to their frequency and price wars.
Also, you tend to find that independents will use the previous route number that their competitor used, such as the example you mentioned where NX changed the 334 to become the 34. They do this as its a tactic to try and get customers on their bus, as people who didn't know of the change would be looking out for a 334, not a 34. Obviously people nowadays will know of the number change as it happened years ago, but during the initial period of change, some people may have been unaware. Another example is Banga who used the old 891 number that Arriva used before it became the 8.
Also, it creates a visual identifier for customers so that they know they're using the right company. 34=NX & 334=Thandi. That way, there's no confusion between the companies for passengers. To most people, a bus is a bus regardless of the livery its in.
Quote from: Pat on May 15, 2020, 09:20:57 AM
Also, it creates a visual identifier for customers so that they know they're using the right company. 34=NX & 334=Thandi. That way, there's no confusion between the companies for passengers. To most people, a bus is a bus regardless of the livery its in.
The vast majority of people on the 55/94 pre lockdown understood that a bus in a different livery and "Claribels" on it meant that it was a different operator. I never saw any confusion.
And with different route numbers, it would normally suggest there is some sort of difference between the routes that they take.
It also seams to be that they don't update their website and if you try to contact them good look doing that. As I've tried with no prevail. This is like all the other small operators apart from D&G which they are quite good at.
Quote from: 2206 on May 15, 2020, 09:40:47 AM
And with different route numbers, it would normally suggest there is some sort of difference between the routes that they take.
Not necessarily. Banga had a different route number to what Arriva had on the Telford corridor but still ran the exact same route.
Quote from: Pat on May 15, 2020, 09:20:57 AM
Also, it creates a visual identifier for customers so that they know they're using the right company. 34=NX & 334=Thandi. That way, there's no confusion between the companies for passengers. To most people, a bus is a bus regardless of the livery its in.
Yet when they had a shot at the 37 they didn't rename theirs to 337 to stick with their number range.
Quote from: justlookingaround on May 15, 2020, 04:10:46 PM
Yet when they had a shot at the 37 they didn't rename theirs to 337 to stick with their number range.
Thandi only started on the 37 3 years ago, when NX used the same 37 number. They've been on the 334 for at least 10 years. NX were also using the 334 number until a few years back when they changed it to become the 34. Thandi stuck with the 334 number. It was the same with the 311. NX changed it to 11, Thandi stuck with 311. They basically started out using the same numbers as NX (or TWM back then) but stuck with the originals when NX changed their numbering. Basically, they don't name it the 337 as NX had changed it to 37 before Thandi started operating it.
Hope that makes some sort of sense!
It seems that Thandi Executive have some ex-Dublin ALX400 B7TLs, as you can see them parked up in this video showing one of their Van Hools for sale, still with Irish plates. They have 13 of their B12BT Van Hool T9s up for sale via Odyssey Coach Sales.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOESlBxbESM
I wonder what they will be used for?
Quote from: Busboy105 on July 13, 2020, 08:38:42 AM
I wonder what they will be used for?
Private hire most likely. Football shuttles, rail replacements, schools etc.
Quote from: Pat on July 13, 2020, 12:28:31 PM
Private hire most likely. Football shuttles, rail replacements, schools etc.
Figured as much.They're too old to go on normal bus contracts.
Quote from: Busboy105 on July 13, 2020, 01:29:46 PM
Figured as much.They're too old to go on normal bus contracts.
Why are they too old? NX has 2003 Euro 6 tridents
Quote from: Tony on July 13, 2020, 01:33:58 PM
Why are they too old? NX has 2003 Euro 6 tridents
Are Thandi's ones Euro 6?
Quote from: Busboy105 on July 13, 2020, 03:14:15 PM
Are Thandi's ones Euro 6?
I very much doubt it, but it only takes about 4 days to convert a bus
Quote from: StourValley98 on July 13, 2020, 01:42:22 AM
It seems that Thandi Executive have some ex-Dublin ALX400 B7TLs ...
I've counted seven in passing this morning - though, regretfully, I can only recall six of their registrations.
BC05 RVN/RVO/RVP/RVT/RVU/RVV
Managed to photograph four of them in Smethwick today; the other three later drove past me.
edit: the last appears to be BC05 RTV
Quote from: CL on September 16, 2020, 10:18:54 PM
I've counted seven in passing this morning - though, regretfully, I can only recall six of their registrations.
BC05 RVN/RVO/RVP/RVT/RVU/RVV
Managed to photograph four of them in Smethwick today; the other three later drove past me.
edit: the last appears to be BC05 RTV
I take it these are for school contracts, or are they going to start doing rail replacements?
they are for the Sandwell Acadamy schools to help with social distancing i believe there are 9 or 10
Has the timetable changed for the 53? I wait on Alum rock road and dosent show up.
Quote from: bbs on September 17, 2020, 01:59:54 PM
Has the timetable changed for the 53? I wait on Alum rock road and dosent show up.
runs into Birmingham now
Quote from: Solo1 on September 17, 2020, 02:04:26 PM
runs into Birmingham now
I know that.Have the timings been changed?
Thandi's 334 has been withdrawn from Bilston Bus Station with immediate effect, according to a TfWM poster there. It states that it will now only operate from Herberts Park, Michael Rd, Darlaston, to Walsall.
Quote from: StourValley98 on October 24, 2020, 01:37:17 PM
Thandi's 334 has been withdrawn from Bilston Bus Station with immediate effect, according to a TfWM poster there. It states that it will now only operate from Herberts Park, Michael Rd, Darlaston, to Walsall.
Would this is possibly why I saw one running as a 334E yesterday? I followed one out of Walsall, but didn't see the front so didn't know what its destination was set as. I've looked at the timetable that is up (which seems to be the new one) and there's no short workings shown on it.
How come it's been changed?
Lack of passengers?
Lack of drivers, due to Covid?
Quote from: Westy on October 24, 2020, 04:06:38 PM
How come it's been changed?
Lack of passengers?
Lack of drivers, due to Covid?
Orb won't pay the departure fees for Bilston Bus Station?
Quote from: Tony on October 24, 2020, 04:27:17 PM
Orb won't pay the departure fees for Bilston Bus Station?
How much are the fees? Or is that confidential stuff?
Quote from: StourValley98 on October 24, 2020, 01:37:17 PM
Thandi's 334 has been withdrawn from Bilston Bus Station with immediate effect, according to a TfWM poster there. It states that it will now only operate from Herberts Park, Michael Rd, Darlaston, to Walsall.
It's shown as doing a loop using Stafford St, Wolverhampton St, Hall St, Rough Hay Rd & St Lawrence Way to Darlaston Asda.
I'm quite puzzled as to their reasoning for this. I used to use it often and it did pick up a fair few people between Bilston & Darlaston.
Quote from: Pat on October 24, 2020, 05:21:00 PM
It's shown as doing a loop using Stafford St, Wolverhampton St, Hall St, Rough Hay Rd & St Lawrence Way to Darlaston Asda.
I'm quite puzzled as to their reasoning for this. I used to use it often and it did pick up a fair few people between Bilston & Darlaston.
Probably losing money with their really low fares
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 24, 2020, 06:30:58 PM
Probably losing money with their really low fares
But that's what attracted people to the service. The bus would be full by the time you got to Darlaston.
Quote from: Pat on October 24, 2020, 11:31:01 PM
But that's what attracted people to the service. The bus would be full by the time you got to Darlaston.
Problem is that if it can't cover its costs, then cuts need to be made.
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 24, 2020, 11:42:54 PM
Problem is that if it can't cover its costs, then cuts need to be made.
It's strange. They've been on the 334 for years and seemed to cope financially.
Quote from: Pat on October 25, 2020, 12:09:47 AM
It's strange. They've been on the 334 for years and seemed to cope financially.
Remember we're in a pandemic. Lots of businesses are having to make cuts.
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 25, 2020, 12:26:18 AM
Remember we're in a pandemic. Lots of businesses are having to make cuts.
Rightly so, we've already seen countless operators go under. I'd rather see one (and a decent one at that, these days) making cuts, rather than closing completely.
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 25, 2020, 12:26:18 AM
Remember we're in a pandemic. Lots of businesses are having to make cuts.
I understand that, but to cut a section of the route that is well used puzzles me. If, like Tony said, it is a case of them not wanting to pay the fees for Bilston Bus Station, then why don't they terminate somewhere else, such as the War Memorial?
Quote from: Pat on October 25, 2020, 08:02:33 AM
I understand that, but to cut a section of the route that is well used puzzles me. If, like Tony said, it is a case of them not wanting to pay the fees for Bilston Bus Station, then why don't they terminate somewhere else, such as the War Memorial?
Will the shortening of the route mean that they can use one less bus on it? May be part of the cost cutting.
Is the 334 running to Bilston again? Saw a Thandi bus parked up in Bilston and its showing on bustimes.org (though I know that can be incorrect at times).
Quote from: l.murphy123 on January 12, 2021, 07:05:53 PM
Is the 334 running to Bilston again? Saw a Thandi bus parked up in Bilston and its showing on bustimes.org (though I know that can be incorrect at times).
Yeah, they started running the full route again, I think back in December? I definitely caught a 334 from Bilston to Darlaston last month.
(https://i.imgur.com/nYOIgnJ.png)
Quote from: DJ on January 13, 2021, 06:45:09 AM
Yeah, they started running the full route again, I think back in December? I definitely caught a 334 from Bilston to Darlaston last month.
(https://i.imgur.com/nYOIgnJ.png)
What website/app is that that you've got there
@DJ?
Quote from: Pat on January 13, 2021, 10:35:12 AM
What website/app is that that you've got there @DJ?
It's a site called busmiles, where you can track your trips and fleet/livery completion. I've got access to it as a beta tester, I'm not sure if it's available for use yet though.
Quote from: DJ on January 13, 2021, 01:06:56 PM
It's a site called busmiles, where you can track your trips and fleet/livery completion. I've got access to it as a beta tester, I'm not sure if it's available for use yet though.
Just found it, yes registration is currently closed:
https://www.busmiles.uk/
This video popped up on my historic media feed via Youtube.
It charts the start of Thandi post privatisation on the 555/556 in London area. Note the ex GMPTE Leyland National (with surviving steering wheel boss cover) and the double decker coach.
Both vehicles were used at their West Midlands operations too:
https://youtu.be/6iBrAm_oiW8
***Apologies if this isn't the right place to post - felt it better to post in context than another new thread.
Time goes so quickly. I think that the Neoplan looks more dated than the National .
BC05RTV now with four ways coaches Chelmsford photo.on Flickr. Not my pic https://flic.kr/p/2mXWyYT E4 Photography
Is where I saw it
It appears their bus routes have ceased from today
Quote from: Tony on August 26, 2022, 08:47:07 AMIt appears their bus routes have ceased from today
Is NX covering the 37 today in Walsall? 4867 was tracking on it earlier, and now 4865 is.
QuoteIs NX covering the 37 today in Walsall? 4867 was tracking on it earlier, and now 4865 is.
Yes
What's happened have they gone bust or had there license revoked or is it a case of them just choosing not to operate bus services anymore? Could this be the next purchase for Diamond there again I don't think they [Rotala] would be interested in the 2 routes and the buses they've got would probably just end up being sold on or scrapped
Quote from: Michael Bevan on August 26, 2022, 08:56:15 AMIs NX covering the 37 today in Walsall? 4867 was tracking on it earlier, and now 4865 is.
Yes - https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/service-updates/new-37-shuttle-service
Was 37E Darlaston & 37E Willenhall already on the displays, or did they have to be specially added?
I'm guessing only 2 buses have had them added?
No they wouldn't already be on there, and no, I would imagine a lot of the fleet have it on now. It takes less than a minute to update the blinds on a bus.
Quote from: Tony on August 26, 2022, 05:31:44 PMNo they wouldn't already be on there, and no, I would imagine a lot of the fleet have it on now. It takes less than a minute to update the blinds on a bus.
Are NX blinds updated automatically when they return to the depot then, you don't have to dongle them all?
QuoteAre NX blinds updated automatically when they return to the depot then, you don't have to dongle them all?
No, someone has to put a USB stick in. But further to my comments I hadn't realized the last 37 on the evening tender terminated at Darlaston, so both Willenhall and 37E Darlaston were already on all blinds
Quote from: Tony on August 27, 2022, 06:21:58 AMNo, someone has to put a USB stick in. But further to my comments I hadn't realized the last 37 on the evening tender terminated at Darlaston, so both Willenhall and 37E Darlaston were already on all blinds
I'm not sure if Hanover offer something similar, but Mobitec do offer new controllers that can be updated wirelessly when they're at depots. I know Diamond have started upgrading to them on some of the newer vehicles. It may be worth looking into for NX, as the initial investment would likely be offset by the time saved overall.
Is this a case of a service being discontinued by one company at rather little notice and another company being able to step in with an emergency timetable? Was there any loss of service (other than the Darlaston-Walsall part)?
Quote from: ellspurs on August 27, 2022, 05:16:01 PMIs this a case of a service being discontinued by one company at rather little notice and another company being able to step in with an emergency timetable? Was there any loss of service (other than the Darlaston-Walsall part)?
From the timetable, Thandi were operating the 37 up to every 20mins. NX have stepped in with an hourly service between Willenhall and Darlaston only, presumably as this only requires use of one vehicle.
It would depend on what Thandis loadings were like to determine if there is any loss of service, presumably there are other services that cover the 37 route from Darlaston to Walsall.
Ah, it mirrors the 34 between Walsall and Darlaston, so that part of the route is covered. NX have covered the important part which looks like no other service was covering.
Some people may remember that NX did briefly operate the 37 before Thandi took over the route.
(Was it withdrawn by NX, as it wasn't paying/cost effective?)
Presumbly the 34/37/39 timetable of the time was co-ordinated, so when NX withdrew the 37, presumbly the 34 & 39 were shuffled to fill the gap between Walsall & Darlaston, while Thandi operated it's 37 to it's own separate timetable.
Is there a chance that the NX exact timetable of that time could be reinstated, or have things likely moved on since then?
Quote from: ellspurs on August 27, 2022, 05:59:53 PMAh, it mirrors the 34 between Walsall and Darlaston, so that part of the route is covered. NX have covered the important part which looks like no other service was covering.
And an hourly service is preferable to no service.
To be honest, I can't see NX agreeing to taking on this contract if TfWM insist on it staying at Thandi's timetable, not unless TfWM give them more money.
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/600758/
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/600759/
I find it quite remarkable that the only two things serviced on Thursday on there are the two cancellations to the Thandi services. Also as of the time of typing they are the latest two on there, as there's nothing showing up for Friday.
I thought thandi came onto 37 in competition with NXbus
Quote from: Solo1 on August 29, 2022, 07:57:06 AMI thought thandi came onto 37 in competition with NXbus
37 is a TfWM tendered service.
You must be thinking of the 334.
Quote from: Stu on August 29, 2022, 09:05:37 AM37 is a TfWM tendered service.
You must be thinking of the 334.
Thandi & NXWM both operated the 37 a few years ago. NX then withdrew their service.
Sandwell Travel also opearted a similar 333X service I believe as well.
Thandi came onto the 37 to compete with Sandwell Travel on the 333X. National Express then withdrew the 37 daytime as it was commercial. The tendered journeys obviously carried on.
Let's hope if Nx continue with the route, it will have some stability.
It's like the 19 in Walsall was until Nx came back on it a couple of years ago.
When the original 319 was withdrawn in 2010, the replacement seemed to change pretty regularly until then.
Is 'Rail Forums Uk' supposed to be a big website, bigger than this one, as I'm surprised their bus & coach section hasn't picked up on this yet?
NX 37 to be running the full route on a 30 minute schedule from 11 September 2022:
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/services-timetables/37-walsall-willenhall
With Thandi and others going out of business I wonder what has happened to their mechanics, are they looking for work as Kev's has a vacancy
Quote from: igogeneral on September 05, 2022, 02:51:28 PMWith Thandi and others going out of business I wonder what has happened to their mechanics, are they looking for work as Kev's has a vacancy
The mechanic there doesn't have the qualifications just the knowledge he used to work at Thandi express before he went over to Thandi executive
Quote from: Westy on September 03, 2022, 07:35:13 AMIs 'Rail Forums Uk' supposed to be a big website, bigger than this one, as I'm surprised their bus & coach section hasn't picked up on this yet?
I don't think they have a West Midlands thread. Or maybe they know this site will handle the talk better.
Quote from: Westy on September 03, 2022, 07:35:13 AMIs 'Rail Forums Uk' supposed to be a big website, bigger than this one, as I'm surprised their bus & coach section hasn't picked up on this yet?
It did get a mention on "The Bus Forum" , which if you type in as an internet search will take you to "tangy tango proboards" then you should get a link to the bus site. The site is predominantly for bus operations in the "London Transport" area but does cover uk wide companies and reports of new vehicle deliveries. Hope this is of interest.
Were they still operating the Hagley School contracts, if so who is running them now?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 13, 2022, 09:03:25 PMWere they still operating the Hagley School contracts, if so who is running them now?
I saw two of them this morning from a distance, one was a plain white Scania decker, the other I'm not sure what it was, green and white I think, some kind of East Lancs decker possibly.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 13, 2022, 09:03:25 PMWere they still operating the Hagley School contracts, if so who is running them now?
Quote from: V102MOA on September 14, 2022, 10:04:56 AMI saw two of them this morning from a distance, one was a plain white Scania decker, the other I'm not sure what it was, green and white I think, some kind of East Lancs decker possibly.
Isn't it a different Thandi company that operates those contracts?
Quote from: Stu on September 14, 2022, 06:58:47 PMIsn't it a different Thandi company that operates those contracts?
I think it's red thandi Alma st that runs them
Quote from: Solo1 on September 14, 2022, 11:36:16 PMI think it's red thandi Alma st that runs them
Yes your right it's red thandi
Caetano's T200NDY and T300NDY both at Crewe on rail replacement today - photos elsewhere suggest they've been owned since Feb - am I missing something?
Quote from: mikestone on October 08, 2023, 06:49:18 PMCaetano's T200NDY and T300NDY both at Crewe on rail replacement today - photos elsewhere suggest they've been owned since Feb - am I missing something?
Busview suggest June/July 2022. I am continually amazed how some vehicles seem to "hide" from view for month's on end. :rolleyes:
Anyone know what happened to most of the fleet assuming most were scrapped two maybe Ex Stagecoach Darts they had are/were at Select and one with Guru Travel. I'm assuming none were Euro 6 and one GX53 was crashed on the Darlaston Road a few years ago so assuming that one was Scrapped. But what about the Ex London E200's were they Euro 6 or did they end up in Scrap one sounded like a bag of nails so I wouldn't be surprised if it was in the Scrapyard.
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on December 11, 2023, 01:33:00 PMAnyone know what happened to most of the fleet assuming most were scrapped two maybe Ex Stagecoach Darts they had are/were at Select and one with Guru Travel. I'm assuming none were Euro 6 and one GX53 was crashed on the Darlaston Road a few years ago so assuming that one was Scrapped. But what about the Ex London E200's were they Euro 6 or did they end up in Scrap one sounded like a bag of nails so I wouldn't be surprised if it was in the Scrapyard.
NK56 EPC is for sale with guru travel, it's listed on Facebook market place for £4,000
https://www.facebook.com/share/bWsk7tfeCQEFBBNL/?mibextid=79PoIi